m 


THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

SANTA  BARBARA 


PRESENTED  BY 

MRS. 
ERIC  SCHMIDT 


ALL  PURCHASERS  OF  OUR  BOOKS, 
Gardening  for  Profit, 

Practical  Floriculture, 

Gardening  for  Pleasure, 
Henderson's  Handbook  of  Plants, 

OR 

Garden  and  Farm  Topics, 

ARE  ENTITLED  TO  RECEIVE  OUR  MANUAL  OF 

"iwwttit&  Ft  ft  rot  cawwr 

WITHOUT  APPLICATION. 


PETER  HENDERSON  &  CO., 

35  &  37  Cortlandt  St.,  New  York. 
!  Should   Manual    fail    to    reach    you,    please    apply.) 


HENDERSON'S 


HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BY 


PETER  HENDERSON, 

AUTHOR    OF 

GARDENING  FOR  PROFIT,"  "PRACTICAL   FLORICULTURE," 
"GARDENING  FOR  PLEASURE,"  ETC.,  ETC. 


NEW  YORK  : 
PUBLISHED  BY  PETER  HENDERSON  &  COMPANY, 

35    CORTLANDT   STREET 

1881. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1881,  by 

PETER     HENDERSON    &     CO., 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


E.   8.    DODGE    PRINTING    HOUSE,  95   CHAMBERS   ST.  ,   N.  Y. 


ti 


INTRODUCTION. 


IN  offering  to  florists,  gardeners,  and  amateurs  interested  in  horticulture,  the 
Handbook  of  Plants,  I  do  so  in  the  belief  that  it  will,  to  some  extent,  fill  a  want 
that  has  long  been  felt  by  thousands  in  this  country — the  want  of  a  concise  yet  com- 
prehensive dictionary  of  plants. 

As  a  book  of  reference,  it  is  believed  it  will  take  the  place,  for  all  practical  purposes, 
of  the  expensive  and  voluminous  European  works  of  this  kind;  and  as  it  has  been 
written  with  a  special  view  to  the  wants  of  the  climate  of  the  United  States,  both  in 
matters  of  propagation  and  culture,  it  will,  in  these  important  particulars,  I  flatter 
myself,  be  found  much  more  valuable  than  any  European  work  of  this  class. 

Instructions  for  the  culture  of  many  important  plants,  such  as  the  Rose,  have  been 
given  at  length,  and  these  articles,  as  in  all  my  previous  writings  on  horticultural  sub- 
jects, are  a  plain  relation  of  the  methods  in  use  in  our  own  extensive  business. 

The  scope  of  the  work  embraces  the  botanical  name,  derivation,  and  the  lannaean 
and  natural  orders  of  all  the  leading  genera  of  ornamental  or  useful  plants  up  to  the 
present  time,  together  witk  all  important  species  and  varieties,  with  brief  instructions 
for  propagation  and  culture. 

A  valuable  feature  of  the  book,  particularly  to  amateurs,  is  the  great  care  that  has 
been  given  to  obtaining  all  known  local  or  common  names;  and  as  the  arrangement  of 
the  book  is  alphabetical,  any  plant  wanted  can  be  thus  quickly  referred  to  under  either 
its  scientific  or  common  name.  An  Index  is  also  added,  where  important  plants  or 
modes  of  culture  can  be  referred  to  at  once. 

A  comprehensive  glossary  of  botanical  and  technical  terms,  together  with  general 
horticultural  terms  and  practices,  is  also  given,  which  will  be  found  of  great  value  even 
to  the  experienced  horticulturist. 

I  with  pleasure  acknowledge  the  able  assistance  I  have  received  in  getting  up  the 
work  from  C.  Hi.  Allen,  of  Garden  City,  L.  I.,  who  for  two  years  has  lent  his  valuable 
aid  in  researching  and  compiling  as  well  as  in  writing  many  important  parts  of  the 
book. 

I  am  also  indebted  to  the  following  books  used  as  authorities  in  compiling  the 
Handbook  of  Plants: 

London's  Encyclopaedia  of  Plants;  Paxton's  Botanical  Dictionary;  Paxton's  Mag- 
azine of  Botany;  Johnson's  Gardener's  Dictionary ;  Macintosh's  Book  of  the  Garden: 
Ehind's  Vegetable  Kingdom;  Lindley's  Treasury  of  Botany ;  Orchid  Grower's  Manual : 
Millers  Gardener's  Dictionary;  Gerarde's  Herbal  (1597);  Parkinson's  Garden  of  Pleas- 
ant Flowers  (1629);  Dodoen's  Plants  (1587);  Gray's  Manual  of  Botany;  Chapman's 
Southern  Flora;  Darlington's  American  Weeds  and  Useful  Plants;  American  Agricul- 
turist, of  New  York;  the  Gardener's  Monthly,  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  and  The  Garden^ 
London,  England. 

PETER   HENDERSON. 

Jersey  City  Heights,  N.  J.,  March   1st,  1881. 


HENDERSON'S 
HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ABA 

A  baca,  a  popular  name    given    to  one  of  the 

J\.    Musas  or  Bananas  of  the  Philippine  Islands. 

Abele.  The  White  Poplar,  Populus  alba,  of  Eu- 
rope ;  a  tree  that  has  been  extensively  planted 
as  an  ornamental  tree,  but  discarded  because 
of  its  tendency  to  sucker  and  spread  beyond 
control. 

Abelia.  After  Dr.  Abd,  physician  to  the  embas- 
sage  of  Lord  Amherst  to  China.  Linn.  Pen- 
tandrta-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Caprifdiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  shrubs,  found  in 
India,  China,  Mexico,  and  Japan.  They  are  of  a 
slender  branching  habit,  bearing  opposite  leaves 
and  terminal  bunches  of  tubular  flowers,  rose 
colored  or  dark  crimson.  A.  rupestris,  a  native 
of  China,  is  of  dwarf  habit,  and  flowers  pro- 
fusely in  autumn  or  winter.  The  flowers  are  in 
compact  clusters,  very  fragrant.  A.  floribunda,  a 
Mexican  species,  has  dark-colored  flowers,  pro- 
duced from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  This  species 
is  inclined  to  grow  straggly.  All  the  species  are 
increased  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1844. 

Abies.  Spruce,  Fir.  The  classical  Latin  name. 
Linn.  Monaecia-Monaddphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pinaceos. 
An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  evergreen  trees. 
Most  of  the  species  are  ornamental,  and  exten- 
sively planted  for  hedges  around  large  grounds* 
or  for  single  specimens  on  the  lawn.  A.  excelsa, 
the  Norway  Spruce,  is  the  most  commonly 
planted,  and  one  of  the  best  of  our  native  spe- 
cies. A.  alba  is  the  White  Spruce ;  A.  Canadensis, 
the  common  Hemlock;  A.  balsamea,  the  Balsam 
Fir;  and  A.  nigra,  the  Black  or  Double  Spruce. 
A.  Douglassi  is  a  noble  species,  common  west 
of  the  Bocky  Mountains.  It  attains  a  height  of 
two  hundred  feet,  and  a  diameter  of  ten  feet, 
and  is  entitled  to  a  place  among  the  "great  trees" 
of  California. 

Abobra.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
llonoRda-Monaddphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cacurbitacece. 

A.  viridiftora  is  a  very  pretty  climber,  suitable 
for  planting  out  during  summer.  Foliage  dark 
green  and  glossy ;  flowers  insignificant,  but  the 
small  scarlet  fruit  makes  the  plant  very  effec- 
tive. Root  tuberous;  perennial.  Keep  during 
winter  like  the  Dahlia. 

A.broma.  From  a,  privative,  and  broma,  food; 
unfit  to  be  eaten.  Linn.  Polyaddphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Sterculiacece. 

Handsome,  free  flowering  species,  of  easy  cul- 
ture, growing  readily  in  common  loam,  and  prop- 
agated by  seeds  or  offsets.  The  flowers  are  in 
terminal  or  axillary  clusters,  yellow  or  purple. 
The  bark  of  A.  augusta,  a  native  of  the  East 
Indies,  furnishes  a  very  strong  white  fiber, 
iised  in  the  manufacture  of  cordage  that  is 
not  liable  to  be  weakened  by  exposure  to  wet. 
This  plant  is  rarely  met,  except  in  botanical  col- 
lections. 


ACA 

Abronia.  From  abros,  delicate  ;  referring  to  the 
involucrtun.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mtmogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Nyctaginacece. 

These  charming  annuals  are  natives  of  Cali- 
fornia. A.  umbdlata,  introduced  in  1826,  is  a 
handsome  trailing  plant,  well  adapted  for  rock- 
work,  suspended  baskets,  or  beds,  flowering 
freely  during  the  autumn  months.  Flowers  in 
trusses,  like  the  Verbena,  of  a  rosy-lilac  color, 
very  fragrant.  They  succeed  well  also  in  the 
garden  border.  Seed  should  be  sown  as  soon  as 
the  ground  is  in  order.  They  may  with  profit  be 
started  in  a  hot-bed  or  frame,  and  transplanted 
to  any  desired  situation. 

Abrus.  Wild  Liquorice.  From  abros,  soft;  in 
allusion  to  the  delicacy  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Dia- 
ddphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Ibbacece. 

A.  precatorius,  the  only  species,  is  found  in 
India,  the  West  Indies,  and  the  Mauritius.  It  is 
chiefly  remarkable  for  its  small  egg-shaped 
seeds,  which  are  of  a  brilliant  scarlet  color,  with 
a  black  mark,  indicating  the  place  where  they 
were  attached  to  the  pod.  These  seeds  are 
much  used  for  necklaces  and  other  ornamental 
purposes,  and  are  employed  in  India  as  a  stand- 
ard of  weight,  under  the  name  of  Bati.  The 
weight  of  the  Koh-i-noor  diamond  is  known  to 
have  been  ascertained  in  this  way.  The  specific 
name  is  from  precatorius,  prayer,  the  seeds  being 
used  for  rosaries. 

Abutilon.  Chinese  Bell-flower.  Arabic  name  for 
a  plant  like  a  Mallow.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Poty- 
andria.  Nat.  Ord.  MalvacecK. 

A  highly  interesting  genus  of  hot  and  green- 
house plants,  widely  spread  throughout  all  the 
warm  latitudes.  They  produce  white,  rose,  yel- 
low, or  orange  colored  flowers,  all  except  the 
white  being  veined  or  striped  with  red  and 
crimson.  They  grow  rapidly  when  planted  in 
sandy  loam,  and  are  readily  propagated  by  cut- 
tings. 

Acacia.  From  akazo,  to  sharpen,  on  account  of 
the  prickliness  of  the  species  first  noticed.  Linn. 
Pdygam'M-MonoBcia.  Nat.  Ord.  Legumlnosce. 

An  extensive  group  of  really  handsome  plants, 
many  of  them  assuming  in  their  native  posi- 
tions the  character  of  timber  trees;  but  with  us 
are  easily  accommodated  in  a  good  conserva- 
tory, where  their  bright  yellow  flowers,  pro- 
duced in  winter  and  early  spring,  are  highly  or- 
namental. They  are  for  the  most  part  natives  of 
New  Holland  and  adjacent  countries,  though  a 
few  have  been  found  both  in  the  East  and  West 
Indies.  They  succeed  best  when  planted  out  in 
the  green-house,  but  may  be  satisfactorily  man- 
aged in  pots,  if  placed  in  a  sandy  loam.  Cut- 
tings may  be  struck  in  a  gentle  heat  under 
glass,  though  young  plants  are  more  easily  ob- 
tained from  seed. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ACA 

Acalypha.  From  akalos,  unpleasant,  and  aphe, 
touch.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monaddphia.  Nat.  Ord. 
EuphartAacece. 

A.  tricolor,  the  only  species  worthy  of  cultiva- 
tion, is  a  handsome  green-house  shrub,  with 
variegated  foliage,  green,  copper  colored,  and 
red,  irregularly  mottled  and  blotched.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  New  Hebrides,  introduced  in  1866. 
It  is  a  free-growing  plant,  suitable  for  the  con- 
servatory, or  filling  in  rustic  designs.  It  is  in- 
creased by  cuttings. 

Acanthophcenix.  A  genus  of  Palms,  established 
for  two  species  of  Areca  from  the  Mascaren  Is- 
lands. They  do  not  appear  to  differ  from  that 
genus  except  in  habit.  The  stems  are  shorter, 
and  the  petiole  and  midrib  of  the  leaves  are 
armed  with  long  filiform  prickles. 

Acanthus.  From  akanthos,  a  spine;  some  of  the 
species  being  spiny.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angio- 
sperma.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 

Hardy  herbaceous  plants  of  but  little  merit, 
except  that  they  will  grow  in  almost  any  soil  or 
situation,  and  are  of  a  stately  character.  It  is 
conjectured  that  the  leaf  of  A.  mottis  or  A.  spi- 
nosus  furnished  the  ancients  with  the  elegant 
leaves  of  the  Corinthian  column. 

Acer.  Maple.  The  word,  in  Latin,  signifies 
vigorous  or  sharp,  and  comes  from  the  Celtic 
ac,  meaning  a  point.  The  name  is  used  to  desig- 
nate this  genus  on  account  of  the  wood  having 
formerly  been  much  sought  after  for  manufac- 
turing into  heads  of  pikes  and  lances.  Linn. 
Polygamia-Monoecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aceracece. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  beautiful  trees  of 
large  size,  used  extensively  as  shade  trees,  and  is 
one  of  our  most  valuable  trees  for  fine  lumber. 
Thomas  Hogg  has  lately  introduced  from  Ja- 
pan several  low-growing,  ornamental  varieties, 
the  foliage  having  the  entire  summer  a  rich 
autumnal  appearance.  They  are  perfectly  hardy, 
and  propagated  by  grafting  on  a  dwarf  species 
from  Japan. 

Achania.  From  akanos,  closed ;  corolla  does  not 
expand  wide.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Polyandria.  Nat 
Ord.  Malvaceae. 

A  genus  of  green-house  shrubs,  inhabiting 
South  America,  Mexico,  and  the  West  Indies. 
A.  Malvaviscus  is  remarkable  for  the  beauty  of 
its  scarlet  axillary  flowers,  and  its  green,  heart- 
shaped,  sharply  pointed  leaves.  Introduced 
in  1780.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Achillea.  Yarrow.  Named  in  honor  of  Achilles,  a 
pupil  of  Chiron,  who  first  used  it  in  medicine 
Linn.  Syngenesia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea;. 
Free-flowering,  hardy  herbaceous  plants  par- 
ticularly suited  to  plant  among  rock-work,  or  in 
situations  refused  by  more  tender  plants.  They 
are  chiefly  European  plants,  and  the  prevailing 
colors  of  the  flowers  are  yellow  and  white.  A 
millefdium  is  a  native,  and  the  common  Yarrow, 
or  Milfoil,  of  our  roadsides  and  neglected  fields. 

Acnimenes.  From  chdmaino,  to  suffer  from  cold, 
and  a  prefixed  as  an  augment! ve;  alluding  to  the 
tenderness  of  the  genus.  Linn.  Didynamia-An- 
gwspermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gesneracece.  ' 

One  of  the  finest  of  modern  introductions,  the 
whole  of  the  species  being  splendid  summer 
ornaments  of  the  green-house  or  conservatory 
Flowers  of  all  shades,  from  white  to  crimson 
Ihe  scaly  buds  or  rhizomes  require  to  be  kept 
perfectly  dormant  in  winter,  and  about  Janu- 
ary to  be  potted  in  light  loam  and  leaf-mould 
plunged  into  a  moderate  hot-bed,  and  encour- 
aged with  a  warm,  genial  atmosphere.  When 
they  have  attained  a  few  inches  in  height  they 


ACE 

may  be  placed  several  together  in  a  shallow  pan, 
or  repotted  separately,  and  by  the  end  of  April 
gradually  inured  to  the  temperature  of  the 
green-house,  where  they  afford  a  blaze  of  beauty 
the  whole  of  the  summer.  They  are  mostly  na- 
tives of  Mexico  and  Guatemala,  though  a  few 
have  been  received  from  the  West  Indies. 

Achyranthes.  From  achuron,  chaff,  and  anthos, 
a  flower;  in  allusion  to  the  chaffy  nature  of  the 
floral  leaves.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaranthacece. 

Most  of  this  genus-are  of  but  little  value.  Some 
of  the  species  are  very  beautiful,  and  largely 
employed  in  ribbon  gardening,  or  any  situation 
where  plants  need  to  be  "  trained,"  as  they  can 
be  made  to  grow-in  any  desired  shape  or  form. 
They  require  the  full  sunshine  to  develop  their 
intense  color.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Acineta.  From  akineta,  immovable;  the  lip  being 
jointless.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  epiphytal  Orchids 
from  Mexico.  Flowers  yellow,  crimson,  and  yel- 
low, and  chocolate  and  crimson,  borne  on  slen- 
der spikes  about  one  foot  long.  They  are  of 
easy  culture,  requiring  a  house  of  medium  tem- 
perature, and  to  be  grown  in  baskets  of  moss. 
Introduced  in  1837. 

Acis.  After  Acis,  a  Sicilian  shepherd.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 
A  genus  of  hardy  bulbs  closely  allied  to  the 
Snowflake.  They  propagate  readily  by  offsets. 
They  should  have  a  sandy  soil,  and  not  be  often 
divided. 

Acnida.  Water  Hemp.  Taken  from  a,  privative 
and-fcmde,  nettle;  the  plant  being  like  a  Nettle, 
but  without  stings.  Linn.  Dioecia-Pentandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Chonopodiacea>. 

A.  cannabina,  .  the  only  species,  is  a  coarse 
growing,  uninteresting  plant  common  in  salt 
marshes  on  the  coast  from  Massachusetts  to  the 
Carolinas. 

Aconitum.  Aconite,  Monkshood,  Wolfsbane. 
From  Acorn,  a  town  in  Bithynia,  where  found 
Linn.  Polyandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranun- 
culacece. 

Herbaceous  perennials,  chiefly  natives  of  Eu- 
rope, but  partly  of  North  America  and  Japan. 
They  are  all  hardy,  and  they  are  generally  tall- 
growing,handsome  plants,  producing  abundance 
of  dark-blue,  purple,  or  yellow  flowers.  They 
grow  freely  and  are  good  plants  for  the  open  bor- 
der. They  are  readily  increased  by  division  of  the 
roots,  which  are  generally  tuberous,  or  by  seeds. 
All  the  species  are  more  or  less  poisonous,  the 
poison  boing  strongest  in  the  root.  Like  all 
plants  which  grow  with  tall,  erect  stems,  and 
produce  their  flowers  in  terminal  spikes,  they 
are  only  suitable  for  growing  in  borders  in  large 
gardens,  or  for  clumps  on  a  lawn.  The  species 
may  be  divided  into  two  kinds:  those  with  the 
helmet  like  a  monk's  cowl,  which  are  called 
Monkshood,  and  those  which  have  an  elongated 
conical  helmet,  and  are  called  Wolfsbane. 

Acorus.  Sweet  Flag,  Calamus.  From  a,  priva- 
tive, and  kore,  the  pupil  of  the  eye;  referring 
to  its  medicinal  qualities.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orontiacea?. 

A  well-known  genus  of  marsh  plants,  natives 
of  the  United  States,  Europe,  and  Asia.  A.  cala- 
mus is  the  Sweet  Flag,  esteemed  for  its  medicinal 
virtues. 

Acroclinium.  Derivation  of  name  unknown. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-Polygamia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord. 
Composite. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ACR 

This  interesting  annual  is  one  of  the  most  valu- 
able of  the  class  known  as  Everlasting  Flowers,  and 
is  grown  extensively  for  winter  bouquets.  The 
seeds  should  be  started  in  the  hot-bed  and  trans- 
planted where  they  are  to  grow.  Flowers  should 
be  picked  as  they  begin  to  expand,  and  care- 
fully dried  in  the  shade.  A  plant  of  recent  in- 
troduction from  Western  Australia. 

Acrocomia.  From  akros,  top,  and  kome,  a  tuft  ; 
referring  to  the  way  the  leaves  are  produced. 
Linn.  Moncecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palma- 
cecn. 

A  genus  of  gigantic  Palms,  natives  of  South 
America  and  the  West  Indies.  Some  of  the 
species  grow  to  the  height  of  forty  feet,  with 
leaves  fifteen  feet  in  length,  giving  to  the  coun- 
tries they  inhabit  a  feature  of  exquisite  grand- 
eur. The  young  leaves  are  eaten  as  a  vegetable, 
and  the  fruit,  root,  and  stems  are  applied  to 
various  economic  purposes.  Some  of  the  spe- 
cies are  found  in  our  green-houses,  but  are  too 
large  for  general  hot-house  culture. 

Acrophorus.  From  akros,  summit,  and  phoreo, 
to  bear.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  green-house  Ferns 
from  Borneo  and  New  Zealand.  They  are  closely 
allied  to  the  Davattiece,  and  require  the  same 
treatment. 

Acroph.yllum.  From  akros,  summit,  andpfa/Mon,  a 
leaf;  referring  to  the  way  in  which  the  leaves 
are  produced  at  the  summit  of  the  branches 
above  the  flowers.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cunoniacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  green-house 
lants,  that  flower  profusely  in  the  spring.  The 
owers  are  small,  white  tinged  with  red,  pro- 
duced in  dense  whorls  round  the  upper  part  of 
the  stem  and  branches.  They  are  natives  of 
New  Holland,  introduced  in  1836.  Propagated  by 
cuttings. 

Acropteris.  From  akros,  a  point,  and  pteris,  a 
Fern.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacece. 

This  beautiful  Fern,  allied  to  Asplenium,  is 
a  green-house  variety,  readily  propagated  by 
division  of  the  roots.  It  requires  a  light,  loamy 
soil,  with  a  liberal  mixture  of  sand  and  leaf 
mould.  A  native  of  New  Holland. 

Acrostichum.  Supposed  to  refer  to  the  begin- 
ning of  a  verse,  on  account  of  the  back  sur- 
faces of  the  leaves  being  so  lined  as  to  resemble 
in  some  degree  the  commencement  of  lines  in 
poetry.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacece. 

An  interesting  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  that 
succeed  well  in  a  mixture  of  loam  and  leaf  mould. 
Increased  by  division  of  roots,  or  by  seed.  In- 
troduced from  the  West  Indies  in  1792. 

Actsea.  Baneberry.  From  aktara,  the  Elm;  re- 
ferring to  the  leaves.  Linn.  Polyandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculacem. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  of 
but  little  beauty;  common  in  rich  woods  in  the 
Northern  States. 

Actinidia.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Ternstrcemia- 
cece. 

A.  potygamia,  the  only  species,  is  a  handsome 
climbing  shrub,  native  of  Eastern  Siberia. 
Flowers  produced  in  axillary  racemes,  white  and 
fragrant;  these  are  succeeded  by  small  edible 
berries.  It  is  a  rapid  grower,  quite  ornamental, 
and  useful  for  covering  trellises.  It  is  increased 
from  seed  or  from  cuttings. 


pl 
flo 


ADH 

Ada.  A  complimentary  name.  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A.  auranliaca,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful 
epiphytal  Orchid  found  in  high  latitudes  in 
New  Grenada.  It  has  broad,  drooping,  evergreen 
foliage,  and  a  drooping  flower-spike  about  ten 
inches  long.  The  flowers  are  clear  orange-yellow, 
placed  rather  far  apart  on  the  stalk,  and  never 
fully  expand.  It  is  a  free-growing  plant,  and 
should  have  a  cool,  airy  situation  in  the  Orchid 
house.  It  is  increased  by  division.  Introduced 
in  1844. 

Adam  and  Eve.     See  Aplectrum. 

Adam's  Needle.     See  Yucca. 

Adansonia.  Baobab  Tree.  Named  in  honor  of 
Michel  Adanson,  a  famous  French  botanist  and 
author,  born  in  1727.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Polyan- 
dria. Nat.  Ord.  Bombacece. 

A.  digitata  (called  Monkey  Bread)  is  a  native  of 
Western  Africa,  and  is  also  accredited  to  Egypt 
and  Abyssinia.  Previous  to  the  discovery  of  the 
Sequoia  in  California,  the  Adansonia,  or  Baobab, 
as  it  is  popularly  called,  was  considered  the 
largest  tree  in  the  world,  some  specimens  being 
found  thirty  feet  in  diameter;  the  trunks,  only 
twenty  feet  below  the  branches,  which  are  forty 
to  fifty  feet  long,  are  of  the  size  of  great  trees,  with 
their  remote  branches  touching  the  ground. 
The  roots  for  a  long  distance  are  exposed,  some 
of  them  measuring  more  than  a  hundred  feet  in 
length  on  the  surface;  how  much  longer  they 
are,  unexposed,  could  not  readily  be  ascertained. 
The  fruit  resembles  a  gourd,  is  from  nine  to 
twelve  inches  long,  and  about  four  in  diameter. 
The  pulp  is  farinaceous  and  fibrous,  and  when 
ripe  has  a  refreshing,  acid  taste.  Eaten  with 
sugar  it  is  both  pleasant  and  wholesome.  The 
negroes  on  the  western  coast  apply  the  trunks 
of  these  trees  to  a  very  extraordinary  purpose. 
The  tree  is  liable  to  be  attacked  by  a  fungus, 
which,  vegetating  in  the  woody  part,  without 
changing  the  color  or  appearance,  destroys  life, 
and  renders  the  part  so  attacked  as  soft  as  the 
pith  of  trees  in  general.  Such  trunks  are  then 
hollowed  into  chambers,  and  within  these  are 
suspended  the  dead  bodies  of  those  to  whom  are 
refused  the  honor  of  burial.  There  they  become 
mummies,  perfectly  dry,  and  well  preserved, 
without  further  preparation  or  embalming,  and 
are  known  by  the  name  giuriot*. 

Adder's  Mouth.  The  common  name  of  the  Mi- 
crostylis,&  small  bulbous  plant,  common  in  moist 
woods  southward. 

Adder's  Tongue.  A  name  applied  to  the  Erythro- 
nium  Americanum,  and  also  to  the  Fern,  Ophio- 
glossum  vulgatum. 

Adenandria.  From  aden,  a  gland,  and  aner,  the 
stamen  or  male  organ ;  referring  to  the  aspect 
of  the  anthers.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Rutacece. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Some  of  them  are  cultivated  for  their  large  ter- 
minal corymbs  of  bright  pink  flowers,  which  are 
produced  in  June.  All  the  species  are  increased 
by  cuttings  of  young  wood.  Introduced  in  1812. 

Adhatoda.  Native  name.  Linn.  Decandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  shrubs,  natives 
of  India.  The  few  species  composing  this  genus 
were  formerly  included  in  Justicia.  One  of  the 
more  common  species,  A.  vasica,  was  formerly 
called  Justicia  Adhatoda.  They  bear  a  close  re- 
semblance to  the  Justicias,  and  require  the  same 
treatment. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


ADI 

Adiantopsis.  From  adiantum  and  opsis,  like ; 
resembling  the  Maidenhair.  Linn.  Oryptogamia- 
Ftiices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  elegant  little  Ferns  from 
South  America,  the  West  Indies,  and  Africa.  A. 
radiata,  one  of  the  best  known  species,  is  com- 
mon in  the  West  Indies.  The  fronds  rise  about 
a  foot  high  from  a  tufted  crown,  and  radiate  in  a 
regular  manner  from  a  common  center.  The 
species  are  often  seen  in  cultivation,  on  account 
of  their  small  size  and  elegant  character.  Prop- 
agated from  seed. 

Adiantum.  Maidenhair  Fern.  From  adiantos, 
dry;  the  smooth  foliage  repelling  rain-drops. 
Linn.  Oryptogamia-Ftiices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodm- 

Of  this  extensive  and  much-admired  genus 
•  of  Ferns,  this  country  furnishes  but  one  variety, 
A.  pedatum,  our  common  Maidenhair,  which 
grows  in  moist  woods  in  nearly  every  section. 
Taken  up  in  early  spring  and  transplanted  into 
shady  corners  of  our  gardens,  it  grows  readily, 
and  is  indispensable  in  the  natural  arrangement 
of  flowers  in  vases  or  baskets.  Some  of  the  ex- 
otic species  of  this  genus  may  safely  be  pro- 
nounced the  most  beautiful  Ferns  known,  which 
is  a  very  broad  assertion,  in  view  of  the  very 
many  rare  and  beautiful  plants  to  be  found  in 
this  natural  order.  All  doubts,  however,  of  the 
truth  of  the  assertion  will  be  removed  when  we 
see  a  well-grown  plant  of  A.  fbrleyense  in  the 
fern-house.  This  interesting  plant  is  a  native 
of  Barbadoes,  whence  it  was  introduced  in  1864. 
'It  is  the  most  distinct  and  beautiful  of  all  the 
Maidenhair  Ferns,  and  the  most  difficult  to 
grow  to  perfection.  It  requires  a  warm,  moist 
atmosphere.  A.  gracilis  and  A.  cuneatum  are  mag- 
nificent plants,  and  are  more  easily  grown.  There 
are  many  other  rare  species  under  cultivation. 
The  growing  of  this  genus  from  spores  has  for  a 
long  time  been  practiced,  and  the  several  species, 
with  the  exception  of  fbrleyense,  have  been  in- 
creased at  a  rapid  rate  in  this  way.  But  getting 
new  varieties  from  spores,after  hybridizing  some 
of  the  finer  species,  is  a  new  and  unexpected 
result  that  has  been  achieved  in  a  most  astonish- 
ing and  satisfactory  manner  by  F.  Koenbeck, 
of  Bayonne,  N.  J.,  who  has  not  only  given  us 
several  varieties,  but  one,  A.  Roeribeckii,  which 
bears  his  name,  that  is,  without  exception,  the 
most  useful  as  well  as  the  most  graceful  of  any 
yet  introduced.  The  fronds  are  erect,  with  a 
metallic  luster,  combined  with  the  delicacy  and 
grace  of  the  finer  species.  It  is  well  adapted  for 
specimen  culture,  and  is  particularly  useful  in 
the  arrangement  of  cut  flowers,  and  when  so 
used  looks  like  a  lace  veil  hung  over  the  flowers. 
This  variety  was  first  exhibited  in  1876. 
Adlumia.  Mountain  Fringe.  Dedicated  by 
Rafinesque  to  Major  Adlum,  an  American  au- 
thor. Linn.  Diadelphia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
FamariacecB. 

This  beautiful  climber  is  a  hardy  biennial, 
growing  in  moist  woods  in  New  York  and  the 
Alleghany  Mountains  of  Virginia.  It  is  com- 
monly called  Fumatory,  Alleghany  Vine,  and 
various  other  local  names.  It  grows  readily 
from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  in  May,  near 
a  trellis  or  arbor.  The  plants  will  flower  freely, 
without  further  care,  the  following  season. 
Adonis.  This  owes  its  classical  name  to  Adonis, 
the  favorite  of  Venus;  some  say  its  existence 
also,  maintaining  that  it  sprung  from  his  blood 
when  dying.  Others,  again,  trace  its  origin 
to  the  tears  which  Venus  shed  upon  her  lover's 


body.     Linn.  Polyandria-Polygynia.     Nat.  Ord. 
Ranuncidacece, 

Herbaceous  plants  with  showy  flowers,  na- 
tives of  Europe,  and  of  easy  culture  in  any  soil. 
The  most  ornamental  species  are  A.  vernalis,  the 
spring-flowering  Adonis,  a  perennial  with  bright 
yellow  flowers,  which  is  quite  hardy,  and  is 
easily  increased  by  division  of  the  root. ;  and  A. 
autumnalis,  the  common  annual  Flos  Adonis,  or 
Pheasant's  Eye,  with  dark  crimson  flowers.  The 
annual  kinds  should  be  sown  in  autumn,  as  they 
will  stand  the  winter  in  the  open  air  ;  or  in  Feb- 
ruary or  March,  as  they  are  a  long  time  in  com- 
ing up. 

JEchmea.  From  aichme,  a  point;  in  reference  to 
the  rigid  points  on  the  calices,  or  flower  enve- 
lopes. Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
ISromeliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  plants,  some  of 
which  are  epiphytes,  growing  on  the  tops  of  very 
tall  trees.  They  have  strap,  or  sword-shaped 
leaves,  and  produce  panicles  of  brilliant  scarlet 
flowers.  None  of  the  species  are  found  in  culti- 
vation, except  in  rare  collections.  Propagated 
by  division.  Introduced  in  1844. 

Aerides.  From  aer,  the  air;  in  reference  to  the 
power  they  have  of  living  on  air.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dr'ia-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  splendid  genus  of  East  Indian  epiphytal 
Orchids,  remarkable  for  their  beautiful  white, 
pink,  or  rose-colored,  fragrant  flowers,  and  for 
their  rich  evergreen  foliage.  The  general  ap- 
pearance of  these  plants,  their  wonderful  tena- 
city of  life,  the  remarkable  property  they  possess 
of  imbibing  the  whole  of  their  nutriment  from 
the  atmosphere,  without  the  intervention  of  any 
kind  of  earth,  and  the  elegance  and  rich  perfume 
of  their  flowers,  combine  to  make  them  objects  of 
universal  admiration.  They  require  to  be  grown 
in  a  high  temperature  and  a  very  moist  atmos- 
phere. The  more  popular  species  are  of  quite 
recent  introduction. 

J32schynanthus.  From  aischuno,  to  be  ashamed, 
and  anthos,  a  flower.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angio- 
spermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gesneracece. 

A  beautiful  genus  of  tropical  epiphytal  plants. 
The  species  are  chiefly  found  in  tropical  Asia 
and  the  East  Indies,  and  may  properly  be 
classed  with  the  most  gorgeous  green-house 
plants.  They  have  mostly  pendant  stems,  op- 
posite fleshy  leaves,  and  scarlet,  or  orange-scar- 
let flowers.  One  of  the  finer  species,  jE.  speciosus, 
is  a  native  of  Java.  It  is  of  sub-erect  habit, 
with  fascicles  of  about  twenty  erect,  long-tubed 
flowers,  of  rich  orange-yellow  below,  and  pass- 
ing into  scarlet  at  the  top,  with  yellow  and  black 
markings.  Another  species  from  Java,  ^£.  lon- 
glflorus,  has  bright  crimson  flowers,  and  is  of  the 
same  general  habit.  All  the  species  require  to 
be  grown  in  considerable  heat  and  moisture, 
and  succeed  well  fastened  upon  blocks,  in  the 
same  manner  as  epiphytal  Orchids.  They  are 
easily  propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in 
1845. 

.SSsculus.  Horse  Chestnut,  Buckeye.  From  esca, 
nourishment;  referring  to  the  ground  flour  from 
the  kernels  of  some  species.  Linn.  Heptandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapindacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  ornamental  deciduous  trees, 
too  well  known  to  need  description.  jE.  Hip- 
pocaslanum,  the  common  Horse  Chestnut,  is  a  na- 
tive of  Asia,  introduced  into  our  nurseries  from 
Europe  at  an  early  day.  JE.  glabrais  a  large  grow- 
ing tree,  common  South  and  West,  particularly 
in  Ohio,  whence  the  name  Buckeye  State.  At. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


flava,  the  Sweet  Buckeye,  and  ^E.  pavia,  the  Red 
Buckeye,  are  shrubs  or  small  trees,  natives  of 
Virginia,  and  West  and  South.  ^E.  Caiifornica 
is  a  beautiful,  large,  spreading  shrub,  the  most 
ornamental  of  the  whole  genus.  Its  flowers  are 
rose-colored,  in  racemes  about  six  inches  long, 
and  are  produced  in  great  abundance  from  June 
till  July.  All  the  species  are  propagated  by 
seeds. 

2Ethusa.     Fool's  Parsley.    The  name  alludes  to 
the  acridity  of  the  plants,  and  is  derived  from 
aithusso,  to  heat  or  make  hot.     Linn.  Pentandria- 
Dir/ynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 
African  Lily.     See  Agapanthus. 
African  Marigold.     See  Tagetes. 
Agalmyla.    From  agalma,  an  ornament,  and  hule, 
a  forest.     Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.      Nat. 
Ord.  Gesnerinceft'. 

A  small  genus  of  beautiful  green-house  or  hot- 
house plants  from  the  islands  of  the  Eastern 
Archipelago.  A.  staminea  is  a  very  handsome 
plant,  epiphytal  in  habit,  creeping  and  rooting 
on  the  trunks  of  trees.  It  has  strong  stems, 
large,  fleshy,  Gloxinia-like  leaves,  and  axillary 
fascicles  of  from  twelve  to  fifteen  flowers  each, 
tubular-shaped,  two  inches  long,  bright  scarlet. 
Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Agapanthus.  From  agape,  love,  and  anthos,  a 
flower.  Linn.  ffexandria-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Liliacea>. 

The  Blue  African  Lily,  A.  umbellatus,  is  a  no- 
ble plant,  with  thick,  fleshy  roots,  and  retains  its 
leaves  all  the  winter.  There  is  a  variety  with 
striped  leaves.  A.  albidus  has  white  flowers, 
but  it  does  not  differ  from  the  common  kind  in 
any  other  respect.  The  African  Lilies  all  require 
a  loamy  soil,  enriched  with  very  rotten  manure 
from  an  old  hot-bed,  loosely  shaken  down  in  the 
pot,  but  not  pressed ;  and  they  should  be  fully 
exposed  to  the  light.  They  should  also  have 
plenty  of  water  when  they  are  in  a  growing 
state,  and  be  shifted  repeatedly  into  larger  pots, 
each  only  a  little  larger  than  the  preceding  one, 
till  the  flower-buds  are  formed.  The  plants  are 
always  large  before  they  flower ;  and  when  the 
flower-stalks  appear,  the  plant  should  be  in  a 
large  pot,  so  that  the  roots  may  have  plenty  of 
room.  They  should  be  abundantly  supplied 
with  water,  taking  care,  however,  not  to  let  any 
remain  in  a  stagnant  state  about  the  roots. 
Thus  treated,  this  plant  will  frequently  send  up 
a  flower-stalk  above  three  feet  high,  crowned 
with  twenty  or  thirty  flowers,  which  will  open 
in  succession.  It  flowers  in  summer,  and  forms 
a  noble  ornament  to  an  architectural  terrace,  or 
a  fine  object  on  a  lawn. 

Agaricus.  Derived  from  Agaria,  the  name  of  a 
town  in  Samatia.  Linn.  Cryptogamia- Fungi.  Nat. 
Ord.  Mushrooms  (Fungi). 

This  is  the  most  extensive  genus  known  in  the 
whole  vegetable  kingdom,  and  is  divided  into 
several  different  groups.  Some  of  the  species 
are  very  beautiful  in  form  and  color.  Very 
many  are  deadly  poisonous  if  eaten,  while 
others,  as  A.  campestris,  our  common  edible 
mushroom,  are  rare  delicacies. 
Agave.  Century  Plant,  American  Aloe.  From 
agavos,  admirable,  referring  to  the  stately  form 
in  which  some  of  them  flower.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmarylKdacea>. 

This  celebrated  and  splendid  plant  is  a  native 
of  South  America,  introduced  in  1640.  The  va- 
rieties with  striped  foliage  are  considered  the 
more  desirable  as  decorative  plants.  It  was  at 
one  time  a  prevailing  idea  that  this  plant  only 


AIL 

flowered  once  in  a  hundred  years;  but  this  is 
found  now  to  be  a  popular  error.  If  given  suf- 
ficient heat,  it  will  flower  when  ten  or  twelve 
years  old.  The  flower  stem  rises  from  the  cen- 
ter of  the  plant  to  a  height  of  about  thirty  feet, 
bearing  an  immense  number  of  yellowish-green 
flowers,  after  which  the  plant  perishes.  New 
plants  are  formed  around  the  base  of  the  old 
one  in  the  form  of  suckers.  It  furnishes  a  vari- 
ety of  products:  the  plants  form  impenetrable 
fences;  the  leaves  furnish  fibers  of  various  qual- 
ities, from  that  used  in  the  finest  thread  to  that 
in  the  strongest  rope  cables;  the  juice,  when  the 
watery  part  is  evaporated,  forms  a  good  soap, 
and  will  mix  and  form  a  lather  with  salt  water 
as  well  as  fresh;  a  very  intoxicating  drink  is 
also  made  from  the  juice,  as  well  as  other  prepa- 
rations of  a  similar  nature;  the  leaves  are  made 
into  razor-strops,  and  are  also  used  in  scouring 
all  sorts  of  culinary  utensils. 

Ageratum.  The  colors  are  constant,  always 
clear;  hence  the  name  is  compounded  of  a,  priv- 
ative, and  geras,  old.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Polygamia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Compositce. 

The  species  A.  Mexicanum,  the  one  usually 
found  in  our  gardens,  is  an  annual,  with  small, 
pale  blue  flowers,  formed  in  curiously  shaped 
heads.  A.  angastifolium  is  a  hardy  North  Amer- 
ican perennial  species,  with  pure  white  flowers. 
Aglamorpha.  From  aglaos,  beautiful,  and  mor- 
pha,  a  form.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacecv. 

A.  Meyeniana,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful 
herbaceous  Fern,  a  native  of  the  Philippine  Is- 
lands. It  is  propagated  by  division  or  from 
spores,  and  requires  the  same  treatment  as  Poly- 
podium. 

Agrimonia.  Agrimony.  A  corruption  of  Arge- 
mone.  Linn.  Dodecandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  iio- 
sacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  yellow-flowered,  weedy 
plants,  common  throughout  the  United  States. 
The  larger  flowered,  or  common  Agrimony,  is  a 
native  of  Europe,  but  has  become  pretty  gen- 
erally naturalized.  They  are  plants  of  but  little 
interest. 

Agrostemma.  Hose  Campion.  From  agros,  a 
field,  and  stemma,  a  crown;  referring  to  the 
beauty  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Decaitdr'ia-2'etragynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  CaryophyUacea;. 

Hardy  perennial,  introduced  from  Russia  in 
1834.  Suitable  for  border  plants,  their  showy 
red  flowers  contrasting  finely  with  shrubbery. 
Propagated  by  division  of  roots  or  by  seeds. 
Agrostis.  Bent  Grass,  Red  Top.  This  is  the 
Greek  name  for  all  grasses,  from  agros,  a  field. 
Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacea>. 
A  well-known  genus  of  grasses,  including  A. 
canina,  the  Rhode  Island  Bent  Grass,  A.  stolon- 
ifera,  the  Creeping  Bent  Grass,  and  A.  vulgaris, 
the  common  Red  Top.  These  species  have  all 
been  introduced  from  Europe,  but  are  now 
thoroughly  naturalized  in  this  country. 
Ailantus.  From  ailanto,  Tree  of  Heaven;  refer- 
ring to  its  lofty  growth.  Linn.  Polygamia-Dicecia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Xanlhoxylacece. 

Deciduous  trees  of  rapid  growth,  natives  of 
China.  They  were  at  one  time  extensively 
planted  as  street  trees,  and  should  not  now  be 
so  generally  discarded,  as  they  will  thrive  well 
in  cities  and  barren  soils,  making  a  beautiful 
shade  tree,  as  well  as  valuable  timber.  The  only 
objection  that  has  ever  been  made  to  them  is  the 
unpleasant  odor  of  their  flowers;  that  objection 
can  be  easily  avoided.  This  tree  is  dioecious, 


10 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


AIR 

and  is  rapidly  increased  by  root-cuttings.  By 
taking  cuttings  from  the  female  plant,  the  flow- 
•ers  of  which  are  inodorous,  they  can  be  increased 
to  any  extent. 

Air  Plants.  These  are  plants  that  grow  on  trees, 
or  other  objects,  and  not  in  the  earth,  and  derive 
their  nutriment  from  the  atmosphere.  The  term 
was  formerly,  and  is  still  to  some  extent,  applied 
to  epiphytal  Orchids.  There  are,  however,  many 
other  families  of  air  plants.  The  class  is  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  various  parasites  that  have 
no  roots  in  the  earth,  but  derive  their  nourish- 
ment directly  from  the  plants  on  which  they 
grow. 

Ajuga.  Bugle.  From  a,  privative,  and  zug^r>,  a 
yoke;  in  reference  to  the  calyx  being  one-leaved. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  La- 
miacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annual  and  perennial 
ierbaceous  plants.     A.  reptans  (common  Bugle) 
ias  been  lately  introduced  into  the  garden,  and 
given  a  position  in  massing  and  ribbon  borders   I 
of  plants  for  its  dark-colored  foliage.     The  spe- 
cies were  at  one  time  highly  esteemed  for  the 
medicinal    properties  they  were  supposed   to   I 
possess.     "  Kuellus  writeth  that  they  commonly   ! 
said  in  France,  howe  he  needeth  neither  phy- 
sician nor  surgeon  that  hathe  Bugle  and  Sanicle, 
for  it  not  only  cureth  woundes,  being  inwardly 
taken,  but  also  applied  to  them  outwardly." — 
Gerarde.  They  are  propagated  readily  from  seed. 

Akebia.  The  name  it  bears  in  Japan.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Lardizabalacej'. 

A.  quinata  was  introduced  from  China,  in  1844, 
by  Eobert  Fortune.  It  is  a  hardy  climber,  of 
rapid  growth,  suitable  for  large  arbors  or  trel- 
lises, in  sunny  or  shady  situations.  It  will 
twine  around  old  trees,  completely  covering  the 
branches,  from  which  it  will  hang  in  graceful 
festoons.  The  color  of  the  flower  is  dark  brown, 
and  it  is  very  sweet-scented.  In  a  light,  rich 
soil  it  will  grow  to  the  height  of  thirty  feet.  It 
is  propagated  readily  by  layering  or  cuttings. 

Albuca.      From  albus,   white,   referring    to  the   I 
prevalence  of  white  flowers  in  the  genus  (not  a   I 
very  happy  allusion,  though,  because  the  flow-   i 
ers  are   mostly  green).     Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
gynia.    Nat.  Ord.  IMiaoeae. 

This  is  a  genus  of  but  little  beauty,  closely 
allied  to  the  OrnUhogcdum,  introduced  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  about  17oO.  They  are  ten- 
der bulbous  plants,  easily  cultivated  in  the 
green-house,  grown  in  pots  in  light,  sandy  soil,  j 
They  flower  in  May  and  June. 

Alder.    See  Alnus. 

Aletris.  Colic-root,  Stir-grass.  From  aletron, 
meal;  referring  to  the  powdery  appearance  of 
the  whole  plant.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Hcvmodvracecp. 

There  are  but  two  species  included  in  this 
genus,  both  natives  of  the  United  States,  and 
pretty  generally  distributed.  A.  farinosa  is 
highly  esteemed  for  its  medicinal  properties, 
and  is  a  very  pretty  plant  for  the  border.  It  is 
a  herbaceous  perennial,  the  leaves  growing  in  a 
close  tuft,  from  which  arisesi  a  flower-stem  from 
one  to  three  feet  high,  terminating  in  a  spiked 
raceme  of  small,  white,  oblong,  bell-shaped 
flowers.  Propagated  by  division  or  by  seed. 

Aleuritopteris.  A  synonym  of  Chetiantkes,  which 
see. 

Alfalfa.     See  Medicago. 

Alisma.  Water  Plantain.  A.  plantago  is  a  com- 
mon, uninteresting  aquatic,  found  in  shallow 
water.  Introduced  from  Europe. 


ALO 

Allamanda.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Allamand, 
of  Leyden.  Linn.  Petandria-Afonogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Apocynaceev  (Dogworts). 

This  genus  consists  principally  of  handsome 
climbing  green-house  shrubs.  A.  Schottii,  a  na- 
tive of  Brazil,  produces  immense  numbers  of 
large,  funnel-shaped  flowers,  which  are  of  a  full 
yellow,  with  a  deeper  yellow  throat.  They  de- 
light in  a  warm,  moist  situation,  and  should 
have  a  light,  fibrous  soil.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings. Introduced  in  1846. 

Alleghany  Vine.     See  Adlumia. 

Alligator  Pear.     See  Persea. 

Allium.  From  the  Celtic  oH,  meaning  hot  or 
burning ;  referring  to  the  well-known  qualities 
of  the  genus  (Onion).  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
ijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

Of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty  species  of  this 
tribe,  but  few  are  considered  ornamental;  in- 
deed, the  family,  probably  from  prejudice,  has 
been  much  neglected,  where  many  far  less  showy 
plants  have  found  favor.  A.  Moly  produces 
large  trusses  of  golden  yellow  flowers  in  June. 
A.  Neapolitanum  is  a  fine  species,  bearing  pure 
white  flowers  in  a  large  umbel.  The  former  is 
perfectly  hardy,  and  worthy  a  place  in  the  gar- 
den. The  latter  is  tender,  requiring  the  pro- 
tection of  the  green-house.  Propagated  readily 
by  offsets. 

Allbsor  us.  From  olios,  diverse,  and  soros,  a  heap ; 
in  allusion  to  the  changing  of  the  sori.  Linn. 
Cryptogamia-fUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful'  dwarf  Ferns. 
A.  crispus,  a  British  Fern,  sometimes  called  the 
Mountain  Parsley  Fern,  is  a  beautiful  plant  for 
rockeries.  Two  or  three  exotic  species  are  fa- 
vorites in  the  green-house.  They  are  propagated 
from  spores. 

Allspice-Tree.     See  Pimenta. 

Almeria.     See  Amygdalus. 

Alnus.  The  Alder.  From  al,  near,  and  Ian,  the 
bank  of  a  river  ;  in  reference  to  the  situation 
where  the  Alder  delights  to  grow.  Linn.  Mo- 
ncecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Belulacea-. 

An  extensive  genus  of  shrubs  or  small  trees 
common  throughout  North  Am  erica  and  Europe. 
The  principal  use  of  the  Alder  is  for  charcoal, 
which  is  highly  valued  in  the  manufacture  of 
gunpowder. 

Alocasia.  A  slight  alteration  of  Colocasia.  Linn. 
Moiwecia- [Ivptandria.  Nat.  Ord.  AraceoK. 

This  name  is  applied  to  a  section  of  the  genus 
ColocasM ;  by  some  considered  a  distinct  genus. 
Natives  of  India.  A.  metallica  is  a  magnificent 
species  from  Borneo,  producing  very  large  oval 
leaves,  having  a  rich  bronze-colored  surface, 
making  it  a  conspicuous  ornament  for  the  hot- 
house. The  leaves  look  like  large  polished  metal 
shields.  Propagated  by  division  of  roots.  Intro- 
duced in  1859. 

Aloe.  From  alloeh,  its  Arabic  nam'e.  Linn.  Hex- 
andria-Moitogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

The  name  Aloe  is  so  frequently  applied  in 
conversation  to  the  American  Aloe,  or  Agave, 
that  many  persons  are  not  aware  that  the  true 
Aloe  is  not  only  quite  a  different  genus,  but  be- 
longs to  a  different  natural  order,  the  American 
Aloe  being  one  of  the  Amaryllis  tribe,  while  the 
true  Aloe  belongs  to  the  Lily  tribe.  The  quali- 
ties of  the  tw.o  plants  are  also  essentially  differ- 
ent, the  American  Aloe  abounding  in  starchy, 
nourishing  matter,  while  every  part  of  the  true 
Aloe  is  purgative.  The  true  Aloe  also  flowers 
every  year,  and  the  flowers  are  tube-shaped,  and 
produced  on  a  spike  ;  while  each  plant  of  the 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


11 


ALO 

American  Aloe  flowers  but  once,  sending  up  an 
enormous  flower-stem  with  candelabra-like 
branches  and  cup-shaped  flowers.  The  true 
Aloes  are  succulent  plants,  natives  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  and  grow  best  in  this  country  in 
green-houses  or  rooms,  in  a  light,  sandy  soil. 
To  this,  when  the  plants  are  wanted  to  attain  a 
large  size,  may  be  added  a  little  leaf-mould. 
When  grown  in  rooms,  a  poor  soil  is,  however, 
preferable,  as  it  keeps  the  plants  of  a  smaller  j 
and  more  manageable  size,  and  makes  them  less  j 
easily  affected  by  changes  of-temperature.  The 
colors  of  the  flowers  will  also  be  richer  when  the 
plants  are  grown  in  poor  soil.  The  drug  called 


aloes  is  made  princi 


ipally  fro 
A.  socotrin 


m  the  pulp  of  the 


fleshy  leaf  of  the  A.  socotrina,  the  flowers  of 
•which  are  red,  tipped  with  green  ;  but  it  is  also 
made  from  several  other  species. 

Alonsoa.  Named  after  Zanomi  Alonso,  a  Span- 
iard, by  the  authors  of  Flora  Peruviana.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  IScrophula- 
riacecK. 

The  Mask  Flower.  The  species  are  low  un- 
der-shrubs,  or  herbaceous  plants,  natives  of 
Peru,  and  two  of  them,  A.  incisifolia  and  A.  lin- 
earis,  are  very  ornamental,  either  in  the  green- 
house, or  grown  as  annuals  in  the  open  border 
during  summer.  They  thrive  well  in  any  light 
rich  soil,  and  are  readily  increased  by  seeds  or 
cuttings.  They  are  very  desirable  for  flower- 
gardens,  on  account  of  the  brilliant  scarlet  of 
their  flowers  ;  and  where  there  is  no  green- 
house, the  plants  should  be  raised  from  seeds 
sown  on  a  hot-bed  in  February,  or  struck  from 
cuttings  early  in  spring,  and  brought  forward 
in  a  frame  or  pit,  and  turned  out  into  the  open 
air  in  May. 

Alopecurus.  The  generic  name  of  the  Foxtail 
Grass. 

Aloysia.  Lemon  Verbena.  Named  in  honor  of 
Mil-id  Louisa,  Queen  of  Spain.  Linn.  Didyna- 
mia-Angiospermia. Nat.  Ord.  Verbenacece. 

The  only  known  species  of  this  genus  is  A. 
citriodora,  introduced  from  Chili  in  1784,  and 
formerly  called  Verbena  triphyU'j,  or  the  Lemon- 
scented  Verbena.  Under  this  name  it  is  gener- 
ally tiold,  and  is  a  universal  favorite,  readily 
propagated  from  cuttings,  and  planted  in  the 
open  border  in  May.  If  taken  up  after  a  light 
frost  and  put  in  a  cold  frame  or  cool  cellar  dur- 
ing winter,  the  plants  will  keep  well  ;  and, 
planted  out  in  spring  again,  they  make  large 
and  pleasing  shrubs.  The  leaves,  when  dried, 
will  retain  their  odor  for  many  years. 

Alpine  Azalea.     See  Lolideuria. 

Alsophila.  From  alsos,  a  grove,  and  phileo,  to 
love  ;  in  reference  to  the  situation  best  suited 
to  the  plants.  Linn.  Cruptogamia-Filices.  Nat. 
Ord.  Polypodiacea-. 

This  genus  contains  some  of  our  most  beau- 
tiful green-house  Tree  Ferns.     A.  Australis,  the 
type,  is  a  native  of  Australia,  and  one  of  the 
most  ornamental  of  the  order.     In  the  ordinary 
green-house    it    thrives  finely,   producing   its 
graceful  fronds  from  three  to  four  feet  long  and   | 
one  and  a  half  wide.     There  are  several  species,    i 
all  tropical,  and  all  worthy  a  place  in  the  fern-   | 
house.     They  are  increased  by  division  or  from 
spores.     Introduced  in  1833. 

Alstrcemeria.     In  honor  of  Baron  Alstrcemer,  a 
Swedish   botanist.     Linn.   Hexandria-Monogynia.    ' 
Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacea;. 

This  is  a  genus  of  tuberous-rooted  plants,  with   ' 


beautiful  flowers,  natives  of  South  America,  and 
capable  of  being  grown  to  a  high  degree  of  per- 


AMA 

fection  in  the  hot-house,  green-house,  or  open 
air,  according  to  the  species.  The  soil  which 
suits  all  the  Alstrcemerias  is  a  mixture  of  sandy 
loam  and  leaf- mould,  or  well-rotted  manure.  Of 
all  the  hot-house  species,  A.  Ligtu,  with  white  and 
scarlet  flowers,  is  the  most  difficult  to  flower;  but 
by  giving  it  abundance  of  water  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  a  strong  heat  in  December,  it  will 
flower  in  February ;  and  one  plant  will  scent  a 
whole  houss  with  fragrance  like  that  of  Mignon- 
ette. After  flowering,  the  plants  ought  to  be  al- 
lowed to  rest  for  three  months,  during  which 
time  very  little  water  ought  to  be  given.  After 
this  they  should  be  repotted  and  encouraged  to 
grow  by  giving  them  plenty  of  water,  etc.  A. 
edulis  is  another  hot-house  species,  which  climbs 
to  the  height  of  ten  or  twelve  feet,  and,  like  all 
other  climbers,  thrives  best  when  turned  out  in- 
to the  open  border.  Propagation  is  effected  by 
separation  of  the  tubers,  or  by  seed ;  the  latter  is 
apt  to  produce  new  varieties,  as  they  are  by  no 
means  constant  from  seed. 

Alternanthera.  Alluding  to  the  anthers  being 
alternately  fertile  and  barren.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaranthacece. 

This  useful  little  green-house  perennial  for 
ribbon  beds  and  edgings  is  a  native  of  Buenos 
Ayres,  introduced  in  1732.  Propagated  readily 
from  cuttings.  The  variegated-leaved  varieties 
alone  are  cultivated,  the  flowers  being  incon- 
spicuous. 

Althaea.  Marsh  Mallow.  From  altheo,  to  cure; 
in  reference  to  its  medicinal  qualities.  Linn. 
Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Malvacece. 

There  are  many  annuals  in  this  family,  none, 
however,  of  much  merit.  The  Marsh  Mallows 
are  hardy  perennials,  and  formerly  much  used 
as  border  plants.  A.  rosea,  the  common  Holly- 
hock, is  one  of  our  most  splendid  ornamental 
biennials.  It  grows  to  the  height  of  from  five 
to  eight  feet,  and  there  are  varieties  of  almost 
every  color,  including  white,  and  purple  so  deep 
as  to  be  almost  black.  The  seeds  of  Hollyhock, 
which  is  a  biennial,  should  be  sown  in  March; 
in  April,  when  the  plants  come  up,  they  should 
be  thinned  out,  and  then  suffered  to  remain  till 
September,  when  they  should  be  transplanted 
to  the  place  where  they  are  to  flower.  Intro- 
duced from  China  in  1573.  The  common  hardy 
shrub  known  as  Althaea  is  Hibiscus  Syriacus. 

Alum  Root.  The  common  name  of  Heuchera 
Americana,  the  roots  of  which  are  very  astringent. 

Alyssum.  Derived  from  a,  privative,  and  lyssa, 
rage ;  from  a  notion  among  the  ancients  that  the 
plant  possessed  the  power  of  allaying  anger. 
Linn.  Tetradynamia-SUiculosa.  Nat.  Ord.  Uru- 
ciferw. 

Dwarf  hardy  perennials,  or  sub-shrubby 
plants,  with  cruciferous  flowers.  A.  saxatUe  is 
very  suitable  for  rock-work,  or  the  front  part  of 
a  flower  border,  and  forms  a  beautiful  spring- 
blooming  bed  in  the  flower  garden.  Flowers 
produced  in  large  clusters,  of  a  deep,  pure  yel- 
low. It  is  increased  by  cuttings  and  seeds. 
Good  garden  soil.  The  herbaceous  species  are 
propagated  by  division,  the  sub-shrubby  ones 
by  cuttings.  Vigorous  two-year-old  plants  are 
the  best  for  flowering;  the  others  are  unimpor- 
tant. The  plant  commonly  called  Sweet  Alys- 
sum is  not  of  this  genus;  it  is  Koniga  maritima, 
which  see. 

Amaranthus.  Amaranth.  Derived  from  a,  not, 
and  milraino,lo  wither;  in  reference  to  the  length 
of  time  some  flowers  retain  their  color.  Linn. 
Moncecia-Penlandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaranihacece, 


12 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


AMA 

Ornamental  foliaged  plants,  of  an  extremely  j 
graceful  and  interesting  character,  producing  a  J 
striking  effect,  whether  grown  for  the  decora- 
tion of  the  conservatory  or  the  out-door  flower  J 
garden.  If  the  seeds  are  sown  early  in  a  warm 
hot-bed  and  planted  out  the  last  of  May  or  in 
June,  in  rich  soil,  they  make  exceedingly  hand- 
some specimens  for  the  center  of  beds,  or  mixed 
flower  or  shrubbery  borders.  Most  of  the  vari- 
eties are  natives  of  the  East  Indies,  and  were  in- 
troduced into  England  about  1600.  The  well- 
known  A.  tricolor,  or  "Joseph's  Coat,"  is  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  ornamental  leaved  plants. 
Amaryllis.  The  name  of  a  nymph  celebrated 
by  the  poet  Virgil.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  AmaryllidacecK. 

Bulbous  plants,  chiefly  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  and  South  America,  but  which  have 
been  increased  in  number  tenfold  by  hybrids 
and  varieties  raised  in  England  and  on  the  Con- 
tinent. Louis  Van  Houtte,  of  Ghent,  having 
made  a  specialty  of  this  plant,  has  produced  the 
finest  hybrids  in  cultivation.  All  the  kinds  are 
eminently  ornamental,  and  they  are  all  of  easy 
culture,  the  great  secret  being  to  give  them  al- 
ternately a  season  of  excitement  and  a  season  of 
repose.  To  do  this  effectually,  the  plants 
should  be  abundantly  supplied  with  water  and 
heat,  and  placed  near  the  glass  when  they  are 
coming  into  flower,  and  water  should  be  with- 
held from  them  by  degrees  when  they  have  done 
flowering,  till  they  have  entirely  ceased  grow- 
ing, when  they  should  be  kept  quite  dry  and  in 
a  state  of  rest.  When  in  this  state  they  may  be 
placed  in  any  obscure  part  of  a  green-house 
where  it  is  dry,  and  of  a  temperature  not  under 
forty  or  fifty  degrees.  If  kept  in  such  a  situa- 
tion during  winter,  some  kinds  may  be  turned 
out  into  a  warm  border  in  spring,  where  they 
will  flower;  and  if  the  season  be  fine,  they  will 
renew  their  bulbs  in  time  to  be  taken  up  before 
the  approach  of  frost.  The  chief  value  of  these 
plants,  however,  is  to  produce  flowers  in  the 
winter  season,  which  they  readily  do  if  they  are 
kept  dry  and  dormant  during  the  latter  part  of 
the  summer  and  autumn.  Indeed,  by  having  a 
large  stock  of  these  bulbs,  a  regular  succession 
of  flowers  may  be  procured  during  every  month 
in  the  year.  When  the  dormant  bulbs  are  in- 
tended to  be  thrown  into  flower,  they  should  bo 
fresh  potted  in  sandy  loam  and  leaf-mould,  and 
put  in  a  hot-house  01  hot-bed,  the  heat  begin- 
ning at  fifty  degrees,  and  ascending  to  sixty  or 
seventy  degrees;  and  when  the  leaves  appear, 
they  should  be  abundantly  supplied  with  water. 
Where  seeds  are  wanted  the  watering  must  be 
continued,  though  somewhat  less  abundantly, 
after  the  flowers  have  faded,  till  the  seeds  are 
ripe ;  and  when  these  are  gathered,  they  ought 
to  be  sown  immediately  in  light  sandy  loam, 
and  placed  in  a  frame,  or  near  the  glass,  in  a 
moist  part  of  the  hot-house.  If  the  young  plants 
are  potted  off  as  soon  as  they  are  an  inch  or  two 
in  height,  and  shifted  frequently  in  the  course 
of  the  growing  season,  they  will  attain  a  flow- 
ering size  in  from  fifteen  to  twenty  months. 
The  pots  in  which  these  and  all  other  bulbs  are 
grown  ought  to  be  thoroughly  drained  by  a 
handful  or  more  of  potsherds  (broken  pots)  laid 
in  the  bottom  of  each  pot,  and  covered  with 
turfy  loam,  and  the  mould  used  should  also  be 
turfy,  in  order  the  more  freely  to  admit  the  pas- 
sage of  water.  Our  long  and  warm  summers 
enable  us  to  cultivate  many  of  these  beautiful 
bulbs  in  the  open  air,  merely  protecting  the 


AMO 

roots  in  the  winter  in  the  same  manner  as  those 
of  the  Dahlia. 

Amaryllis  formosissima.     See  Sprekelia. 

Ambrosia.     The  botanical  name  of  Ragweed. 

Amelanchier.  June  Berry,  Shad  Berry,  Service 
Berry.  From  Amelanchier,  the  popular  name  of 
one  of  the  species  in  Savoy.  Linn.  Icosaridria- 
Dipentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pomicece. 

A.  Canadensis  (the  only  American  species) 
and  its  numerous  varieties  are  low  trees,  com- 
mon in  the  woods  in  the  Northern  States,  re- 
markable for  their  numerous  white  flowers, 
which  appear  about  the  middle  of  April,  com- 
pletely covering  the  tree  before  the  foliage  or 
flowers  of  the  neighboring  trees  have  com- 
menced their  growth.  The  foliage  resembles 
that  of  the  Pear,  and  changes  to  a  bright  yellow 
in  autumn.  The  fruit  is  a  dark  purple  berry, 
ripe  in  July  or  August,  and  has  an  agreeable 
flavor. 

American  Aloe.     Agave  Americana,  which  see. 

American  Centaury.  The  popular  name  for 
Sabbatia. 

American  Columbo.     See  Frasera  Curolinensis. 

American  Cowslip.     Dodecatheon  Meadia. 

American  Frog's  Bit.     S^e  Lanmbium. 

American  Ivy.     Ampelopsis  qumquefolia. 

American  Pitcher  Plant.     See  Sarracenia. 

Ammobium.  From  ammos,  sand,  and  bio,  to 
live;  in  reference  to  the  sandy  soil  in  which  it 
thrives.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Polygamia.  Nat.  Ord. 


Pretty  annuals  of  hardy  character  from  New 
Holland,  producing  white  everlasting  flowers. 
The  seed  may  be  sown  in  the  open  border,  in  al- 
most any  situation,  between  the  middle  of  March 
and  the  end  of  May. 

Amomum.  From  a,  not,  and  momos,  impurity; 
in  reference  to  its  supposed  quality  of  counter- 
acting poison.  Linn.  Monandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Zingiberacea>. 

This  genus  of  aromatic  herbs  furnishes  the 
Grains  of  Paradise  and  the  Cardamom  Seeds, 
which  are  aromatic  and  stimulant.  The  plants 
grow  readily  in  the  green-house,  and  are  propa- 
gated by  division  of  the  root .  Introduced  in  1 820 
from  the  East  Indies. 

Amorpha.  False  Indigo.  From  a,  not,  and 
morpha,  form;  in  reference  to  the  irregularity  of 
the  flowers.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  large,  spreading  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  North  America.  The  leaves  are  com- 
pound, resembling  the  Locust,  only  the  leaflets 
are  finer.  The  flowers  are  dark  purple  or  violet, 
spangled  with  yellow,  disposed  in  long  panicles 
on  the  tops  of  the  branches.  It  is  a  very  orna- 
mental shrub  for  the  lawn.  It  is  readily  propa- 
gated from  suckers,  which  are  produced  in 
abundance.  A.  canescens  is  a  small  growing 
species,  common  in  the  Western  and  Southern 
States.  It  has  received  the  local  name  of  Lead 
Plant,  on  account  of  the  white,  hairy  down  with 
which  it  is  covered. 

Amorphophallus.  From  amorphus,  disfigured, 
and  phallus,  form  of  spadix.  Linn.  Moncecia- 
Pdyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Aracece. 

These  plants  were  formerly  in  the  genus 
Arum,  from  which  they  are  distinguished  by 
their  spreading  spathes.  They  are  natives  of 
India  and  other  parts  of  tropical  Asia,  where 
they  are  cultivated  for  the  abundance  of  starch, 
that  is  found  in  their  root-stocks.  Most  varieties 
are  ornamental  plants  for  the  green-house  or  gar- 
den. After  planting,  the  first  appearance  is  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


13 


AMP 

flower  stalk,  which  rises  to  the  height  of  two 
feet.  As  it  expands,  the  fetor  it  exhales  is  over- 
powering and  sickening,  and  so  perfectly  re- 
sembles that  of  carrion  as  to  induce  flies  to 
cover  the  club  of  the  spadix  with  their  eggs. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

Ampelopsis.  Woodbine.  From  ampelos,  a  vine, 
and  opsis,  resemblance ;  in  reference  to  its  re- 
semblance to  the  Grape  vine.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monoqynia.  Nat.  Orel.  Vitacecv. 

A.  hederacea  is  well  known  by  its  common 
names  of  Virginia  Creeper  and  Five-leaved  Ivy. 
Its  flowers  have  no  beauty,  but  it  is  worth  culti- 
vating as  an  ornamental  plant,  from  the  bril- 
liant scarlet  and  orange  which  its  leaves  assume 
in  autumn,  and  which  look  particularly  well  at 
that  season,  when  intermingled  with  those  of 
the  common  Ivy,  from  the  fine  contrast  they 
afford.  The  plant  is  of  very  rapid  growth  in  any 
kind  of  soil,  and  it  is  propagated  by  layers  or 
cuttings.  The  Virginia  Creeper  is  one  of  our 
finest  indigenous  climbers.  It  grows  very  rapid- 
ly, attaches  itself  firmly  to  wood  or  stone  build- 
ings, or  to  the  trunks  of  old  trees,  and  soon 
covers  these  objects  with  a  fine  mantle  of  rich 
foliage.  Nothing  can  be  more  admirably  adapted 
than  this  plant  for  concealing  and  disguising 
the  unsightly  stone  fences  which  are  so  com- 
mon, and  so  great  a  deformity  in  many  parts  of 
the  country.  A.  Veltchii  is  a  new  variety,  more 
compact  in  habit,  very  bright,  dark  foliage,  and  ' 
clings  with  great  tenacity  to  wood  as  well  as 
brick  or  stone  walls.  It  is  perfectly  hardy,  i 
Propagated  by  layers,  cuttings,  or  seeds. 

Ampelygonum.  The  name  is  in  allusion  to  the 
grape-like  fruit.  Linn.  Octandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Polygonacece. 

This  interesting  species  from  China  is  one 
from  which  the  finest  quality  of  indigo  is  ob- 
tained. It  is  an  herbaceous  perennial,  obtained 
readily  from  seed. 

Amsonia.  In  memory  of  Charles  Amson,  a  cele- 
brated traveler.  Linn.  Penlandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

A  small  genus  of  herbaceous  perennial  plants, 
with  beautiful  blue  flowers  produced  in  ter- 
minal panicled  clusters.  The  several  species 
are  natives  of  the  United  States.  A.  TaberncK- 
montana,  one  of  the  more  beautiful  species,  is 
common  on  low  grounds  in  the  Southern  and 
Western  States. 

Amygdalus.  From  amysso,  to  lacerate;  in  refer- 
ence to  the  fissured  channels  in  the  stone  of  the 
fruit;  but  some  suppose  from  a  Hebrew  word 
signifying  vigilant,  as  its  early  flowers  announce 
the  return  of  spring.  Linn.  Icosandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacece. 

A.  nana  is  the  common  Flowering  Almond  of  the 
gardens,  of  which  there  are  several  varieties,  the 
double  white  and  double  pink  alone  being  de- 
sirable. Native  of  Eussia.  Introduced  in  1683. 
Propagated  readily  by  suckers.  A.  communis 
bears  the  sweet,  and  A.  amarus  the  bitter  Al- 
monds of  commerce.  They  are  supposed  to  be 
natives  of  western  Asia,  and  are  mentioned  in 
sacred  history  as  among  the  best  fruits  of  the 
land  of  Canaan.  The  Almond  :s  plentiful  in 
China,  in  most  eastern  countries,  and  also  in 
Barbary.  It  is  extensively  cultivated  in  Italy, 
Spain,  and  the  south  of  France.  The  several 
varieties,  such  as  hard,  soft,  or  paper  shelled, 
have  all  originated  from  A.  communis. 

Anacardium.  From  ana,  like,  and  kardia,  the 
heart ;  in  reference  to  the  form  of  the  nut.  Linn. 
Polygamia-Dioecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anacardiacea ',. 


ANA 

Ornamental  evergreen  trees,  natives  of  the 
East  and  West  Indies,  remarkable  for  their 
beautiful,  fragrant  flowers,  and  for  their  fruit, 
known  as  the  Cashew-nut.  The  trees  are  too 
large  for  introduction  into  the  green-house. 
Anaectochilus.  From  anoiktos,  open,  and  cheUos, 
a  lip ;  the  apex  spreading.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mo- 
nandria.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchvdacecK. 

This  admired  little  plant  has  small,  white, 
rather  inconspicuous  flowers,  but  its  want  of 
beauty  here  is  fully  compensated  for  in  the  rich 
and  lovely  markings  of  the  leaves,  which  are 
covered  with  a  gold  network  on  a  chocolate-col- 
ored, velvet-like  ground.  It  should  be  potted  in 
a  mixture  of  leaf  mould  and  moss,  and  a  bell- 
glass  kept  continually  over  it,  in  the  warmest 
part  of  the  hot-house,  in  order  to  assimilate  its 

E resent  condition  with  the  native  one  in  the 
ot,   humid  jungles  of  the  East,  from  whence 
it  is  derived.    First  introduced  in  1836. 

Anagallis.  Pimpernel.  From  anagelao,  to  laugh; 
fabled  to  possess  a  virtue  to  remove  sadness. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Primu- 
laceai. 

A  genus  of  pretty  dwarf  annual  and  biennial 
plants.  The  former  have  given  place  to  the 
many  seminal  improvements  of  the  latter,  inso- 
much as  to  be  rarely  met  with.  They  are  uni- 
versal favorites  for  planting  in  the  beds  of  the 
flower  garden,  where  their  numerous  blue  or  red 
flowers,  expanded  whenever  the  sun  shines,  are 
very  effective.  They  are  propagated  by  seeds 
or  cuttings.  When  seed  is  desired,  the  branch 
or  plant  on  which  it  is  growing  should  be  taken 
entire,  a  little  before  the  autumn  frosts  begin, 
and  hung  up  in  a  dry,  sunny  place,  such  as  be- 
fore the  windows  of  a  shed,  allowing  the  pods 
to  remain  upon  it  until  wanted  in  the  spring  for 
sowing,  as  it  requires  a  long  time  to  become 
properly  ripened;  afterward  it  vegetates  freely 
if  sown  in  a  gentle  hot-bed.  The  garden  varie- 
ties are  hybrids.  The  species  under  cultivation 
were  introduced  from  Southern  Europe  in  1830. 
A.  arvensis,  the  common  Pimpernel,  is  plenty  in 
waste,  sandy  places  in  the  United  States,  having 
been  introduced  from  Europe  and  become  thor- 
oughly naturalized. 

Ananassa.  Pineapple.  From  nanas,  the  Guiana 
name.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


A.  scUiva,ihe  common  Pineapple,  is  universally 
acknowledged  to  be  one  of  the  most  delicious  fruits 
in  existence.  More  than  three  hundred  years 
ago  it  was  described  by  Jean  de  Lery,  a  Hugue- 
not priest,  as  being  of  such  excellence  that  the 
gods  might  luxuriate  upon  it,  and  that  it  should 
only  be  gathered  by  the  hand  of  Venus.  It  is  a 
native  of  Brazil,  and  was  first  introduced  into 
Europe  in  1555,  having  been  sent  there  by  An- 
dre Thevet,  a  monk,  from  Peru.  The  plant  is 
perennial,  not  unlike  the  Aloe,  but  the  leaves  are 
much  thinner,  and  of  a  hard,  fibrous  texture, 
with  numerous  short,  sharp  spines  on  the  edges. 
The  fruit  varies  like  most  other  species,  there 
now  being  nearly  fifty  varieties  in  cultivation. 
Anastatica.  From  anastatis,  resurrection,  in  ref- 
erence to  its  hygrometrical  property.  Linn.  Te- 
tradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vrucifertr. 

An  annual  plant,  indigenous  to  the  Egyptian 
deserts,  and  called  the  Kose  of  Jericho.  When 
full  grown  it  contracts  its  rigid  branches  into  a 
round  ball,  and  is  then  tossed  about  by  the 
wind.  When  it  alights  in  water,  or  damp  ground, 
the  branches  relax  and  open  out,  as  if  its  life 
were  renewed;  hence  its  name  of  Resurrection 


14 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ANC 

Plant.  Among  the  superstitious  tales  told  of  it 
is,  that  "  it  first  bloomed  on  Christmas  Eve,  to 
salute  the  birth  of  the  Redeemer,  and  paid  hom- 
age to  His  resurrection  by  remaining  expanded 
until  Easter."  This  curious  annual  can  readily 
be  grown  from  seed,  but  will  not  stand  the  se- 
verity of  our  winters;  they  can,  however,  be 
taken  up  and  kept  dry  in  the  house.  When 
wanted  to  expand,  put  them  in  a  saucer  of 
water. 

Anchusa.  From  anchmisa,  a  cosmetic  paint  mape 
from  one  of  the  species;  used  for  staining  the 
skin.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Boraginacea'. 

Coarse,  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  suitable  for 
deep  shrubbery  borders  or  any  unfrequented 
places.  Most  of  the  species  have  purple  flowers. 

Andromeda.  Rill  Calf.  A  classical  name,  after 
the  daughter  of  Cepheus  and  Cassiope,  king  and 
queen  of  Ethiopia.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Ericaceae. 

A.  Mjiriana,  so  common  on  the  plains  of  Long 
Island,  is  a  beautiful  representative  of  this  genus, 
one  much  sought  after  in  Europe,  where  it  is 
considered  one  of  the  finest  American  plants. 
They  are  beautiful  shrubs,  growing  about  two 
feet  high,  with  leaves  similar  to  those  of  the 
privet;  flowers  white,  in  spikesor  racemes  three 
to  eight  inches  long,  produced  in  June.  They 
are  conspicuous  throughout  the  season  on  ac- 
count of  their  form  ancl  foliage.  Propagated 
by  seeds,  which  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe. 

Ancylogyne.  From  ankylos,  curved,  and  gyne,  a 
female ;  the  pistil  is  curved.  Linn.  Diandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  under-shrubs,  with 
terminal  spikes  or  racemes  of  showy  flowers.  A. 
longiflora,  from  Guayaquil,  is  a  valuable  spe- 
cies for  the  green-house.  It  produces  large, 
drooping  panicles  of  rich  purple,  tubulous  flow- 
ers, two  inches  long,  and  of  a  most  attractive 
character.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced 
in  1866. 

Androsace.  From  aner,  a  man,  and  sacos,  a  buck- 
ler, in  reference  to  the  resemblance  of  the  an- 
ther to  an  ancient  buckler.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynui.  Nat.  Ord.  Primidacea;. 

The  species  forming  this  genus  (which  is 
nearly  allied  to  the  Primula)  are  elegant  little 
plants  from  the  Alps.  They  consist  of  annuals, 
biennials,  and  perennials,  all  perfectly  hardy, 
and  well  adapted  for  rock-work  or  sunny,  ex- 
posed spots.  Propagated  by  cuttings,  or  from 
seeds. 

Anemia.  From  andmon,  naked ;  in  reference  to 
the  naked  inflorescence.  Linn.  Oryptogamia- 
FiKces.  Nat.  Ord.  Pdypodiacew. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Ferns.  There 
are  numerous  species  in  the  West  Indies  and 
South  America,  some  of  which  are  of  an  orna- 
mental character,  and  much  prized  in  collec- 
tions. A.  adiantifdia  is  one  of  the  most  beauti- 
ful. The  genus  is  more  interesting  to  the  bota- 
nist than  the  florist.  Propagated  by  spores  or  di- 
vision. 

Anemone.  "Wind  Flower.  From  anemos,  the 
wind;  inhabiting  exposed  places.  Linn.  Pdyan- 
dria-Pdygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Hanuncidacece. 

The  species  are  showy  flowering  plants,  val- 
ued for  their  hardy  nature,  and  also  because 
they  will  flower  at  any  required  season,  accord- 
ing to  the  time  the  roots  are  kept  out  of  the 
ground.  The  roots  of  the  Anemone  are  solid, 
flattened  masses,  closely  resembling  ginger. 
They  should  be  planted  in  the  garden  as  early  in 


ANO 

the  spring  as  possible,  in  very  rich  soil  and  in  par- 
tial shade.  When  the  tops  are  dead,  take  up  and 
store  in  a  dry,  airy  place,  where  they  will  keep 
well  for  two  years  without  injuring  their  vital- 
ity. For  indoor  cultivation  they  can  be  planted 
at  any  time  in  very  rich  soil  in  pots  or  boxes. 
The  prevailing  colors  are  red,  white,  and  blue; 
flowers  double  or  semi-double.  One  of  the  ear- 
liest spring  flowers  is  A.  nemorosa,  the  white 
Wind  Flower  of  our  woods.  A,  pulsatUla  and  its 
varieties,  with  whitish,  violet,  and  purple  flow- 
ers, are  known  in  cottage  gardens  as  Pasque 
Floicers. 

Angels'  Trumpets.  A  popular  name  for  the 
flowers  of  Jlruymansia  suaveolens. 

Angelica.  The  name  was  given  as  a  record  of  the 
Angelic  virtues  that,  in  1573,  some  of  the  species 
were  supposed  to  possess,  for  not  only  was  it  a 
singular  remedy  against  poison,  the  plague,  all 
kinds  of  infection  and  malaria,  but  it  was  in- 
valuable against  witchcraft  and  enchantments. 
Linn.  Pentandria-lJigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 

One  of  the  species  of  this  genus  is  common  in 
moist  places,  from  Pennsylvania  southward.  The 
' '  intrinsic  virtues  "  that  it  was  once  supposed  to 
possess  are  entirely  lost,  its  great  virtue  now 
consisting  in  its  efficacy  as  a  trap  for  earwigs. 
If  the  stem  be  cut  in  short  pieces  and  thrown 
among  plants,  those  pests  will  completely  fill 
the  hollow  stems,  when  their  destruction  is  sim- 
ple and  easy. 

Angelica-tree.     See  Aralia  spinosa. 

Angrsecum.  From  angurek,  the  Malayan  name 
for  Air  Plants.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Orchids, 
embracing  a  number  of  classes  that  are 
mere  weeds  and  a  few  very  rare  and  beauti- 
ful species.  Among  the  latter  is  A .  sesquipedali, 
a  magnificent  plant,  a  native  of  Madagascar, 
where  it  grows  in  great  profusion,  covering  trees 
from  top  to  bottom.  The  stems  are  three  to  four 
feet  high,  the  foliage  about  a  foot  long,  dark, 
shining  green;  flowers  six  inches  in  diameter, 
ivory  white,  with  a  tail  from  ten  to  eighteen 
inches  long.  Unlike  many  of  this  order,  the 
plants  flower  when  quite  small.  The  flowers 
have  a  powerful  fragrance,  particularly  at  night. 
Propagated  by  division. 

Anguloa.  In  honor  of  Angulo,  a  Spanish  natu- 
ralist. Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  remarkable  terrestrial 
Orchids,  inhabiting  the  forests  of  tropical  Amer- 
ica. They  have  broad,  ribbed  leaves,  short, 
leafy  scapes,  bearing  a  single  large  fleshy  flower, 
white,  yellow,  or  spotted  with  crimson,  on  a 
pale  yellow  ground.  There  are  several  of  the 
species  under  cultivation.  They  are  increased 
by  division.  Introduced  in  1845. 

Animated  Oats.    See  Avena. 

Anise.     See  PimpineUa  anisum. 

Anomatheca.  From  anomos,  singular,  and  iheca, 
a  capsule  or  seed  pod.  Linn.  Triandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

Interesting  little  bulbous-rooted  plants  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  A.  cruenta  is  useful  for 
planting  in  masses,  as  it  produces  its  blood- 
colored  flowers  in  great  profusion.  They  may 
be  increased  to  almost  any  extent  from  seed,  and 
the  young  plants  will  bloom  the  same  season  if 
sown  in  a  gentle  heat  about  the  early  part  of 
March,  and  afterward  removed  to  the  open  air. 

Anopteris.  From  ano,  upward,  and  pteris,  a 
Fern;  alluding  to  the  resemblance  of  the  leaves. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


Linn.    Pentandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.   Escal- 
loniacece. 

A.  glandulosa,  the  only  species  introduced  into 
our  green-houses,  is  a  very  beautiful  shrub,  re- 
markable for  its  large,  handsome  leaves,  and 
axillary  panicles  or  spikes  of  small  white  and 
pink  now  ers .  Introduced  from  Van  Diemen's 
Land  in  184G.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Ansellia.  In  honor  of  Mr.  Ansell,  the  botanical 
collector  who  accompanied  the  ill-fated  Niger 
expedition.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  (Jrcludacea: 

A  small  genus  of  epiphyte!  Orchids.  A.  Afri- 
cana  is  a  very  beautiful  plant,  found  growing  on 
oil-palm  trees  in  the  island  of  Fernando  Po.  It 
has  a  tall  stem  resembling  the  sugar  cane ;  broad, 
strap-shaped  leaves,  and  large,  drooping  panicles 
of  greenish  flowers,  blotched  with  purple.  The 
plant  flowers  in  January,  and  keeps  in  perfec- 
tion for  several  months.  Propagated  by  divis- 
ion. Introduced  in  1844. 

Antliemis.  Chatnomile.  From  anlhemon,  a  flow- 
er; in  reference  to  the  great  number  of  flowers 
produced.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Siiperflua.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asteracerr. 

The  A.  Pyreihrum,  the  Pellitory  of  Spain,  is  a 
pretty  little  perennial,  with  large  white  flowers, 
stained  with  lilac  on  the  back.  It  is  a  suitable 
plant  for  rock-work,  or  boxes  in  a  balcony,  as  it 
requires  a  warm,  dry  situation.  Miller  raised 
this  plant  in  rather  a  curious  way  in  1732,  find- 
ing its  seeds  among  some  Malaga  raisins  to 
which  they  had  adhered.  The  root  was  for- 
merly considered  a  cure  for  the  toothache. 
Anthericum.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Liliacece. 

A.  liliaslrum  is  a  very  pretty  hardy  herbaceous 
plant,  has  broadish  grassy  leaves,  flower  stalk 
one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high,  bearing  several 
large,  pure  white,  sweet-scented  flowers,  marked 
on  each  segment  with  a  green  dot.  This  is  com- 
monly called  St.  Bruno's  Lily.  A.  vitiatum 
variegation,  a  species  of  recent  introduction,  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  has  foliage  of  a  bright 
grassy  green  color,  beautifully  striped  and  mar- 
gined with  creamy  white.  In  variegation  and 
habit  it  closely  resembles  Pandanus  Vcitchii, 
but  is  of  more  rapid  growth  and  easy  of  cultiva- 
tion. It  has  a  hardy  constitution,  not  as  against 
cold,  but  as  against  the  dry  atmosphere  and  gases 
of  the  drawing-room,  which  makes  it  a  valuable 
plant  for  the  conservatory  or  for  filling  in  bas- 
kets, jardinieres,  or  rustic  designs.  The  method 
of  propagating  this  species  is  both  interesting 
and  peculiar.  Buds  or  short  shoots  are  formed  on 
the  flokver  stems,  which,  put  in  as  cuttings  in 
the  ordinary  way,  root  rapidly.  It  is  propagat- 
ed by  seed  or  division  of  root.  Introduced  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1824. 
Antholyza.  From  anthos,  a  flower,  and  lyssa, 
rage ;  in  reference  to  the  opening  of  the  flower 
like  the  mouth  of  an  enraged  animal.  Linn.  Tri- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacea;. 

A  pretty  genus  of  Cape  bulbs,  like  the  Ano- 
matheca,  but  of  stronger  habit.  They  should  be 
grown  in  light,  rich  earth,  and  have  the  protec- 
tion of  a  frame,  or  some  other  covering,  in  win- 
ter, to  exclude  frost.  Scarlet  and  orange  are  the 
prevailing  colors  of  the  flowers.  Introduced 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1759.  Propagated 
by  offsets. 

Anthurium.  From  anthos,  a  flower,  and  aura,  a 
tail;  referring  to  the  spadix or  floriferous  flower- 
spike.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia..  Nat.  Ord. 
Orontu 


AOT 

This  singular  plant  is  a  native  of  Brazil.  Can 
only  be  grown  in  a  strong,  moist  heat,  that  of  a  hot- 
house being  necessary.  A.  Scherzerianum,  a  na- 
tive of  Guatemala  and  Costa  Rica,  is  one  of  the 
most  brilliant,  showy,  and  valuable  plants  of  re- 
cent introduction.  Tho  singular  form  and  in- 
tense coloring  of  the  flower,  together  with  the 
gracefully-curved  foliage  and  long  duration  of 
the  flowers,  (for  several  weeks, )  render  it  a  most 
valuable  plant.  This  species  is  a  true  epiphyte, 
and  requires  to  be  grown  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  tropical  Orchids. 

Antiaris.  Upas  Tree.  From  antja,  its  Java  name. 
Linn.  Moncscia-Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Atrocar- 
pacece. 

A.  toxicaria  is  the  fabled  Upas  Tree  of  Java, 
which  furnishes  a  deadly  poison  in  the  form  of 
a  milky  juice  that  exudes  when  slightly  bruised 
or  cut.  The  exaggerated  accounts,  that  no  other 
plants,  or  animals,  or  birds,  could  live  near  the 
tree;  that  the  death  penalty  was  satisfied  if  the 
criminal  would  cut  from  the  tree  a  branch,  or 
collect  some  of  its  juices,  were  effectually  dis- 
pelled by  Mr.  Davidson,  author  of  Trade  and 
Travel  in  the  Far  East,  who,  with  a  number  of 
friends,  climbed  up  into  the  tree,  took  lunch, 
smoked  their  cigars,  and  enjoyed  a  few  hours 
socially  in  its  branches.  The  Upas  has  undoubt- 
edly derived  its  evil  reputation  chiefly  from  its 
having  been  found  growing  in  the  celebrated 
valley  of  Java,  where,  through  volcanic  agency, 
there  is  a  constant  evolution  of  carbonic  acid 
gas,  fatal  to  air-breathing  animals,  and  where 
both  man  and  beast  frequently  fall  victims  to 
this  invisible  danger.  "As  if  to  prove  the  say- 
ing that  reality  is  more  strange  than  fiction,  at 
least  in  botany,  the  very  nearest  plant  in  affinity 
to  this  deadly-poisonous  tree  is  the  Cow  Tree  of 
South  America,  whose  milky  juice  is  as  whole- 
some as  that  of  an  'Alderney,'  and  that  the 
Bread  Fruit  Tree  is  also  closely  allied  to  the 
Upas." 

Antirrhinum.  Snapdragon.  Derived  from  anti, 
similar,  and  rhm,  nose.  The  flowers  of  most  of 
the  species  resemble  the  snout  of  some  animal. 
Linn.  Tetradynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
ScrophulariactcK. 

Annual  and  perennial  plants,  natives  of  the 
middle  and  south  of  Europe,  and  of  which  one 
species,  A.  mnjus,  the  common  Snapdragon,  is  in 
every  garden.  There  are  many  varieties  of  this 
species,  the  finest  of  which,  A.  m.  caryophyUoides, 
has  the  flowers  striped  like  those  of  a  flaked  Car- 
nation. All  the  species  of  Snapdragon  grow  in 
any  soil  that  is  tolerably  dry,  and  they  are  read- 
ily increased  by  cuttings;  for  though  they  pro- 
duce abundance  of  seeds,  yet  the  varieties  can 
only  be  perpetuated  with  certainty  by  the  for- 
mer mode  of  propagation.  The  beautiful  carna- 
tion-like variety  will,  indeed,  very  seldom  pro- 
duce striped  flowers  two  years  in  succession 
from  the  same  root;  and  thus  a  person  who  has 
purchased  a  plant  with  beautifully-striped  flow- 
ers will  generally  have  the  mortification,  the 
second  year,  of  finding  it  produce  nothing  but 
flowers  of  the  common  Snapdragon,  unless  cut- 
tings hnve  been  made  from  the  young  shoots  of 
the  plant,  and  the  old  root  thrown  away.  As 
this  plant,  in  its  wild  state,  is  very  commonly 
found  growing  on  the  tops  of  old  walls,  it  may 
be  considered  as  one  of  the  most  ornamental 
plants  for  placing  in  such  a  situation. 

Aotus.  From  a,  not,  and  ous,  ear;  the  ear-like 
appendages  to  the  calyx  are  wanting.  Linn. 
Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


APH 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  small  ever- 
green shrubs  from  New  Holland.  They  are  slen- 
der plants,  with  heath-like  leaves,  arranged  in 
whorls  round  the  stem.  The  flowers  are  pea- 
shaped,  bright  yellow,  on  short  stalks.  A.  gra- 
cittima,  a  native  of  West  Australia,  is  a  favorite 
species  for  the  green-house.  Itis  a  slender  shrub, 
with  copious  yellow  flowers,  which  are  so  thickly 
set  on  the  stems  as  to  hide  the  leaves  from  view. 
Botanists  report  several  very  beautiful  species 
not  yet  in  cultivation.  Propagated  by  seeds. 
Introduced  in  1844. 

Aphelandra.  From  aphdes,  simple,  and  aner,  a 
male;  the  anthers  being  one-celled.  Linn.  D'tdy- 
namia-Angiospfrmia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanikacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  dwarf  shrubs  from  tropical 
America,  allied  to  the  Justicia.  A  crlstata  is  a 
remarkably  handsome  hot-house  plant,  producing 
large  spikes  of  bright  scarlet  flowers.  A.  auran- 
tiaca  has  no  less  handsome  flowers  of  light 
orange  color,  and  grows  freely  in  the  green- 
house. They  are  increased  by  cuttings. 


car,  having  much  resemblance  to  that  class  of 
everlasting  flowers  known  as  Helichrysum.  The 
genus  is  composed  of  five  species,  all  of  them 
having  very  small  leaves,  which  are  closely 
pressed  to  the  stem  like  those  of  club-moss. 
The  flowers  are  solitary,  of  a  pink  color,  or  small 
yellow,  in  clusters  of  two  or  three.  The  garden 
varieties  of  Aphelexis,  and  those  most  common- 
ly met  in  the  green-house,  are  natives  of  the 
Cape,  not  Madagascar,  and  are  generally  placed 
in  the  genus  Hdipterum.  A.  humUis  is  one  of  the 
finest  green-house  plants.  When  in  bloom  it 
remains  in  perfection  for  six  or  seven  weeks. 
Propagated  by  cuttings,  or  from  seed.  Intro- 
duced in  1796. 

Aphyllantb.es.  Its  stems  are  like  a  rush,  and 
bear  on  their  summits  a  little  tuft  of  flowers; 
hence  the  name,  from  aphyllos,  leafless,  and  an- 
tiios,  a  flower.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LiliacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous,  rush-like 
perennials,  common  in  Southern  Europe.  The 
flower  scape  is  very  slender  and  grass-like,  and 
bears  a  cluster  of  small  blue  flowers,  that  are  of 
but  short  duration.  This  plant  is  of  consider- 
able interest  to  the  botanist,  but  not  of  the 
slightest  use  to  the  florist  or  gardener. 

Apios.  From  apion,  a  pear;  in  reference  to  the 
form  of  the  roots.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A.  tuberosa,  the  only  species,  is  found  in  the 
woods  and  hedges  from  Massachusetts  to  the 
Carolinas.  It  is  an  elegant  climbing  plant  allied 
to  the  Wistaria.  It  bears  large  clusters  of  brown- 
ish-purple, sweet-scented  flowers  in  July.  Read- 
ily  propagated  by  division  of  tubers,  which  are 
edible.  Commonly  known  as  Ground-nut. 

Aplectrum.  Putty  Root.  Adam-and-Eve.  From 
a,  not,  and  plektron,  a  spur;  the  flower  without 
spurs.  Linn.  (tynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacetK. 

A.  hyemale,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  bulb- 
ous Orchid.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  sum- 
mer in  a  raceme  a  foot  or  more  high,  and  are  of 
a  dingy  color,  more  curious  than  beautiful.  The 
plant  is  occasionally  met  only  in  the  Northern 
and  Eastern  States. 

Aplopappus.  A  synonym  of  Haplopappus,  a 
genus  of  ComposUce,  of  but  little  interest. 

Apocynum.     Indian  Hemp.     From  apo,  from, 


AQU 

and  kyon,  a  dog;  poisonous  to  dogs.     Linn.  Pen- 
tandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  in- 
digenous throughout  the  United  States.  A.  can- 
nabinum  is  commonly  called  Indian  Hemp, 
from  the  fact  of  the  Indians  using  the  fibrous 
bark  as  a  substitute  for  hemp  in  making  their 
fishing-nets,  mats,  clothing,  and  various  other 
articles  for  which  the  true  Hemp  is  generally 
used.  A.  androscemifolium  is  termed  by  English 
botanists  the  "Fly  Trap  of  North  Am  erica,  "and 
cultivate  it  as  an  object  of  curiosity.  They  do 
not  class  it  as  insectivorous  further  than  that  its 
flowers  catch  and  kill  the  flies,  but  do  not  feed 
upon  them.  None  of  thespecies  possesses  suffi- 
cient beauty  to  warrant  its  introduction  into  the 
garden. 

Apple.  Pyrus  Mains.  The  history  of  the  Apple 
shares  obscurity  with  all  the  fruits,  vegetables, 
and  flowers  that  were  in  cultivation  before  any 
records  were  kept;  consequently  speculation 
must  take  the  place  of  facts  in  connection  with 
the  early  history  of  this  valuable  fruit.  The  first 
account  of  this  fruit  is  given  in  Genesis,  which 
is  as  unsatisfactory  as  the  effect  to  humanity  is 
supposed  to  have  been  in  the  eating  of  it.  The 
general  opinion  is  that  the  origin  of  the  culti- 
vated Apple  is  the  wild  Crab,  which  is  found  in- 
digenous in  nearly  all  parts  of  Europe,  as  well 
as  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States.  Where, 
when,  or  how  the  improvement  in  this  fruit  com- 
menced we  cannot  conjecture.  Pliny  mentions 
Apple  trees  "that  will  honor  the  first  grafters 
forever;"  and  every  subsequent  mention  of  this 
fruit  shows  marked  improvement  in  the  quality, 
as  well  as  in  the  quantity  produced.  To  the 
mother  country  we  are  indebted  for  the  parents 
of  the  many  choice  varieties  that  have  rewarded 
the  skill  and  industry  of  our  horticulturists,  a 
record  of  which  the  limits  of  this  work  will  not 
warrant.  Downing's  Fruits  and  Fruit  Trees  of 
America  contains  all  that  is  known  in  regard  to 
the  Apple,  and  may  be  consulted  with  profit. 

Apple  of  Peru.  The  fruit  of  Nicandra  physaloides. 

Apples  of  Sodom.     See  Solanum  Carolinense. 

Apricot.  Prunus  Armeniaca.  The  Apricot  is  a 
native  of  Central  Asia,  China,  Japan,  Armenia, 
and  Arabia.  In  all  these  countries  it  is  found 
in  its  native  state,  and  is  also  extensively  culti- 
vated. The  difference  in  the  quality  of  this  fruit 
in  its  wild  and  cultivated  states  is  not  so  great 
as  in  most  other  fruits,  nature  having  left  less 
work  for  man  to  do  in  order  to  enjoy  it  in  its 
highest  condition.  The  fruit  or  pulp  of  the 
wild  Apricot,  however,  does  not  compare  with 
many  of  the  cultivated  varieties  that  have  re- 
sulted from  selections,  yet  it  is  a  fair  and  whole- 
some fruit.  The  Apricot  is  extensively  grown 
in  China  and  Japan,  and  the  natives  employ  it 
variously  in  the  arts.  The  Persians  also  grow 
this  fruit  extensively;  so  highly  do  they  esteem 
it  that  they  call  it  the  "  Seed  of  the  Sun."  The 
Apricot  was  introduced  into  England  in  1524  by 
Woolf,  the  gardener  to  Henry  VHI.  Parkinson 
(1629)  mentions  eight  varieties.  Since  then 
many  varieties  have  been  added  to  the  list, 
which  is  by  no  means  so  extensive  as  that  of 
other  kinds  of  fruit.  The  ravages  of  the  Cur- 
culio  prevent  the  cultivation  of  this  excellent 
fruit  in  some  parts  of  this  country ;  but  for  that 
pest  it  could  be  produced  in  the  greatest  abund- 
ance at  a  very  low  price. 

Aquilegia.  Columbine.  From  aqutta,  an  eagle  ; 
alluding  to  the  form  of  the  petal.  Linn.  Poly- 
andria-Penlagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Eanunculacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


17 


AHA 

Perennial  herbaceous  plants,  growing  from 
one  to  three  feet  high,  of  which  several  species 
are  very  ornamental,  especially  A.  vulgaris  and 
its  varieties.  A.  Canadensis  is  the  wild  Colum- 
bine of  the  United  States.  A.  chrysantha,  re- 
cently discovered  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  has 
canary-colored  flowers,  contrasting  finely  with 
A.  alpina.  They  grow  in  any  dry  soil.  The 
species  are  propagated  by  seeds,  which  will 
keep  a  long  time,  or  by  division  of  the  root. 

Arabia.  Rock  Cress.  From  Arabia:  probably  in 
reference  to  the  dry  situations  where  many  of 
the  species  grow.  Linn.  Telradynamia-Siliquosa. 
Nat.  Ord.  Crutiferce. 

Herbaceous  plants,  chiefly  annuals  and  bien- 
nials. Natives  of  many  countries,  some  of  which 
are  remarkable  for  their  early  flowering.  A.  al- 
pina has  white  and  yelk  ./  flowers,  which,  in  its 
native  country,  appear  in  March ;  and  .-1.  aJbida 
flowers  the  greater  part  of  the  year,  commencing 
in  mild  winters  in  January,  iind  puducing  its 
large  tufts  of  white  blossoms  till  October.  Some 
of  the  species  and  varieties,  such  as  A.  verna,  A. 
alpina  nana,  and  A.  bellidifolia,  do  not  grow  above 
three  inches  high,  and  are  admirable  plants  for 
rock-work,  or  gardens  and  pots. 

Arachis.  Peanut.  From  a,  privative,  and  rachis,  a 
branch;  a  branchless  plant.  Linn.  Diacklphia- 
Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  1'abacece. 

A.  hypogcea  (underground),  the  only  species, 
is  the  Peanut  of  our  shops.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
West  Indies  and  Western  Africa,  but  has  be- 
come generally  cultivated  in  all  warm  climates 
as  an  article  of  food,  to  be  eaten  like  other  nuts, 
or  as  food  for  swine.  It  is  also  largely  cultivated 
in  the  East  Indies  and  Cochin  China  for  the  oil 
obtained  from  the  seeds,  which  is  thin  and  of  a 
straw  color,  resembling  the  finer  kinds  of  olive 
oil.  It  is  said  to  be  of  a  superior  quality,  and 
for  table  use  preferable  to  the  best  olive  oil.  It 
is  free  from  stearine,  and  is  used  by  watchmakers 
and  others  for  delicate  machinery.  The  plant 
is  an  annual,  of  a  trailing  habit,  with  yellow, 
pea-shaped  flowers,  produced  from  the  axils  of 
the  leaves  in  bunches  of  five  or  seven,  close  to 
or  even  tinder  the  ground.  They  should  be 
grown  in  a  light,  sandy  soil,  and  the  stems  cov- 
ered lightly  with  earth  when  in  flower,  as  the 
seeds  are  only  ripened  under  ground.  The  pea- 
nut is  profitably  grown  in  nearly  all  of  the  South- 
ern States. 

Aralia.  A  name  of  unknown  meaning.  Linn. 
1'mtandria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Araleacce. 

This  genus  consists  of  trees,  herbs,  and  shrubs, 
mostly  of  an  ornamental  character,  but  of  no 
value  as  flowering  plants.  The  roots  of  A.  med- 
icaulis,  one  of  our  native  species,  is  largely  sold 
for  sarsaparilla.  A.  racemos't  is  our  beautiful 
Spikenard,  much  esteemed  for  its  medicinal 
properties.  A.  papijrifera,  which  assumes  a  tree 
form,  grows  in  great  quantities  in  the  deep, 
swampy  forests  of  the  island  of  Formosa.  The 
stems  of  this  species  are  filled  with  pith  of 
very  fine  texture,  from  which  is  manufactured 
the  celebrated  rice  paper  of  the  Chinese,  which 
is  chiefly  used  in  making  artificial  flowers. 

Araucaria.  From  araucanos,  its  name  among  the 
people  in  whose  country  the  Araucaria  imbricata 
grows  in  Chili.  Linn.  l)icecia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Pinacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  lofty  evergreen  trees, 
none  oi*  which  will  bear  the  open  air  of  the  cli- 
mate of  the  Northern  States.  The  most  beauti- 
ful of  the  species  is  A .  e.rcelxa,  from  Norfolk  Is- 
land, where  it  is  known  as  Norfolk  Island  Pine. 


ARE 

It  grows  to  the  height  of  200  feet.  Its  symmetrical 
g  owth  and  deep  green,  finely- cut  foliage  give  it 
a  fern-like  appearance.  All  the  species  are  fine 
ornaments  for  the  lawn  during  summer,  but  re- 
quire the  protection  of  the  green-house  during 
winter.  Propagation  can  be  effected  by  cuttings, 
though  a  slow  and  uncertain  process.  They 
grow  readily  from  seed. 

Arbor  Vitse.    See  Thuja. 

Arctotis.  Derived  from  arktos,  a  bear,  and  ous, 
an  ear  ;  shaggy  fruit.  Linn.  Synyenesia-Polyga- 
mia-Necessaria.  Nat.  Ord.  Composiicc. 

This  genus  consists  of  annuals,  biennials,  and 
green-house  perennials.  The  annuals  should 
be  started  in  the  hot-bed  early,  as  they  require 
a  long  season  to  develop  their  showy  flowers, 
which  are  sulphur  and  orange.  They  grow 
freely  in  ordinary  soil,  and  keep  in  bloom  until 
killed  by  frost.  Introduced  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  in  1774. 

Ardisia.  From  ardis,  a  spear-head;  in  reference 
to  the  sharp-pointed  divisions  of  the  flower. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  J/I//-N/- 
nacece. 

Handsome  green-house  plants  from  the  East 
Indies,  producing  either  red  or  white  flowers, 
and  may  be  grown  in  sandy  peat,  with  plenty 
of  water  through  the  summer  months.  A.  cre- 
nulata  is  admired  alike  for  its  white  flowers  and 
vermilion  berries,  being  constantly  covered 
with  either  one  qr  the  other.  Propagated  by 
seeds  in  the  green-house.  Plants  usually  fruit 
when  one  year  old.  There  is  also  a  pretty  white- 
fruited  variety. 

Areca.  Called  areec  in  Malabar,  when  an  old  tree. 
Linn.  Moncecia- Monad 'elphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmace-cv. 
An  extensive  genus  of  lofty,  magnificent 
Palms-,  natives  of  the  East  and  West  Indies  and 
South  America.  The  most  prominent  of  the 
species  is  A.  oleracea,  the  Cablbage  Palm.  This 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  stately  of  the 
Palm  tribe,  and  is  called,  in  some  of  the  trop- 
ical islands,  the  Royal  Palmetto.  The  stein  of  a 
full-sized  tree  at  the  base  is  seven  feet  in  cir- 
cumference, and  it  rises  to  the  enormous  height 
of  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet.  A  noted  trav- 
eler, in  his  description  of  this  tree,  says: 
"  Near  the  base  the  trunk  is  of  a  brown  color, 
hard,  woody,  and  jointed,  with  a  pith  inside 
like  the  elder.  The  upper  part  of  the  trunk, 
from  whence  the  foliage  springs,  resembles  a 
well-turned,  finely-polished  baluster,  of  a  lively 
green  color,  gently  swelling  from  its  pedestal, 
and  diminishing  gradually  to  the  top,  where  it 
expands  into  branches,  waving  like  plumes  of 
ostrich  feathers.  These  are  decorated  with  nu- 
merous leaflets,  some  of  which  are  about  three 
feet  long,  and  an  inch  and  a  half  broad,  taper- 
ing into  a  sharp  point.  The  leaflets  gradually 
decrease  in  size  as  they  approach  the  extremi- 
ties of  the  branches.  This  lofty,  regular  group 
of  foliage,  impelled  by  the  most  gentle  gale,  and 
constantly  waving  in  feathery  elegance,  is  an 
object  of  beauty  which  cannot  be  imagined  by 
an  inhabitant  of  temperate  climes,  unused  to  the 
magnificent  vegetation  of  a  tropical  sun.  Within 
the  leaves,  which  constitute  the  summit  of  the 
trunk,  the  portion  called  the  cabbage  lies  con- 
cealed. This  substance  is  white,  about  two  feet 
long,  of  cylindrical  form,  and  the  thickness  pi  a 
man's  arm.  It  is  composed  of  longitudinal 
flakes  like  ribbons,  and  so  compact  as  to  form  a 
solid,  crisp  body.  When  eaten  raw,  it  tastes 
somewhat  like  the  almond,  but  more  tender  and 
delicious.  When  cut  into  slices  and  boiled,  it 


18 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ARE 

is  served  tip  with  meat  as  a  vegetable  dish.     To 
obtain  this  great  delicacy — growing  on  the  very 
summit  of  such  a  stately  trunk— the  noble  tree   . 
must  be  felled  to  the  ground.     In  the  place   | 
•where  the  cabbage  grew,  a  species  of  beetle  gen-   j 
erally  deposits  its  eggs,   from  which,  in  due 
time,  grubs  are  hatched,  that  have  received  the 
name  of  Palm-tree  Worms.    They  are  about  the 
size  of  a  man's  thumb,  very  fat,  and  esteemed  a 
great  luxury.     They  are  fned  with  a  little  but- 
ter and  salt,  and  their  flavor  partakes  of  all  the 
spices  of  India." 

Arenga.  Name  not  explained.  Linn.  Monoscia- 
Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A.  saccharifera,  the  only  species,  is  a  very  use- 
ful and  interesting  Palm,  a  native  of  the  Asiatic 
islands.  In  its  native  country  the  fibers  at- 
tached to  the  petioles  are  twisted  into  ropes,  the 
medulla  of  the  trunk  is  used  as  sago,  and  the 
saccharine  juice  forms  excellent  sugar.  It  is  said 
that  this  species  alone  will  supply  all  the  actual 
needs  of  the  native:  food,  clothing,  and  a  sim- 
ple hut  made  from  the  leaves,  are  all  supplied 
from  this  species,  and  are  all  that  a  native's  ne- 
cessities require. 

Arethusa.  A  classical  name,  after  one  of  Diana's 
nymphs.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A.  bulbosa  is  a  beautiful  species  found  grow- 
ing in  damp  places  near  the  seashore  along  the 
Atlantic  coast.  The  flowers  are  a  bright  rose- 
purple,  from  one  to  two  inches  long.  One  of 
our  best  native  Orchids. 

Ar  gem  one.  Prickly  Poppy.  From  argema,  a 
cataract  of  the  eye;  in  reference  to  its  medicinal 
qualities.  Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Papaveracece. 

Highly  ornamental  hardy  annuals  and  peren- 
nials from  Mexico,  with  large  flowers  like  those 
of  the  Poppy,  and  of  the  easiest  culture.  The 
plants,  spreading  widely,  require  a  good  deal  of 
room  to  look  handsome.  The  seed  of  A.  Mejci- 
cana  is  the  Fico  del  Inferno  (Infernal  Fig)  of  the 
Spaniards;  a  purgative  and  powerful  narcotic, 
especially  if  smoked  with  tobacco. 

Argyreia.  Named  in  reference  to  the  white,  sil- 
very texture  of  the  leaves,  from  argyreios,  sil- 
very. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Convdvulacece. 

A  fine  genus  of  strong-growing  climbers  from 
the  East  Indies.  They  are  only  adapted  for  the 
green -house,  and  require  a  long  time,  with  lib- 
eral pot  room,  to  bring  them  into  flower.  A. 
cuneata  is  a  dwarf-growing  species,  and  free 
flowering ;  colors  white  and  purple,  resembling 
the  Iponwea.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1820. 

Ariseema.  Indian  Turnip,  Dragon  Arum. 
From  aron,  an  arum,  and  sana,  a  standard ;  in 
reference  to  the  close  affinity  to  Arum.  Linn. 
Moncetia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Aracacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  tuberous-rooted  perennials. 
Two  of  the  species,  A.  triphyllum,  the  Indian 
Turnip,  and  A.  dracontium,  the  Green  Dragon  or 
Dragon  Root,  are  common  in  moist  woods  and 
along  streams  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States. 
They  bear  cultivation  well,  and  make  beautiful 
plants  for  a  shady  border.  The  flowers  are  pop- 
ularly known  as  Jack-in-the-Pulpit.  These  are 
succeeded  by  a  cluster  of  scarlet  berries,  that 
make  a  showy  appearance  until  winter.  The 
biting,  acrid  properties  of  this  genus  are  such 
that  the  smallest  portion  chewed,  either  of 
leaves  or  root,  produces  a  feeling  as  if  the  tongue 
were  pierced  with  needles. 


ARP 

Aristida.  From  arista,  a  beard  or  awn.  Linn. 
Triandria-Dujynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oraminaeeae. 

A  genus  of  harsh  perennial  grasses,  common 
on  dry,  barren  soils  throughout  the  United 
States.  A.  dichotomn  is  commonly  known  as 
Poverty  Grass,  as  it  is  a  sure  indication  of  poor 
and  barren  soil.  A.  strida  is  the  Southern  Wire- 
grass. 

Aristolochia.  Birthwort.  From  aristos,  best, 
and  locheia,  parturition,  its  supposed  medicinal 
character.  Linn.  Qynandria-He-xandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Aristolochiacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  plants  of  various  habi- 
tudes, occupying  every  station,  from  the  open 
air  to  the  hottest  part  of  the  hot-house.  Most  of 
them  extend  their  branches  a  long  distance, 
though  some  are  to  be  found  that  are  neat  and 
compact  in  their  growth.  The  flowers  of  all  are 
extremely  curious,  generally  of  some  lurid  color, 
and  bearing  a  resemblance  to  the  expanded 
mouth  of  a  horn.  The  larger  ones  have,  not 
inaptly,  been  compared  to  the  ear  of  an  elephant, 
while  others  are  distinguished  by  a  long,  pend- 
ant pouch.  The  tender  species  require  either 
the  hot-house  or  green-house,  and  a  few  are  suf- 
ficiently robust  to  bear  exposure  to  our  winters. 
They  grow  freely  in  rich  loam  and  leaf  mould.  A. 
sipho  (Dutchman's  Pipe)  is  a  native  of  the 
Southern  States,  and  one  of  the  best  for  cover- 
ing walls  or  trellises;  under  favorable  circum- 
stances it  will  grow  twenty  feet  in  a  season.  The 
foliage  is  large,  of  a  deep,  rich  green.  Propagat- 
ed by  seed.  Perfectly  hardy. 

Arineria.  Thrift.  The  Latin  name  for  the 
Sweet  William.  Linn.  Pentandria-Pentagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Plumbaginacece. 

A  genus  of  highly  ornamental,  hardy  herba- 
ceous plants,  of  dwarf  habit,  with  flowers  of 
various  shades  between  pink  and  purple,  pro- 
duced on  the  majority  of  the  species  in  great 
profusion.  The  common  Thrift,  A.  vulgaris, 
is  a  well-known  substitute  for  Box  as  an  edging 
to  flower  borders.  They  grow  with  freedom  in 
almost  any  soil,  and  without  regard  to  situation, 
except  that  the  drip  of  trees  is  injurious  to  most 
of  them.  Propagated  by  division.  Introduced 
from  Southern  Europe  in  1810. 

Arnica.  From  arnakis,  a  lamb's  skin;  in  ref- 
erence to  the  texture  of  the  leaves.  Linn. 
tiyngenesia-Superftua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy,  dwarf  herbaceous 
plants.  Some  of  the  species  are  common  in  this 
country,  though  not  of  special  interest.  A.  mon- 
tana  is  a  native  of  the  mountainous  districts  of 
Northern  and  Middle  Europe.  The  tincture  of 
Arnica  is  prepared  from  this  species;  was  first 
introduced  by  the  homoeopathists.and  soon  after 
came  into  general  use,  and  is  considered  invalu- 
able for  wounds  or  bruises. 

Aromatic  Wintergreen.     See  Gaulilieria.. 

Aronicum.  Erom  arnica,  a  lamb's  skin  ;  in  ref- 
erence to  the  softness  of  the  flower-heads. 
Linn.  Syngene-sia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 
A  small  genus  of  pretty  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, inhabiting  Central  Europe  and  Asia.  They 
have  flower  stalks  varying  from  three  inches  to 
two  feet  high,  with  terminal  heads  of  bright 
yellow  flowers.  A.  Clusii,  a  pretty  little  Alpine 
species  growing  from  three  to  five  inches  high, 
is  well  adapted  for  a  border  plant  or  for  rock- 
work.  They  are  increased  by  division,  or  from 
seed. 

Arpophyllum.  Derivation  of  name  not  given. 
Lynn,  fcynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchida- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


19 


AER 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  Orchids  from 
Mexico  and  New  Grenada.  They  are  of  graceful 
habit,  easy  of  culture,  and  the  flowers  last  long 
in  perfection.  They  are  increased  by  division, 
and  should  be  grown  rapidly  to  produce  large 
bulbs,  as  small  ones  do  not  flower. 

Arrow-head.    See  SoffMnrin. 

Arrow-root.  A  kind  of  starch  obtained  from  va- 
rious plants.  Bermuda  Arrow-root  is  obtained 
fromMarantaarundinacm;  the  Brazilian,  or  Tapi- 
oca, from  Manihot  utilissimu  ,•  the  Chinese  from 
Ndutntnum  speciosum ;  the  East  Indian  from  dif- 
ferent species  of  Curcuma;  the  English  from  the 
Potato  (Solanum  tuberosum);  American  from  In- 
dian Corn.  There  are  several  other  kinds,  but 
the  name  is  chiefly  associated  with  that  from 
Miirnn.tn  arundinriceci,  which  see. 

Arrow- wood.     See  Viburnum. 

Artanthe.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Diandria-Triandrist.  Nat.  Ord.  Piperacea'. 

A  small  genus  belonging  to  the  Pepper  family. 
They  are  woody  plants,  with  jointed  stems, 
rough  leaves,  and  spikes  of  flowers  opposite  the 
leaves.  A.  elonyata  furnishes  one  of  the  arti- 
cles known  by  the  Peruvians  as  Matico,  and 
which  is  used  by  them  for  the  same  piirpose  as 
Cubebs,  the  produce  of  a  nearly-allied  plant ; 
but  its  chief  value  is  the  power  it  has  of  staunch- 
ing blood.  The  under-surface  of  the  leai  is 
rough,  traversed  by  a  network  of  rejecting 
veins,  and  covered  with  hairs;  hence  its  effect 
in  stopping  hemorrhage  is  prcbably  mechani- 
cal, like  that  of  lint,  cobweb,  and  other  commonly 
used  appliances.  The  species  are  not  esteemed 
valuable  as  flowering  plants. 

Artemisia.  Wormwood.  From  Artemis,  one  of 
the  names  of  Diana.  Linn.  Si/n<jenesia-^E(jualis. 
Nat.  Ord.  AsteracecK. 

This  genus  contains,  among  other  plants,  two 
well-known  shrubs,  the  Southern-wood,  or  Old 
Man,  Artemisia  abrotanum,  and  the  Wormwood, 
A.  absinthium.  They  are  both  very  hardy,  and  the 
Southern-wood  is  valuable  for  bearing  want  of 
air  and  smoke  without  injury.  Few  persons, 


of  transparent 
taining  the  fragrant  oil  that  gives  out  the  scent, 
and  it  is  by  breaking  them,  that  rubbing  the 
leaves  between  the  fingers  makes  them  smell 
stronger.  The  Chinese  Chrysanthemums  are 
frequently  miscalled  Artemisias. 

Artichoke.  Cynaria  scolymus  and  Cynaria  horten- 
sis  are  the  Green  and  Globe  Artichokes  of  the 
garden.  They  are  hardy  perennials,  •  growing 
from  three  to  four  feet  high,  with  numerous 
branches.  The  leaves  measure  from  three  to 
four  feet  in  length,  pinnatifid,  or  cut  in  deep, 
horizontal,  convex  segments,  which  are  covered 
with  an  ash-colored  down,  the  whole  plant  re- 
sembling a  large  Thistle.  The  portion  eaten  is 
the  under  dde  of  the  head,  before  the  flower 
opens.  The  whole  head  is  removed  and  boiled, 
the  leaves  laid  aside,  and  the  bottom  eaten, 
dipped  in  butter,  with  a  little  pepper  and  salt. 
The  Artichoke  is  a  supposed  native  of  the  South 
of  Europe.  The  first  account  of  its  cultivation 
was  in  Italy,  in  1473,  and  from  that  period, 
when  it  was  said  to  be  very  scarce,  it  has  stead- 
ily grown  in  favor,  and  its  cultivation  extended . 
The  Artichoke  thrives  best  in  a  light,  very  rich, 
moist  soil.  One  containing  a  largo  proportion 
of  saline  properties  suits  it  best.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  by  suckers  from  established  plants. 

;    The  Jerusalem  Ariirltuke  is  in  no  sense  a  true  Ar- 


ARU 

t1' choke,  but  the  tuberous  root  of  a  species  of 
Sunflower,  Helianihus  tuberomix,  a  native  of  Bra- 
zil, from  whence  it  was  sent  to  England*  about 
the  year  1620.  The  date  of  its  introduction  into 
this  country  is  unknown.  It  must  have  been  at 
an  early  period,  as  it  has  become  8O  perfectly 
naturalized  in  many  places  as  to  become  trou- 
blesome. Its  cultivation  is  now  strongly  recom- 
mended on  dry  soils,  liable  to  excessive  droughts. 
It  is  said  that  1,500  bushels  per  acre  can  be  pro- 
duced, upon  which  swine  will  thrive  finely,  the 
tubers  furnishing  sufficient  water  to  allay  thirst. 
They  also  furnish  excellent  food  for  sheep. 
Some  agriculturists  claim  that  the  tops,  cut  and 
properly  cured,  form  an  excellent  hay,  with  a 
yield  of  five  or  six  tons  to  the  acre. 

Artillery  Plant.     See  Pilea. 

Artocarpus.  Bread  Fruit.  From  artos,  bread, 
and  carpos,  fruit  ;  the  fruit  baked  resembles 
bread.  Linn.  MonoeciarMonandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Artocarpaceae. 

This  natural  order  presents  strange  anomalies: 
the  invaluable  Bread-fruit  Tree  of  the  tropics, 
the  useful  Cow-tree  of  Caraccas,  and  the  viru- 
lent poison  of  the  Upas  Tree  of  Java,  side  by 
side.  The  Bread-fruit,  originally  found  in  the 
southeastern  parts  of  Asia  and  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific,  though  now  introduced  into  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America,  is  one  of  the  most 
interesting  as  wt.l  as  singular  productions  of 
the  vegetable  kingdom.  The  Bread-fruit  is  a 
beautiful  as  well  as  a  useful  tree.  The  trunk 
rises  to  the  height  of  about  forty  feet,  and,  in  a 
full-grown  tree,  is  from  twelve  to  fifteen  inches 
in  diameter  ;  the  branches  come  out  in  a  hori- 
zontal manner,  the  lower  ones  about  ten  feet 
from  the  ground,  and  they  become  shorter  and 
shorter  until  they  reach  the  top,  giving  the  tree 
an  appearance  of  perfect  symmetry.  The  leaves 
are  of  a  lively  green,  divided  into  seven  or  nine 
lobes,  from  eighteen  inches  to  two  feet  long. 
The  fruit  is  about  nine  inches  long,  heart- 
shaped,  of  a  greenish  color,  and  marked  with 
hexagonal  warts  in  clusters.  The  pulp  is  white, 
partly  farinaceous  and  partly  fibrous  ;  but 
when  quite  ripe  it  becomes  yellow  and  juicy. 
The  Bread-fruit  furnishes  the  chief  sustenance 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Society  and  South  Sea 
Islands,  and  is  used  to  a  considerable  extent  in 
the  West  Indies.  It  is  usually  cut  into  pieces, 
and  roasted  or  baked  in  ovens  on  the  ground. 

Arum.  From  aron  ;  supposed  to  be  an  ancient 
Egyptian  word.  Linn.  Monoecia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Aracecn. 

There  are  several  interesting  species  contained 
in  this  genus  which  may  be  accounted  pretty 
additions  to  the  collections  of  the  hot-house  and 
green-house,  though  the  flowers  possess  a  dis- 
agreeable odor.  In  contrast  with  the  other  spe- 
cies is  A.  Pakstinum,  that  has  flowers  of  deep 
crimson,  with  a  delicious  fragrance  not  unlike 
the  Violet.  In  shape  it  resembles  (Ma  ^EUd- 
opica ;  in  fact,  when  it  was  introduced,  in  1876, 
into  the  United  States,  it  was  under  the  name 
of  "  Crimson  Calla."  They  are  easily  cultivated 
in  loam,  and  should  have  a  liberal  supply  of 
water.  Numerous  offsets  are  usually  produced, 
by  which  the  species  are  extended.  A.  ilr<n->n,- 
1-iilns,  the  Dragon  Arum,  deserves  a  place  in  the 
flower  garden  for  its  largo,  very  remarkable 
flowers.  This  variety  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment as  the  Gladiolus.  The  roots  of  all  this 
natural  order,  when  green,  contain  a  milky 
fluid,  which  is  exceedingly  acrimonious,  excit- 
ing a  painful  sensation  of  burning  heat  in  the 


20 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


AEU 

tongue  and  mouth.  When  cut  in  slices  and  ap- 
plied to  the  skin,  it  will  very  quickly  produce  a 
blister.  This  same  active  principle  is  not  con- 
fined to  the  roots  of  the  various  genera  and  spe- 
cies, but  is  found  in  the  leaves  as  well.  A  piece 
of  the  Calla  leaf,  not  larger  than  a  pin's  head,  if 
taken  into  the  mouth,  will  produce  violent  and 
painful  burnings.  By  drying,  *hese  roots  lose 
all  their  poisonous  properties,  and  some  of  the 
species  yield  an  excellent  quality  of  Arrow-root. 

Arundinaria.  An  alteration  of  the  word  Arundo, 
to  which  this  genus  may  be  compared,  in  refer- 
ence to  its  large  size.  Linn.  Triandria-Diyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Graminacea>. 

A  genus  of  grasses  of  a  shrubby  or  arborescent 
nature,  with  strong-jointed  stems,  resembling 
those  of  the  Bamboo  cane.  They  are  mostly  from 
the  warmer  parts  of  the  globe,  and  in  some  in- 
stances attain  a  great  size.  A.  falcata  is  one  of 
the  hardiest  kinds,  and  an  ornamental  plant  for 
the  sub-tropical  garden.  This  species  will  en- 
dure the  winter  without  protection,  from  Wash- 
ington southward.  A.  Schomburgkii,  a  native  of 
Guiana,  is  an  important  species.  The  canes 
grow  sixteen  feet  high,  with  a  diameter  at  the 
base  of  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches.  It  is 
this  plant  that  chiefly  furnishes  the  native  In- 
dians with  the  tubes  from  which  they  blow  their 
poisonous  arrows,  which  act  with  such  fatal  ef- 
fect on  their  victims. 

Arundo.  Reed.  A  word  of  doubtful  derivation, 
perhaps  from  the  Latin  word  arundo,  a  reed. 
Linn.  Tr'wmdria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  GraminacecK. 
A.  Donax  is  a  splendid  Bamboo-looking  reed, 
rather  tender  in  severe  winters,  but  which,  if 
the  season  be  favorable,  will  grow,  in  rich  soil 
kept  moist,  to  the  height  of  ten  or  twelve  feet 
in  one  year,  producing  a  fine  oriental  appear- 
ance when  standing  singly  on  a  lawn  or  near 
water.  This  variety  is  a  native  of  Southern 
Europe,  introduced  in  1648,  and  for  many  years 
has  been  an  inmate  of  our  flower  gardens.  A. 
Donax  variegnta,  a  variety  with  leaves  beautifully 
striped  in  different  colors,  similar  to  those  of 
the  common  Ribbon-grass  of  our  gardens,  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  plants  for  the  sub-tropical 
garden.  It  requires,  however,  the  protection  of 
the  green-house  during  winter  in  our  Northern 
States.  Propagated  by  division  of  roots.  Will 
succeed  in  ordinary  garden  soil. 

Asarum.  Wild  Ginger.  From  a,  privative,  and 
saron,  feminine  ;  the  application  of  the  term 
unexplained.  Linn.  Dodecandria-Monogyn  la.  Nat. 
Ord.  ArisMochiaceae. 

A  genus  of  rather  curious  hardy  herbaceous 
perennials,  common  in  most  parts  of  the  United 
States,  usually  in  rich,  moist  woods.  They  are 
highly  esteemed  for  their  medicinal  properties. 
A.  Canadense  is  the  Canada  Snake-root  or  Wild 
Ginger.  It  is  recognized  by  its  simple  pair  of 
broad,  kidney-shaped  leaves,  and  a  single  large, 
brownish-purple  flower.  The  roots  are  pungent 
and  aromatic. 

Asclepias.  Milkweed.  The  Greek  name  of  the 
jExculai>ius  of  the  Latins.  Linn.  Penlandria- 
Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asdepiadacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tall-growing  plants, 
mostly  of  a  hardy  herbaceous  character,  re- 
markable for  their  curious  flowers  and  the  silky 
substance  which  fills  the  seed-pod.  The  most 
ornamental  species  is  A.  iuberosa,  which  has  fine 
orange-colored  flowers,  and  is  somewhat  difficult 
to  cultivate.  It  thrives,  however,  in  sandy 
loam,  kept  rather  dry  than  otherwise,  and  sel- 
dom disturbed  by  removal. .  It  is  increased  by 


ASP 

division.     This  species  is   common  in  all  the 
Middle  States.     The  genus  is  truly  American. 

Ash.     See  Fraxinus. 

Ash-leaved  Maple.     See  Negundo. 

Asimina.  Papaw.  Named  from  Asiminier  of 
the  French  colonists.  Linn.  Polyandria-Poly- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anonacece. 

A.  trUoba,  the  only  species,  is  n  low-growing 
tree  or  shrub,  common  in  the  Western  and 
Southern  States,  where  it  is  popularly  known  as 
Papaw.  The  fruit  is  from  three  to  four  inches 
long,  yellowish,  and  when  fully  ripe  is  by  many 
highly  esteemed. 

Asparagus.  From  a,  intensive,  and  sparasso,  to 
tear;  in  reference  to  the  strong  prickles  of  some 
species.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynki.  Nat.  Ord. 
Liliacece. 

Of  this  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
and  green-house  plants,  A.  officinalis,  the  gar- 
den Asparagus,  is  the  only  species  of  particular 
interest.  The  common  Asparagus  is  a  native  of 
Great  Britain,  Russia,  and  Poland.  In  many 
other  parts  of  Europe  it  is  found  growing  wild, 
but  is  probably  an  escape  in  many  localities,  and 
is  perfectly  naturalized,  as  it  is  sparingly  on  our 
own  coasts.  The  Asparagus  is  one  of  the  oldest 
as  well  as  one  of  the  most  delicious  of  our  gar- 
den vegetables.  It  was  cultivated  in  the  time 
of  Cato  the  Elder,  200  years  B.C. ;  and  Pliny 
mentions  a  sort  that  grew  in  his  time  near  Ra- 
venna, of  which  three  heads  would  weigh  a 
pound.  From  these  accounts  it  would  appear 
that  there  is  nothing  new  under  the  sun  in  the 
line  of  Asparagus.  As  many  of  our  best  garden- 
ers contend,  adaptation  of  soil,  together  with 
thorough  cultivation,  alone  explains  the  differ- 
ence in  this  vegetable,  as  offered  in  our  markets 
or  seen  in  our  gardens. 

Aspasia.  From  aspazomai,  I  embrace  ;  the  col- 
umn embraced  by  the  labellum.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids  from  Cen- 
tral and  South  America.  One  of  the  more  im- 
portant species,  A.  epidendroides,  has  yellow  and 
brown  sepals,  the  petals  light  purple,  the  lip 
white,  with  purple  in  the  center.  The  species 
should  be  grown  in  baskets,  or  on  blocks  of 
wood  or  cork,  with  plenty  of  moss.  They  do 
not  require  a  high  temperature,  but  need  plenty 
of  air.  Increased  by  division.  Introduced  in 
1833. 

Aspen.     See  Populus  irermda. 

Asperula.  The  diminutive  of  asper,  rough;  in 
reference  to  the  rough  leaves.  Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monogyma.  Nat.  Ord.  Galiacese. 

Pretty,  dwarf,  hardy  plants,  well  adapted  for 
shaded  situations  among  trees,  chiefly  natives 
of  the  European  Continent.  A.  odorata,  the 
common  Woodruff,  is  esteemed  for  its  delightful 
scent.  The  plant,  when  wilted,  has  the  odor  of 
new-mown  hay. 

Asphodelus.  Asphodel.  From  a,  privative, 
and  sphallo,  to  supplant ;  the  stately  flowers  not 
easily  surpassed.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

Showy  plants,  suitable  for  the  open  border, 
with  white  or  yellow  flowers.  Tiiey  may  be 
grown  in  any  soil,  and  are  readily  increased 
by  separation  of  the  roots.  Most  varieties  are 
from  the  South  of  Europe,  have  long  been  in 
cultivation  in  our  gardens,  and  are  perfectly 
hardy. 

Aspidistra.  From  aspldiseon,  a  little  round  shield; 
the  form  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Oclandria-Mono~ 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


21 


ASP 

A  small  genus  found  in  China  and  Japan,  re-   i 
inarkable  for  producing  their  flowers  under  the   ; 
surface  of  the  earth.     They  are  useful  house 
plants.     The  foliage  of  A.  vari?<jatu  (green  with 
broad  stripes  of  white)  contrasts  finely  with  or- 
namental foliaged  plants.     Propagated  by  suck- 
ers.    For  the  production  of  well-marked  plants, 
the  pots  in  which  they  are  grown  should  be 
small,   and  the  soil  liberally  mixed  with  sand. 
Introduced  in  1835. 

Aspidium.  Shield  Fern,  Wood  Fern.  From 
aspidion,  a  little  buckler  ;  the  shape  of  the  indu- 
sium.  Lhm.  Oryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Potypodiacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  and  green-house 
Ferns.     Many  of  the  species  are   common  in   j 
moist,   shady    places    throughout    the    United 
States.      The  green-house  varieties  are  mostly   | 
from  the  West  Indies.     All  the  species  are  of 
easy   culture.     Many  of  them  are    deservedly 
popular  in  the  fern-house  or  shady  border. 
Asplenium.      Spleenwort.      From  a,   privative, 
and  splen,   spleen;   referring  to    its    supposed 
medicinal  properties.     Linn.  tiyptoyamia-Filices.    \ 
Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

This  genus,  as  established  by  Linnaeus,  was 
a  very  extensive  one,  and  the  species  exceed- 
ingly varied.     So  much  confusion  existed  in  re- 
gard to  it,  that  modern  botanists  have  divided   , 
and  sub-divided  it;  yet  it  contains  a  large  num-   ! 
ber  of  hardy  and  tropical  species,  many  of  which   j 
are  exceedingly  beautiful  and  interesting,  and 
are  commonly  found  in  our  green-houses.  Some   ; 
of  the  species  have  the  very  singular  property  of 
bearing  little  buds  on  their  surface,  from  which 
young  plants  are  formed.     It  is  not  an  uncom- 
mon thing  to  see  fifteen  or  twenty  of  these  young 
plants,  all  perfectly  developed,  from  one  to  two 
inches  high,  on  a  single  frond.     This  species  is 
popularly  known  as  a  bulb-bearing  Fern.     Sev- 
eral of  the  species  are  indigenous  throughout 
the  United  States,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  coun- 
try in  which  some  of  the  species  may  not  be 
found. 

Aster.     From  aster,  a  star.     Linn.  Synrjenesia-Su-   ! 
pt-rnna.     Nat.  Ord.  Composite!:. 

There  are  upward  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
species  included  in  this  genus,  chiefly  hardy   j 
herbaceous  plants,  useful  for  ornamenting  the   ; 
flower  borders  in  the  autumn ;  generally  attain-   | 
ing  a  height  of  from  two  to  four  feet,  and  pro-   j 
ducing  white,  red  or  blue  flowers.     They  are 
easily  increased  by  separating  the  old  stools. 
The  well-known  German  and  China  Asters  are   \ 
now  classed  under  Callistephus. 
Astilbe.     From  o,  privative,  and   stilbe,   bright-   , 
ness  ;  flowers  not  very  striking.     Linn.  Decan-  -, 
dria-Dlgynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Saxifragacece. 

A.    barbfda,    commonly    called    A.   Japonica,    j 
•^pii-fna  Japonica,  and  Jloteia  Japonica,  is  a  native   i 
of   Japan,   and   a  perfectly  hardy  herbaceous 
plant.     The  dark  green  cut  leaves  form  a  hand-   j 
some  tuft,  from  which  arise  numerous  crowded   > 
panicles  of  feathery  white  flowers.     Excellent 
for  forcing  in  pots,  and  fine  for  cutting.     There   j 
i.s  a  variety  with  variegated  foliage,  green  and    j 
yellow,  not  so  vigorous  in  habit,  but  in  all  other 
respects   similar.      Propagated   by   division   of  ' 
roots. 

Astragalus.     Milk  Vetch.     The  ancient   Greek    j 
name  for  some  leguminous  plant.      Linn.  D'm- 
delphia-Dceandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Falxicur. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  peren- 
nials, and  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs.     Many    j 
of  the  species  are  beautiful  plants  for  the  flower   ! 


ATT 

garden.  They  are  vigorous  growers,  and  suc- 
ceed in  a  well-drained,  sandy  soil.  The  gonus 
is  widely  distributed,  there  being  scarcely  a 
country  where  it  is  not  indigenous.  The  flow- 
ers are  pea-shaped,  and  mostly  yellow  ov  pur- 
ple. Several  of  our  native  species  produce  a 
fruit  resembling  green  plums,  that  are  edible. 
On  the  prairies  they  are  called  Ground  Plums. 
A.  mottissimus,  popularly  known  as  "Loco,  "or 
"  Crazy  Weed,"  is  the  notorious  cattle-poisoning 
weed  of  Colorado  and  California.  Cattle  and 
horses  eating  it  show  many  of  the  symptoms  of 
drunkenness,  and  under  certain  circumstances 
the  results  are  fatal.  The  gum-like  substance 
called  Tragacanth  is  the  produce  of  several 

rcies  growing  in  Persia,  Asia  Minor,  and  Kur- 
tan.  The  gum  exudes  naturally  from  the 
bark  in  the  same  way  that  gum  exudes  from  the 
bark  of  Cherry  or  Plum  trees .  While  many  of  the 
species  are  useful  or  ornamental,  by  far  the 
larger  number  are  troublesome  weeds. 

Astrocaryum.  From  astron,  a  star,  and  karyon, 
a  nut;  referring  to  the  distribution  of  the  fruit. 
Linn.  Mon&cia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  PalmacecK. 
A  small  genus  of  Palms  allied  to  Cocos,  chiefly 
natives  of  the  Upper  Amazon.  They  have  large 
pinnate  leaves,  and  are  armed  with  spines,  some- 
times a  foot  long,  and  exceedingly  sharp.  The 
fruit  of  some  of  the  species  furnishes  food  for 
cattle  and  swine.  The  young  leaves  of  A.  vulgare 
yield  a  fine  thread,  from  which  the  best  ham- 
mocks are  woven. 

Ataccia.  Malay  name.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Taccacece. 

A  division  of  the  genus  Tacca.  "  There  are 
few  more  remarkable-looking  plants  than  A. 
cristata,  sometimes  met  in  the  gardens  under 
the  incorrect  name  of  Tacca  iniegrifolia.  It  hajs 
a  short,  conical,  underground  caudex,  or  rhi- 
zome, and  produces  from  this  caudex  three  or 
four  large,  oblong,  acuminate,  purplish-green 
stalked  leaves.  The  scape  is  about  as  long  as 
the  leaves,  erect,  stout,  angled,  dark  purple, 
terminated  by  a  large  four-leaved  involucre,  of 
which  the  two  outer  leaflets  are  dark  purple, 
and  the  two  inner  much  larger,  placed  side  by 
side,  green  with  a  deep  purple  base  and  otalk. " 
The  species  are  remarkable  for  their  curious 
structure,  but  are  of  no  value  as  flowering 
plants,  or  for  economic  purposes. 

Atamasco  Lily.     See  Zephyranlhes. 

Athyrium.  A  small  genus  of  Ferns,  until  re- 
cently included  in  Asplenium.  A.  Goringianum 
pictum  is  a  beautiful  half-hardy  deciduous  va- 
riety from  Japan. 

Atriplex.  Orache,  Mountain  Spinach.  From 
atcr,  black,  and  plexus,  woven  together;  on  ac- 
count of  the  dark  color  and  habit  of  some  of 
the  species.  Linn.  Polygamia-Moncecia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Okenapodiacece. 

A.  horiensis,  the  only  species  of  interest,  is 
a  tall-growing,  hardy  plant,  annual,  known  in 
pur  gardens  as  Orache.  It  is  but  little  grown 
in  this  country,  but  very  popular  in  France.  It 
is  a  native  of  Tartary,  introduced  into  France  in 
1548.  It  grows  freely  with  ordinary  garden  cul- 
ture. Seeds  are  sown  in  both  spring  and  full  to 
secure  a  succession. 

Attalea.  From  attains,  magnificent;  in  reference 
to  the  beauty  of  these  Palms.  Linn.  Moncecia- 
Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacea?. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  Palms  allied  to 
Cocos.  With  one  or  two  exceptions,  they  are 
natives  of  Brazil.  A.  funifera  yields  a  black 
fiber  resembling  whalebone,  an  article  of  con- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


AUB 

siderable  commercial  value  as  a  material  for 
making  brooms  and -brushes.  It  is  popularly 
known  as  Piassaba  Palm.  The  nuts  of  this  spe- 
cies are  very  hard,  about  four  inches  long,  finely 
mottled,  dark  and  light  brown,  and  are  highly 
esteemed  for  turning  into  knobs,  umbrella  han- 
dles, and  various  other  purposes.  A.  Cohune 
furnishes  Cohoun  nuts,  from  which  is  extracted 
Cohoun  oil,  used  for  burning,  for  which  purpose 
it  is  superior  to  cocoanut  oil.  The  species  are 
too  large  for  gieen-house  cultivation. 

Aubrietia.  Named  after  M.  Aubriet,  a  French 
botanical  draughtsman.  Linn.  Tetradynamia- 
NV/v.i/osa.  Nat.  Ord.  Cruclfene. 

A  genus  of  pretty  little  plants,  generally  with 
purple  flowers,  about  three  inches  high,  which 
flower  in  March,  and  are  admirably  adapted  for 
pots  or  miniature  rock-work.  They  are  readily 
propagated  by  division.  Natives  of  the  South  of 
Europe.  Introduced  in  1710. 

Aucuba.  The  name  of  the  shrub  in  Japan.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Cbmaceo?. 

A  genus  of  hardy  evergreen  shrubs  from 
Japan,  useful,  and  highly  prized  for  their  vigor- 
ous habit,  rapid  growth,  and  capability  of  endur- 
ing, and  even  thriving  in,  the  atmosphere  of 
cities.  The  conspicuously  marked  foliage  of  A. 
Japonica  variegata,  which  is  green  and  yellow,  ad- 
mirably adapts  it  for  the  shrubbery  border,  or  as 
a  single  plant  upon  the  lawn.  This  variety 
is  not  usually  hardy  north  of  Washington.  Prop- 
agated by  cuttings,  which  root  freely  in  sand. 
Introduced  in  1783. 

Auricula.     See  Primula. 

Avena.  Oat.  A  name  of  obscure  origin.  Linn. 
Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  OraminacecK. 

A  genus  of  grasses,  in  point  of  beauty  unin- 
teresting. A.  saliva,  the  common  Oat,  is  the 
best  known,  and  invaluable  in  agricultural 
economy.  There  are  several  species  of  Oats,  and 
a  vast  number  of  varieties.  The  nativity  of  the 
Oat  is  accredited  to  Mesopotamia.  It  is,  how- 
ever, a  matter  of  conjecture.  The  quality  and 
appearance  of  the  Oat  vary  greatly  when  grown 
on  different  soils  and  in  different  climates. 
The  justly  celebrated  Norway  Oat  loses  its  dis- 
tinctive character  when  grown  in  the  warm,  dry 
climate  of  the  Middle  or  New  England  States, 
and  seed  has  consequently  to  be  procured  from 
colder  countries,  in  order  to  keep  the  cr6p  up 
to  the  high  standard  claimed  for  it.  The  Naked 
or  Hulless  Oat  is  A.  nuda,  found  growing  wild 
in  many  parts  of  Europe,  and  considered  mere- 
ly a  degeneration  of  the  common  Oat.  A  very 
fine  variety  of  this  species  has  been  introduced 
from  China,  but  its  merits  as  a  farm  crop  have 
not  been  fully  tested.  A.  sttrilis,  a  native  of  the 


BAB 


South  of  Europe,  is  the  Animated  Oat  of  the 
gardens.  The  "animation"  is  produced  by 
the  contraction  and  expansion  of  the  awns, 
which  cause  the  seed  to  crawl  a  short  distance. 
Moisture  from  dews  is  sufficient  to  produce  this 
slight  motion. 

Avens.    See  Geum. 

Azalea.  From  azdeos,  dry ;  in  reference  to  the 
habitation  of  the  plant.  Linn.  Penlandria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericaceae. 
'  Beautiful  flowering  plants,  natives  of  North 
America,  Turkey,  and  China.  The  American  or 
Hardy  Azaleas,  A.  calendulacea,  nudiflura,  and  i'is- 
t-osa,  with  hosts  of  garden  varieties  bred  from 
them,  are  inhabitants  of  all  our  best  shrubber- 
ies, and  have  been  so  wonderfully  improved  by 
seedling  culture  as  to  throw  into  the  shade  the 
original  species;  there  can  now  be  selected 
twenty  or  thirty  varieties  better  than  the  very 
best  of  the  original  species.  Every  year,  too, 
adds  to  the  diversity  of  sorts  and  to  the  size  of 
the  flowers,  which  is  one  of  the  characteristics  of 
the  improved  kinds.  In  many  places  they 
thrive  in  the  common  soil  of  the  garden,  but, 
in  general,  they  require  leaf  mould  to  be  dug  in 
with  the  natural  soil ;  and  where  there  is  to  be 
any  quantity  grown,  or  a  nursery  of  them  made, 
beds  of  leaf  mould,  or  compounds  of  the  great- 
est part  of  this,  must  be  made  up.  They  are 
raised  from  seed  sown  in  beds  in  the  open  air, 
but,  from  its  extreme  diminutiveness,  many 
prefer  sowing  in  pans  and  wide-mouthed  pots. 
When  they  are  large  enough,  they  should  be 
planted  out  in  beds  six  inches  apart.  The  sec- 
ond year  every  alternate  plant  may  be  taken  out 
and  planted  elsewhere,  to  make  room;  and  as 
they  increase  in  size  they  should  have  more 
room.  They  are  propagated  chiefly  by  grafting 
and  layers,  but  cuttings  of  the  last  year's  wood 
will  root  readily  in  sand.  A.  Ponlica  is  a  native 
of  Turkey.  A.  Indica  (the  Chinese  Azalea)  and 
its  varieties  are  those  we  meet  with  in  the  green- 
house. The  florists'  catalogues  abound  with 
rare  sorts,  the  results  of  careful  and  skillful 
cross-fertilization.  We  are  largely  indebted  for 
our  finer  sorts  to  the  nurserymen  at  Ghent, 
Belgium.  They  are  increased  easily  in  spring 
by  cuttings  of  the  half-ripened  young  shoots. 

Azara.  Named  after  J.  N.  Azam,  a  Spanish  pro- 
moter of  botany.  Linn.  Potyandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Flacourliacece. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  Chili. 
A.  Gilliesii,  is  the  mo>-it  desirable  species.  Its 
leaves  are  evergreen,  somewhat  resembling  the 
Holly;  flowers  yellow,  produced  in  axillary  clus- 
ters. Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in. 


B. 


Babiana.    From  babianer,  the  Dutch  for  baboon ; 
in  reference  to  the  bulbs  being  eaten  by 
baboons.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.    Nat.  Ord. 
IridacecK. 

A  genus  of  Cape  plants,  with  solid  bulbs  or 
conns,  which  are  eaten  by  the  Hottentots,  and 
which,  when  roasted,  are  said  to  resemble 
chestnuts.  All  the  species  have  showy  flowers, 
of  various  colors,  blue  predominating.  Some 
of  the  varieties  are  finely  variegated.  They 
succeed  in  very  sandy  loam,  and  may  be  grown 


either  in  pots  for  ornamenting  the  green-house, 
or  planted  in  a  cold  frame,  where,  if  protected 
from  frost  in  winter,  they  may  be  allowed  to  re- 
main altogether.  They  increase  rapidly  by  off- 
sets. Introduced  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
in  1757. 

Babingtonia.  Named  in  compliment  to  Charles 
Babington,  of  Cambridge,  Eng.,  a  distinguished 
botanist.  Linn.  Icosandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Myrlacece. 

B.  camphorosma,  the  only  species  of  import- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BAB 

ance  in  this  genus,  is  a  graceful  green-house 
shrub  from  New  Holland.  It  is  easy  of  cultiva- 
tion, and  produces  flowers  freely  during  the 
summer  months,  in  terminal  clusters,  color 
white  or  pinkish.  The  branches  have  a  droop- 
ing habit,  giving  the  plant  a  graceful  outline. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1842. 

Baby's  Breath.    See  Mnscarl. 

Baccharis.  Groundsel-Tree.  From  Bacchus,  the 
god  of  wine ;  referring  to  the  spicy  odor  of  the 
roots.  The  ancients  sometimes  boiled  down 
their  wines,  and  mixed  them  with  such  spices. 
Linn.  Syngemsia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea;. 
This  genus  consists  of  upward  of  200  spe- 
cies, all  South  American  except  three,  two  of 
which  are  found  from  Massachusetts  southward, 
and  the  third  in  California.  They  are  tall- 
growing  shrubs,  and  distinguished  from  their 
allies  by  having  the  male  flowers  on  one  plant 
and  the  females  on  another.  They  are  quite 
ornamental  shrubs,  and  some  of  the  species 
are  strongly  recommended  for  the  green-house. 
There  is  a  singular  and  remarkable  fact  in  rela- 
tion to  one  of  the  species,  B.  Douylassi,  which  is 
found  in  California  and  in  Chili,  without  being 
found  in  any  intervening  place.  The  medici- 
nal properties  of  some  of  the  South  American 
species  are  highly  esteemed  for  fevers  and 
rheumatism. 

Balantium.  A  name  proposed  for  a  genus  of 
Ferns,  now  considered  synonymous  with  Dick- 
sonia. 

Bald  Cypress.     See  Taxodium. 

Ballota.  Fetid  Horehound.  From  ballo,  to  re- 
ject; in  allusion  to  its  offensive  odor.  Linn. 
D'ulynamia-Monoriyma.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  mere  weeds,  occasionally 
met  with  in  the  Eastern  States,  having  found 
their  way  from  Europe,  where  they  are  natives. 

Balloon  Vine.     See  Cardiospermum. 

Balm.     See  Melissa. 

Balm  of  Gilead.     See  Populus. 

Balmony.     One  of  the  popular  names  of  Ghelone. 

Balsam  Apple  and  Balsam  Pear.  See  Mo- 
mardica. 

Balsam  Fir.     See  Abies. 

Balsamina.  Balsam.  Impatiens  Bcdsamina.  From 
impaliens,  referring  to  the  elasticity  of  the  valves 
of  the  seed-pods,  which  discharge  the  seeds 
when  ripe  or  when  touched.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogyida.  Nat.  Ord.  Balsaminacece. 

The  garden  Balsam,  of  which  numerous  hand- 
some varieties  are  grown,  is  B.  luortensix.  This 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  popular  annuals, 
forming  a  showy  cone  of  finely-variegated,  Car- 
nation-like flowers.  The  prevailing  colors  of 
the  petals  are  red  and  white,  the  former  extend- 
ing to  every  shade  of  purple,  crimson,  scarlet, 
rose,  lilac,  and  carnation  or  flesh-color  ;  but 
some  of  the  most  superb  sorts  are  elegantly 
spotted  with  white.  The  spotted  varieties  form 
a  class  by  themselves,  and  are  justly  regarded 
as  among  the  most  brilliant  ornaments  of  the 
garden.  There  are  the  crimson,  scarlet,  rose, 
purple,  and  violet -spotted.  Another  class  is 
striped,  after  the  manner  of  Carnations,  with 
purple,  crimson,  rose,  scarlet  on  pure  white 
grounds,  some  with  one  color,  others  with  two 
or  more  colors,  and  some  are  curiously  mottled 
and  striped.  The  most  improved  varieties  are 
Very  double,  and  styled  Camellia-flowered  by 
the  French.  Some  of  the  flowers  are  almost  as 
perfect  and  as  double  as  those  of  the  Camellia, 
and  nearly  as  regular  in  shape.  The  Germans 
call  them  Hose-flowered,  as  many  of  them  ap-  | 


BAP 

proach  the  perfection  of  that  flower  in  shape  and 
fullness.  There  is  a  class  of  Dwarf  Balsams  that 
do  not  grow  over  a  foot  high,  but  very  full  and 
bushy  in  habit.  They  do  not  produce  flowers 
so  double  as  the  Camellia  or  Rose-flowered 
varieties,  but  are  desirable  for  the  garden.  They 
should  not  be  planted  with  the  tall  varieties, 
which  attain  the  height  of  two  or  three  feet, 
when  properly  cultivated.  The  only  way  to 
propagate  the  Balsam  is  from  seed,  which  do 
not  always  produce  kinds  exactly  the  same  as 
the  parent,  but  approach  very  near,  when  great 
care  has  been  taken  to  keep  the  different  varie- 
ties by  themselves,  as  is  -now  practiced  by  those 
who  make  a  business  of  raising  the  seed.  Care- 
ful growers  of  Balsams,  who  wish  to  raise  prize 
flowers,  never  use  seed  less  than  three  years  old ; 
and  they  are  particular  in  saving  it  from  the 
most  double  and  handsomest  flowers,  the  best 
being  those  which  have  their  colors  distinctly 
marked,  like  a  Carnation.  Introduced  from  the 
East  Indies  in  1596. 

Balsam  of  Copaiva.     See  Copaifera. 

Balsam  of  Peru.     See  Myrospermum. 

Bamboo  Cane.     See  Bambusa. 

Bambusa.  Bamboo  Cane.  From  bambos,  its  In- 
dian name.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogyma.  Nat. 
Ord.  Graminaceai. 

A  genus  of  gigantic  reeds,  common  through- 
out Southern  China  and  Japan.  B.  anoidinacea  is 
the  species  of  greatest  importance.  When  grow- 


ing it  has  the  appearance  of  an  immense  sheaf 
of  wheat  standing  on  end.  It  grows  in  large 
tufts  or  clumps,  some  of  them  upward  of  sixty 
feet  in  height,  and  the  quantity  of  canes  which 
they  yield  is  simply  enormous.  The  cane  is 
porous  in  the  center  and  partly  hollow.  Exter- 
nally the  epidermis  is  composed  of  a  hard  wood, 
into  which  silex  enters  so  largely  that  it  will 
strike  fire  with  a  steel  like  a  piece  of  flint. 
Although  this  plant  grows  spontaneously  and 
most  profusely  in  nearly  all  the  immense  south- 
era  districts  of  the  Chinese  Empire,  yet  the 
Chinese  give  the  cultivation  of  this  reed  great 
care  and  attention.  They  have  treatises  and 
whole  volumes  solely  on  this  subject,  laying 
down  rules  derived  from  experience,  and  show- 
ing the  proper  soils,  the  best  kinds  of  water, 
and  the  seasons  for  planting  and  transplanting 
the  useful  production.  The  variety  of  purposes 
to  which  the  Bamboo  is  applied  is  almost  end- 
less. The  Chinese  use  it,  in  one  way  or  other, 
for  nearly  everything  they  require.  The  sails 
of  their  ships,  as  well  as  their  masts  and  rig- 
ging, consist  chiefly  of  Bamboo,  manufactured 
in  different  ways.  Almost  every  article  of  fur- 
niture in  their  houses,  including  mats,  screens, 
chairs,  tables,  bedsteads,  and  bedding,  are 
made  of  the  same  material;  and  in  some  sec- 
tions entire  dwellings  are  constructed  of  Bam- 
boo. Fine  paper  is  made  from  the  fiber  of  this 
plant.  In  short,  scarcely  anything  is  to  be 
found  in  China,  either  upon  land  or  water,  into 
the  composition  of  which  Bamboo  does  not 
enter.  The  same  extensive  use  is  also  made  of 
this  reed  in  Japan,  Java,  Sumatra,  Siam,  and 
other  Eastern  countries. 

Banana  and  Plantain.    See  Musa. 

Baneberry.     See  Aclcea. 

Baobab  Tree.     See  Adansonia. 

Baptisia.  From  bapto,  to  dye;  some  of  the  spe- 
cies possessing  dyeing  properties.  Linn.  Decan- 
drin-Monoijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecr. 

This  genus  of  native  plants  (commonly  called 
False  Indigo)  are  rather  pretty  for  the  border. 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BAR 

Flowers  are  white,  blue,  or  yellow.  They  grow 
in  any  good  garden  soil,  and  are  increased  by  di- 
vision. 

Barbarea.  Winter  Cress.  So  named  on  ac- 
count of  its  having  been  formerly  called  the 
Herb  of  St.  Barbara.  Linn.  Telradynamia;.  Nat. 
Ord.  BrassicacecK. 

B.  vulgar  is  is  a  hardy  herbaceous  plant,  in 
early  days  esteemed  as  a  salad.  It  closely  re- 
sembles the  common  Water  Cress,  but  grows  on 
dry  soils.  Its  use  is  now  discarded.  It  is  a  na- 
tive of  Europe,  and  has  become  naturalized  in 
some  parts  of  this  country. 

Barberry.     See  Berberis. 

Barkeria.  After  the  late  Mr.  Barker,  of  Birming- 
ham, Eng.,  an  ardent  cultivator  of  Orchids.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Moiutndria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  epiphytal  Or- 
chids, natives  of  Mexico  and  Central  America. 
They  closely  resemble  the  well-known  genus 
Epidendrum.  B.  sppctabUis,  called  in  Guatemala 
Flor  de  Isabel,  is  the  finest  species.  It  is  one  of 
the  votive  offerings  of  the  Catholics  in  that 
country.  The  plants  should  be  grown  in  bas- 
kets of  moss  in  a  warm  house.  They  are  in- 
creased by  division.  Introduced  in  1843. 

Barleria.  After  the  Rev.  J.  Barrelier,  of  Paris. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acan- 
ihacece. 

A  large  genus  of  herbs  and  shrubs,  natives  of 
the  tropical  regions  of  both  the  Old  and  the 
New  Worlds.  The  flowers  are  purple,  yellow, 
orange,  or  white,  produced  in  axillary  or  termi- 
nal spikes  or  heads.  But  few  of  the  species  have 
been  introduced  into  the  garden  or  green-house. 
B.  cristaia,  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  is  a  pret- 
ty little  hot-house  evergreen  plant,  bearing  its 
purplish-lilac  flowers  ir  great  profusion  in 
summer,  making  it  a  desirable  border  plant. 
It  is  propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in 
1796. 

Barley.    The  common  name  for  Hordeum. 

A  genus  of  grain-bearing  grasses,  the  most 
important  of  the  species  being  H.  vulgare,  our 
common  Spring  Barley,  a  grain  that  has  been 
the  longest  in  cultivation,  and  is  more  generally 
used  than  any  other.  The  Egyptians  have  a  tra- 
dition that  Barley  was  the  first  grain  made  use 
of  by  man,  and  trace  its  introduction  to  their 
goddess  Isis.  Pliny,  in  his  Natural  History, 
speaks  of  its  great  antiquity,  but  gives  no  ac- 
count of  its  origin,  which  is  as  little  known  as 
that  of  Wheat.  Of  the  kinds  under  cultivation, 
H.  vulqare  is  the  common  four-rowed,  //.  cfe- 
tichon  the  two-rowed,  and  H.  hemstichon  the 
Winter  Barley,  which  has  six  rows  of  grain, 
each  row  terminating  in  a  long  beard.  This  is 
the  species  most  generally  cultivated  in  this 
country. 

Barnardia.  Named  in  honor  of  E.  Barnard,  F.L.S. 
Linn.  Ilexandria-M<mo</ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacen: 
A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs  from  China 
and  Japan.  The  flowers  are  pale  blue,  similar 
to  the  ScOto,  and  from  the  resemblance  the  fin- 
est species  has  been  called  jB.  scillioides.  They 
require  to  be  grown  in  a  frame.  Propagated  by 
offsets.  Introduced  in  1819. 

Barnyard  Grass.  The  common  name  for  Pa ni- 
cum  Ciiis-gaUL 

Bartonia.  Named  after  Dr.  Barton,  one  of  our  dis- 
tinguished botanists.  Linn.  Icosandria-Monwni- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  'Loasacecu. 

B.  aurea,  a  native  of  California,  is  a  splendid 
annual,  with  golden  yellow  flowers,  which  have 
quite  a  metallic  luster  when  the  sun  shines 


BAY 

upon  them.  The  seed-pod  is  curiously  twisted. 
Like  all  the  Californian  annuals,  it  is  very  apt  to 
die  off  if  the  roots  become  at  all  withered  by 
drought,  or  if  the  collar  of  the  plant  be  exposed 
to  the  full  heat  of  the  sun;  and  thus  it  does 
best  when  grown  in  masses,  so  that  the  ground 
may  be  quite  covered  with  its  leaves.  It  suc- 
ceeds best  in  a  moist  situation.  Introduced  in 
1834. 

Basella.  Malabar  Nightshade.  Its  Malabar  name. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Basella- 
cece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  plants,  mostly  biennial. 
B.  alba  and  B.  cordifolia  are  grown  in  the  East 
Indies  as  pot-herbs,  and  are  used  as  a  substitute 
for  Spinach.  Some  of  them  are  also  grown  in 
France,  to  furnish  the  Paris  market  with  sum- 
mer Spinach,  and  they  are  grown  for  the  same 
purpose  in  China.  B.  rubra,  a  variety  of  B.  cor- 
difolia, yields  a  rich  purple  dye.  Some  of  the  spe- 
cies have  tuberous  roots.  B.  alba  is  suitable  for 
a  suspended  pot  or  basket,  being  quite  pretty 
when  in  bloom.  B.  lucida,  when  in  fruit,  is  a 
very  interesting  plant.  Propagated  by  division 
and  by  seed. 

Basil.     See  Ocymum. 

Basil  Thyme.  Common  name  for  Calamintha 
Nepeta. 

Bassia.  Butter  Tree.  Named  after  M.  Bassi, 
Curator  of  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Boulogne. 
Linn.  Dodecandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapota- 
cece. 

Tall  trees,  natives  of  the  hottest  parts  of  the 
East  Indies  and  Africa;  the  leaves  are  alternate, 
produced  in  terminal  tufts.  The  trees  are  of 
considerable  importance  in  their  native  coun- 
tries. B.  butryacea  yields  a  thick,  oil-like  butter 
from  its  fruit.  It  makes  good  soap,  and  is  adapt- 
ed for  burning.  From  the  juice  of  the  flowers 
a  kind  of  sugar  is  prepared.  The  fruit  qf  the 
Illupie  Tree,  B.  longifolia,  yields  oil  for  lamps 
and  various  other  purposes;  it  is  also  used 
for  food.  B.  Parkii  is  the  Shea  Tree,  or  Butter 
Tree,  mentioned  by  Mungo  Park  in  his  travels. 
Some  of  the  species  furnish  a  very  valuable  tim- 
ber for  the  mechanic  arts. 

Bass  wood.    See  Ti/ia. 

Bastard  Pennyroyal.  See  Trichostema  dichoto- 
mum. 

Batatis.  Its  Indian  name.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  ConvohrulacecK. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  tuberous- 
rooted  climbing  plants,  tender  or  half-hardy. 
Some  of  the  species  are  handsome  green-house 
climbers,  with  large,  purple,  snowy  flowers.  As 
the  flowers  fade  quickly  and  have  no  commer- 
cial value,  the  species  are  rarely  cultivated. 
The  most  interesting  species  is  B.  edulis,  the  well- 
known  Sweet  Potato,  for  description  of  which 
see  Potato.  The  several  species  are  natives  of 
Mexico,  South  America,  and  the  East  Indies. 

Batemannia.  In  compliment  to  James  Baieman, 
a  celebrated  English  collector  and  cultivator  of 
Orchids,  and  author  of  the  "Orchidaceaa  of 
Mexico  and  Guatemala."  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchida&XB. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  most  of 
which  have  small,  inconspicuous  flowers.  Bate- 
mannia, Burlii  is  a  very  rare  and  showy  plant, 
with  flowers  three  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  red- 
dish brown,  with  yellow  spots,  lip  white  and 
dark  purple.  They  require  to  be  grown  in  a 
house  with  moderate  heat,  and  to  be  watered 
with  great  caution.  Introduced  in  1839. 

Bayberry.     See  Mi/rica. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BEA 

Beach  Pea.  Common  name  of  Lathyrus  mariti- 
mus.  A  species  growing  plentifully  in  New  Jersey 
and  northward. 

Bean.  Phaseolus.  The  varieties  of  our  common 
Garden  or  Bush  Bean  have  their  origin  in  P. 
vulgaris,  which  is  supposed  to  be  a  native  of  the 
East  Indies,  though  there  are  none  of  the  spe- 
cies found  wild  that  in  any  way  resembles  the 
varieties  under  cultivation.  The  earliest  notice 
that  we  have  of  the  Kidney  Bean  is  that  given 
by  Pliny,  who  calls  them  Phaseoli,  and  says  the 
pod  is  to  be  eaten  with  the  seed.  "According 
to  Diodorus  Siculus,  the  Egyptians  were  the  first 
to  cultivate  it,  and  to  make  it  an  article  of  com- 
mon diet,  yet  they  conceived  religious  notions 
concerning  it  which  made  them  at  length  re- 
frain from  eating  it.  Their  priests  dared  not 
either  touch  it  or  look  at  it.  Pythagoras,  who 
was  educated  among  the  Egyptians,  derived 
from  them  their  veneration  for  the  bean,  and 
forbade  his  disciples  to  eat  it.  He  taught  that 
it  was  created  at  the  same  time  and  of  the  same 
elements  as  man ;  that  it  was  animated  and  had 
a  soul,  which,  like  the  human  soul,  suffered  the 
vicissitudes  of  transmigration.  Aristotle  ex- 
plains the  prohibition  of  Pythagoras  symbolic2 
ally.  He  says,  that  beans  being  the  ordinary 
means  of  voting  on  public  matters,  the  white 
bean  meaning  an  affirmative,  and  the  black  a 
negative,  therefore  Pythagoras  meant  to  forbid 
his  disciples  to  meddle  with  political  govern- 
ment. The  Eoman  priests  affirmed  that  the 
bean  blossom  contained  infernal  letters,  refer- 
ring to  the  dark  staius  on  the  wings,  and  it  is 
probable  that  all  the  superstitions  on  the  sub- 
ject sprang  from  the  fruit.'' — Am.  Ency.  This 
species  was  first  cultivated  in  England  in 
1509,  having  been  introduced  from  the  Nether- 
lands. Many  varieties  were  known  to  Gerarde 
in  1590.  The  running  or  Pole  Beans  are  of  the 
species  P.  muttiflorus,  introduced  from  South 
America  in  1663.  (See  Phaseolus.)  The  Eng- 
lish Bean,  so  called  by  our  seedsmen,  and  com- 
monly known  as  Broad  Windsor,  is  Vicia  faba, 
a  genus  that  has  been  under  cultivation  as  long 
as  we  have  any  records  of  gardening.  It  is  sup- 
posed to  have  originated  in  Egypt,  from  the 
fact  that  the  early  Greek  writers  mention  re- 
ceiving it  thence.  Of  this  class  there  are  many 
varieties,  none  of  whicb  succeed  well  with  us. 

Bear  Grass.     See  Yucca. 

Beard-tongue.  A  popular  name  of  the  genus 
Pentstenwn. 

Beatonia.  Named  in  honor  of  Donald  Beaton,  a 
celebrated  Scotch  gardener  and  writer.  Linn. 
Monadelphia-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  small  genus  of  Mexican  bulbs,  allied  to  the 
Tifjridia,  and  requiring  the  same  treatment. 
Flowers  purple,  growing  in  pairs  or  singly  on 
a  stem  about  a  foot  high.  Introduced  in  1841. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

Beaufortia.  Named  after  Mary,  Duchess  of 
Beaufort.  Linn.  Polyadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Myrtacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  desirable  green-house 
plants  from  New  Holland.  They  should  be 
grown  in  loam  and  sand  in  about  equal  quanti- 
ties, and  in  a  cool  part  of  the  green-house  will 
flower  splendidly.  The  flowers  are  scarlet,  pink, 
or  red.  Propagated  by  cuttings  of  the  half- 
ripened  wood,  covered  with  a  small  glass  with- 
out the  aid  of  bottom  heat. 

Beaumontia.  Named  after  Mrs.  Beaumont,  of 
Bretton  Hall,  England.  Linn.  l'ent-uidrM-Mn,,,>- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  ApocynacecK. 


BEL 

This  genus  of  green-house  twiners  has  but  few 
species,  all  natives  of  the  East  Indies.  B.  qrandi- 
flora  is  remarkable  for  its  handsome  flowers 
which  are  pure  white,  borne  in  terminal  or  axil- 
lary corymbs.  The  plant  is  difficult  of  propa- 
gation, which  is  effected  by  cuttings.  Great  age 
is  required  to  bring  it  into  flower.  When  a 
large  plant  is  obtained  and  grown  under  favor- 
able circumstances,  it  has  but  few  rivals. 

Beaver  Poison.  A  common  name  applied  to 
Cicala  maculala. 

Bee  Balm.     See  Monarda. 

Beech.     See  Fuyus. 

Beech-drops.  A  common  name  of  the  genus 
Epiphegus.  A  parasite,  that  grows  upon  the  roots 
of  Beech  trees. 

Beet.     See  Beta. 

Bedstraw.  One  of  the  common  names  of  the 
genus  Galium. 

Beefwood.     See  Casuarina. 

Beggar's  lace.  A  common  name  of  Cynoglossum 
Morisoni. 

Beggar's  Ticks.  The  common  name  of  a  very 
disagreeable  weed,  Bidens  chrysanthemoides.  It 
has  received  this  distinctive  name  because  the 
fruit  adheres  to  anything  with  which  it  comes 
in  contact. 

Begonia.  Named  in  honor  of  M.  Began,  & 
French  patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Monoecia-Poly- 
andria.  Nat.  Ord.  Begoniacece. 

All  the  species  of  Begonia  are  interesting  and 
beautiful  winter  ornaments  of  the  hot-house  or 
green-house,  of  the  simplest  culture  in  any  rich 
soil  if  allowed  an  abundant  supply  of  water. 
Cuttings  may  be  struck  without  trouble.  B. 
Rex,  the  type  of  the  large-leaved  sorts,  and  the 
most  ornamental  of  the  species,  is  best  propa- 
gated by  cutting  the  leaves  in  sections,  each 
being  so  cut  as  to  form  a  junction  of  the  ribs  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  cutting.  These  should  be 
laid  in  a  damp,  warm  place,  or  on  the  propagat- 
ing bench  with  good  bottom  heat;  or  a  leaf,  or  a 
portion  of  one,  may  be  laid  flat  in  any  shady 
place  in  the  house.  There  has  lately  been  in- 
troduced several  tuberous-rooted  species  and 
varieties.  They  have  large,  showy  flowers,  and 
succeed  well  in  a  moist,  shady  border.  The 
tubers  should  be  kept  warm  and  dry  during  the 
winter.  They  are  readily  propagated  by  cut- 
tings, seeds,  or  division  of  tubers. 

Belladonna  Lily.     See  Amaryllis  Belladonna. 

Bell  Flower.     See  Campanula. 

Bellis.  The  Daisy.  From  beUus,  pretty  ;  referring 
to  the  flowers.  Linn.  8yngenesia-Polygamia-Su- 
perflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Composites. 

Well-known  perennials,  of  which  B.  perennis, 
the  common  Daisy,  has  been  in  cultivation  in 
British  and  Continental  gardens  from  time  im- 
memorial. The  most  beautiful  varieties  are  the 
large  double,  the  large  quilled,  and  the  Hen-and- 
Chickens;  but  there  are  many  others.  In  Ger- 
many numerous  curious  varieties  have  been 
raised  by  saving  the  seed  of  the  handsomest 
kinds.  Each  sort  is  much  improved  by  being  tak- 
en up,  divided,  and  replanted  three  or  four  times 
every  season.  They  are  all  admirable  plants  for 
making  edgings  to  borders,  and  they  are  well  suit- 
ed for  growing  in  pots,  though  at  present  they  are 
almost  neglected.  They  thrive  best  in  a  loamy 
soil,  richly  manured,  which  should  be  dug  over 
and  well  broken  before  planting,  and  they  will 
bear  transplanting  even  when  in  flower, provided 
they  are  taken  up  with  a  portion  of  soil  attached. 
These  pretty  plants  are  seldom  seen  in  our  gar- 
dens in  as  great  abundance  as  they  deserve  to 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BEL 

be,  which  is  owing,  no  doubt,  to  their  being  very 
impatient  of  our  hot  summers.  They  should 
therefore  be  grown  in  a  shady  and  rather  cool 
border. 

Bellwort.     See  Uvularia. 

Bent  Grass.    See  Agroslis. 

Benjamin  Bush.  A  popular  name  of  Lindera 
Bemoin,  which  is  also  called  Spice  Bush. 

Benthamia.  Named  after  Mr.  Bentham,  a  distin- 
guished English  botanist.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cornacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen  shrubs, 
natives  of  Northern  India.  The  fruit  makes  it 
a  conspicuous  plant  for  the  lawn.  It  is  of  a  yel- 
lowish white  color,  about  the  size  of  a  Raspber- 
ry, but  not  edible.  Propagated  from  seed  or  by 
cuttings. 

Berberidopsis.  From  Berberis,  and  ops'ts,  like; 
resembling  the  Barberry.  Linn.  Enneandria-Mo 
nogynia.  Nat;  Ord.  Berberidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen  shrubs, 
natives  of  Chili.  B.  corallina  is  a  handsome 
shrub  of  sub-scandent  habit,  thick,  leathery 
leaves,  and  drooping,  many-flowered  racemes  of 
long-stalked,  crimson-scarlet  flowers.  This  spe- 
cies would  be  perfectly  hardy  south  of  Washing- 
shrub  of  remarkable  beauty.  Pro- 


Pro- 
Introduced 


ton,  and  is  a  si 

pagated  by  cuttings  or  from  seed. 

in  1862. 

Berberis.  The  Barberry.  From  berberys,  its  Ara- 
bian name.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Berberidacece. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  the  common  Bar- 
berry, all  of  which  are  ornamental  shrubs,  easi- 
ly propagated  by  cuttings  or  layers,  and  well 
adapted  for  a  large  lawn,  especially  the  purple- 
leaved  variety.  They  thrive  best  in  rather  a 
light,  sandy  soil.  The  fruit  is  acid  and  highly 
esteemed  for  preserving,  and  for  this  purpose 
the  seedless  variety,  B.  vulgaris  asperina,  is  most- 
ly preferred.  This  variety  is  a  native  of  Eu- 
rope. 

Bertholletia.  Brazil  Nut.  Named  after  L.  C. 
BerthoUet,  a  distinguished  chemist.  Linn.  Pdy- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lecythidacece. 

The  tree  that  bears  the  Brazil  Nuts  of  com- 
merce. B.  excelsa,  the  only  species  of  this  ge- 
nus, is  one  of  the  most  majestic  trees  in  the  Bra- 
zilian forests.  It  often  attains  a  height  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and  has  a  diameter  of 
from  three  to  four  feet  at  the  base.  It  is  found 
in  the  greatest  abundance  in  the  forests  on  the 
banks  of  the  Amazon.  It  is  also  common  in  Cen- 
tral America,  and  in  several  of  the  States  of 
South  America.  The  nuts  are  incased  in  a  shell 
from  four  to  six  inches  in  diameter,  which  is  ex- 
tremely hard.  Each  shell  contains  about  twen- 
ty nuts.  So  enormous  is  the  weight  of  this  fruit, 
that  at  the  period  when  it  falls  the -natives  dare 
not  enter  the  forests  without  covering  their  heads 
and  shoulders  with  a  strong  buckler  of  wood. 
The  time  for  collecting  these  nuts  is  in  winter, 
when  the  Indians,  in  great  numbers,  ascend  the 
rivers  to  obtain  their  harvest  of  nuts,  upon 
which  they  depend  for  the  year's  subsistence. 
When  the  nuts  are  spread  on  the  ground  all  the 
animals  of  the  forest  surround  them  and  dispute 
their  possession.  The  Indians  say  it  is  the 
feast  of  the  animals  as  well  as  themselves,  but 
they  are  angry  with  their  rivalry.  The  gather- 
ing of  the  nuts  is  celebrated  with  rejoicings, 
like  the  "Harvest  Home"  of  Old  England. 
About  once  in  five  years  another  species  or  va- 
riety is  seen  in  small  quantities  in  a  few  of  the 
fruit  stores  of  New  York.  It  is  of  a  lighter  col- 


BET 

or,  much  less  angular,  less  oily,  and  very  much 
finer  in  quality  than  the  common  Brazil  Nut. 
It  is  called  the  Paradise  Nut,  and  is  quite  dis- 
tinct. It  is  said  to  grow  in  the  interior  of  the 
country,  and  is  gathered  by  the  Indians,  and 
brought  to  the  coast,  which  they  visit  at  long  in- 
tervals for  the  purpose  of  trade. 

Bertolonia.  In  honor  of  A.  Bertoloni,  an  Italian 
botanist.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Melastomacea;. 

.  A  genus  of  very  pretty  trailing  or  creeping 
plants,  natives  of  the  dense  forests  of  Brazil. 
B.  maculata,  typical  of  the  genus,  is  an  exceed- 
ingly beautiful  hot-house  creeper.  The  leaves 
are  spotted  on  the  surface,  and  purple  under- 
neath. It  requires  a  warm,  moist  atmosphere, 
and  is  readilv  increased  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1848. 

Bessera.  Named  after  Dr.  Besser,  professor  of 
botany  at  Brody.  Linn.  Hexandria-MowjUHin. 
Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  Mexican  bulbs, 
allied  to  the  Squills.  The  flowers  are  scarlet, 
purple,  or  white,  produced  on  slender  scapes 
about  a  foot  high.  They  may  be  grown  in  a 
frame,  like  half-hardy  bulbs,  but  it  is  less  trou- 
ble to  treat  them  the  same  as  the  Tigridia.  The 
bulbs  must  be  kept  warm  and  dry  during  the 
winter,  if  taken  up.  Propagated  by  offsets.  In- 
troduced in  1846. 

Beta.  Beet.  From  bett,  the  Celtic  word  for  red;  in 
reference  to  the  red  color  of  the  Beet.  Linn. 
Penlandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Chenopodiacece. 

The  several  species  included  in  this  genus  are 
natives  of  Europe,  Northern  Africa,  and  Western 
Asia.  Four  of  the  species  are  cultivated  as  escu- 
lents; the  others  are  of  no  particular  interest. 
B.  vulgaris,  the  parent  of  our  garden  varieties, 
is  a  native  of  Egypt  and  along  the  whole  sea- 
coast  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  is  now  found 
growing  wild  in  those  localities.  The  Beet  has 
been  highly  esteemed  as  a  garden  vegetable  for 
more  than  2000  years,  and  is  specially  noticed 
by  all  the  early  writers  on  plants.  The  roots  of 
the  Beet  have  been  much  improved  by  cultiva- 
tion, both  as  regards  size  and  quality,  and  long 
ago  they  arrived  at  that  state  of  perfection,  be- 
yond which,  progress  in  the  line  of  improve- 
ment must  of  necessity  be  slow.  The  several 
varieties  of  Mangel-wurzel  and  Sugar  Beet,  now 
grown  so  extensively  in  Europe,  belong  to  the 
species  B.  altissima,  the  native  country  of  which 
is  unknown.  The  Chard  Beet,  or  Swiss  Chard, 
is  B.  cycla,  a  native  of  Portugal,  first  introduced 
into  English  gardens  in  1670.  It  is  extensively 
cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe,  and  forms 
one  of  the  principal  vegetables  of  the  laboring 
class,  the  leaves  only  being  used.  They  are 
stripped  off  and  boiled  as  a  substitute  for  spin- 
ach. The  rib  of  the  leaf,  which  is  strong  and 
fleshy,  is  sometimes  dressed  as  Asparagus.  Sea 
Beet  is  B.  maritima,  a  species  of  easy  culture, 
used  for  greens  only,  and  one  of  the  best  plants 
under  cultivation  for  that  use.  It  is  a  native  of 
the  British  coasts.  The  Chilian  Beet,  B.  Chilien- 
sis,  a  species  of  recent  introduction,  native  of 
Chili,  as  its  name  implies,  is  becoming  popular 
for  ornamental  gardening,  particularly  for  large 
ribbon  borders,  the  two  varieties,  one  with 
bright  yellow,  the  other  with  crimson  foliage, 
contrasting  finely  with  other  plants. 

Betula.  Birch.  From  its  Celtic  name,  betu.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Bdulacea;. 

An  extensive  genus  of  deciduous  trees,  com- 
mon in  all  the  cold  and  inhospitable  climates. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


27 


BID 

Some  of  the  species  are  the  last  trees  found  as 
we  approach  the  snow  in  the  most  elevated  dis- 
tricts. This  genus  is  largely  represented  in  our 
Northern  States  by  13.  alba,  the  common  White 
Birch,  which,  from  the  tremulous  habit  of  the 
foliage,  is  in  some  localities  called  Poplar  Birch. 
This  species  is  remarkable  for  its  elegance.  It 
seldom  divides  the  main  stem,  which  extends  to 
the  summit  of  the  tree,  giving  out  from  all  parts 
numerous  slender  branches,  forming  a  very  neat 
and  beautiful  spray  of  a  dark  chocolate  color, 
contrasting  finely  with  the  whiteness  of  the 
trunk.  When  grown  as  a  single  specimen  this 
tree  assumes  a  beautiful  pyramidal  form,  mak- 
ing a  moderate-sized  tree  of  great  beauty.  B. 
lenia  is  the  Black  or  Cherry  Birch,  so  named 
from  its  resemblance  to  the  American  Black 
Cherries.  The  bark  of  the  young  twigs  of  this' 
species  has  a  sweet,  aromatic  taste.  The  wood 
is  dark  rose  color,  fine  grained,  and  much  used 
in  fine  cabinet  work.  There  are  several  other 
native  species  common  in  our  Northern  States, 
all  interesting,  mostly  low-growing  trees  or  large 
shrubs. 

Bidens.  The  botanical  name  of  the  well-known 
Beggar's  Ticks. 

Bidwillia.  Named  after  Mr.  Bidwill,  of  Sydney,  an 
ardent  cultivator  of  bulbs.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

Allied  to  Anthericum.  A  small  genus  of  Aus- 
tralian and  Peruvian  bulbs.  The  flowers  are 
white,  borne  in  racemes,  and  differing  but  little 
from  the  Asphodelus.  Propagated  by  offsets. 

Bignonia.  Trumpet  Creeper.  Named  after  Abbe 
Bignon,  librarian  to  Louis  XIV.  Linn.  Didyna- 
inia-Anf/iospermi<t.  Nat.  Ord.  Bignoniacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  highly  ornamental 
plants,  and  the  type  of  an  order  equally  beauti- 
ful. Most  of  the  species  are  hot-house,  climbers, 
though  a  few  assume  a  more  arborescent  char- 
acter, and  one,  B.  radicans,  (Tecoma  radicans,) 
is  sufficiently  hardy  to  withstand  our  severest 
weather  when  trained  against  a  wall.  The  flow- 
ers of  all  are  large  and  showy,  produced  in  pan- 
icles, and  are  of  various  colors,  red,  blue,  white, 
or  yellow.  They  should  be  grown  in  rich  loam, 
in  a  sunny  position,  or  they  will  not  flower  well. 
Introduced  in  1820. 

Bilberry.  See  Vacciniiim. 

Billardiera.  Apple  Berry .  Named  after  LabUlar- 
diere,  a  French  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
yynia.  Nat.  Ord.  PittisporacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  climb 
ers,  natives  of  Australia  and  Tasmania.  The 
species  are  not  remarkable  for  beauty  of  plant 
or  flower,  but  are  highly  esteemed  for  their  sub- 
acid  fruit,  which  is  pleasant  and  wholesome. 
The  fruit  is  a  small  berry,  either  blue  or  amber- 
colored.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Billbergia.  Named  after  Billberg,  a  Swedish 
botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Bromeliacece '. 

These  are  handsome  plants  when  well  grown. 
The  colors  of  the  flowers  are  at  once  rich,  vivid, 
and  delicate,  and  are  usually  contrasted  in  the 
highest  manner  by  the  equally  bright  tints  of 
the  colored  bracts.  They  should  be  grown  in 
pots  of  rich  loam  plunged  into  an  active  hot-bed 
until  the  growth  is  completed,  when  a  cooler 
and  drier  place,  as  on  a  shelf  of  the  hot-house, 
will  induce  them  to  flower  freely.  Propagated 
by  suckers.  Introduced  from  Brazil  in  1825. 

Bilstead.     A  common  name  of  the  Lijuidambar. 

Bindweed.     See  Convolvulus. 

Birch.     See  Belula. 


BLU 

Birthroot.  Trulimn  ereduin  and  Lewisia,  which 
see. 

Birthwort.     See  Aristolochia. 

Bitter  Sweet.  A  popular  name  of  the  Celastrus 
scandens,  and  also  applied  to  Solanum  Dulcamara. 

Bitter  Weed.  A  common  name  of  one  of  the 
species  of  Ambrosia,  A.  artemisicKfolia,  Hog- 
Weed. 

Black  Alder.     Winterberry.     See  Ilex  verticillata. 

Blackberry.     See  Rubus. 

Blackberry  Lily.     See  Pardanthus. 
'   Black  Bindweed.    See  Potygonum  convolvulus. 

Black  Gum  or  Sour  Gum.    See  Nyssa  multiftora. 

Black  Haw.     See  Viburnum  prunifolium. 
i   Black  Hoarhound.     See  Battota  nigra. 

Black  Jack  or  Barren  Oak.     See  Quercus  nigra. 

Black  Moss,  Florida  Moss.  See  TiUandsia  uwie- 
oides. 

Black  Mustard.     See  Sinapis. 

Black  Oat  Grass.     See  Stipa  avenacea. 

Black  Oyster  Plant.     See  Scorzonera. 

Black  Pepper.     See  Piper. 

Black  Snake-root.     See  Smicula  Marilandica. 

Black  Thorn.  A  common  name  applied  to  Pru- 
nus  sp'mosa,  and  also  to  Cratcegus  tomentosa. 

Bladderwort.    See  Utricularia. 

Blandfordia.  Named  in  honor  of  George,  Mar- 
quis of  Blandford.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

Beautiful  green -house  bulbs  from  New  South 
Wales.  They  should  be  grown  in  large  pots 
filled  with  leaf  mould,  loam,  and  sand,  placed  in 
the  green-house,  and,  if  properly  attended  with 
water,  will  flower  freely.  The  flowers  are 
crimson  or  orange.  Introduced  in  1812.  Prop- 
agated by  seeds  and  offsets. 

Blazing  Star.  A  common  name  of  Liatris  squar- 
rosa,  and  also  given  to  Chamcelirium  luteum. 

Blechnum.  From  blechnon,  a  Greek  name  for  a 
Fern.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Mices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacece. 

A  considerable  genus  of  Ferns,  of  the  same 
group  as  Lornaria,  the  distinction  between  the 
two  consisting  in  the  fructification  of  Loma- 
ria  being  marginal,  and  that  of  Blechnum  be- 
ing within  the  margin.  The  genus  contains  a 
considerable  number  of  species,  which  are 
abundant  in  tropical  countries,  South  America 
and  the  West  Indian  islands  having  contrib- 
uted the  greatest  number. 

Bleeding  Heart.  The  popular  name  of  Dielytra 
(Diclytra,  Dicentra)  spectabilis. 

Blessed  Thistle.  Onicus  Benedictus.  A  genus  of 
Thistles,  natives  of  the  Levant  and  Persia. 
Naturalized  and  common  on  the  roadsides  in 
the  Southern  States. 

Bletia.  Named  after  a  Spanish  botanist  of  the 
name  of  Blet.  Linn.  Oynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Oid.Orchidacece. 

Pretty,  tuberous-rooted,  terrestrial  Orchids, 
which  require  to  be  grown  in  pots  of  fibrous 
loam  and  leaf  mould,  and  produce  large  spikes 
of  shaded  purple  flowers.  A  somewhat  high 
temperature,  say  70°  or  75°,  with  plenty  of 
moisture  while  they  are  growing,  and  a  consid- 
erable reduction  of  both  as  soon  as  it  is  com- 
pleted, is  necessary  to  cultivate  them  in  per- 
fection. They  are  increased  by  means  of  off- 
sets. Introduced  from  Mexico  in  1822. 

Blood-root.     See  Sanguinaria. 

Blue  Bells.     See  Campanula  rotundifolia. 

Blueberry.     See  Vaccinium. 

Bluebottle.     See  Gentaurea  cyanus. 

Blue  Cohash.  Popular  name  of  Caulophylium 
thdictroidvs,  which  is  also  called  Pappoose-root. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BLU 

Blue  Daisy.    See  Galaihea  celestis. 

Blue  Flag.     See  Iris  versicolor. 

Blue-eyed  Grass.     See  Sisyrinchium. 

Blue  Grass  (Kentucky.)    See  Poa  pratensis. 

Blue  Gum.     See  Eucalyptus. 

Blue  Tangle,  Dangleberry,  Huckleberry.  See 
Gaylussaciafrondosa, 

Bluet.    See  Iloustonia. 

Blue  Pea.    See  Clitoria. 

Blue- Weed.  Viper's  Buglos.    See  Echium  vulgare. 

Bocconia.  Named  after  P.  Boccone,  M.D.,  a 
Sicilian.  Linn.  Dodecandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Papaveracece. 

B.  Japonica,  the  only  species  adapted  for  the 
border,  is  a  plant  of  quite  recent  introduction. 
A  small  clump  or  single  specimen  of  i  •;  would 
take  high  rank  among  ornamental-leaved  plants. 
Unfortunately,  it  refuses  to  be  kept  within 
bounds,  and  will,  when  once  established,  not 
only  take  possession  of  the  border,  but  the 
lawn  as  well;  and  for  this  reason,  notwithstand- 
ing its  great  beauty,  it  should  not  be  planted  on 
the  lawn. 

Bcehmeria.  Ramee  or  Ramie.  In  memory  of 
George  Rudolph  Bcehmer,  a  German  botanist. 
Linn.  Monoeda-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Urticaceci'. 
A  genus  of  herbaceous  plants  or  shrubs,  allied 
to  the  true  Nettles,  but  differing  from  them  in 
not  having  stinging  hairs.  The  most  interest- 
ing species  is  B.  nivea,  the  Chinese  Grass-cloth 
Plant.  It  is  a  small,  shrubby  plant  about  three 
or  four  feet  high,  throwing  up  numerous 
straight  shoots,  which  are  about  as  thick  as  the 
little  finger,  and  covered  with  soft  short  hairs. 
Its  leaves  grow  on  long  hairy  footstalks,  and 
are  broadly  heart-shaped,  about  six  inches  long 
and  four  broad.  They  are  of  a  deep  green  color 
on  the  upper  side,  but  covered  on  the  under 
side  with  a  dense  coating  of  white  down,  which 
gives  them  an  appearance  like  that  of  frosted 
silver.  The  beautiful  fabric  known  as  Grass- 
cloth,  which  rivals  the  finest  cambric  in  soft- 
ness of  texture,  is  manufactured  from  the  fiber 
obtained  from  the  inner  bark  of  this  plant.  The 
Chinese  bestow  an  immense  amount  of  care  and 
labor  upon  its  cultivation  and  the  preparation 
of  its  fiber.  They  obtain  three  crops  of  its 
stems  annually,  the  second  being  considered  I 
the  best.  To  obtain  the  fiber,  the  bark  is  strip- 
ped off  in  two  long  pieces  and  carefully  scraped 
with  a  knife,  so  as  to  get  rid  of  all  useless  mat- 
ter, after  which  it  is  softened  and  separated  into 
.  tine  filaments  either  by  steeping  it  in  hot  water 
or  holding  it  over  steam.  This  plant  has  been 
introduced  into  the  Southern  States,  where  it 
grows  freely;  but  the  difficulty  in  separating  the 
fiber,  so  as  to  make  its  production  profitable,  i 
has  yet  to  be  overcome. 

Bog  Moss.     See  Sphagnum. 

Bog  Rush.      Juncus.     Common    in    all    marsh    ' 
grounds  or  swamps. 

Bollea.     Derivation  of  name  not  given.    Linn.   ' 
Gynandria-Monandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Orchidaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  consist- 
ing of  only  two  species,  natives  of  New  Gre- 
nada.    They  are  showy  plants,  with  radical  foli-   . 
age,  from  the  base  of  which  the  flowers  are  pro- 
duced  on  single  scapes.   The  flowers  are  shaded   ; 
pink,  with  a  bright  yellow  lip.     They  require   ' 
to  be  grown  in  pots  of  moss,  in  rather  a  warm   ! 
house,  and  are  increased  by  division. 

Bolbophyllum.     From  bolbos,  a  bulb,  and  phyl-    < 
Ion,  a  leaf;  referring  to  the  leaves  issuing  from 
the  apex  of  the  pseudo-bulbs.     Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea.'. 


BOU 

A  genus  of  dwarf  epiphytal  Orchids  from 
Africa  and  the  East  Indies.  More  curious  than 
beautiful.  Flowers  large,  single  or  in  pairs; 
color,  yellow,  white,  with  purple  spots  or  stripes. 
Not  often  seen  in  collections. 

Bomarea.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryttidacecK. 
A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  tuberous- 
rooted  plants,  formerly  included  in  the  genus 
Alstrcemeria,  and  differing  only  in  the  fruit. 
The  species  abound  in  the  Peruvian  Andes,  and 
are  common  in  other  high  elevations  in  South 
America.  B.  edulis  is  a  West  Indian  species. 
the  roots  of  which  are  eaten  like  those  of  the 
Jerusalem  Artichoke.  For  further  description 
and  propagation,  see  Alstroemeria. 

Bonapartea.  Named  in  honor  of  Napoleon  Bona- 
parte. Linn.  Hexatidria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Bromeliacece. 

A  genus  remarkable  for  the  gracefulness  of 
their  long,  rush-like  leaves.  They  are  well 
adapted  for  growing  in  vases  out  of  doors  in 
summer.  They  require  a  warm  house  in  winter. 
Propagated  by  seeds.  Introduced  from  Mexico 
in  1828. 

Boneset.     See  Eupatorium. 

Borago.  Borage.  Altered  from  cor,  heart,  and  ago, 
to  affect  ;  referring  to  the  cordial  qualities  of 
the  herbs.  Linn.  Pentandna-AIonogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  BoraginacecK. 

Hardy  annual  and  perennial  herbs,  common 
throughout  Europe.  The  leaves  of  B.  qfficinalis 
are  sometimes  used  in  salads  or  boiled  as  spi- 
nach. The  spikes  of  flowers  are  aromatic,  and 
sometimes  used  in  cooling  drinks. 

Borecole.  Kale,  Brussels  Sprouts.  Brassica  oler- 
acea  fimbriata.  The  chief  characteristic  of  the 
Borecoles  or  Kales  consists  in  their  not  pro- 
ducing heads  like  the  Cabbage,  or  eatable  flow- 
ers like  the  Cauliflower  or  Broccoli,  and  by  its 
beautifully  cut  and  curled  leaves,  which  are  of  a 
green  or  purple  color,  or  variegated  with  red, 
green,  or  yellow.  Several  of  the  sub-varieties 
are  known  in  our  markets,  and  extensively 
grown  by  market  gardeners,  the  most  popular 
being  the  Brussels  Sprouts  and  German  Greens. 
The  Borecole  is  a  native  of  the  British  coasts  and 
the  north  of  Europe.  The  garden  varieties  are 
not  many  removes  from  the  species. 

Boronia.  Named  after  Boroni,  an  Italian  attend- 
ant of  Dr.  Sibthorp.  Linn.  Octandria-Mono- 
ijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  KvtacecK. 

A  genus  of  elegant  green-house  shrubs  from 
New  Holland.  The  flowers  are  pink  or  whitish. 
From  the  difficulty  of  growing  this  plant,  it  is 
rarely  seen  in  collections.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings. 

Botrychium.  Moonwort.  From  botrys,  a  bunch ; 
in  reference  to  the  bunch-like  form  of  the  fructi- 
ficat  on  en  the  back  of  the  leaf.  Linn.  Cryptoya- 
mia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypod'uicecK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  Ferns,  composed  of  about  a 
dozen  species,  found  in  nearly  all  countries  ex- 
cept Africa.  B.  lunaria,  Moonwort,  is  found 
rarely  in  the  North  and  West.  Many  of  the  other 
species  are  common  in  rich  woods. 

Bottle-brush.     See  Inga. 

Bottle-gourd.     See  Lagenaria  vvlguris. 

Bottle-grass.  One  of  the  common  names  of  Se- 
taria. 

Bottle  Tree  of  Australia.     See  Brachychiton. 

Bougainvillea.      Named   after  the  French  navi- 
gator  Bougainville.     Linn.   Octandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Nyctaginaceai. 
A  genus  of  tropical  shrubs,  of  a  climbing  or 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BOU 

scrambling  habit.  They  are  remarkable  for  their 
beautiful  rose-colored  bracts,  in  cones,  like 
those  of  the  Hop.  Those  of  B.  spedabilis  are  sin- 
gularly handsome.  They  are  natives  of  the 
warmer  parts  of  South  America.  Propagated  by 
cuttings. 
Bouncing  Bet.  A  popular  name  of  Saponaria 

Bourbon  Palm.     See  Latania. 

Boussingaultia.  Madeira  Vine.  Named  in  honor 
of  J.  B.  Boussim fault,  a  celebrated  naturalist  and 
traveler.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
BasdlaceoK. 

The  only  species,  B.  baseUoides,  is  an  elegant 
climbing  tuberous-rooted  plant  from  the  Andes, 
a  rapid  grower  and  profuse  bloomer.  The  flowers 
are  nearly  white  and  deliciously  fragrant.  It 
grows  readily  in  any  garden  soil,  and  is  readily 
increased  by  division  or  by  seed.  Introduced 
in  1836. 

Bouvardia.  Named  after  Dr.  Bouvard,  curator  j 
of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Paris.  Linn.  Tetrandria-  I 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

Green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  introduced  : 
from  Mexico.  Many  new  varieties  have  been  | 
produced  in  this  country,  chiefly  by  sports,  the  j 
best  of  which  for  florists'  use  is  B.  Hendersonii,  by  j 
John  Henderson,  of  Flushing,  and  B.  Davkhonii, 
by  William  Davidson,  of  Brooklyn.  In  moist,  , 
rich  soils  it  will  bloom  freely  in  the  autumn  i 
months,  if  planted  out  in  the  garden.  The  sev-  i 
oral  varieties  arc  extensively  used  for  cut  flow-  | 
crs  in  winter.  Propagated  by  root  cuttings,  or  I 
by  cuttings  of  young  wood  in  sand. 

Bowenia.  In  honor  of  W.  G.  Botoen,  a  governor  j 
of  Queensland.  Linn.  Dioecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  I 
Ord.  Cycadacece. 

A  remarkable  genus  of  Oycadacea;,  consisting  ; 
of  but  one  species,  which  was  discovered  in  1 
Australia  in  1819.  The  species  is  described  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine  as  follows:  "The  most  prom-  i 
inent  character  of  Bowenia  is  the  compound  leaf,  | 
itsgeneral  characters,  (all  but  chape,)  texture,  and  | 
venation ;  the  leaflets  do  not  differ  from  those  of  j 
Macrozamia,  and  are  so  very  similar  to  those  of 
the  West  Indian  Zamias  that  it  is  difficult  to  dis-  j 
tinguish  them  gcnerically,  except  that  in  Bow-  ! 
enia  the  leaflet  is  decurrent  by  the  petiole,  | 
and  not  articulated  with  the  rachis."  The  fern-  \ 
like  aspect  presented  by  this  plant  is  very  re-  j 
markable  and  interesting,  giving  it  a  prominent 
position  in  the  green-house.  Propagated  by  < 
seeds  or  from  suckers. 

Box.  The  common  name  of  Buxus  sempervirens,  a  | 
plant  at  one  time  much  xised  for  edgings  in  or-  j 
namental  gardening.  It  is  a  native  of  Europe  } 
and  Asia,  and  is  readily  increased  by  cuttings. 

Boxberry.  A  name  sometimes  applied  to  the 
Wintergreen,  Gaullheria  procitmbens. 

Box  Elder.     See  Negundo. 

Brachychiton.  From  brachys,  short,  and  chiton, 
a  tunic.  Linn.  Polygamia-Moncecia.  Nat.  Ord. 
SterculacecK. 

A  genus  of  tropical  and  sub-tropical  trees  from 
Australia.  B.  acerifolium  is  called  the  Flame 
Tree  about  Illawarra,  on  account  of  its  bright 
scarlet  flowers,  which  make  the  tree  a  conspicu- 
ous object  at  a  distance.  B.  Bidwillii,  a  native  of 
the  Wide  Bay  district,  has  bright  crimson  flow- 
ers, produced  in  axillary  bunches.  B.  Delabechia 
is  a  very  interesting  species,  popularly  known  as 
the  Bottle  Tree  of  Australia. 

Brachycome.  From  bmchys,  short,  and  kome, 
hair.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Polygamia-Superflua.  Nat. 
Ord.  Composita.'. 


BRA 

This  beautiful  annual  is  found  on  the  banks 
of  the  Swan  River,  in  Australia,  and  has  there 
the  very  appropriate  name  of  Swan  River  Daisy, 
as  the  flower  closely  resembles  the  Daisy.  The 
plant  grows  from  six  to  ten  inches  high,  and  has 
a  closely  compact  branching  habit,  producing 
an  abundance  of  flowers.  It  is  well  adapted  for 
small  beds  or  rockeries.  Propagated  by  seeds. 
Introduced  in  1840. 

Brachysema.  From  brachys,  short,  and  sema, 
standard ;  the  flowers  having  the  standard  petal 
short.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  handsome  green-house  shrubs, 
mostly  climbing,  from  Australia.  B.  aphyUum  is, 
as  its  name  would  imply,  a  leafless  plant,  the 
branches  being  singularly  compressed  and 
winged,  so  as  to  perform  the  functions  of 
leaves.  Small  brown  scales  are  found  scattered 
over  these  branches,  and  from  these  the  flowers 
grow.  They  are  single,  large,  and  of  a  bright 
blood-red  color.  B.  lanceolatum  is  a  very  hand- 
some species,  and  well  adapted  for  the  green- 
house, flowering,  as  it  does,  in  winter  or  the 
early  spring  months.  Its  leaves  are  ovate  or 
lanceolate  in  form,  with  a  glossy  upper  surface, 
and  covered  with  a  silvery  pubescence  under- 
neath. The  flowers  are  in  axillary  clusters, 
large,  and  rich  scarlet. 

Bracted  Bindweed.    See  Calystegia. 

Brahea.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Ilexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A  genus  of  medium-sized  Palms,  with  fan-like 
leaves  and  spiny  leaf-stalks.  B.  jtiamentosa,  a 
native  of  Lower  California,  is  largely  cultivated 
in  our  green-houses  for  decorative  purposes.  It 
is  of  graceful  habit  and  rapid  growth,  succeed- 
ing well  with  but  little  care  in  the  green-house. 
This  species  is  also  known  as  Pritchardia  filifera. 
It  is  now  said  that  B.Jilamentosa  is  neither  a  Bra- 
hea nor  a  Pritchardia,  and  it  is  therefore  proposed 
to  call  it  Washingtonia.  Young  plants  are  ob- 
tained from  seed. 

Brainea.  After  J.  C.  Braine,  of  Hong  Kong. 
Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypo- 
diacece. 

B.  insigna,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  very 
handsome  dwarf  Tree  Fern,  a  native  of  Hong 
Kong.  The  stem  is  from  three  to  four  feet  high ; 
the  fronds  about  three  feet  long,  finely  pinnate, 
giving  the  plant  an  elegant  outline.  Sir  W.  J. 
Hooker  says  :• ' '  Wo  have  here  a  very  remarkable, 
and,  if  I  may  say  so,  a  new  form  among  the 
Ferns." 

Brake  or  Bracken.  The  popular  name  of  Pleris 
aquilina,  one  of  our  common  and  strong-growing 
Ferns. 

Bramble.     See  Rubus. 

Brassavola.  Named  after  A.  M.  Brassavola,  a 
Venetian  botanist.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidaceft;. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  belong- 
ing exclusively  to  tropical  America.  But  few  of 
the  species  have  merits  that  entitle  them  to  a 
place  in  general  collections.  The  few  are  of 
easy  culture,  and  produce  flowers  nearly  six 
inches  across,  white,  or  creamy  white,  spotted 
with  chocolate.  The  plants  are  all  dwarf,  with 
very  short  flower  stems.  They  are  usually  grown 
on  a  block,  in  a  rather  high  temperature.  In- 
creased by  division.  Introduced  in  1840. 

Brassia.     Named  after  Mr.  Brass,  a  skillful  bo- 
tanical traveler  and  draughtsman.    Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Orchl<l<i<-<  •< . 
This  genus  of  Orchids  is  aearly  allied  to  On- 


30 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BRA 

fidium,  but  not  so  popular  because  of  their  dull- 
colored  flowers.  Some  of  the  species  are  highly 
valued  by  their  growers,  as  they  produce,  with 
but  little  care  and  trouble,  an  abundance  of 
flowers  from  June  to  August.  Flowers  mostly 
yellow,  or  greenish  white,  spotted  with  brown. 
Introduced  in  1844. 

Brassica.  Cabbage.  From  bresic,  the  Celtic  name 
for  Cabbage.  Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Brassicacea: 

From  this  genus,  which  is  found  throughout 
Europe,  more  particularly  in  Great  Britain, 
there  has  been  produced  a  greater  variety  of 
culinary  vegetables  than  from  any  other.  It 
comprehends  Cabbage,  Cauliflower,  Turnip,  Bore- 
cole, Broccoli,  Brussels  Sprouts,  and  Kohl  Eabi, 
each  of  which  will  be  noticed  under  its  popular 
name. 

Bravoa.  Named  after  Bravo,  a  Mexican  botanist. 
Linn.  HexandriarMonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amarylli- 


This  genus  consists  of  but  a  single  species, 
B.  gemininora,  a  graceful  little  tuberous-rooted 
plant,  native  of  Mexico.  The  plant  has  a  small 
tuft  of  narrow  leaves,  from  which  arises  a  flower 
spike  about  a  foot  high,  wkh  a  terminal  cluster 
of  small  crimson,  Amaryllis-like  flowers,  in 
July.  It  will  flower  in  the  open  border,  but 
requires  the  protection  of  the  green-house  dur- 
ing winter.  Propagated  by  division. 

Brazil  Nut.    See  Berthottetia. 

Bread  Fruit.    See  Artocarpus. 

Brexia.  From  brexis,  rain;  in  reference  to  the 
protection  from  rain  given  by  the  large  leaves 
of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Broxiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  evergreen 
trees,  natives  of  Madagascar.  The  flowers  are 
of  a  leathery  texture,  greenish  color,  and  pro- 
duced in  axillary  umbels.  They  have  alternate 
leathery  leaves,  furnished  with  spiny  teeth. 
They  are  readily  increased  by  cuttings.  The 
plants  are  too  large  for  ordinary  cultivation  in 
the  green-house. 

Bread  Nut.    See  Brosimum. 

Bristly  Foxtail  Grass.     See  Setaria. 

Briza.  Quaking  Grass.  From  brizo,  to  nod;  on 
account  of  the  quaking  character  of  the  spike. 
Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminqcece. 
A  handsome  genus  of  grasses,  some  of  which 
are  cultivated  in  the  garden  as  ornamental 
plants.  The  grasses  dried  are  highly  esteemed 
for  bouquets  of  dried  flowers  and  grasses.  The 
kinds  usually  grown  are  B.  media,  a  perennial, 
and  B.  maxima,  a  larger  species,  an  annual  from 
the  south  of  Europe.  It  is  of  easy  culture,  re- 
— .where  it  is  wanted  to 


grown,  in  the  open  border,  as  early  in  spring 
the  ground  can  be  prepared. 

Broccoli.  .Brassica  olcracea  botrytis.  This  vegeta- 
ble somewhat  resembles  the  Cauliflower,  from 
which  it  is  supposed  to  have  originated,  although 
there  is  nothing  definitely  known  as  to  its 
origin.  It  is,  however,  more  recent  than  most 
others  of  the  genus.  Miller  says  it  was  intro- 
duced into  England  from  Italy  in  1724, two  varie- 
ties, white  and  purple,  from  which  all  the 
present  garden  varieties  have  been  produced. 

Brodisea.  Named  after  J.  J.  Brodie,  a  Scotch 
cryptogamist.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LUiacece. 

Very  curious  little  bulbous-rooted  plants.  B. 
Calif ornica,  with  blue  and  white  flowers,  is  easily 
cultivated  in  sandy  loam  with  the  convenience 
of  a  green-house  or  good  frame.  Increase  is 


BRO 

sparingly   effected  by   offsets.      Introduced   in 

Brome  Grass.     See  Bromns. 

Brook  Weed  or  Water  Pimpernel.  The  com- 
mon name  of  Samolus,  a  common  plant  in  wet 
or  marshy  places. 

Broom  Corn.     See  Sorghum. 

Broom  Rape.  A  popular  name  of  the  genus 
Orobanche. 

Bromus.  Brome  Grass.  So  called  from  bromos, 
the  Greek  name  for  a  wild  oat.  Linn.  Triandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

A  genus  of  poor,  coarse-growing  grasses,  of 
little  use  in  agriculture,  and  of  little  beauty. 
This  is  the  pest  of  the  farmer,  to  which  he  ap- 
plies a  significant  and  justly  proper  name, 
Cheat  or  Chess.  However  much  it  may  cheat 
the  farmer  by  crowding  out  Wheat  and  Rye, 
we  cannot  excuse  him  for  cheating  himself  with 
the  absurd  delusion,  so  widely  prevalent,  that 
his  Wheat  has  turned  into  Chess,  from  some 
cause  whicb  cannot  be  explained.  The  species 
are  annuals,  and  the  seed  will  remain  a  long 
time  in  the  ground,  and  germinate  only  when 
the  conditions  of  growth  are  favorable.  It  is  a 
native  of  Europe,  though  naturalized  in  many 
places  in  this  country. 

Brongniartia.  Named  in  honor  of  Brongniart,  a 
French  botanist.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  valuable  and  rather  scarce  plant,  having 
flesh-colored  flowers,  which  should  be  treated  as 
a  green-house  shrub,  potting  it  in  loam  and 
sand.  A  native  of  New  Spain.  Introduced  in 
1827. 

Brosimum.  Bread  Nut.  From  brosimos,  good  to 
eat ;  the  fruit  being  edible.  Linn.  Polygamia- 
Diaecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Artocarpacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tall-growing  trees,  natives  of 
the  "SVest  Indies  and  South  America,  where  they 
are  highly  esteemed  for  the  food  obtained  from 
them,  and  for  the  valuable  timber  they  furnish. 
B.  Alicastrum  is  the  Bread-nut  Tree  of  Jamaica, 
the  fruit  of  which  is  about  an  inch  in  diameter, 
and  contains  a  single  seed  or  nut,  which  is  said 
to  form  an  agreeable  and  nourishing  article  of 
food.  When  boiled  or  roasted  the  nuts  have  the 
taste  of  hazel-nuts.  Snake-wood  or  Leopard- 
wood  is  the  heart-wood  of  one  of  the  species,  B. 
Aubletti,  a  native  of  Trinidad  and  British  Guiana. 
B.  galactodendron,  which  is  the  celebrated  Cow 
Tree  of  South  America,  yields  a  milk  of  as  good 
quality  as  that  from  the  cow.  It  forms  large  for- 
ests on  the  seacoast  of  Venezuela,  growing  100 
or  more  feet  high,  with  a  smooth  trunk  six  to 
eight  feet  in  diameter.  Its  milk,  which  is  ob- 
tained by  making  incisions  in  the  trunk,  so 
closely  ressmbles  the  milk  of  the  cow,  both  in 
appearance  and  quality,  that  it  is  commonly 
used  as  an  article  of  food  by  the  inhabitants  of 
the  localities  where  the  tree  abounds.  Unlike 
most  other  vegetable  milks,  it  is  perfectly  whole- 
some, and  very  nourishing,  possessing  an  agree- 
able taste,  like  that  of  sweet  cream,  and  a  bal- 
samic odor  ;  its  only  unpleasant  quality  being 
a  slight  amount  of  stickiness.  Like  animal  milk, 
it  quickly  forms  a  yellow,  cheesy  scum  on  the 
surface,  and  after  a  few  days  turns  sour  and  pu- 
trefies. 

Broughtonia.  Named  after  Mr.  Broughton,  an 
English  botanist.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidaceoc.. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  West  Indian 
Orchids,  somewhat  resembling  the  Lcelia  and 
Cattteya.  They  commonly  grow  on  bushes  in 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


BKO 

Cuba  and  Jamaica.     The  flowers  are  crimson,    j 
and  produced  from  the  top  of  the  pseudo-bulb 
during  the  summer,  and  are  of  long  duration,    i 
They  are  easy  of  culture,  growing  best  on  blocks   , 
of  wood,  and  should  have  plenty  of  light  and 
sun.     Propagated  by  division.     Introduced  in   i 
1824. 

Browallia.     Named  after  J.  Browatt«s,  Bishop  of 
Abo.     Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.     Nat.  Ord.    ] 
Scroph  idaria  cecn. 

The  Browallias  are  handsome,  free-flowering,  ' 
half-hardy  annuals.  They  succeed  best  started 
in  the  green-house  and  repotted  two  or  three 
times  ;  they  can,  however,  be  successfully  grown 
by  starting  in  the  hot-bed.  Occasionally  grow 
well  when  sown  in  the  open  border.  The  plants 
will  be  completely  studded  over  with  their  beau- 
tiful blue  and  white  flowers  the  whole  summer. 
They  are  also  excellent  winter-flowering  plants. 
Propagated  from  seed.  Natives  of  South  Amer- 
ica. Introduced  in  1798  to  1828. 

Brownea.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Patrick  Browne, 
who  wrote  a  history  of  Jamaica.  Linn.  Monadel- 
phia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  gen  us  of  low  evergreen  trees,  chiefly  con- 
fined to  Venezuela  and  New  Granada.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  and  from  one  to  one  and  a  half 
feet  long,  with  from  four  to  twelve  pairs  of  entire 
leaflets.  The  flowers  are  rose-colored  or  crim- 
son, and  disposed  in  terminal  or  axillary  heads,  j 
B.  grandiceps  has  large  and  beautiful  heads  of  | 
flowers,  of  a  pink  color,  arranged  in  tiers,  the 
outer  ones  expanding  first,  followed  by  the  oth- 
ers until  all  are  open,  when  the  flower-head 
somewhat  resembles  that  of  a  Rhododendron.  A 
singular  fact  in  connection  with  this  plant  is, 
that  the  leaves  droop  during  the  day  so  as  to  al- 
most hide  the  flowers  from  view,  and  protect 
them  from  the  heat  of  the  sun.  At  evening  they 
rise  up  again,  and  remain  erect  during  the 
night,  and  the  flowers  are  thus  exposed  to  the 
falling  dew.  The  species  are  rarely  seen  under 
cultivation. 

Brugmansia.  Named  in  honor  of  Prof.  S.  J. 
Brwjmans,  a  botanical  author.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece. 

Peruvian  shrubs,  or  low,  succulent-stemmed  j 
trees,  of  which  B.  suaveolens  (better  known  by 
the  name  of  Datura  arborea)  and  B.  sanguinea  are 
magnificent  species.  Being  large  plants,  grow- 
ing to  the  height  of  ten  or  twelve  feet,  they  look 
best  when  planted  in  the  ground  in  a  conserva- 
tory ;  but  they  will  grow  well  in  large  pots,  or 
they  may  be  planted  in  the  open  garden  in  the 
summer  season,  and  taken  up  and  preserved  in 
a  back  shed,  from  which  the  frost  is  excluded,  ! 
during  winter,  to  be  replaced  in  the  open  bor- 
der the  following  spring.  The  flowers  are  trum- 
pet-shaped, a  foot  or  more  in  length,  and  very 
fragrant.  The  plants  grow  freely  in  light,  rich 
soil  ;  and  they  are  readily  propagated  by  cut- 
tings either  of  the  shoots  or  roots. 

Brunellia.  Self-heal.  Name  said  to  be  taken  from 
the  German  braune,  a  disease  of  the  throat,  for 
which  this  plant  was  a  reputed  remedy.  Linn. 
Didynaiiiia-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing  weeds,  com-   I 
mon  everywhere.     B.  vulgaris  has  become  nat- 
uralized from  Europe,  and  is  common  on  road- 
sides.    It  grows  about  six  inches  high,  and  h;;s 
pale  purple  flowers. 

Brunsvigia.     Named  after  the  house  of  BruiiK- 
wick.      Linn.    Hexandria-M<»in<jt/nia.      Nat.  Ord.    j 
Amaryttidacece.     Of  this  splendid  genus  of  Cape   j 
bulbs  Sweet  observes:  "Some of  the  bulbs  grow    ! 


BUG 

to  a  great  size,  and  require  large  pots  to  have 
them  flower  in  perfection;  or,  it  planted  out  in 
the  open  borders  in  spring,  there  will  be  a  bet- 
ter chance  of  their  flowering,  taking  the  bulbs 
up  again  in  autumn ;  or  the  best  way  to  succeed 
well  with  them  is  to  have  a  pit  built  on  purpose 
for  them,  so  as  to  occasionally  be  covered  with 
the  lights  to  keep  off  too  much  wet,  and  to  be 
covered  close  in  severe  weather,  as  they  cannot 
bear  the  frost.  The  mould  must  be  -made  for 
them  of  full  one-third  sand,  more  than  one-third 
of  turfy  loam,  and  the  rest  of  leaf  mould,  all  well 
mixed  together,  but  not  chopped  too  small,  as 
the  roots  run  better  through  it  for  being  rough 
and  hollow.  When  in  full  growth  and  flower 
they  require  a  frequent  supply  of  water,  "but 
none  while  dormant."  B.  Josephince  is  very  sel- 
dom induced  to  flower  in  this  country,  though 
no  uncommon  occurrence  in  its  native  country, 
where  it  is  said  to  produce  very  large  heads  of 
flowers.  Several  species  flower  more  freely, 
though  none  so  grand.  Propagated  by  offsets. 

Brussels  Sprouts.    See  Borecole  and  Cabbage. 

Bryonia.  From  bryo,  to  sprout;  in  allusion  to 
the  quick  growth  of  the  stems.  Linn.  Monoecia- 
Monaddphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing,  hardy  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, natives  of  Europe,  the  East  Indies,  and 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  B.  alba  and  B.  dioica 
are  generally  considered  by  botanists  to  be  one 
species,  the  only  difference  being  in  the  color 
of  the  berries.  This  species  is  what  is  generally 
known  as  the  Common  Bryony,  and  is  found  in 
the  hedgerows  of  Great  Britain.  It  has  a  very 
large  tuberous  root,  from  which  twining  stems 
spring,  which  are  annual  and  rough.  The  plants 
climb  by  tendrils,  and,  what  is  very  unusual, 
the  direction  of  the  spiral  is  now  and  then 
changed,  so  that,  after  proceeding  in  one  course 
for  some  distance,  the  tendril  suddenly 'changes 
to  an  opposite  direction.  The  male  and  female 
flowers  are  in  separate  clusters;  sometimes, 
though  not  always,  they  are  on  different  plants. 
The  plant  has  a  fetid  odor,  and  possesses  acrid, 
emetic,  and  purgative  properties,  and  from  its 
elegant  appearance  in  autumn,  with  its  brilliant 
colored  fruit,  accidents  not  unfrequently  occur 
to  children  and  others  incautiously  tasting  the 
fruit,  which  is  an  active  poison.  Singularly 
enough,  the  young  shoots  may  be  cooked  and 
eaten  with  impunity.  When  served  up  in  the 
same  manner  as  Asparagus,  they  are  said  to 
equal  it  in  flavor.  Many  of  the  species  are  not 
poisonous,  and  arc  much  valued  for  their  medi- 
cinal properties. 

Bryony.    See  Bryonia. 

Bryophyllum.  So  named  from  bryo,  to  grow, 
and  phyllon,  a  leaf;  in  reference  to  the  circum- 
stance of  the  leaf,  when  laid  upon  damp  earth, 
emitting  roots,  whence  arise  young  plants.  Linn. 
Octamlria-Tdragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

B.  calycinum,  a  species  common  in  the  green- 
house, is  one  of  the  House  Leeks,  and  a  native  of 
India.  When  in  flower  it  is  quite  handsome, 
producing  loose  panicles  of  drooping,  greenish- 
purple  flowers.  It  is  very  easily  grown. 

Buckbean.  The  common  name  of  a  plant  be- 
longing to  the  Gentian  family,  Menyanthes  trifo- 
lintit,  common  in  wet  places,  and  of  little  in- 
terest. 

Buckthorn.     See  Rhamnus. 

Buckeye.     See  jEsculus. 

Buckwheat.  Fafjopyrum  esculentwn.  The  com- 
mon Buckwheat  is  a  native  of  Central  Asia,  and 
has  long  been  under  cultivation.  It  is  more  ex- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BUD 

tensively  grown  in  this  country  as  an  article  of 
food  than  in  any  other,  Buckwheat  cakes  being 
purely  an  American  institution.  It  thrives  on  a 
poor  soil  that  would  not  sustain  many  other 
plants,  and  give  a  fair  yield.  Of  the  improve- 
ment in  the  quality  of  this  grain  from  its  native 
wild  state  we  have  no  record.  There  are  seve- 
ral varieties  grown,  but  the  quality  depends 
largely  upon  soil  and  climate. 

Buddies*  Named  after  A.  Buddie,  an  English  bot- 
anist. Linn.  Tetrandria-Mbnogyriia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Scrophulariacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous  plants, 
shrubs,  and  low-growing  trees.  Leaves  opposite 
and  thickly  covered  with  hairs.  The  flowers  of 
some  of  the  species  are  very  beautiful  and  fra- 
grant ;  they  are  mostly  small,  bright  orange, 
purplish  or  lilac,  and  arranged  in  small  globular 
heads,  on  long  peduncles.  They  are  natives  of 
South  America,  Mexico,  Africa,  and  tropical  Asia. 
Some  of  the  species  are  half-hardy,  and  would 
be  likely  to  succeed  well  south  of  Washington. 

Buffalo  Grass  or  Buffalo  Clover.    See  Trifolium. 

Bugle.     See  Ajuga. 

Bugle-weed.  The  popular  name  of  Lycopus  Vir- 
ginlcus. 

Bugloss.     See  Lycopsis  arvensis. 

Bulbine.  From  bdbos,  a  bulb.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Afonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lttiacece. 

Half-hardy  plants,  available  for  flower-garden- 
ing purposes.  They  are  showy,  fragrant,  and 
do  not  require  any  particular  care  in  their  man- 
agement. Propagated  rapidly  by  cuttings.  Na- 
tives of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Introduced  in 
1820. 

Bulbocodium.  From  bolbos,  a  bulb,  and  kodion, 
wool  ;  referring  to  the  woolly  covering  of  the 
bulbs.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Melanlhacece, 

Very  handsome,  hardy  bulbs,  bearing  purple 
flowers,  and  well  deserving  attention.  They 
should  be  carefully  watered  in  dry  weather.  S. 
vernum  is  one  of  our  earliest  spring  flowers.  In- 
troduced from  Spain  in  1629.  The  other  species, 
B.  versicolor,  flowers  toward  the  autumn.  Intro- 
duced from  the  Crimea  in  1820. 

Bulrush  or  Club- Bush.  The  popular  name  of 
the  genus  Scirpus,  which  includes  a  number  of 
species  of  marsh  plants. 

Bunch-berry.  A  common  name  of  Cornus  Cana- 
densis,  dwarf  Cornel  or  Dog-wood. 

Buphthalmum.  Ox-eye.  From  bous,  an  ox,  and 
opMhalmos,fan.eje;  in  allusion  to  the  resemblance 
the  disk  of  the  flowers  bears  to  an  ox's  eye. 
Linn.  Syngenesia- Superftua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 
A  genus  including  hardy  annuals,  perennials, 
and  green-house  evergreen  shrubs.  Two  of  the 
more  conspicuous  species  are  hardy  perennials, 
natives  of  Central  Europe.  They  grow  from  a 
foot  to  a  foot  and  a  half  high  ;  leaves  narrow, 
flowers  large,  bright  yellow.  They  have  too 
weedy  an  appearance  for  a  collection  of  choice 
plants. 


CAB 

Burdock.  The  well-known  popular  name  for 
Lappa  qfficinalis,  of  which  there  are  two  varieties, 
minor  and  major;  the  common  Burdock  being  the 
latter. 

j   Bur  Marigold.     One  of  the  common  names  of 
the  genus  Bldens. 

Burning  Bush.     See  Euonymus. 

Burlingtonia.  Named  after  the  Countess  of  Bur- 
lington. Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidctcece. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  epiphytal  Orchids, 
inhabiting  Brazil.  They  are  remarkable  for  their 
long,  pendulous  racemes  of  snow-white  flowers, 
with  the  lip  touched  or  lined  with  yellow.  A 
few  of  the  species  have  flowers  in  which  yellow 
or  lilac  colors  predominate.  The  plants  of  this 
genus  are  all  of  dwarf  habit,  with  beautiful 
evergreen  foliage.  They  will  grow  either  on 
cork  or  in  baskets.  Propagated  by  division. 
Introduced  in  1824. 
Bur  Reed.  See  Sparganium. 
Burtonia.  Named  after  D.  Burton,  a  collector  for 
the  Kew  Gardens.  Linn.  Decandna-Mononiinia 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  dwarf,  heath-like  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  Australia.  The  flowers  are  pea-shaped, 
axillary,  and  often  thickly  gathered  on  the  ends 
of  the  branches;  the  corollas  rich  purple,  the 
keel  generally  of  a  deeper  color,  and  the  stand- 
ard generally  having  a  yellow  blotch  at  its  base. 
There  are  only  a  few  species  under  cultivation, 
but  they  are  all  conspicuous  objects  in  the 
green-house.  They  come  into  flower  in  April. 
Propagated  from  cuttings  or  half-ripened  wood. 
Introduced  in  1803. 

Bush  Clover.    See  Lespedeza. 

Bush  Honeysuckle.  A  popular  name  for  the 
genus  Diervilla,  which  see. 

Butcher's  Broom.    See  Ruscus. 

Butomus.  Flowering  Eush.  From  bous,  an  ox, 
and  temno,  to  cut ;  in  reference  to  its  acrid  juice 
causing  the  mouth  to  bleed.  Linn.  Enneandria- 
Hexagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Butomacecv. 

B.  umbettaius  is  a  beautiful  aquatic  plant,  com- 
mon in  the  marshes  of  Great  Britain.  Gerardc, 
(1629,)  in  speaking  of  this  plant,  says:  "The 
Water  Gladiole,  or  Grassie  Eush,  is  of  all  others 
the  fairest  and  most  pleasant  to  behold,  and 
serveth  very  well  for  the  decking  and  trimming 
up  of  houses,  because  of  the  beautie  and  braverie 
thereof."  A  variety  with  striped  leaves,  lately 
introduced,  is  now  highly  recommended  for  col- 
lections of  aquatic  plants. 

Butter-and-Eggs.  A  local  name  for  Linaria  vul- 
garis. 

Buttercup.     See  Ranunculus. 

Butterfly  Pea.  A  name  sometimes  given  to  the 
Clitoria,  which  sec. 

Butterfly  Weed.     See  Asclepias  tuberosa. 

Butternut.     See  Jur/lans. 

Butter  Tree.     See  Bassia. 

Button- Wood.     See  Platanus. 

Butterfly  Orchid.     See  Oncidium. 


c, 


Cabbage.    Brassica  oleracea;.     For  the  following 
concise  history  of  the  Cabbage  we  are   in- 
debted to  the  Treasury  of  Botany,  London,  I860: 
"The  Cabbage,  in  its  wild  state,  is  a  native  of 
various  parts  of  Europe,  as  well  as  of  several 
places  near  the  sea  in  England.     It  is  a  biennial, 


with  fleshy-lobed  leaves,  undulated  at  the  mar- 
gin, and  covered  with  bloom ;  altogether,  so  dif- 
ferent in  form  and  appearance  from  the  Cab- 
bage of  our  gardens  that  few  would  believe  it 
could  possibly  have  been  the  parent  of  so  varied 
a  progeny  as  are  comprised  in  the  Savoy,  Brus- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAB 

sels  Sprouts,  Cauliflower,  Broccoli,  and  their  va- 
rieties. A  more  wonderful  instance  of  a  species 
producing  so  many  distinct  forms  of  vegetation 
for  the  use  of  man  is  scarcely  to  be  met  with 
throughout  the  range  of  the  vegetable  kingdom. 
The  common,  or  cultivated  Cabbage,  B.  oleracea 
capi(ata,is  well  known, and  from  a  very  early  peri- 
od has  been  a  favorite  culinary  vegetable,  in  al- 
most daily  use  throughout  the  civilized  world. 
The  ancients  considered  it  light  of  digestion 
-when  properly  dressed,  and  very  wholesome 
if  moderately  eaten.  For  the  introduction  of  our 
garden  variety  of  Cabbage  we  are  indebted  to  the 
Romans,  who  are  also  believed  to  have  dissemi- 
nated it  in  other  countries.  It  is  said  to  have  been 
scarcely  known  in  Scotland  until  the  time  of  the 
Commonwealth,  when  it  was  carried  there  from 
England,  by  some  of  Cromwell's  soldiers;  but  it 
now  holds  a  prominent  place  in  every  garden 
throughout  the  United  Kingdom."  From  its 
wild  state  the  Cabbage  has  been  brought  to  its 
present  state  of  perfection  very  gradually,  by 
careful  selection  under  cultivation.  The  various 
stages  of  these  improvements  have  not  been 
sufficiently  noted  to  enable  us  to  award  the  cred- 
it where  it  properly  belongs.  In  the  improve- 
ments made  within  the  last  fifty  years  the 
market  gardeners  around  New  York  have  taken 
a  conspicuous  part,  and  to  them  we  arc 
indebted  for  our  best  market  varieties.  One 
of  the  most  noticeable  is  Henderson's  Early  Sum- 
•uter,  a  variety  that  originated  near  Jamaica, 
Long  Island,  within  the  last  few  years.  The  Red 
Cabbage,  B.  oltracfa  rubra,  is  an  entirely  dis- 
tinct variety,  but  its  origin  and  early  develop- 
ment are  unknown.  It  has  been  known  in  Hol- 
land for  several  hundred  years,  and  the  Dutch 
have  made  the  growing  of  the  seed  an  extensive 
business.  The  Savoy  Cabbage,  B.  oleracea  bul- 
lata,  differs  but  little  from  the  other  kinds  of  Cab- 
bage. It  is  distinguished  by  its  leaves  being 
wrinkled  in  such  a  manner  as  to  have  a  netted 
appearance.  The  Savoys  are  remarkable  for  [ 
their  tender,  crisp  leaves  and  excellent  flavor.  I 
It  would  seem  not  to  be  generally  known  that  i 
the  Savoys  are  the  most  delicious  of  all  the 
Cabbages.  The  Brussels  Sprouts,  or  Bud- 
bearing  Cabbage,  B.  oleracea  buttata  minor,  \ 
originated  in  Belgium,  and  has  from  a  very 
early  date  been  extensively  grown  around 
Brussels,  where  it  seems  to  thrive  better  than 
in  most  other  countries.  It  forms  a  head  some- 
what like  the  Savoy,  of  which  it  is  consid- 
ered a  sub-variety,  differing  in  the  remark- 
able manner  in  which  it  produces  at  the  axils 
of  the  leaves,  along  the  whole  length  of  the  I 
stem,  a  number  of  small  sprouts  resembling  | 
miniature  Cabbages  of  one  or  two  inches  in  di- 
ameter, of  an  excellent  flavor. 

Cabbage  Palm.     See  Areca. 

Cacalia.  Tassel  Flower.     From  kakos,  pernicious, 
and  lian,  exceedingly ;  supposed  to  be  hurtful 
to  the  soil.     Linn.    ISynfjeneyia-Polyijatnia-^Equa-    \ 
lis.   Nat.  Ord.  Composite. 

C.  coccinea  is  the  only  species  worthy  of  cul-  j 
tivation  in  the  flower  garden,  a  half-hardy  annu-  | 
al,  that  can  be  grown  readily  from  seed  sown  j 
where  wanted  to  grow.  Its  bright  scarlet  bios-  ' 
soms  are  borne  in  profusion  from  July  to  Octo- 
ber. Introduced  from  New  Holland  in  1792. 

Cactus.  A  name  applied  by  Theophrastus  to  semi- 
spiny  plants.  Linn.  Icosandria-Monorjynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cactaceve, 

The    very    remarkable    succulent  plants,  ar- 
ranged by  Linnaeus  under  the  name  of  Cactus,    | 


CAL 

have  been  distributed  by  modern  botanists  over 
numerous  genera,  which  they  are  still  continu- 
ally changing  and  re-arranging.  At  first  a  few 
plants  were  left  in  the  genus  Cactus,  but  now  that 
genus  is  annihilated,  and  seven  or  eight  new  gene- 
ra substituted  for  it;  still,  as  all  the  plants  that 
once  composed  it,  and  the  new  ones  of  the  same 
nature  that  collectors  are  continually  sending 
home,  are  known  by  the  general  name  of  Cacti, 
it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  give  here  a 
slight  sketch  of  the  whole  family.  In  the  time 
of  Linnams  very  few  Cacti  were  known,  and 
even  in  the  year  1807  Persoon  enumerated  only 
thirty-two ;  but  now  about  five  hundred  living 
species  are  to  be  found  in  a  single  collection, 
and  numbers  of  new  species  are  being  Sent  home 
by  collectors  every  year.  These  new  species  are 
chiefly  found  in  the  tropical  regions  of  America, 
but  they  extend  over  75"  of  latitude,  some 
being  found  within  the  boundary  of  the 
United  States  and  some  near  the  town  of  Concep- 
tion, in  Chili.  By  far  the  greater  number,  how- 
ever, grow  in  the  dry,  burning  plains  of  Mexico 
and  Brazil,  where  they  are  subjected  to  the  alter- 
nate seasons  of  extreme  moisture  and  extreme 
drought.  In  these  arid  plains,  where  all  nature 
seems  parched  up  for  six  months  in  the  year,  the 
Cacti  have  been  mercifully  provided  to  serve  as 
reservoirs  of  moisture,  and  not  only  the  natives, 
by  wounding  the  fleshy  stems  with  their  long 
forest  knives,  supply  themselves  with  a  cool  and 
refreshing  juice,  but  even  the  cattle  contrive  to 
break  through  the  skin  with  their  hoofs,  and 
then  to  suck  the  liquid  they  contain,  instinct 
teaching  them  to  avoid  wounding  themselves 
with  the  spines.  Some  of  the  species  serve  the 
Indians  for  food.  The  Cacti  are  arranged  by  na- 
ture into  several  distinct  groups,  the  first  of 
which  consists  of  the  tree  Cacti,  or  those  kinds 
of  Cereus  which  have  long,  slender  stems,  and 
which  usually  grow  on  the  summits  of  the  moun- 
tains of  Mexico  and  Brazil,  forming  a  singular 
kind  of  crest.  These  are  generally  thirty  or  forty 
feet  high,  and  sometimes  are  branched  like  can- 
delabra, and  sometimes  consist  of  only  one  nak- 
ed stem,  not  thicker  than  a  man's  arm,  though 
of  such  enormous  height.  Others,  again,  not 
only  grow  to  a  height  of  fifty  or  sixty  feet,  but 
have  a  diameter  of  two  or  three  feet.  The  Mam- 
millarias  and  Echinocacti,  which  form  another 
group,  grow  in  the  valleys  of  the  temperate  re- 
gions, generally  in  loamy  soils  and  low  grass ; 
and  the  Opuntias  and  Pereskias,  which  form  two 
others,  are  also  principally  found  in  the  temper- 
ate latitudes.  The  Melpcacti,  or  Melon  Cacti, 
and  the  Rhipsalis,  which  has  narrow-jointed 
stems,  and  two  other  groups,  are  only  found 
in  the  hottest  parts  of  the  tropics.  With 
regard  to  the  culture  of  Cacti,  it  is  found 
that,  generally  speaking,  they  ought  to  have  a 
season  of  complete  rest,  followed  by  one  of  ex- 
citement. They  ought  to  be  watered  sparingly 
while  dormant,  and  freely  when  in  bloom.  They 
ought  all  to  be  grown  in  a  light,  sandy  soil. 
Several  of  the  best  known  genera  of  Cactus,  such 
as  Epiphyllum,  Cereus,  and  Phyllocactus,  will  be 
found  under  their  respective  heads. 
Caladium.  A  word  of  uncertain  derivation,  prob- 
ably from  kaladion,  a  cup.  Linn.  Jfoncecia-En- 
neaijynla.  Nat.  Ord.  Arac">'. 

Of  this  genus  of  tuberous-rooted  plants  there 
are  many  rare  and  beautiful  species  and 
varieties  that  rank  high  as  ornamental  foliage 
plants,  useful  only  as  green-house  or  rather  hot- 
house plants,  as  they  will  not  succeed  well  with 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAL 

a  temperature  below  60°.  They  must  be  kept 
dormant  from  October  to  April,  and  should 
never  be  chilled  when  started  to  grow.  Those 
found  in  the  swamps  of  the  Eiver  Amazon,  in 
the  province  of  Para,  are  pre-eminent  for  grace- 
ful growth,  and  for  elegant  and  brilliant  mark- 
ings. All  the  species  are  easily  propagated  by 
division  of  the  tuber  just  as  the  growth  begins. 
Introduced  in  1828.  The  plant  commonly 
known  as  CahuUum  esculent  um  does  not  belong  to 
this  genus,  and  will  be  described  under  Calo- 
i-asi'i. 

Calamint.    See  CUommtta. 

Calamintha.  Calamint.  From  kcdos,  beautiful, 
and  mintha,  mint.  Linn.  Didynamia-Anglosper- 
mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing,  hardy  herbaceous 
perennials,  with  purplish  or  whitish  flowers. 
They  are  indigenous  or  extensively  naturalized 
in  many  parts  of  this  country.  They  are  mostly 
aromatic  herbs,  and  formerly  had  important 
medicinal  properties  attributed  to  them.  C. 
nepeta,  Basil  Thyme,  is  one  of  the  best  known 
species.  None  of  them  has  sufficient  merit  to 
warrant  its  introduction  into  the  garden,  either 
for  ornament  or  use. 

Calampelis.  (Eccremocctrpus.)  From  kcdos,  pretty, 
and  unipelis,  a  vine.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiosper- 
mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bignoniacea;. 

The  only  species,  C.  scabra,  is  a  well-known, 
beautiful,  half-hardy  climbing  plant.  Trained 
to  a  trellis  or  to  a  south  wall  in  the  open  air,  it 
forms  a  very  ornamental  object  through  the 
summer  months,  its  bright  orange-colored  flow- 
ers being  conspicuous  among  the  pleasing  del- 
icate green  of  the  foliage.  It  grows  best  in  rich 
loam,  and  should  be  protected  in  a  cold  pit 
through  the  winter.  Cuttings  root  readily  in  a 
gentle  heat.  Introduced  from  Chili  in  1824. 

Calamus.     See  Acorns. 

Calandrinia.  Named  after  Calandrini,  a  German 
botanist.  Linn.  L>odecandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Porhdacacece. 

Very  beautiful  dwarf-growing  plants,  usually 
treated  as  tender  annuals,  though  of  perennial 
duration  if  protected  in  winter.  The  seeds  may 
be  sown  in  gentle  heat  about  the  middle  of 
March,  and  planted  in  the  open  air  in  May, 
where  they  are  a  blaze  of  beauty  whenever  the 
sun  shines  upon  them.  The  soil  should  be  light 
and  rather  dry.  The  best  of  the  species  are 
speciosa,  grandiflora,  discolor,  and  the  new  umbd- 
tota.  Introduced  from  South  America  in  1826. 

Calanthe.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  anthos,  a 
flower;  literally,  a  pretty  blossom.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  large  genus  of  stemless  terrestrial  Orchids, 
having  broad,  many-ribbed  leaves,  and  long 
spikes  of  flowers,  which  are  of  various  colors, 
white,  lilac,  purple,  and  copper  colored.  They 
require  a  very  light  house  for  the  perfect  devel- 
opment of  flowers  and  to  give  them  good  color. 
The  same  general  treatment  as  given  the  Bletia, 
with  the  exception  of  more  careful  watering,  is 
all  they  require.  Propagated  by  division  of 
roots.  Most  species  are  natives  of  tropical  Asia. 
Introduced  about  1820. 

Calathea.  From  kaiathus,  a  basket;  in  reference 
to  the  leaves  being  worked  into  baskets  in  South 
America.  Linn.  Monandria-Munogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
MaranLacea;. 

A  genus  of  interesting  plants,  with  beautifully 
marked  foliage.  C.  zebrina,  generally  known  as 
Maranta  zebrina.  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous, 
the  leaves  having  alternate  stripes  of  light  and 


CAL 

dark  green.  They  are  mostly  natives  of  Brazil, 
and  require  a  high  temperature  and  humid  at- 
mosphere for  perfect  development.  They  are 
increased  by  root  division.  Introduced  in 
1826. 

Calceolaria.  Slipperwort.  From  ccdceolns,  a  slip- 
per, in  reference  to  the  shape  of  the  flower. 
Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophula- 
riacecK. 

The  numerous  species  of  this  well-known 
genus,  found  abundantly  in  the  regions  of  Chili 
and  Peru,  are  divided  into  two  classes,  herbace- 
ous and  shrubby.  The  former  are  found  near 
the  line  of  the  sea,  the  latter  are  inhabitants  of 
the  higher  parts  of  the  Cordilleras ;  hence  it  is 
that,  among  the  many  introduced  species,  some 
are  more  or  less  hardy,  growing  freely  in  a 
shady  border,  and  others  require  the  humid  at- 
mosphere of  a  green-house.  Many  of  the  origi- 
nal species  have  been  modified  by  hybridizing, 
and  are  rarely  found  in  collections.  The  hybrids 
are  very  numerous,  and  many  are  highly  prized. 
The  European  florists,  having  made  a  specialty 
of  this  genus,  have  brought  out  varieties  re- 
markable for  size,  color,  and  markings.  Propa- 
gation of  the  herbaceous  varieties  is  readily 
effected  by  seeds,  and  the  shrubby  varieties  by 
cuttings  or  from  seeds. 

Calendula.  Pot  Marigold.  From  calendar,  the 
first  days  of  the  months;  in  reference  to  its 
flowers  being  produced  almost  every  month. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-Superftua.  Nat.  Ord.  Com- 
positce. 

There  are  several  handsome  species,  some  of 
which  are  shrubbj  and  some  annuals.  The  com- 
mon Marigold,  C.  officinalis,  and  its  varieties, 
and  C.  slellcita,  are  the  handsomest  of  the  annual 
species.  The  Cape  Marigolds,  C.  pluvialis  and  C'. 
hybrida,  have  been  removed  to  a  new  genus, 
which  is  called  Dimorphotheca.  Both  these  species 
are  hardy  annual  plants,  with  very  elegant  flow- 
ers, which  close  at  the  withdrawal  of  the  sun; 
and  as  they  do  not  open  at  all  when  it  is  dark, 
or  heavy  clouds  foretell  the  approach  of  rain, 
Linnaeus  called  the  commonest  species  C.  pluvia- 
lis, or  the  Kainy  Marigold.  The  florets  of  the 
ray  of  the  flowers  of  this  plant  are  of  a  pure 
white  inside,  and  of  a  dark  purple  on  the  out- 
side ;  while  those  of  C.  hybrida  are  of  a  dingy 
orange  outside.  A  tincture  is  made  from  the 
flowers  of  the  several  varieties,  that  is  considered 
highly  efficacious  for  bruises  or  sprains,  afford- 
ing relief  more  quickly  than  arnica. 

Calico  Bush.     See  Ealmia. 

California  Nutmeg.     See  Torreya. 

California  Poppy.     See  Eschscholtzia. 

Calla.  Water  Arum.  An  ancient  name  of  un- 
known meaning.  Linn.  Heptandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Aracece. 

C.  palustris,  the  only  species,  is  an  herbaceous 
marsh  plant  of  but  little  interest,  common  in 
swamps  throughout  the  Northern  States.  The 
roots  yield  an  edible  starch,  and  were  formerly 
procured  for  that  article  ;  but  they  are  no  longer 
used  for  that  purpose,  and  the  plant  is  witliout 
special  merit.  The  Calla,  so  well  known  as  a 
green-house  plant,  is  a  Richardia,  which  see. 

Callicarpa.  From  kcdos,  beautiful,  and  carpos, 
fruit ;  referring  to  the  beautiful  berries.  Linn. 
Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Verbenace;n . 

A  considerable  genus  of  low-growing  shrubs, 
mostly  tender  evergreens.  C.  Americana,  a  spe- 
cies common  from  Virginia  southward,  is  a  hardy 
deciduous  shrub  of  great  beauty,  and  one  of  the 
most  desirable  for  the  lawn  or  shrubbery  bor- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


155 


CAL 

der.  In  a  good  soil  it  grows  about  four  feet 
high,  very  branching  from  near  the  root,  giving 
the  plant  a  most  graceful  outline.  The  flowers 
are  small,  inconspicuous,  in  numerous  axillary 
cymes  or  clusters.  The  beauty  of  the  plant  con- 
sists in  its  clusters  of  violet-colored  berries, 
which  are  exceedingly  showy  from  September 
until  December.  It  is  freely  propagated  by  seed 
or  from  cuttings.  C.  Japonica  is  also  hardy. 

Calliopsis.  Derived  from  kallistos,  beautiful,  and 
opsis,  the  eye  ;  in  allusion  to  the  beautiful  bright 
eye  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Syivjenesia-Pdygamia 
1-Ynstranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Composites. 

This  is  a  genus  of  showy  annuals,  separated 
from  Coreopsis.  They  are  of  a  hardy  character, 
requiring  only  to  be  sown  in  rich  earth  about 
the  end  of  March,  and  afterward  thinned  out. 
Those  taken  up  for  the  purpose  may  be  trans- 
planted, and  will  afford  a  later  bloom.  They 
usually  attain  a  height  of  about  three  feet,  and, 
consequently,  should  be  sown  some  distance 
from  the  margin  of  the  bed.  If  a  very  early 
bloom  be  desired,  a  few  plants  may  be  raised  on 
heat  and  transplanted  in  May.  All  are  Ameri- 
can plants,  found  from  Arkansas  toTexas. 

Calliprora.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  prora,  a 
front ;  referring  to  the  front  view  of  the  flowers. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  latiaoece. 
C.lulca,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful  little 
yellow-flowering  California  bulb,  the  flowers  of 
which  are  produced  in  August,  in  umbels,  droop- 
ing, on  short  scapes.  Not  hardy  in  this  climate. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

Callirhbe.  Derivation  unknown.  Linn.  Mona- 
delph'ut-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Malvacea:. 

This  genus  of  American  plants  comprises  both 
annuals  and  perennials.  The  former  are  a  showy, 
free-blooming  class,  somewhat  resembling  the 
Scarlet  Linum  ;  the  latter  produce  flowers  much 
larger  and  very  beautiful,  but  are  rarely  met. 
The  annual  varieties  grow  readily  from  seed  ; 
the  perennials  from  seed  or  by  division  of  root. 

Callistachys.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  stachys, 
a  flower-spike.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Leyuminosce. 

Green-house  plants  from  New  Holland,  pro- 
ducing beautiful  yellow  flowers.  They  grow 
readily  and  without  trouble  under  ordinary 
treatment.  Cuttings  strike  freely  in  sand,  cov- 
ered with  a  glass.  Introduced  in  1815. 

Callistemma.  China  Aster.  From  kallistos,  most 
beautiful,  and  stemma,  a  crown.  Linn.  Syngene- 
sia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Composite'. 

This  genus  contains  two  species,  C.  Indica 
and  C.  fiortensis,  the  well-known  China  Aster, 
the  varieties  of  which  are  so  universally  grown. 
The  seed  should  be  sown  in  March  on  a  gentle 
heat  for  the  earliest  bloom,  and  others  may  be 
sown  in  the  open  ground  as  soon  as  it  is  fit  to 
work,  to  afford  a  succession  of  flowers.  The 
first,  after  being  gradually  inured  to  the  open 
air,  may  be  removed  to  their  destined  places  as 
soon  as  danger  from  frost  is  past.  The  soil  for 
them  cannot  be  too  rich  ;  on  this,  and  selecting 
an  open  situation,  rests  all  the  art  of  obtaining 
fine  flowers.  The  species  were  introduced  from 
China  in  1731. 

Callithruria.  Derivation  not  explained.  Linn. 
Jlexandri'i^fn/Kx/t/ida.  Nat.  Ord.  Antaryllidaceti.'. 
A  small  genus  of  Peruvian  bulbs,  with  yellow 
flowers,  produced  on  a  slender  scape  before  the 
leaves  start,  like  the  Guernsey  Lily.  They  may 
be  grown  successfully,  with  the  protection  of  a 
frame  during  winter.  Propagated  by  oflfsets. 
Introduced  in  1843. 


CAL 

Callitris.  From  kalos,  beautiful ;  referring  to  the 
appearance  of  the  whole  plant.  Linn.  Aloncecia- 
1'idynndrin.  Nat.  Ord.  Pinacea'. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen,  cypress-like  trees, 
allied  to  Thuja.  They  are  natives  of  New  Hol- 
land, Barbary,  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  C. 
qitadrivalvis  is  a  large  tree  with  straggling 
branches.  It  is  a  native  of  Barbary,  but  can  be 
successfully  grown  from  the  Carolinas  south- 
ward. The  resin  of  this  tree  is  used  in  varnish- 
making  under  the  name  of  Gum  Sandarach.  It 
yields  a  hard,  durable,  and  fragrant  timber,  of  a 
mahogany  color  ;  for  which  reason  it  is  largely 
used  in  the  construction  of  mosques  and  similar 
buildings  in  the  north  of  Africa. 

Callixene.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  xenos,  a 
stranger ;  first  discovered  on  the  inhospitable 
shore  of  Magellan's  Land,  so  unlikely  to  have 
such  a  plant.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LUiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  climb- 
ing shrubs,  somewhat  resembling  the  Lapageria, 
to  which  they  are  closely  allied.  The  flowers 
are  white,  and  produced  in  great  abundance. 
Propagated  by  division. 

Calluna.  Heather.  From  kalluno,  to  adorn ;  in 
reference  both  to  the  beauty  of  the  Heather,  and 
to  its  use  as  a  scrubbing-brush  or  broom.  Linn. 
Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericicece. 

C.  vulgaris,  the  only  species,  is  the  well-known 
"Heather"  of  Scotland,  popularly  known  as 
Ling  or  Common  Heath  ;  a  low-growing,  much- 
branched  little  shrub,  with  very  pretty  rose- 
colored,  purple,  or  white,  fragrant  flowers,  pro- 
duced in  crowded  axillary  clusters,  forming  one- 
sided (mostly)  spikes  or  racemes.  This  beauti- 
ful little  plant  has  become  naturalized  in  a  few 
localities  in  this  country.  It  is  reported  at 
Tewksbury,  Mass.,  and  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  Maine. 
It  is  also  found  sparingly  in  Nova  Scotia  and 
Newfoundland. 

Calochortus.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  chorius, 
grass  ;  referring  to  the  leaves.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiaceai. 

This  genus  contains  some  of  our  gayest  and 
most  beautiful  half-hardy  bulbs.  They  were 
found  in  Columbia  and  California  by  the  in- 
trepid and  unfortunate  Douglas,  of  Columbia. 
The  flowers  somewhat  resemble  the  Tulip  in 
shape.  Colors  are  white,  purple,  and  yellow, 
most  of  them  richly  spotted.  They  grow  freely 
in  light,  sandy  loaoa,  should  have  slight  protec- 
tion in  winter,  and  succeed  well  grown  in  pots. 
They  flower  from  July  until  September.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1826. 

Calophan.es.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  phaitio, 
to  appear.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiosperm'ui.  Nat. 
Ord.  Acanthacece. 

A  fine  hardy  herbaceous  plant  from  California, 
bearing  lively  blue  flowers,  of  little  merit  as  a 
border  plant,  as  the  flowers  are  too  small  to  be 
effective.  Introduced  in  1832. 

Calopog'on.  From  kalos,  beautiful,  and  pogon,  a 
beard  ;  the  lip  being  beautifully  fringed.  Linn. 
i.Tifn'indri'i-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orcliidacea:. 

A  small  genus  of  tuberous  Orchids,  found  in 
swampy  situations  on  the  south  side  of  Long 
Island  and  many  other  parts  of  the  United 
States.  The  flowers  are  borne  on  a  scape  grow- 
ing about  one  foot  high  ;  color  bright  purple, 
quite  conspicuous.  Like  most  of  our  native  Or- 
chids, it  improves  by  cultivation.  Shady  situa- 
tions and  a  light,  fibrous  soil  will  suit  it. 

Caltha.  Marsh  Marigold.  A  contraction  of  kalr 
athos,  a  goblet ;  referring  to  the  shape  of  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAL 

flower.    Linn.  Polyandria-Polygynia.     Nat.    Ord. 
Ranunculacece. 

C.  palustris  is  an  indigenous  hardy  herbaceous 
perennial,  common  in  swamps  and  marshy 
places  throughout  the  Northern  States.  The  flow- 
ers are  bright  yellow,  borne  in  large  clusters,  in 
April  or  May.  The  leaves  are  highly  esteemed 
as  a  pot  herb.  The  plant  is  frequently  called 
Cowslip,  a  name  that  properly  belongs  to  Prim- 
ula veris. 

Calycanthus.  Sweet-scented  Shrub,  Strawberry 
Shrub,  Carolina  Allspice.  From  kalyx,  a  cup  or 
calyx,  and  anthos,  a  flower ;  from  the  closed  cup 
which  contains  the  pistils.  Linn.  Icosandria- 
Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Calycanthacece. 

C.floridus  is  a  native  deciduous  shrub,  remark- 
able for  the  scent  of  the  flowers,  (which  is  com- 
monly thought  to  resemble  that  of  ripe  fruit, ) 
as  well  as  for  their  peculiar  color.  It  is  a  native 
of  the  Southern  States,  perfectly  hardy,  and 
will  grow  in  almost  any  Boil  or  situation.  Prop- 
agated by  seeds  or  offsets.  The  bark  of  this 
species  is  used  in  the  adulteration  of  cinnamon. 
There  are  other  species  and  varieties,  but  this  is 
the  more  conspicuous  and  desirable. 

Calystegia.  Bracted  Bindweed.  From  kalyx,  a 
calyx,  and  steqa,  a  covering  ;  in  reference  to  the 
calyx  being  hid  by  two  bracts,  as  is  the  case 
with  a  section  of  Bindweeds.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monofjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Convolvulacece. 

This  somewhat  extensive  genus  includes  our 
common  hedge  Convolvulus,  but  only  a  few 
species  are  considered  interesting.  C.pubescens, 
from  China,  a  hardy  double-flowered  variety,  is 
useful  as  a  screen,  or  for  covering  unsightly 
places,  the  chief  objection  to  it  being  its  tend- 
ency to  get  beyond  control.  Propagated  by  di- 
vision of  root  in  spring. 

Camarotis.  From  camara,  an  arched  roof  ;  in 
reference  to  the  form  of  the  lip  or  labellum. 
Linn.  &ynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchid- 
acece. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  and  Brazilian 
Orchids,  bearing  pale  rose  flowers,  with  yellow 
lip,  produced  on  pendulous  racemes  in  March 
and  April.  They  require  a  warm,  moist  house, 
and  need  but  little  rest.  They  are  increased  by 
division.  Introduced  in  1818. 

Camassia.  Wild  Hyacinth.  From  quamash,  so 
called  by  the  Indians,  who  eat  the  bulbs.  Linn. 
Hexandriu-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacetK. 

Allied  to  the  Scilla  or  Squill.  C.  escidenta  re- 
sembles the  common  blue  Hyacinth,  but  is 
larger,  its  leaves  being  about  a  foot  long,  very 
narrow,  and  grooved  down  the  inside.  Its  flow- 
er stalks  grow  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  and 
bear  large,  showy  purple  flowers.  This  plant 
grows  in  moist  grounds  from  the  Mississippi 
River  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  its  bulbs  form  a 
staple  food  of  the  Indians,  the  different  tribes 
visiting  the  plains  for  the  purpose  of  collecting 
them,  immediately  after  the  plant  has  flowered. 
The  occasion  is  one  of  their  feasts,  in  which  the 
women  take  an  important  part,  as  the  labor  of 
digging  devolves  entirely  upon  them.  The  un- 
married females  endeavor  to  excel  each  other  in 
the  quantity  they  collect,  their  fame  as  future 
good  wives  depending  upon  their  activity  upon 
the  Quamash  plains.  The  roots  are  cooked  by 
digging  a  hole  in  the  ground  and  paving  it  with 
large  stones,  upon  which  a  firo  is  lighted  and 
kept  up  until  they  are  red  hot,  when  they  are 
covered  with  alternate  layers  of  branches  and 
roots  till  the  hole  is  full.  It  is  then  covered 
with  earth,  and  a  fire  kept  burning  upon  it  for 


CAM 

twenty-four  hours,  when  the  roots  are  taken  ou.,, 
dried,  or  pounded  into  cakes  for  future  use. 
Camellia.  Named  in  honor  of  George  Joseph 
Kamel,  or  Camettus,  a  Moravian  Jesuit  and  East- 
ern traveler.  Linn.  MonadelphM-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  TernstrcKmiacecK. 

This  well-known  genus  is  so  closely  allied  to 
the  tea  family  as  to  be  distinguished  from  it  with 
great  difficulty,  the  great  difference  being  in  the 
number  of  parts  and  position  of  the  flower.  The 
number  of  true  species  of  this  splendid  genus  is 
very  limited,  not  exceeding  six  or  seven,  and 
only  one  or  two  of  them  are  thought  worth 
cultivation,  except  for  botanical  purposes.  The 
hundreds  of  beautiful  varieties  which  grace  our 
collections,  possessing  at  once  the  most  rich  and 
vivid  colors  in  their  flowers,  and  the  noblest 
grandeur  in  the  whole  aspect  of  the  plants, 
fully  compensate  for  this  scarcity  of  species,  and 
leave  us  little  to  desire  that  may  not  reasonably 
be  expected  from  the  same  skill  and  persever- 
ance which  have  already  produced  such  splendid 
results.  G.  Japonica  may  be  regarded  as  the  pa- 
rent of  the  whole  race  of  cultivated  Camellias. 
It  is  a  native  of  China  and  Japan,  where  it  attains 
the  altitude  of  a  tree,  and  is  much  employed  by 
the  natives  of  those  countries  in  decorating  their 
gardens.  Camellias  delight  in  an  even  tempera- 
ture, rapid  fluctuation  being  injurious  at  any  sea- 
son, and  the  same  regular  and  equable  amount  of 
both  light  and  moisture  should  prevail  for  the 
whole  year,  that  in  effect  the  difference  between 
the  summer  and  winter  seasons  may  be  lessened 
as  far  as  practicable.  For  this  purpose  the  plant 
should  be  kept  in  summer  in  a  cool  green-house, 
moderately  shaded  from  the  sun.  When  the  plants 
are  in  a  growing  state  they  require  abundance  of 
water,  both  at  the  roots  and  over  the  leaves. 
After  making  their  growth,  and  setting  their 
flower-buds,  they  require  less  attention  than  at 
any  other  period.  Moderate  supplies  of  water 
and  a  situation  as  cool  as  can  be  afforded  with- 
out danger  of  frost  or  nipping  currents  of  air 
are  best.  About  the  middle  of  March  is  the 
commencement  of  the  ordinary  growing  season, 
when  a  higher  temperature  and  plenty  of  water 
to  the  roots  should  be  given  them.  Potting 
should  be  done  when  the  greatest  benefit  will 
be  conferred  on  the  prospective  shoots,  which 
will  be  before  the  roots  have  made  much  pro- 
gress, or  as  soon  after  blooming  as  may  be.  A 
distinction  in  the  quality  of  soil  to  be  used 
should  be  made  in  accordance  with  the  state  of 
each  plant,  bearing  in  mind  that  they  grow  much 
stronger  in  loam,  but  do  not  usually  produce 
flowers  so  freely,  and  vice  versa  for  healthy  speci- 
mens; and  under  ordinary  circumstances  an  ad- 
dition of  leaf  mould  seems  most  advisable,  in- 
troducing a  small  proportion  of  sand,  and  usin^ 
the  soil  quite  rough.  At  this  time  it  should  b3 
determined  at  what  period  the  plants  will  be  re- 
quired to  bloom  in  the  ensuing  season,  whether 
early  or  late,  to  accord  with  which  the  plants 
may  either  be  forced  or  retarded.  They  will 
bear  almost  any  amount  of  heat  while  growing, 
but  after  the  formation  of  the  flower-buds  it 
must  be  withheld,  as  the  slightest  application 
then,  instead  of  hastening  their  development, 
will  infallibly  cause  them  to  fall  off.  Hence,  the 
only  way  to  "  force  "  Camellias  into  early  flower- 
ing in  fall  and  winter  is  to  keep  them  at  a  high 
temperature  while  growing  in  spring.  A  tem- 
perature of  about  65°  is  the  most  proper  for  such 
as  are  desired  to  flower  in  the  following  winter; 
45°  or  50°  degrees  will  be  sufficient  for  the  next, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


37 


CAM 

or  those  which  may  be  said  to  bloom  naturally, 
while  the  portion  required  to  furnish  flowers  for 
the  late  spring  months  should  be  placed  out  of 
doors.  This  treatment  must  be  continued  until 
the  new  growths  are  completed,  and  the  incipi- 
ent flower-buds  can  be  discovered,  when  a  cool, 
shaded  situation  should  be  provided  for  each 
section  as  they  require  it;  observing  to 
supply  them  bountifully  with  water  during  the 
whole  period  of  growth,  with  an  occasional 
sprinkling  over  the  foliage,  and  moderate  shade. 
Any  situation  secure  from  frost  will  preserve  them 
through  the  winter,  and  as  the  flowers  expand,  the 
plants  may  be  removed  wherever  their  presence 
may  be  deemed  most  ornamental.  Several  fine 
varieties  have  been  raised  from  seed  during  the 
past  few  years  in  Boston,  two  or  three  of  which 
have  been  awarded  the  highest  honors.  Not  a 
few  of  the  best  Camellias  in  cultivation  have  been 
raised  in  this  country.  The  usual  mode  of  prop- 
agation is  by  cuttings,  or  by  grafting  or  inarching, 
either  of  which  should  be  done  as  soon  as  the  new 
wood  is  firm  enough  to  handle.  The  subjects 
operated  on  should  be  placed  in  a  close,  humid 
atmosphere,  such  as  is  afforded  by  a  common 
hand-glass  placed  over  a  tan  bark  bed.  The 
union  takes  place  in  a  few  weeks,  and  with 
encouragement  the  scions  will  form  fine  plants 
in  one  season. 

Campanula.  Bell  Flower.  The  diminutive  of 
cfniiparui,  a  bell  ;  literally,  a  little  bell.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogyma.  Nat.  Ord.  CampanulacefK. 
This  extensive  and  well-known  genus  consists 
of  more  than  two  hundred  species,  including 
annuals,  biennials,  and  perennials.  Some  of  the 
hardy  perennials  are  dwarf  plants,  producing  a 
profusion  of  flowers,  which  renders  them  partic- 
ularly adapted  for  rock-work  or  growing  in  pots. 
C.  pyramidalis  is  a  tall-growing  variety,  at  one 
time  a  very  popular  plant,  and  some  of  the  old 
gardeners  still  cling  to  it  with  a  peculiar  fond- 
ness. When  grown  in  pots  it  will  require  fre- 
quent repotting,  which  will  bring  it  to  an  enor- 
mous size.  When  well  grown  it  is  a  splendid 
plant.  C.  medium  (Canterbury  Bell)  is  a  very  or- 
namental garden  flower  of  the  easiest  culture, 
with  double  and  single  varieties,  bearing  blue, 
red,  purple,  and  white  flowers.  Like  other  bien- 
nials, it  may  either  be  sown  where  it  is  to  remain, 
any  time  after  midsummer,  or  may  be  sown  in 
beds  in  spring  for  transplanting.  C.  rotundifolia 
(Harebell)  is  the  most  beautiful  of  our  native 
species.  Some  of  the  species  are  grown  in  Franco 
and  Italy  as  esculent  roots.  All  succeed  well  in 
any  good  soil,  and  are  propagated  freely  by  seeds 
or  division. 

Campsidium.  Derivation  unknown.  Linn.  Didy- 
namia-Anqiosperm'M,  Nat.  Ord.  Jiicjnoniac&t'. 

C.  filitifolium  is  a  beautiful  climber  from  Chili. 
The  foliage  is  of  a  dark,  shining  green  color,  and 
resembles  the  fronds  of  some  Ferns.  Tho 
flowers  are  small,  of  a  rich  orange  color.  It  is  a 
rapid  grower,  well  adapted  for  covering  rafters 
or  back  walls  in  the  green-house.  In  the  woods, 
in  its  wild  state,  it  grows  forty  to  fifty  feet  high, 
covering  the  tops  of  the  trees  in  a  most  graceful 
manner. 

Campylobotrys.  From  kampylos,  a  curve,  and 
botrys,  a  bunch  ;  alluding  to  the  form  of  the  in- 
florescence. Linn.  Tdrandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

A  gemis  of  very  beautiful  green-house  shrubs, 
natives  of  Brazil.  They  are  more  remarkable 
for  their  glossy  foliage  than  for  the  beaiity  of 
the  flowers.  C.  regalia  has  elliptic  leaves,  with 


CAN 

a  satiny  luster  and  a  rich  bronzy-green  color. 
This,  with  one  or  two  other  species,  has  been 
introduced  into  the  green-house  for  the  rare 
beauty  of  the  foliage.      They  require  a  very 
warm  house  for  perfection  of  growth.    Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.     Introduced  in  1859. 
Canada  Thistle.     See  Cirsium. 
Canary  Bird  Flower.     See  Tropceolum. 
Canary  Grass.     See  Phcdaris. 
Cancer  Root.     A  common  name  applied  to  the 
genus  Epiphegus,  and  also  to  Conopholus,  on  ac- 
count of  their  supposed  medicinal  virtues. 
Candytuft.     See  Iberis. 

Canna.  Indian  Shot.  The  Celtic  name  for  a  cane 
or  reed.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynict.  Nat.  Ord. 
Mamntacece. 

This  is  an  extensive  and  very  interesting 
genus  of  tender  herbaceous  perennials.  Most 
of  the  species  have  showy  crimson,  orange,  and 
yellow  flowers.  They  are  usually  grown  for  the 
remarkable  beauty  of  their  foliage,  which  is 
highly  ornamental ;  hence  they  are  favorite 
plants  in  cultivation,  and  produce  a  striking  ef- 
fect either  singly  or  grouped  in  beds  upon  the 
lawn,  in  the  summer  months.  If  planted  in  a 
rich,  deep  soil,  and  freely  watered,  some  of  them 
will  grow  ten  feet  during  the  season,  and  from 
a  single  tuber  make  a  clump  three  or  four  feet 
in  diameter.  Beauty  is  not  their  only  claim  to 
consideration,  some  of  the  species,  as  C.  edtdis, 
being  grown  extensively  in  Peru  and  the  Sand- 
wich Islands  as  a  vegetable.  Arrow-root  is  also 
made  from  this  species.  Propagated  by  seeds, 
or  more  commonly  by  division  of  tubers,  which 
should  be  kept  during  the  winter  like  Dahlias. 
Cannabis.  Hemp.  So  called  from  ganeh,  its 
Arabic  name,  and  from  the  Celtic  appellation 
can,  reed,  and  ab,  small.  Linn.  Dicecia-Pentan- 
drut.  Nat.  Ord.  Cannabinacetti. 

Of  the  two  species  that  compose  this  genus, 
the  truly  important  one  is  C.  saliva,  a  native  of 
India,  which  furnishes  the  Hemp  of  commerce. 
The  Hemp  plant  is  an  annual,  growing  from 
four  to  eight  feet  high  ;  in  very  hot  climates  it 
frequently  grows  twenty  feet  high.  The  flowers 
are  of  separate  sexes  on  different  plants,  the 
males  being  produced  in  racemes,  and  generally 
crowded  together  towards  the  top  of  the  plant 
or  end  of  the  branches ;  the  females  are  in  short 
spikes,  their  calyx  consisting  merely  of  a  single 
sepal,  rolled  around  the  ovary,  but  open  on  one 
side,  and  they  have  two  hairy  stigmas.  The  fruit 
(commonly  known  as  "Hemp  Seed")  is  a  small, 
grayish-colored,  smooth,  shining  nut,  contain- 
ing a  single  oily  seed.  For  the  production  of 
good  fiber  the  seed  is  sown  close,  so  as  to  pro- 
duce straight  stems  withoiit  branches.  The 
harvesting  takes  place  at  two  periods  ;  the  male 
being  pulled  as  soon  as  it  has  done  flowering, 
and  the  female  not  until  the  seeds  are  ripe.  Af- 
ter gathering  it  undergoes  treatment  similar  to 
that  given  flax  to  separate  the  fiber.  In  Persia 
and  other  very  hot  countries  the  plant  furnishes 
a  soft  resin,  which  is  collected  by  the  coolies, 
and  is  smoked  like  tobacco,  or  pounded  into 

Kulp,  so  as  to  make  a  drink,  both  being  stimu- 
mt  and  intoxicating.  The  Asiatics  are  passion- 
ately addicted  to  the  use  of  this  means  of  intox- 
ication, as  the  names  given  to  the  Hemp  show  : 
"leaf  of  delusion,"  "increaser  of  pleasure," 
etc. 

Canterbury  Bells.     See  Campanula  medium. 

Cantua.  From  cantti,  the  name  of  one  of  the  spe- 
cies in  Peru.  Linn.  Pentondria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Polemoniacea;. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAO 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs  from 
Pern.  The  foliage  is  fleshy,  the  flowers  large 
and  showy,  produced  in  terminal  corymbs,  the 
colors  being  white,  scarlet,  yellow,  and  blue. 
They  require  the  same  treatment  as  the  Fuchsia. 
C.  buxifolia  is  the  Magic  Tree  of  the  Peruvian 
Indians,  and  was  formerly  used  to  decorate  their 
houses  on  feast  days.  All  the  species  are  read- 
ily increased  by  cuttings.  C.  coronopifolia,  a  na- 
tive of  South  Carolina,  is  Oilia  coronopifolia,  of 
Ruiz  and  Pavon. 

Caoutchouc.  The  elastic,  gummy  substance 
known  as  India  Rubber,  which  is  the  juice  of 
various  plants  growing  in  tropical  climates  in 
different  parts  of  the  world.  It  is  chiefly  ob- 
tained from  the  ficus  elastica,  Castitton  elastica, 
Urceola  elastica,  etc.  The  milky  juice  of  Sipho- 
campylus  caoutchouc  is  quite  different  from  the  j 
Caoutchouc  of  commerce. 

Cape  Bulbs.  A  term  employed  to  designate  a 
large  number  of  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  that  require  the  protection  of  a  frame  to 
be  grown  in  this  latitude.  They  are  not  suffi- 
ciently hardy  to  endure  our  winters  without 
protection.  Among  the  class  may  be  found  /arias, 
Babianas,  Sparaxis,  Tritonias,  Geissorhiza,  etc. 

Cape  Jessamine.     See  Gardenia  florida . 

Caper.     See  Capparis. 

Capparis.  Caper-tree.  From  kabar,  the  Arabic 
name  for  Capers.  Linn.  Polyandria- Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Capparidacete. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tender  or  half-hardy 
climbing  or  trailing  plants.  The  best  known 
of  the  species  is  C.  spinosa,  a  native  of  the  south 
of  Europe.  In  habit  it  resembles  the  common 
bramble.  The  Capers  are  the  buds,  which  are 
gathered  just  before  expanding  and  pickled.  In 
Italy  the  unripe  fruit  is  sometimes  pickled  in 
vinegar  in  the  same  manner  as  the  buds.  Ca- 
pers are  chiefly  imported  from  Sicily,  though  they 
are  extensively  grown  in  the  south  of  France. 

Capsicum.  Chili  Pepper.  From  kapto,  to  bite  ; 
referring  to  its  pungency.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tender  annual  and  bi- 
ennial plants,  natives  of  the  East  and  West  In- 
dies, China,  Brazil,  and  Egypt.  C.  annuum  is  the 
common  garden  Pepper,  a  native  of  India,  from 
which  many  varieties  have  originated.  C.  frutes- 
ceiis,  a  native  of  Chili,  is  the  species  that  fur- 
nishes the  Cayenne  Pepper  of  commerce,  and  is 
also  used  in  the  preparation  known  as  Pepper 
Sauce.  C.  grossum,  a  native  of  India,  is  the  Bell 
Pepper  of  our  gardens. 

Caraway.     See  Carum. 

Cardamine.  Ladies'  Smock,  Cuckoo  Flower. 
From  kardamon,  water-cress  ;  referring  to  the 
acrid  flavor.  Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bras- 
sicacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, common  in  many  parts  of  the  United 
States,  Europe,  and  Northern  Asia.  C.  pratensis 
is  popularly  known  as  Ladies'  Smock  or  Cuckoo 
Flower.  It  is  a  very  pretty  meadow  plant,  with 
large  lilac  flowers,  common  in  New  Jersey,  North 
and  West.  A  double  variety  of  this  species  is 
sometimes  found  growing  wild,  which  is  remark- 
ably proliferous,  the  leaflets  producing  new 
plants  where  they  come  in  contact  with  the 
ground,  and  the  flowers,  when  they  wither,  send- 
ing up  a  stalked  flower  bud  from  their  centers. 
The  leaves  of  some  of  the  species  are  used  as  sal- 
ads. 

Cardamom.     See  Amomum. 

Cardinal  Flower.     See  Lobelia  cardinalls. 


CAR 

Cardiospermum.  From  kardia,  a  heart,  and  sper- 
ma,  seed;  in  allusion  to  the  shape  of  the  seeds. 
Linn.  Odandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapindacea: 
Of  this  small  genus  only  one  species  is  grown 
as  an  ornamental  plant,  viz.,  C.  Halicacabinn, 
which  is  a  rapid  growing,  handsome  climber, 
remarkable  for  an  inflated  membranous  capsule, 
from  which  it  receives  its  common  name,  Balloon 
Vine.  It  grows  readily  from  seed.  Introduced 
from  India  in  1504. 

Carduus.  Thistle.  From  an?,  the  Celtic  word  for 
a  prickle  or  sharp  point ;  referring  to  the  spines 
of  the  Thistle.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Polygamia- 
jEquali-s.  Nat.  Ord.  Composite*!. 

Some  of  the  species  are  very  ornamental, 
though  they  are  many  of  them  tall,  robust-grow- 
ing plants,  which  require  a  great  deal  of  room, 
and  are  too  large  for  a  small  garden.  C.  Marianus, 
the  Holy  Thistle,  is  well  marked  by  the  white 
veins  on  its  large,  shining  leaves,  fabled  to  have 
been  produced  by  a  portion  of  the  milk  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  having  fallen  on  them.  They  are 
annuals,  growing  freely  from  seed. 

Carex.  From  careo,  to  want;  the  upper  spikes 
being  without  seeds.  Linn.  Monoscia-Triandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cyperacece. 

This  genus  includes  more  than  a  thousand  spe- 
cies, widely  distributed  over  the  temperate  and 
Arctic  regions.  They  are  all  perennial  grasses;  a 
few  species  handsome  plants  for  the  green- 
house, and  useful  for  basket  work  and  aquari- 
ums. They  are  usually  found  growing  in  bogs, 
marshes,  or  moist  woods,  where  they  yield  a 
very  inferior  quality  of  grass.  C.  remota  is  a  very 
elegant  plant.  C.  Fraseri  is  the  handsomest  spe- 
cies of  the  genus,  resembling  at  a  short  distance, 
when  in  flower,  one  of  the  Liliaceae.  The  leaves 
of  several  of  the  species  are  used  for  seating 
chairs,  and  various  other  purposes  for  which  we 
use  the  common  Flag.  There  are  more  than  three 
hundred  species  in  this  country,  all  of  which  are 
without  interest  except  to  the  botanist. 

Caricature  Plant.     See  OraptophyUum. 

Carludovica.  Named  after  Charles  IV.  of  Spain, 
and  Louisa,  his  queen.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyan- 
dt'ia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pandanacece. 

A  genus  of  plants  belonging  to  the  Screw  Pine 
family,  but  more  closely  resembling  the  Palms. 
Some  of  them  have  long,  climbing  stems,  send- 
ing out  aerial  roots,  which  fasten  upon  the 
trunks  of  trees  or  hang  down  like  ropes,  while 
others  are  stemless  and  form  dense  thickets.  C. 
palmatais  one  of  the  more  interesting  species.  Its 
leaves  are  shaped  and  plaited  like  a  fan,  and  are 
borne  on  long,  slender  stalks.  They  are  of  toler- 
ably large  size,  and  deeply  cut  into  four  or  five 
divisions,  each  of  which  is  again  cut.  It  is  from 
the  leaves  of  this  species  that  the  well-known 
Panama  hats  are  made.  The  leaves  are  cut  when 
young,  and  the  stiff  parallel  veins  removed,  after 
which  they  are  slit  into  shreds,  but  not  separated 
at  the  stalk  end,  and  immersed  in  boiling  water 
for  a  short  time,  and  then  bleached  in  the  sun. 
This  species  is  also  exceedingly  useful  for  any  or- 
namental or  decorative  purpose.  C.  plicata  is  a 
very  interesting  climbing  species,  with  foliage 
similar  to  that  of  C.  palmata,  but  with  much 
shorter  leaf-stalks.  There  are  several  other  spe- 
cies useful  for  decorative  purposes,  and  valuable 
from  the  fact  that  they  will  succeed  in  any  out- 
of-the-way  corner,  where  most  other  plants 
would  perish.  This  genus  is  common  throughout 
the  shady  thickets  of  Panama,  and  along  the 
coast  of  New  Grenada  and  Ecuador.  They  are  in- 
creased from  suckers  or  from  seed. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAK 


Carnation.    See  Dianthus 

Carolina  Allspice.  A  popuar  name  of  the  Caly- 
cnnthus,  or  Sweet-scented  Shrub. 

Carolina  Jasmine.    See  Gelsemi'im. 

Carpinus.  Hornbeam,  Iron  Wood.  From  the 
Celtic  car,  wood,  and  pinda,  head  ;  the  wood 
being  used  for  the  yokes  of  cattle.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gsrylacea.: 

C.  Americftna,  the  only  representative  of  this 
genus  in  our  woods,  is  a  low-growing  tree  of 
compact  form,  and  a  very  rigid  trunk.  It  is  par- 
ticularly handsome  in  autumn,  because  of  its 
richly  colored  foliage.  It  is  found  in  nearly  all 
parts  of  the  country,  but  is  not  plenty  in  any 
section.  The  wood  of  this  tree  is  exceedingly 
hard  and  close-grained,  and  is  well  suited  for 
any  work  requiring  great  hardness  and  strength. 

Carpolyza.  From  karpos,  fruit,  and  lyssa,  rage  ; 
in  reference  to  the  three-celled  fruit,  or  seed- 
pod,  opening  like  the  mouth  of  an  enraged  ani- 
mal. Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AmaryttidacecK. 

A  genus  of  South  African  bulbs,  the  only 
species  being  C.  spiralis,  which  is  a  very  pretty 
little  plant.  The  leaves  and  flower  scape  are 
twisted,  fisom  which  fact  it  derives  its  specific 
name.  The  flowers  are  white,  sepals  pink, 
tipped  with  green.  It  requires  protection  in 
winter,  or  may  be  kept  dry  and  grown  in  pots, 
starting  them  about  the  first  of  February.  They 
are  propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1791. 

Carrot.      Daucus    carota.     The  wild  Carrot,   in- 
digenous to  Great  Britain  and  many  other  parts 
of    Europe,   and    so     extensively     naturalized 
in  this  country  as  to  become  one  of  the  most 
troublesome  pests  of  the  farmer,  has  generally 
been  supposed  to  be  the  parent  of  the  many 
varieties  of  the  common  garden  Carrot,  which 
has  been  under  cultivation  from  time  immemo- 
rial.    Dioscorides  describes  accurately  the  Car- 
rot, both  as  a  wild  plant  and  as  cultivated  as  an 
esculent  root.     The  parentage  was    not  ques- 
tioned until  Miller,  the  celebrated  English  gar- 
dener and  botanist,  undertook  to  improve  the 
wild  Carrot  by  cultivation,  and  signally  failed  in 
his  many  and  varied  attempts.     Others  have  ex- 
perimented at  different  times,  with  no  better 
success.     The  prevailing  opinion   now  is  that 
the  garden  Carrot  is  a  distinct  species,  or  was 
obtained  under  circumstances  entirely  different   : 
or  unknown  at  the   present  day.     The  Carrot 
•was  introduced  into  England,  in  about  its  pres-   j 
ent  form,  by  the  Dutch,  during  the  reign   of   j 
Queen  Elizabeth,  and  soon  thereafter  became  a 
favorite  vegetable,  and  a  useful  as  well  as  a   | 
profitable    field   crop.      Careful    selection    has   i 
gradually  improved  the  quality,  in  certain  re-   j 
spects,  of  the  Carrot,  during  the  past  hundred   I 
years,  and  good  cultivation  is  now  required  to    ! 
keep  the  varieties  up  to  their  proper  standard. 

Caruna.  Caraway.  From  Caria,  in  Asia  Minor, 
where  it  was  first  discovered.  Linn.  Peniandria- 
Difjynifi.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  biennials,  but  one 
species  of  which,  C.  Carui,  is  of  any  special  in- 
terest.   This  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  produces   '• 
the  Caraway  seeds,  which  contain  an  aromatic 
•volatile  oil,  and  are  used  in  flavoring.      The    ' 
plants  are  of  the    simplest  culture,    requiring 
only  to  sow  the  seeds  where  the  plants  are  wanted 
to  grow. 

Carya.  Hickory.  The  Greek  name  for  the  Wal- 
nut. Linn.  Moxcncia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Jug- 
landaceci;. 

A  well-known  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  trees, 


CAS 

confined  wholly  to  North  America.  C.  alba  is 
the  common  Shell-bark  or  Shag-bark  Walnut,  so 
called  on  account  of  the  rough,  shaggy  bark  of 
the  trees,  peeling  off  in  long,  narrow  strips 
from  large  trees.  This  species  furnishes  the 
best  Hickory-nuts.  C.  otkxqformis  is  the  Pecan- 
nut  tree,  common  from  Illinois  southward.  It 
is  a  large  and  beautiful  tree.  Its  delicious  nuts 
are  well  known.  C.  porcina  is  the  Pig-nut,  one 
of  the  most  valuable  as  a  timber  tree,  but  the 
fruit  is  worthless.  C.  amara  is  the  Bitter-nut  or 
Swamp  Hickory-nut.  C.  sulcata  is  the  Western 
Shell-bark  Hickory,  remarkable  for  the  size  of 
the  nut,  which  has  a  very  thick  shell,  but  is  of 
excellent  quality.  C.  tomentosa,  common  in  the 
West  and  South,  bears  the  largest  nuts  of  any  of 
the  species,  the  size,  however,  being  at  the  ex- 
pease  of  the  quality.  The  timber  of  all  thespe- 
cies  is  valuable  for  any  purpose  where  strength 
and  elasticity  are  required. 

Caryota.  From  karyon,  a  nut.  The  Greeks  first 
applied  the  name  to  their  cultivated  Date.  Linn. 
Monoeda-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  PcUmacecK. 

C.  wrens,  commonly  called  Fish-tail  Palm,  is 
the  most  prominent  species  of  this  genus.  It  is 
a  beautiful  tree,  growing  from  sixty  to  eighty 
feet  high,  with  a  trunk  a  foot  in  diameter,  pro- 
ducing many  pendulous  spikes  of  flowers, 
which  are  succeeded  by  strings  of  succulent 
globular  berries,  dark  red  when  ripe,  and  are 
very  sharp  and  acrid  to  the  taste.  In  Ceylon  it 
yields  a  sort  of  liquor,  sweet,  wholesome,  and  no 
stronger  than  water.  It  is  taken  from  the  tree 
two  or  three  times  a  day,  each  yield  from  a  large 
tree  being  from  three  to  four  gallons.  When 
boiled  down  it  makes  a  coarse  brown  sugar 
called  jaggory.  When  the  tree  has  come  to  ma- 
turity, there  comes  out  a  bud  from  the  top  ; 
that  bud  the  natives  cut  and  prepare  by  putting 
salt,  pepper,  lemons,  garlic,  leaves,  etc. ,  over  it, 
which  keeps  it  from  ripening.  They  daily  cut 
off  a  thin  slice  from  the  end,  and  the  liquor 
drops  into  a  vessel,  which  they  set  to  catch  it. 
The  buds  are  most  delicious  to  the  taste,  re- 
sembling Walnuts  or  Almonds.  The  species  are 
natives  of  the  Indies,  and  are  grown  in  the 
green-house,  where  they  succeed  well  with  the 
same  treatment  as  other  tropical  Palms  require. 

Cashew-Nut.     See  Anacardium. 

Cassia.  Senna.  From  the  Greek  name  of  a  plant, 
Kassian,  of  the  Bible.  Linn.  Decandria-Mono- 
gynla.  Nat.  Ord.  fbbacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  and 
green-house  perennials,  found  scattered  over 
nearly  all  parts  of  the  globe.  Many  of  the 
species  are  well  known,  and  considered  of  great 
importance  for  their  medicinal  properties.  The 
leaflets  of  several  of  the  species  constitute  what 
is  known  in  medicine  as  Senna  leaves.  Those 
from  C.  acutifolia  and  C.  obovata,  African  and 
East  Indian  species,  are  the  most  highly-es- 
teemed. The  leaves  of  C.  Marilandica,  wild 
Senna,  a  native  of  the  Middle  and  Southern 
States,  have,  to  some  extent,  the  same  properties, 
and  are  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute  for  the 
officinal  Senna.  This  species  may  be  justly  re- 
garded one  of  our  most  valued  plants  for  the 
border.  It  grows  from  three  to  four  feet  high ; 
foliage  a  beautiful  deep  green,  not  unlike  the 
finer  Acacias  ;  flowers  bright  yellow,  produced 
in  short  axillary  racemes,  continuing  a  long 
time  in  succession.  Some  of  the  road-sides  of 
Long  Island  are  bordered  with  this  plant,  and 
no  public  park,  with  all  that  art  can  bestow 
upon  its  drives  iu  the  way  of  ornamentation, 


40 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAS 

can  compare  in  taste,  simplicity,  and  beauty  with 
these  roadsides.      C.   nictitans,    Wild  Sensitive 
Plant,  another  native  species,  is  a  very  beautiful 
hardy  annual,  common  on  our  roadsides,  grow- 
ing about  six  inches  high,  and  in  appearance  al- 
most identical  with  the  Sensitive  Plant,  KtmOMt 
?udica,  and  well  worth  cultivating  for  its  beauti- 
ul  foliage.     C.  chamcecrista,  commonly  known 
as  Partridge  Pea,  is  a  very  pretty  species,  com- 
mon in  the  Southern  States. 
Castanea.     Chestnut.    From  a  town  of  that  name 
inThessaly.     Linn.  Moncecia-PoiyandrM.     Nat. 
Ord.  Corylacece. 

The  Chestnut  Tree  is  well  known  because  of 
the  nuts,  which  are  universally  esteemed.  There 
are  two  species  indigenous  to  this  country.  The 
common  Chestnut  is  G.  vesca,  found  through- 
out the  States.  C.  pumila  is  a  low-growing  tree  or 
shrub,  common  southward,  and  produces  a 
smaller  nut,  not  flattened,  known  as  Chinqua- 
pin. The  Spanish  Chestnut,  a  variety  of  C.  ues- 
co,  differing  from  pur  native  Chestnut  mainly  in 
the  size  of  the  fruit,  is  a  native  of  Asia  Minor, 
introduced  at  a  very  early  date.  This  tree 
grows  to  an  immense  size.  A  tree  near  Queens, 
L.  I.,  planted  nearly  one  hundred  years  ago,  has 
a  trunk  almost  twelve  feet  in  circumference,  and 
is  about  fifty  feet  high,  with  immense  spreading 
branches.  It  is  one  of  the  noblest  shade  trees 
to  be  found  in  this  country.  A  species  of  late 
introduction  from  Japan  promises  to  become 
one  of  our  most  useful,  as  well  as  ornament- 
al trees,  or,  more  properly,  tall  shrubs.  The 
fruit  of  this  species  was  received  in  New  York  a 
few  years  since  in  a  consignment  of  goods  from 
Japan.  The  merchant  receiving  the  same,  see- 
ing the  nuts  were  of  such  excellent  quality,  fully 
equal  to  those  of  our  native  species,  and  as  large 

of  them,  and  with  remarkable  success.  In  five 
years  they  commenced  to  fruit,  and  are  now 
bearing  profusely.  The  shrub  is  of  an  ornament- 
al character,  suitable  for  the  lawn.  The  fruit  or 
nuts  are  borne  within  two  feet  of  the  ground. 
Those  who  have  had  a  favorable  opportunity  to 
judge  of  its  character  predict  its  early  adoption 
as  a  hedge  plant,  for  which  purpose  it  seems 
well  adapted.  In  addition  to  its  value  as  an  or- 
namental hedge,  it  would  undoubtedly  prove 
valuable  for  its  yield  of  nuts. 

Castor  Oil  Bean.     See  Ricinus. 

Casuarina.  Beef-wood.  Supposed  to  be  named 
from  the  resemblance  the  leaves  bear  to  the  fea- 
thers of  the  Cassowary.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Casurinacea;. 

A  genus  of  very  curious  trees,  constituting  of 
themselves  a  distinct  family.  They  have  very 
much  the  appearance  of  gigantic  Horse-tails 
(Equisetacea;),  being  trees  with  thread-like,  joint- 
ed, furrowed  branches,  without  leaves.  The 
flowers  are  not  of  a  showy  character.  These 
plants  are  met  most  abundantly  in  tropical 
Australia,  and  occasionally  in  the  Indian  Islands, 
New  Caledonia,  etc.  In  Australia,  from  their 
somber  appearance,  they  are  planted  in  ceme- 
teries. The  timber  furnished  by  these  trees  is 
Valuable  for  its  extreme  hardness.  From  its  red 
color,  it  is  called  in  the  islands  Beef-wood.  The 
several  species  are  highly  esteemed  for  their 
uses  in  the  mechanic  and  useful  arts.  A  few  of 
them  have  been  introduced  in  green-houses  for 
their  singular  appearance. 

Catalpa.  Indian  Bean.  The  aboriginal  name. 
Linn.  DiandriorMonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Eiynoni- 


CAT 

The  Catalpa  is  a  well-known  deciduous  tree, 
native  of  the  Southern  States,  and  one  of  pur 
most  beautiful  shade  trees,  of  medium  size, 
bright  yellowish  green,  heart-shaped  leaves,  and 
remarkable  for  its  numerous  loose  panicles  of 
white  flowers,  spotted  with  orange  and  purple. 
The  trees,  when  young,  make  a  rapid  growth, 
and  are  particularly  valuable  for  the  lawn,  being 
entirely  exempt  from  the  ravages  of  insects  and 
caterpillars.  C.  bif/nonioides  is  our  only  species. 
The  Indian  Catalpa,  C.  Himalayensis,  a  native  of 
Asia,  is  a  remarkable  shrub,  growing  from  six  to 
eight  feet  high,  with  a  diameter  of  from  eight  to 
ten  feet.  "The  crown  is  like  a  roof  of  leaves, 
laid  with  the  precision  of  pointed  slate,  and  the 
play  of  light  on  its  golden-green  head  is  beauti- 
ful." The  objection  to  the  introduction  of  this 
beautiful  shrub  is  the  fear  of  its  not  being  hardy. 
There  are  several  specimens  on  the  park  around 
Garden  City  Hotel,  L.  I.,  that  seem  perfectly 
hardy,  having  been  planted  a  number  of  years, 
without  being  injured  in  the  least  by  cold. 
There  are  several  other  species,  all  of  an  orna- 
mental character.  The  Catalpa  will  thrive  in  al- 
most any  soil  or  situation,  and  does  quite  well 
in  a  poor  soil,  which  makes  it  more  hardy. 
Propagated  by  seeds  or  from  root  cuttings. 

Catananche.  From  katanangke,  a  strong  incen- 
tive ;  in  reference  to  an  ancient  custom  among 
the  Greek  women  of  using  it  in  love  potions. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Astera- 
cece. 

A  small  genus  of  annuals  and  hardy  herbace- 
ous perennials.  B.  ccendea  is  a  perennial  spe- 
cies, with  slender  stalks,  long,  narrow  leaves, 
and  large  heads  of  sky-blue  flowers.  It  is  a  na- 
tive of  the  south  of  Europe.  From  this  species 
several  varieties  have  been  produced  with  white 
and  double  flowers,  all  very  desirable  for  the 
open  border.  They  are  increased  by  division 
or  from  seeds.  C.  lutea,  an  annual  species  with 
yellow  flowers,  is  a  native  of  Candia. 

Cat-brier.     See  Smihu. 

Catchfly.    See  Silene. 

Caterpillars.     See  Scorpiurus. 

Cat-Mint.     See  Nepeta. 

Catnip.    See  Nepeta. 

Cat-Tail.  One  of  the  popular  names  of  Pearl 
Millet. 

Cat-Tail  Flag.     See  Typha. 

Cat's  Tail  Grass.  One  of  the  common  names  of 
the  genus  Phleum,  Timothy  or  Herd's  Grass. 

Cattleya.  Named  after  Mr.  Cattley,  a  distin- 
guished patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Jfonandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacecu. 

What  the  Hose  and  Carnation  are  among  gar- 
den plants,  the  Cattleya  is  among  Orchids,  pre- 
eminently beautiful.  Not  a  species  but  pos- 
sesses claims  of  the  strongest  nature  on  the  cul- 
turist's  attention,  either  for  its  delicate  loveliness 
or  the  rich  and  vivid  coloring  of  its  large  and 
handsome  flowers.  They  are  natives  of  the  tem- 
perate parts  of  South  America,  and  in  cultiva- 
tion are  found  to  succeed  in  a  lower  temperature 
than  is  necessary  for  the  majority  of  plants  of 
the  same  order.  They  will  grow  either  on  cork, 
billets  of  wood,  or  in  pots  of  sphagnum,  care- 
fully drained  and  moderately  watered  at  all 
times;  indeed,  the  damp  atmosphere  of  the 
house  is  nearly  sufficient  for  them  through  the 
winter  ;  and  if  about  50  degrees  of  heat  is  stead- 
ily maintained  through  this  period,  with  an  in- 
crease of  about  10°  in  summer,  the  plants  will 
be  found  to  grow  vigorously,  and  consequently 
flower  in  perfection.  The  colors  of  the  flowers 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


41 


CAU 

run  through  all  the  shades  of  white,  rose,  rosy- 
lilac,  crimson,  and  carmine,  nor  is  even  yellow 
absent.  Where  all  are  beautiful  it  is  scarcely 
necessary  to  select.  The  following,  however, 
should  be  in  every  collection :  crispa,  Harrison- 
iai,  intermedia,  labiata,  Loddigesii,  Mossue  and  its 
numerous  varieties.  All  the  Cattleyas  are  in- 
creased by  division. 

Cauliflower.  Brassica  oleracea  cauliflora.  The 
Cauliflower  is  the  most  delicate  and  delicious  of 
the  genus  Brassica.  Its  early  history  is  entirely 
unknown.  It  is  supposed  to  have  originated  in 
Italy.  It  is  mentioned  by  Gerarde  in  1597, 
then  very  rare  in  England,  and  it  was  not 
brought  to  any  degree  of  perfection,  or  grown 
for  the  market,  until  about  1700.  From  that 
period  until  the  present,  there  has  been  a  slow, 
but  marked  and  steady  improvement  in  the  size 
and  quality  of  this  vegetable.  To  the  English 
and  Dutch  gardeners  we  are  chiefly  indebted  for 
the  perfection  the  Cauliflower  has  attained. 
Heads  of  immense  size  are  now  grown  for  the 
market.  It  is  by  no  means  uncommon  to  see  a 
head  perfectly  sound  and  smooth,  fully  ten 
inches  in  diameter,  and,  contrary  to  the  usual 
rule,  size  is  not  obtained  at  the  expense  of  qual- 
ity, the  larger,  if  differing  at  all,  being  more 
tender  and  delicious.  The  varieties  of  the 
Cauliflower  are  numerous.  In  this  work  we  can 
not  point  out  the  best.  Locality  and  selection 
cause  variations  more  marked  than  even  the  va- 
rieties. The  most  popular  in  the  United  States 
at  this  time  are  Snowball  and  Erfurt  for  early, 
and  Algiers  for  late.  For  the  perfection  of  the 
Cauliflower  a  deep,  rich,  loamy  soil  is  required, 
a  low,  moist  situation  being  preferable.  It  will 
not  succeed  in  dry  ground.  Where  irrigation 
can  be  employed,  the  greatest  benefits  will  be 
derived ;  in  fact,  a  large  crop  with  irrigation 
will  be  secured,  when  without  it  the  result 
would  be  total  failure. 

Caulophylluml  The  generic  name  of  the  plant 
commonly  known  as  Blue  Cohosh,  sometimes 
called  Pappoose-root. 

Cayenne  Pepper.     See  Capsicum. 

Ceanothus.  Red  Root,  New  Jersey  Tea.  An  ob- 
scure name  in  Theophrastus,  probably  mis- 
spelled. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 

A  genus  of  low-growing  shrubs,  one  of  the 
most  conspicuous  and  best  known  being  C. 
America-nus,  a  species  common  in  dry  woodlands. 
This  shrub  attained  considerable  notoriety  dur- 
ing the  American  Revolution,  on  account  of  its 
leaves  being  dried  and  used  as  a  substitute  for 
tea,  a  practice  not  yet  wholly  discontinued.  The 
roots  are  used  in  dyeing  wool  of  a  Nankeen  or 
cinnamon  color.  There  are  several  species  from 
Mexico  and  South  America,  that  have  lately 
been  introduced  into  the  green-house,  and  re- 
garded with  favor.  Their  season  of  flowering 
is  too  short  to  warrant  very  general  cultivation. 

Cedar.     See  Juniperus. 

Cedar  of  Lebanon.     See  C&lrus. 

Cedrus.  The  Cedar.  Found  plentifully  on  the 
banks  of  a  brook  in  Judea,  named  Kedron  ; 
whence  the  name.  Linn.  Monoetia-Monadelphia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Pinacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  a  few  species  that  have 
been  separated  from  Abies  and  Juniperus,  their 
characteristics  being  their  evergreen  leaves,  dis- 
posed in  bundles,  or  fasicles,  and  their  upright 
cones.  The  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  one  of  the  most 
prominent  species,  so  often  mentioned  in  Sacred 
History.  It  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  ever- 


CEL 

green  trees  for  lawn  decoration,  though  rarely 
met.  There  is  a  noble  specimen  on  the  grounds 
of  W.  F.  D.  Monie,  at  Queens,  L.  I.  It  is  upward 
of  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  trunk  four  and  a  half 
feet  in  circumference.  There  was  a  still  larger 
specimen  a  few  years  since  on  the  grounds  of  the 
late  Geo.  C.  Thorburn,  at  Astoria,  L.  I.  The  spe- 
cies are  natives  of  Asia  and  Africa. 
Celandine.  The  popular  name  of  the  genus  Chc- 

tklonium,  a  common  door-yard  weed. 
Celastrus.     Staff    Tree,     Bitter     Sweet.     From 
kelas,  the  latter  season  ;  referring  to  the  fruit 
hanging  on  the  trees  all  winter.     Linn.  Penian- 
dria-Monoyynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Celaslracece. 

This  genus  consists  of  trees,  shrubs,  and 
climbers.  Our  native  species,  C.  scandens,  is  a 
handsome  twining  shrub,  remarkable  for  its 
orange-colored  capsules,  and  the  scarlet  coating 
of  the  fruit.  It  is  planted  as  an  ornamental 
climber,  and  is  known  by  its  popular  name  of 
Bitter  Sweet.  Propagated  by  seed  and  suckers. 
Celeriac.  See  Celery. 

Celery.  Apium  yraveokns.  Celery  is  a  native  of 
England,  and  is  found  in  its  wild  state  in  marshy 
places  and  ditches  near  the  coast.  It  is  a  bien- 
nial. There  are  in  its  wild  state  two  kinds,  the 
red  and  the  white-stalked,  of  both  of  which 
there  are  numerous  garden  varieties,  the  culti- 
vation of  which  is  carried  on  to  a  very  great  ex- 
tent, both  here  and  in  Europe.  Celeriac,  or  Tur- 
nip-rooted Celery,  is  a  distinct  variety  of  the 
preceding.  Its  peculiarity  consists  in  the  root, 
which  closely  resembles  that  of  a  turnip,  and  is 
the  part  eaten.  It  is  more  hardy  than  the  com- 
mon Celery,  and  can  be  preserved  for  use  much 
later  in  the  spring.  It  is  but  little  grown  ex- 
cept in  France  and  Germany,  where  it  is 
employed  as  a  vegetable  and  as  a  salad.  It  is 
usually  boiled  until  tender,  and  then  slightly 
pickled  in  vinegar. 

Celosia.  From  kelos,  burnt ;  in  reference  to  the 
burnt-like  appearance  of  the  flowers  of  some  of 
the  species.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaranihacece. 

These  are  ornamental  or  curious  plants.  Only 
one  or  two  species,  however,  are  regarded  as 
sufficiently  ornamental  to  be  included  in  ordi- 
nary collections.  One  of  these,  C.  cristata,  the 
common  Cockscomb,  is  almost  universally 
grown.  To  be  grown  well  the  seed  should  be 
sown  in  March,  in  the  green-house  or  hot-bed. 
As  soon  as  the  young  plants  can  be  handled 
safely,  they  should  be  placed  singly  in  small 
pots,  filled  with  the  same  kind  of  soil  in  which 
they  were  started.  In  these  they  should  remain 
until  symptoms  of  flowering  appear,  when  they 
may  be  changed  into  larger  pots  or  turned  out 
into  the  border,  where  they  should  have  a  rich 
soil,  such  as  loam  and  rotten  manure,  in  equal 
parts  ;  then,  with  a  liberal  supply  of  liquid  ma- 
nure, flower-heads  of  enormous  size  will  be  ob- 
tained. It  is  on  this  account  that  small  pots  are 
recommended  for  the  young  plants  up  till  the 
appearance  of  the  flowers  ;  for  if  the  roots  be 
allowed  much  space  at  this  period,  the  stem  nat- 
urally increases  in  height  without  a  compensat- 
ing increase  in  the  size  of  the  "comb.'  This 
species  was  introduced  from  Asia  in  1570,  and 
from  it  florists  have  produced  a  great  number  of 
varieties. 

Celtis.  Nettle  Tree,  Hack-berry,  Sugar-berry.  An 
ancient  name  for  the  Lotus.  The  fruit  of  the 
European  Nettle  Tree  is  supposed  to  have  been 
the  food  of  the  Lotophagi.  Linn.  Polyyamia- 
Monoecia.  Nat.  Ord.  iMmacece. 


4-2 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CEN 

A  genus  of  hardy  deciduous,  low,  or  medium  - 
sized  trees,  of  an  ornamental  character.  Several 
of  the  species  and  their  varieties  are  common  in 
the  Southern  and  Western  States,  where  they 
have  received  the  various  popular  names  above 
given. 

Centaurea.  The  classical  name  of  a  plant  fabled 
by  Ovid  to  have  cured  a  wound  in  the  foot  of 
Chiron  made  by  the  arrow  of  Hercules.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-Fnistranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Cbmposita;. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennial and  annual  plants,  varying  in  height 
from  one  to  five  feet,  and  of  nearly  every  shade 
of  color  from  yellow  to  red,  blue,  or  deep  pur- 
ple. As  they  continue  to  bloom  for  a  long  time, 
they  are  well  suited  for  the  margin  of  borders  in 
the  flower  garden,  and  some  of  the  dwarf  species 
may  be  even  admitted  into  beds.  The  peren- 
nial kinds  grow  in  almost  any  description  of 
soil,  nor  are  the  annuals  more  particular  ;  they 
merely  require  to  be  sown  where  they  are  to  re- 
main, being  afterward  thinned  to  the  proper 
distances  from  each  other.  C.  candidissima  and 
C.  gymnocarpa  are  natives  of  the  Levant,  and  are 
most  valuable  border  plants,  their  leaves  being 
heavily  clothed  on  both  sides  with  a  white, 
downy  covering,  which  gives  them  a  striking 
aspect.  Propagated  by  seed  sown  in  January 
or  February  in  a  hot-bed. 

Centauridium.  Origin  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-Fnistranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Composites. 

The  only  species  of  this  is  C.  Drummondi,  a 
Texas  plant,  free  flowering,  and  succeeding  well 
in  a  light  soil.  Color  bright  orange.  A  hardy 
annual,  growing  freely  from  seed. 
Centranthus.  From  kentron,  a  spur,  and  anthos, 
&  flower ;  referring  to  the  spur-like  process  at 
the  base  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Monandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Valerianacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  Grenada, 
and  herbaceous  perennials  from  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope. They  are  mostly  of  compact  habit,  free 
flowering,  and  very  pretty.  The  annuals  are 
well  adapted  for  rock-work  or  ribbon  borders, 
and  grow  freely  in  common  garden  soil.  Intro- 
duced in  1849. 

Centropogon.  From  kentron,  a  spur,  and  pogon, 
a  beard ;  in  reference  to  the  fringe  which  en- 
velops the  stigma.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monofiuni-a. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lobdiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  herbaceous 
perennials  from  Surinam  and  Guatemala.  One 
of  the  species  bears  edible  fruit.  C.  tovariensis 
is  a  very  beautiful  plant  for  the  green-house, 
having  rosy-crimson  flowers,  similar  in  form  to 
the  Lobelias,  but  of  larger  size,  produced  singly 
on  short  axillary  peduncles .  They  are  increased 
by  division  or  from  seed.  Introduced  in  1786. 
Century  Plant.  See  Agave. 

Cephalotus.  From  kephalotes,  headed  ;  its  fila- 
ments of  stamens  are  capitate.  Linn.  Dodecan- 
dria-Hexagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cephalotacecu. 

A  genus  of  very  singular  dwarf  Pitcher  Plants. 
C.follicularis,  the  only  species,  is  a  native  of 
swampy  places  in  King  George's  Sound.  It 
has  a  very  short  or  contracted  stem,  -with  spoon- 
shaped  stalked  leaves,  among  which  are  mingled 
small  pitcher-like  bodies,  placed  on  short,  stout 
stalks,  and  closed  at  the  top  with  lids  like  the 
true  Pitcher  Plants  (Nepenthes).  These  pitchers 
are  of  a  green  color,  spotted  with  yellow  or 
brown,  and  provided  with  hairs.  The  flowers 
are  white,  small,  and  produced  on  a  long  spike 
Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1822 
Cerastium.  Mouse-ear  Chickweed.  Fromfceras 


CER 

a  horn  ;  because  many  of  the  species  have  cap- 
sules like  an  ox's  horn.  Linn.  Decandria-Pett- 
tagi/nirt.  Nat.  Ord.  CaryophyllacecK. 

Of  this  somewhat  extensive  genus  only  a  few 
of  the  species  are  worthy  of  cultivation,  but 
none  of  the  annuals.  Some  of  the  hardy  trailing 
species  are  quite  ornamental  when  used  for 
edgings  or  rock-work.  Propagated  by  division 
of  the  roots  or  by  seeds.  Introduced  in  1814. 
Cerasus.  Cherry.  From  Cerasus,  a  town  of  Pon- 
tus,  in  Asia,  whence  the  Cherry  was  brought 
to  Rome  by  Lucullus.  Linn.  Icosandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Drupacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs, 
the  species  and  varieties  including  some  of  our 
most  ornamental  trees  for  the  lawn,  as  well  as 
highly  prized  fruit  trees  for  the  orchard.  The 
numerous  varieties  of  cultivated  Cherries  are 
supposed  to  have  originated  from  C.  avium  and 
C.  vulgaris.  Those  belonging  to  C.  avium  are 
best  represented  by  the  Bigarreau  and  Black 
Heart  varieties  ;  those  of  C.  vulgaris  by  the  May 
Duke  and  Morello.  Both  of  these  species  ap- 
pear to  be  natives  of  Europe,  although  Pliny 
states  that  there  were  no  Cherries  in  Italy  before 
the  victory  obtained  over  Mithridates  by  Lucul- 
lus, who  was,  according  to  the  above  author,  the 
first  who  brought  them  to  Rome,  about  sixty- 
eight  years  before  the  Christian  era.  It  is  also 
stated  by  the  same  authority,  that  "in less  than 
120  years  after,  other  lands  had  Cherries,  even 
as  far  as  Britain  beyond  the  ocean."  Theo- 
phrastus,  300  years  B.C.,  mentions  the  Cherry  as 
being  common  in  Greece,  from  which  some  writ- 
ers contend  that  the  name  of  the  city  was  de- 
rived from  the  tree,  instead  of  the  tree  from  the 
town  or  city.  The  well-known  Wild  Cherry  of 
our  woods  is  C.  serotina.  The  common  double 
Cherry  and  the  French  double  Cherry  deserve  a 
place  in  every  garden  ;  and  equally  so  do  the 
Chinese  Cherry,  C.  pseudo-cerasus ;  the  All-Saints' 
Cherry,  C.  semperflprens ;  the  Bird  Cherry,  C. 
padus ;  the  Virginian  Bird  Cherry  or  Choke 
Cherry,  C.  Virginiana. 

Ceratonla.  Carob  Tree.  From  keras,  a  horn ;  in 
reference  to  the  shape  of  the  seed-pod.  Linn. 
Polygamia-Dicecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

C.  siliqua,  the  only  species,  is  a  tree  of  medium 
size,  growing  extensively  in  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope, particularly  in  some  of  the  Spanish  prov- 
inces, and  produces  a  fruit  known  as  the  Carob 
Sean,  which  is  an  important  article  of  commerce. 
It  is  chiefly  used  for  the  feeding  of'cattle,  but  is 
largely  used  by  the  poor  for  food  when  there  is 
a  scarcity  of  grain.  This  is  generally  consid- 
ered the  Locust  Tree  of  Scripture  ;  and  in  Spain, 
where  the  seeds  are  eaten,  it  is  called  St.  John's 
Bread.  Under  this  name  the  pods  are  often  sold 
on  the  streets  in  New  York.  It  is  now  generally 
supposed  that  the  shells  of  the  Carob  pod  were 
the  husks  that  the  prodigal  son  desired  to  par- 
take of  with  the  swine. 

Ceratostema.  From  keras,  a  horn,  and  sterna,  a 
stamen  ;  the  anthers  are  spurred.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vacciniaceai . 

A  small  genus  of  very  pretty  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  Peru.  The  flowers 
are  tubular,  of  orange,  crimson,  or  scarlet  color, 
produced  in  terminal  clusters  in  May.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings .  Introduced  in  1846. 
Ceratozamia.  A  genus  of  Cycadacea;,  deriving 
its  name  from  the  presence  of  two  horns  on  the 
scales  of  its  Zarnia-like  fruit.  C.  Fusco-viridis  is 
a  magnificent  plant  of  recent  introduction  from 
Mexico.  It  is  a  tree  of  moderate  size,  with 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


CER 

leaves   from  three  to   four  feet  long,    broadly 

E innate,  and  of  a  fine  arching  habit.  The  young 
saves  are  of  a  rich,  bronzy  chocolate  color,  grad- 
ually changing  to  olive  green,  and  ultimately 
developing  into  deep  green.     Young  plants  are 
obtained  by  suckers  or  from  seed. 
Cercis.    Judas  Tree.    From  kerkis,  a  shuttlecock  ; 
the  name   given  by  Theophrastus.     Linn.  De- 
candria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecr. 

A  genus  of  handsome,  low-growing  trees,  with 
singular  leaves  and  very  showy  flowers.     The 
flowers  have  an  agreeable  acid  taste,  and  are  fre- 
quently used  by  the  French  in  salads,  or  made 
into  fritters  with  batter,  and  the  flower  buds  are 
pickled  in  vinegar.     It  is  an  ornamental  tree  in 
spring,    as    the  flowers  completely  clothe  the 
branches,  and  even  the  upper  part  of  the  trunk, 
with  purple  before  the  leaves  appear.     C.   sili- 
quastrum  is  a  native  of  the  south  of  Europe, 
and  of  which  Gerarde,  in  compliance  with  the 
popular  notions  of  his  time,  says:  "This  is  the 
tree  whereon  Judas  did  hang  himself  ;  and  not 
upon  the  Elder  Tree,  as  it  is  said."     (Herbal, 
1596.)     C.  Canadensis,  a  native  species,  is  com- 
mon on  the  banks  of  streams  from  Canada  to 
Louisiana.     C.  Japonicct,  from  Japan,  is  a  very 
dwarf  tree  or  shrub,  and  exceedingly  beautiful. 
Cereus.      From  cereus,   waxy  ;    referring  to  the 
shoots  of  some  of  the  species  being  easily  bent. 
lAnn.  Icosandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Cactacea'. 
An  extensive  genus,  the  species  of  which  are 
remarkable  for  their  singularity  of  form,  and 
for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers.  Few  classes  pre- 
sent greater  contrasts.     Some  are  round,  some 
angular,  some  smooth,  and  others  fluted.    Some 
are  climbers  or  creepers,  while  others  grow  like 
huge  trees,  attaining  a  height  of  sixty  feet  with  a 
diameter  of  two  or  three  feet.  The  night-bloom- 
ing section  is  very  interesting  and  beautiful.  C. 
grandMorus,  the  type,  usually  requires  age  to 
flower  well.  A  strong  plant  will  frequently  have 
six  to  ten  exceedingly  large  and  beautiful  sweet- 
scented  flowers  open  in  an  evening.     They  are 
very  transient,  lasting  only  a  few  hours,  neither 
dp  they  open  again  when  once  closed.    They  be- 
gin to  open  between  six  and  eight  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  are  fully  expanded  by  eleven,  and  by 
three  or  four  in  the  morning  they  are  closed; 
but  during  their    short  continuance  there  is 
scarcely  any  flower  of  greater  beauty,  or  that 
makes  a  more  magnificent  appearance.  The  flow- 
ers of  the  night-blooming  section  vary  in  size 
from  six  to  fourteen  inches  in  diameter,  according 
to  the  species,  C.  MacDonaldi  being  the  largest, 
and  sometimes  measuring  fourteen  to  sixteen 
inches.  The  sepals  in  some  are  brown,  in  others 
brownish-yellow,  and  in  others  again  pinkish- 
brown.     The  petals  in  some  are  pale,  yellowish 
white,  and   in    others    pure  white.     The    sta- 
mens are  usually  a  bright  yellow.     Some  are 
sweet-scented,  others  the  reverse,  while  some 
are  odorless,  but  all  are  beautiful.     The  flowers 
of  the  day-blooming  section  are  usually  small, 
but  very  bright  and  pretty.     For  other  kinds  of 
night-bloomers  see  Phyllocactus.     For  culture  see 
Cactus. 

Cerinthe.  Honeywort.  From  keros,  wax,  and 
anihos,  a  flower  ;  referring  to  its  being  a  favorite 
flower  with  bees.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Boraginacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  common  in 
Central  Europe.  One  species,  a  native  of  the 
south  of  France,  is  a  hardy  perennial.  The  an- 
nuals have  long  been  cultivated  in  gardens, 
under  the  name  of  Honeywort.  They  have  yel- 


CHA 

low  flowers,  tubular,  in  one-sided  drooping  ra- 
cemes. They  sow  themselves  when  once  plant- 
ed, and  require  but  little  care. 
Ceroxylon.  Wax  Palm.  From  keros,,  wax,  and 
xylon,  wood  ;  the  trunk  being  coated  with  wax. 
Linn.  Monoecia-Polyandrw.  Nat.  Ord.  PalniacecK. 
A  small  genus  of  Palms,  consisting  of  three 
species,  two  of  which  are  handsome  trees  of  great 
size.  C.  andicola,  the  Wax  Palm  of  New  Grena- 
da, was  discovered  by  the  celebrated  traveler, 
Humboldt,  who  describes  the  tree  as  attaining 
the  prodigious  height  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
feet,  while  it  differs  from  other  species  01' 
Palms  in  flourishing  under  a  much  colder  tem- 
perature, it  being  found  on  elevated  mountains, 
extending  as  high  as  the  lower  limit  of  perpet- 
ual snow.  Its  tall  trunk  is  covered  with  a  thin 
coating  of  a  whitish,  waxy  substance,  giving  it  a 
marbled  appearance.  This  substance  forms  an 
article  of  commerce,  and  is  obtained  by  scrap- 
ing the  trunk.  It  consists  of  two  parts  resin 
and  one  of  wax.  It  is  mixed  with  tallow  and 
made  into  candles,  which  are  of  superior  qual- 
ity. The  trunk  yields  a  valuable  timber,  used 
for  building  purposes,  and  the  leaves  are  used 
for  thatching  roofs.  Propagated  from  seed. 
Oestrum.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacecv. 

Green-house  shrubs,  natives  of  the  East  Indies 
and  South  America.  C.  nocturnum,  frequently- 
called  the  Night-Blooming  Jasmine,  is  a  much 
esteemed  species,  which  flowers  abundantly  all 
summer,  if  planted  in  the  open  air  in  May,  and 
fills  the  whole  garden  with  its  fragrance  at  night, 
though  perfectly  inodorous  during  the  day.  It 
should  be  taken  up  in  autumn,  and  if  kept  in  a 
box  or  pot,  rather  dry,  may  be  easily  preserved 
in  a  warm  cellar  until  spring. 
Ceterach.  From  Chetherak,  the  Arabic  name. 
Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea*. 
A  small  genus  of  Ferns,  somewhat  resembling 
the  Aspleniums.  C.  qfficinarum,  the  Scale  Fern, 
is  an  interesting  species,  suitable  for  rock-work, 
but  impatient  of  much  water,  as  are  all  of  the 
species.  Both  the  hardy  and  green-house  spe- 
cies are  valuable  in  collections.  They  are  natives 
of  Great  Britian  and  the  Canary  Islands. 
Chain  Fern.  See  Woodwardia. 
Charneedorea.  From  chamai,  dwarf,  and  dorea,  a 
gift ;  referring  to  the  nuts  of  this  Palm  being 
easily  reached.  Linn.  Dicecia-Hexandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Palma  ;eo?. 

A  genus  of  Palms  containing  about  forty  spe- 
cies, common  in  Mexico  and  South  America.  C. 
ErnesU-Augusti  is  a  small  species,  a  native  of 
New  Grenada.  It  grows  from  four  to  five  feet 
high,  with  wedge-shaped  leaves  about  two  feet 
long.  The  female  flower  spikes  of  this  species, 
which  are  very  beautiful,  are  about  a  foot  long, 
cylindrical,  and  undivided.  At  first  they  are  of 
a  dark  green  color,  studded  with  red,  bead-like 
flowers.  After  these  fall  away,  the  spike  be- 
comes a  bright  coral-red  color.  Several  of  the 
species  are  interesting  green-house  plants,  and 
are  readily  grown  from  seed. 
Chameepeuce.  From  chamai,  dwarf,  tai&peuke, 
a  pine  ;  resemblance.  Linn.  Synyenetsia-^EqiiaUa. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asleracect'. 

A  genus  of  uninteresting  plants,  annuals,  per- 
ennials, and  biennials,  common  throughout  Eu- 
rope. None  of  them  is  considered  of  sufficient 
intereslto  cultivate. 

Chamaerops.  From  chamai,  dwarf,  and  rhops, 
a  twig  ;  most  of  the  species  being  dwarf.  Linn. 
Polygamia-Dioecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmaren>. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


CHA 

A  genus  of  low-growing  Palms,  including  sev- 
eral species,  some  growing  as  far  North  as  the 
Carolinas.  The  Palmetto  State  furnishes  C.  Pal- 
metto, hence  the  name.  Many  of  the  species  are 
half-hardy,  and  all  make  beautiful  plants  for 
lawn  decoration.  They  make  a  rapid  growth  in 
summer  if  given  a  rich  loam,  and  liberal  appli- 
cations of  liquid  manure.  They  are  increased  by 
seed. 

Chamomile.    See  Anthemis. 

Chaw  Stick.    See  Gouania. 

Charlock.  Sinapis  arvens'is,  a  well-known  weed. 

Cheat  Grass.    See  Brormis. 

Checkerberry.     See  Gaultheria. 

Cheilantb.es.  Lip  Fern.  From  cheilos,  a  lip,  and 
anthos,  a  flower  ;  in  reference  to  the  form  of  the 
indusium.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-Ftiices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacem. 

An  extensive  genus  of  Ferns,  found  scattered 
over  nearly  all  parts  of  the  world.  There  are 
several  species  found  in  most  parts  of  the  Unit- 
ed States.  Some  of  the  tropical  species  are  ex- 
ceedingly pretty,  among  which  C.  farinosa,  a  na- 
tive of  the  Island  of  Luzon,  has  ivory-black 
stems,  the  fronds  being  dark  green  above,  and 
of  a  pure  white  beneath,  caused  by  a  powdery 
substance,  which  has  given  this  species  the  pop- 
iilar  name  of  Silver  Fern.  This  species  was  in- 
troduced in  1854.  Propagated  from  spores  or 
by  division  of  the  roots  when  just  commencing 
to  grow. 

Cheiranthus.  Wallflower.  From  cheir,  the 
hand,  and  anthos,  a  flower  ;  in  reference  to  the 
custom  of  carrying  the  Wallflower  in  the  hand 
for  a  nosegay.  Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Brassicacece. 

Well-known  herbaceous  plants,  much  prized 
for  the  delightful  odor  of  their  flowers,  which 
are  produced  from  April  to  July.  C.  Cheiri,  the 
common  Wallflower,  is  generally  grown,  and  is 
a  great  favorite  in  English  gardens,  where  it 
flowers  freely.  Our  climate  does  not  suit  it  so 
well  as  that  of  England,  as  it  delights  in  a  moist 
atmosphere.  The  fine  double  varieties  are  in- 
creased by  cuttings,  and  should  be  grown  in  a 
cool  house,  in  a  strong,  rich  loam.  The  plants 
usually  grown  for  the  market  are  from  seed  sown 
in  March.  Most  species  are  from  Southern  Eu- 
rope, and  have  been  grown  for  centuries. 

Chelone.  Shell-flower.  From  chdone,  a  tortoise ; 
the  back  of  the  helmet  of  the  flower  being  fan- 
cifully compared  to  a  tortoise.  Linn.  Didynamia- 
Anyiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariaceat. 

Most  of  the  genus  are  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials. Native  plants  are  common  in  moist 
places  westward.  Their  singular  beauty  enti- 
tles them  to  a  place  in  every  collection.  The 
flowers  are  white,  rose-color,  or  purple.  They 
succeed  well  in  ordinary  garden  soil,  and  are 
propagated  by  division  of  roots,  and  by  seed. 

Chenopodium.  A  genus  of  troublesome  weeds, 
the  more  common  being  C.  album,  or  Pig-weed ; 
C.  glaucum,  Goose-foot  ;  and  C.  ambrosioides, 
Mexican  Tea. 

Cherokee  Rose.    See  Rosa. 

Cherry.    See  Cerasus. 

Chess.     See  Bromus. 

Chestnut.     See  Castanea. 

Chestnut-Oak.     See  Q/iercus  Prinus. 

Chickory.    See  Cichorium. 

Chickweed.     See  Steilaria. 

Chimaphila.  From  cheima,  winter,  and  phUeo,  to 
love;  these  little  plants  remaining  green  all  win- 
ter. Linn.  Decandrla  -  Nonoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Pyrolaceai. 


CHL 

A  small  genus  of  pretty  little  native,  hardy, 
trailing,  evergreen  plants,  commonly  known  as 
Pipsissewi  and  Spotted  Winteryreen,  the  latter 
name  being  applied  to  C.  mad'data,  one  of  our 
most  beautiful  native  plants  with  variegated 
foliage.  It  is  common  in  dry  woods  throughout 
the  Middle  States,  but  very  difficult  of  culti- 
vation in  the  garden. 

China  Aster.     See  Callistemma. 

Chinese  Bell-flower.     See  Abutilon. 

Chinese  Grass-cloth  Plant.     See  Bcehmeria. 

Chinese  Primrose.     See  Primula, 

Chinese  Sugar-cane.     See  Sorghum. 

Chinquapin.     See  Castanea. 

Chionanthus.  Fringe  Tree.  From  chion,  snow, 
and  anthos,  a  flower ;  in  reference  to  its  long  ra- 
cemes of  pure  white  flowers.  Linn.  Diandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oleacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  shrubs.  C.  Vir- 
ginica,  one  of  the  best  known,  and  the  more 
commonly  grown  under  the  popular  name  of 
Fringe  Tree,  is  a  very  ornamental  shrub  of  easy 
cultivation,  particularly  adapted  for  the  lawn, 
not  only  for  its  showy  flowers  in  spring,  but  for 
its  deep  green,  glossy  foliage,  which,  under  fa- 
vorable circumstances,  will  equal  in  size  that  of 
the  Magnolia  grandifl^ra,  retaining  its  freshness 
until  late  in  the  autumn.  This  species  is  a  na- 
tive of  Pennsylvania  and  southward,  and  is 
readily  propagated  from  seeds  or  cuttings.  It 
succeeds  best  when  grafted  on  the  common  ash, 
being  much  more  vigorous,  and  will  attain  a 
height  of  twenty-five  feet. 

Chironia.  A  classical  name,  after  Chiron,  one  of 
the  Centaurs,  fabled  to  be  the  father  of  medicine. 
Linn.  Pe>ita)idria-3fonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Genlian- 
aceoi. 

Green-house  plants  of  short  duration,  and 
consequently  requiring  to  be  frequently  raised 
from  cuttings,  which  strike  freely  in  sand.  G. 
frutescens,  with  rose-colored  flowers,  and  its  va- 
riety, with  white  flowers,  are  the  most  desirable 
species,  and  may  be  easily  procured  from  the 
florist.  They  are  also  frequently  raised  from 
Cape  seeds,  the  plants  being  all  indigenous  at 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Introduced  in  1756. 

Chives.  The  popular  name  of  AUium  Schonnnpra- 
sum,  the  smallest  of  the  Onion  family,  though 
one  of  the  finest  flavored.  It  is  a  hardy  herba- 
ceous perennial,  native  of  Siberia,  and  of  the 
easiest  culture,  growing  freely  in  almost  any  soil 
or  situation.  Propagated  by  division,  either  in 
spring  or  autumn. 

Chlidanthus.  From  chlideios,  delicate,  and  an- 
thos, a  flower ;  alluding  to  the  delicate  texture 
of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  AmaryllidacecK. 

C.frayrans,  the  only  species,  a  pretty  bulbous- 
rooted  plant,  which  may  be  grown  in  the  flower 
garden  during  the  summer,  when  its  bright  yel- 
low flowers  are  highly  interesting.  In  winter  it 
requires  the  same  treatment  as  the  Gladiolus. 
It  is  propagated  freely  by  offsets,  which  should 
all  be  removed  before  planting,  to  enable  the 
bulb  to  flower  well.  Introduced  in  1820. 

C  Moris.  From  chloros,  green;  alluding  to  the 
color  of  the  herbage.  Linn.  Polyyamia-Nonoecia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  grasses,  including  a 
few  desirable  species  for  the  green-house. 
Among  them  is  C.  radiata,  a  pretty  little  annual 
species,  with  beautiful  one-sided  spikes  of  silky 
flowers,  which  give  it  a  very  curious  appearance. 
There  are  several  other  species  under  cultiva- 
tion, all  useful  for  basket  and  similar  work. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


41 


CHL 

Chlorophytum.  From  cMoro.s,  green,  andphyton, 
a  plant ;  referring  to  the  appearance  of  the  plants. 
Linn.  Hexandrin-Monogynia.  Nat.  Orel.  Liliace<r. 
A  small  genus  of  herbaceous  plants,  mostly 
with  inconspicuous  flowers.  C.  datum  is  in 
cultivation,  and  is  a  pretty,  free-flowering 
plant,  with  a  tall  scape,  and  terminal  racemes  of 
white,  star-like  flowers.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  allied  to  Anthericum. 

Chocolate.     See  Theobr<>n<'i. 

Choisya.  Named  after  M.  Choiay,  a  botanist  of 
Geneva.  Linn.  Decan<lri<t-3fono<jynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Rutacece. 

C.  ternata,  the  only  species,  is  a  handsome 
white-flowered  shrub,  growing  about  six  feet 
high.  It  is  a  native  of  Mexico,  an  evergreen, 
and  will  succeed  well  with  ordinary  green-house 
treatment.  It  is  increased  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1825. 

Choke-Berry.  The  popular  name  of  the  fruit  of 
the  Pyrus  arbutifolia,  a  common  shrub  from  two 
to  ten  feet  high,  found  in  damp  thickets. 

Choke  Cherry.     See  Om.s«v. 

Chondrilla.  From  chomlros,  a  lump  ;  the  plants 
bear  lumps  of  gummy  matter  on  the  stems. 
Linn.  Syiifjenesia-jEqwdis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asterwcn'. 
A  genus  of  mostly  uninteresting  plants  allied 
to  Lactuca,  (Lettuce.)  C.  jimcen,  a  native  of 
Southern  Europe,  has  escaped  from  the  garden 
and  become  naturalized  in  some  of  the  Southern 
States.  It  is  a  straggling,  many-branched  plant, 
and  almost  destitute  of  leaves  when  in  flower. 
There  are  more  than  twenty  species  included  in 
this  genus,  mostly  weedy  plants. 

Choretis.  From  choros,  to  unite  in  chorus  ;  this 
genus  being  an  intermediate  link  between  Hy- 
menocalHs  and  Ismene.  Linn.  Hex(indria-3I<>n>.- 
<jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  ArnaryUidacecK. 

An  interesting  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs  from 
Texas  and  Mexico,  requiring  a  rest  from  Novem- 
ber until  May.  They  grow  freely  in  a  light, 
sandy  soil  in  the  open  border,  or  they  may  be 
grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house,  and  for  this 
purpose  they  should  be  started  in  March  in  a 
cool  house,  heat  and  water  to  be  increased  with 
their  growth.  The  flowers  are  very  beautiful, 
pure  white,  with  a  green  eye  and  a  greenish 
stripe.  Propagated  by  division  of  bulbs. 

Chorozema.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  FabacecK. 

This  interesting  green-house  plant  was  first 
discovered  in  Western  Australia  by  Labillar- 
diere.  This  botanist  was  attached  to  the  expe- 
dition sent  by  the  French  Government  in 
search  of  the  lost  La  Perouse,  and  on  one  of  his 
excursions  suffered  much,  with  his  party,  for 
the  want  of  water.  At  last  they  met  with  springs 
that  furnished  an  ample  supply,  near  which  ho 
found  this  plant,  which  he  named  Chorozemfi, 
from  choros,  a  dance,  and  zemn,  a  drink  ;  in  allu- 
sion to  the  joyful  feelings  of  the  party  on  meet- 
ing with  a  supply  of  water.  Of  this  really  beau- 
tiful genus  there  are  many  species  ;  the  one 
most  commonly  met  is  C.  varia,  a  rapid-growing 
and  free-flowering  kind.  The  flowers  are  of  a 
bright  orange-red  color,  in  long  terminal  ra- 
cemes, flowering  through  the  winter  months. 
It  is  readily  propagated  by  cuttings,  which 
should  be  taken  in  February,  and  grown  in 
small  pots  until  the  weather  is  suitable  for 
planting  out,  as  they  should  be  grown  in  the 
border  during  summer.  Before  there  is  danger 
from  frost,  take  up  and  pot  in  five-inch  pots,  in 
good  rich  loam  and  sand.  Cut  well  back,  and 
give  it  a  warm,  sunny  situation,  with  liberal 


CHR 

watering  as  soon  as  the  new  growth  commences. 
It  will   begin  to  bloom  in  eigbt  to  ten  weeks. 
Christmas  Rose.     See  HeUf-borns  nljer. 
|   Chrysanthemum.     From  chrysos,  gold,  and  an- 
ttfix,  a  flower ;  alluding  to  the  color  of  some  of 
the  flowers  being  yellow.     Linn.  Synyenegia-Su- 
perflua.     Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

The  value  of  the  Chinese  Chrysanthemum,  C. 
Sinense,  as  an  ornament  of  the  flower-garden,  the 
green  -house,  or  the  conservatory,  in  the  autum- 
nal months,  is  well  known  and  duly  appreciated. 
From  the  almost  numberless  varieties  now  cul- 
tivated it  is  easy  to  form  a  selection  at  once  rich, 
and  varied.  The  first  object  in  the  culture  of 
these  plants  is  to  obtain  dwarf  specimens,  and 
to  preserve  all  the  foliage  near  the  base  of  the 
stems.  To  effect  this,  the  cuttings  should  be 
taken  from  the  old  stools  in  May.  They  are 
rooted  readily  in  a  green-house  or  a  frame.  As 
soon  as  rooted,  the  young  plants  should  be  pot- 
ted singly  in  small  pots  filled  with  sandy  loam, 
to  in  duce  them  to  emit  an  abundance  of  roots. 
A  cool,  airy  situation  out  of  doors  should  be  se- 
lected for  them,  and  constant  attention  be  given 
to  the  supply  of  water.  After  standing  about  a 
month  in  this  position,  they  should  be  shifted 
into  the  large  pots  they  are  intended  to  bloom 
in,  using  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  loam  and 
rotten  manure,  and  at  the  same  time  the  top  of 
the  plant  should  be  cut  off,  which  will  cause  it 
to  send  out  branches,  and  these  again  may  be 
stopped  if  they  grow  strongly,  and  it  can  be 
done  before  the  end  of  August.  During  the 
whole  of  the  time  the  plants  are  out  of  doors, 
which  will  be  till  the  approach  of  frost,  they 
should  stand  at  some  distance  from  each  other, 
that  each  one  may  have  the  full  influence  of  the 
air.  Being  carefully  watered  every  day  with 
pure  water,  and  occasionally  with  diluted  liquid 
manure,  the  new  growth  will  be  vigorously  de- 
veloped, and  the  flowers  better  and  larger.  If 
the  points  of  the  shoots  which  are  taken  off  last 
can  be  induced  to  root  quickly,  they  make  pretty 
little  plants  of  a  few  inches  in  height,  sur- 
mounted with  flowers  equally  fine  with  those  on 
the  larger  specimens,  and  are  useful  for  the 
fronts  of  shelves  or  to  stand  before  the  largo 
pots.  On  the  removal  of  the  plants  to  the  green- 
house, crowding  should  be  avoided,  and  a  full 
supply  of  both  air  and  water  given  daily  until 
the  flowering  season  is  past,  when  they  may  be 
removed  to  a  shed  or  put  in  a  cold  frame  until 
spring,  when  they  may  be  separated  and  planted 
out,  or  started  for  cuttings.  There  has  been  re- 
cently introduced  from  Japan  quite  a  distinct 
and  unique  class  of  Chrysanthemums,  with  very 
large  flowers  of  various  colors.  There  are  sev- 
eral annual  Chrysanthemums  with  white,  yel- 
low, and  purple  flowers,  which  easily  grow  from 
seed,  and  well  deserve  a  place  in  the  flower 
garden.  C.  frutescens  is  the  "Marguerite"  of  the 
Paris  gardens,  and  has  for  the  past  few  years 
been  somewhat  extensively  used  in  bouquets, 
etc.,  by  the  florists  of  New  York  and  other  larg.> 
cities;  but  as  the  flower  is  simply  a  Daisy  tho 
fashion  is  not  likely  to  be  long  continued.  Leu- 
canikemum  ri'/;/<m>,  (<'liri/mn>th'-iitHm  leiicantfiemxni, 
L.,)  the  Ox-eye  Daisy  of  the  fields,  has  also  been 
used  for  the  same  purpose.  There  is  now  a  yel- 
low-flowered variety  of  C.  frutescens,  called  the 
"  Golden  Marguerite." 

Chrysobactron.  From  clrysns,  gold,  and  bnk- 
tron,  a  wand  ;  alluding  to  the  magnificent  ra- 
cemes of  C.  Rossii.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mvnoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Liliacea: 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


CHE 

This  is  a  small  genus  from  the  Aukland  and 
Campbell  Islands,  New  Zealand,  closely  allied 
to  Anlhericum.  They  are  found  growing  in  marshy 
places,  and  will  only  succeed  well  with  pot  cul- 
ture. The  soil  should  be  a  fibrous  loam.  The 
pots  in  which  they  are  grown  should  be  partly 
immersed  in  water.  The  flowers  are  bright 
yellow,  produced  in  racemes,  and  are  very  beau- 
tiful. Propagated  by  division  of  roots.  Intro- 
duced in  1848. 

Chrysurus.  From  chri/sos,  gold,  and  oura,  a  tail  ; 
alluding  to  the  compact  heads  of  flowers.  Linn. 
Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  GraminacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  annual  grasses,  natives  of 
the  south  of  Europe  and  north  of  Africa.  C. 
aurea  is  the  only  species  of  interest.  This  is 
very  ornamental  in  the  border,  and  is  also  use- 
ful in  the  green-house.  It  grows  readily  from 
seed. 

Chysis.  From  chysis,  melting ;  in  reference  to 
the  fused  appearance  of  the  pollen  masses. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchid- 
acece. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  Orchids,  natives  of 
Central  America.  The  flowers  are  mostly  white, 
or  creamy  white,  heavily  tipped  with  pink,  the 
lip  being  beautifully  marked  with  carmine  and 
yellow.  C.  aurea,  inaculaia  has  golden  yellow 
flowers,  with  a  lurge  orange  spot ;  lip  white, 
with  violet  rays.  When,  in  a  growing  state  they 
require  liberal  heat  and  moisture,  and  a  cool, 
dry  house  when  at  rest.  They  are  increased  by 
division  just  as  they  commence  a  new  growth. 
Introduced  in  1830. 

Cibotium.  From  kibotion,  a  small  box  ;  referring 
to  the  form  of  the  spore  vessels.  Linn.  Crypto- 
gamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  very  interesting  Ferns  re- 
lated to  Dicksonia.  They  are  large  and  very 
handsome,  and  in  some  cases  arborescent.  The 
fronds  are  bi-pinnate,  and  often  glaucus  be- 
neath. C.  Barometz  is  believed  to  be  the  Tarta- 
rian Lamb,  about  which  travelers  have  told  so 
wonderful  a  tale.  This  "Lamb"  consists  merely 
of  the  decumbent,  shaggy  caudex  of  a  kind  of 
Fern,  which  is  unquestionably  this  species. 
The  "traveler's  tale  "  is,  that  on  an  uncultivated 
salt  plain  of  vast  extent,  west  of  the  Volga, 
grows  a  wonderful  plant,  with  the  appearance 
of  a  lamb,  having  feet,  head,  and  tail  distinctly 
formed,  and  its  skin  covered  with  soft  down. 
The  lamb  grows  upon  a  stalk  about  three  feet 
high,  the  part  by  which  it  is  sustained  being  a 
kind  of  navel.  It  turns  about  and  bends  to  the 
herbage,  which  serves  for  its  food,  and  pines 
away  when  the  grass  dries  up  and  fails.  The 
fact  on  which  this  tale  is  based  appears  to  be, 
that  the  caudex  of  this  plant  may  be  made  to 
present  a  rude  appearance  of  an  animal  covered 
with  silky,  hair-like  scales,  and  if  cut  into  is 
found  to  have  a  soft  inside  of  a  reddish,  flesh- 
colored  appearance.  When  the  herbage  of  its 
native  haunts  fails  through  drought,  its  leaves 
no  doubt  die,  and  both  perish  from  the  same 
cause,  and  independently  of  each  other.  From 
these  appearances,  the  common  people  believe 
that  in  the  deserts  of  Scythia  there  exist  crea- 
tures half  animal  and  half  plant.  The  species 
are  very  interesting  plants  for  the  green-house, 
but  are  seldom  seen.  They  are  propagated  by 
division.  Introduced  in  1824. 

Cichorium.  Chicory  or  Succory.  An  ancient 
Egyptian  noine.  Linn.  Synfjenesia-jEqualiii. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asteracev. 

This  plant,  so  extensively  cultivated  in  Eu- 


CIN 

rope  as  a  substitute  for  coffee,  or  for  its  adultera- 
tion, is  commonly  known  as  Wild  Endive,  and 
is  found  growing  wild  ii*  most  parts  of  Europe, 
being  by  far  the  most  common  in  England.  It 
is  also  naturalized  in  this  country,  and  is  com- 
mon in  neglected  fields  and  along  roadsides  in 
neighborhoods  long  settled.  Its  flowers  are 
bright  blue,  produced  in  great  profusion  in  Au- 
gust and  September.  The  plant  grows  in  its 
wild  state  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  but  un- 
der cultivation  it  often  reaches  six  feet.  The 
roots  are  fleshy,  not  unlike  the  Dandelion,  to 
which  family  it  belongs.  For  the  adulteration 
of  coffee,  the  root  is  dried  and  ground,  in  which 
state  it  closely  resembles  ground  coffee.  The 
use  of  Chicory  is  common  and  undisguised,  and 
many  consider  a  mixture  preferable  to  pure  cof- 
fee, and  buy  the  two,  and  mix  to  suit  their  own 
tastes.  So  great  is  the  demand  for  it  for  this 
purpose,  that,  notwithstanding  its  cheapness 
and  ease  of  culture,  it  is  often  adulterated  by 
roasted  wheat,  rye,  acorns,  carrots,  and  other 
articles  of  a  similar  nature. 

Cicuta.  Cowbane,  Water  Hemlock.  The  ancient 
Latin  name  of  the  Hemlock.  Linn.  Peniandria- 
Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  biennial  plants,  very  com- 
mon in  moist  waste  places.  C.  maculata,  com- 
monly known  as  Spotted  Cowbane,  somewhat  re- 
sembles Sweet  Cicely,  and  is  often  mistaken  for 
it.  The  root  is  an  active  poison  in  its  green 
state,  but  loses  its  virulent  qualities  when  dried. 
It  is  a  dangerous  pest  to  the  farmer,  the  herbage 
often  proving  destructive  to  cattle,  when  eaten 
by  them,  and  many  children  have  lost  their 
lives  by  eating  the  roots,  which  they  have  mis- 
taken for  Cicely.  C.  virosa,  a  species  common 
throughout  Europe,  furnished  the  poison  given 
to  Phocion  and  Socrates. 

Cinchona.  Named  after  the  Countess  of  Cindum, 
Vice-Queen  of  Peru,  who  was  cured  of  a  fever  in 
1638  by  this  remedy.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
ijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacecu. 

This  genus  yields  the  well-known  Peruvian 
bark  of  commerce.  It  requires  the  protection  of 
a  warm  green-house  to  preserve  it  in  even  mod- 
erate vigor.  It  is  the  type  of  an  extensive  and 
highly  interesting  order. 

Cineraria.  From  cineres,  ashes ,  in  reference  to 
the  gray  down  covering  the  surface  of  the  leaves. 
Linn.  Synr/enesia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea;. 
There  are  upward  of  fifty  species  of  this  genus 
enumerated,  varying  in  habit  from  the  dwarf 
herbaceous  plant,  not  rising  more  than  half  a 
foot,  to  the  tall,  soft-wooded,  suffruticose  species 
with  a  stature  of  five  or  six  feet.  The  flowers  of 
most  of  them  are  of  a  pale  greenish  yellow, 
though  some  have  white,  red,  or  purple  flowers. 
The  whole  of  the  true  species  are  so  thoroughly 
eclipsed  by  the  modern  hybrid  varieties  as  to  be 
entirely  excluded  from  any  but  purely  botanical 
collections,  and  are  of  so  little  interest  as  to  war- 
rant our  passing  on  to  the  culture  of  those  beau- 
tiful ornaments  of  the  green-house  in  early 
spring.  The  first  recorded  variety  is  Waler- 
housiana,  obtained  from  C.  tussUayinoides ;  but 
we  very  much  doubt  so  coarse  a  parentage  hav- 
ing any  connection  with  such  neat,  handsome, 
highly-colored,  and  free-flowering  subjects  as 
those  cultivated  now.  The  seed  of  these  plants 
should  be  sown  in  autumn,  (September  or  Octo- 
ber,) as  soon  as  ripe.  The  young  plants  should 
be  potted  separately  in  a  soil  composed  of  loam. 
leaf  mould,  and  sand,  in  about  equal  proportions. 
The  young  plants  are  preserved  best  in  a  green- 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


47 


CIN 

house  or  frame.  It  is  on  the  condition  of  the 
plants  through  this  part  of  the  year  that  the 
flowering  of  the  succeeding  spring  mainly  de- 
pends, for  if  not  perfectly  healthy  now,  it  is  al- 
most hopeless  to  expect  them  to  be  vigorous 
then.  About  the  beginning  of  February  they 
should  be  repotted,  using  a  stronger  soil  than 
that  recommended  for  the  first  potting.  Through- 
out the  entire  existence  of  the  plants  they  should 
be  guarded  from  drought  and  the  attacks  of  the 
green  fly,  to  which  they  are  very  subject.  Fu- 
migation and  washing  with  tobacco-water  are 
the  most  effective  means  of  clearing  them  from 
the  latter.  After  flowering,  the  old  stems  should 
be  cut  away,  and  the  plants  shifted  back  into 
small  pots,  preserving  them  through  the  winter 
in  the  manner  advised  for  seedlings. 
Cinnamomum.  Cinnamon.  From  the  Arabic 
name,  kinamon.  Linn.  Enneandria-Monoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lauraceai. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  trees,  well  known  as  fur- 
nishing the  Cinnamon  of  commerce.  C.  Zeylani- 
'•um  is  largely  cultivated  in  Ceylon  for  its  bark, 
which  furnishes  the  best  Cinnamon.  The  bark 
is  stripped  off  the  branches,  when  it  rolls  up 
into  quills,  the  smaller  of  which  are  introduced 
within  the  larger,  and  then  dried  in  the  sun. 
The  thinner  the  bark  is,  as  a  rule,  the  finer  the 
quality.  C.  Cassia  furnishes  Cassia  bark,  which 
is  much  like  Cinnamon,  but  thicker,  coarser, 
stronger,  less  delicate  in  flavor,  and  cheaper.  It  is 
commonly  used  in  the  adulteration  of  Cinnamon. 
Both  species  furnish  what  are  known  as  Cassia 
buds,  which  are  something  like  cloves,  and, 
like  them,  consist  of  the  unexpended  flower 
buds.  They  possess  properties  similar  to  those 
of  the  bark.  There  are  several  other  species  of 
this  genus  that  furnish  aromatic  barks,  which 
are  used  in  flavoring  and  in  medicine. 
Cinnamon  Fern.  The  popular  name  of  one  of 

our  native  Ferns,  Osmunda  Cinnamomea. 
Cinnamon  Tree.     See  Cinnamomuin. 
Cinque-Foil,  or  Five-Finger.      One  of  the  pop- 
ular names  of  PotentilJa,  which  see. 
Circaea.      Enchanter's  Nightshade.      A  classical 
name,    after    Circe,   a    celebrated    enchantress, 
skilled  in   poisonous  herbs.      Linn.   Diandria- 
Monoqynia.     Nat.  Ord.  OnagracecK. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials, 
of  but  little  interest;  natives  of  Europe,  and 
naturalized  in  many  parts  of  this  country. 
Cirrhopetalum.  From  cirrhus,  a  tendril,  and 
petalon,  a  flower  leaf;  in  reference  to  the  strap- 
shaped  petals.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrchidacefK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  small,  very  curious  epi- 
phytal Orchids,  natives  of  tropical  Asia  and  the 
South  Sea  Islands.  Their  flowers  are  remarka- 
ble for  having  the  lateral  sepals  prolonged  into 
narrow  streamers.  From  this  peculiar  feature, 
and  the  fact  that  they  occupy  but  little  room,  a 
few  of  the  species  have  been  introduced  into  the 
more  general  collections  of  Orchids.  Propagated 
by  division. 

Cirsium.  Common  or  Plumed  Thistle.  From 
kirsos,  a  swollen  vein;  in  reference  to  being 
pricked  by  the  spines.  Linn.  SyngenesiOrjEqualis. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea}. 

The  Thistle  family  are  too  well  known  to  need 
special  mention.  Two  of  the  more  troublesome 
species,  C.  lanceolatum,  Common  Thistle,  and  (7. 
arvense,  the  Canada  Thistle,  are  both  natives  of 
Europe,  though  perfectly  naturalized  in  this 
country.  There  are  many  native  species,  the 
most  conspicuous  being  C.  muticum,  Swamp 


CIT 

Thistle,  a  perennial  common  in  moist  woods 
and  swamps,  often  growing  as  high  as  eight  feet, 
isjfus.  From  kissos,  ivy;  in  reference  to  their 
scrambling  habit.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  V',1  «•>'«•. 

A  genua  of  climbing  plants,  allied  to  r/v ;.«,-. 
With  a  few  exceptions,  they  are  plants  of  but 
little  interest  to  the  florist.  One  of  the  species, 
however,  C.  discolor,  is  a  plant  remarkable  for 
the  beauty  of  its  foliage,  and  its  adaptation  to 
the  hot-house.  This  species  is  a  native  of  Java, 
and  was  introduced  into  England  in  1854  by 
Messrs.  Rollison  and  Sons,  of  Tooting,  and  is 
described  by  Mr.  Lowe  as  follows:  "  The  leaves, 
which  are  six  inches  long  and  two  and  a  half 
broad,  are  colored  on  the  upper  surface  in  the 
richest  manner  conceivable,  the  plant  rivaling, 
in  its  beautiful  foliage,  the  finest  of  the  Ana>c- 
tochilus  family;  the  color  being  a  rich  green, 
clouded  with  white,  peach,  and  dark  purplish 
crimson,  and  covered  with  a  metallic  luster. 
The  under  side  of  the  leaf  is  a  rich  brownish 
crimson.  No  description  or  painting  can  do 
justice  to  the  beauty  of  these  superb  leaves  when 
in  perfection."  This  plant  is  a  rapid  grower, 
requiring  a  very  rich  soil  and  humid  atmos- 
phere, together  with  a  high  temperature,  to 
bring  it  to  perfection.  It  should  be  grown  in  a 
shaded  house,  and  care  should  be  taken  not  to 
syringe  the  plant,  as  water  on  the  leaves  destroys 
the  metallic  luster.  It  is  readily  increased  by 
cuttings.  The  leaves  are  much  valued  by  flor- 
ists for  their  various  work  in  baskets,  designs, 
etc. 

Cistus.  Book  Rose.  From  kiste,  a  box  ;  in  ref- 
erence to  the  form  of  the  seed  vessel.  Linn. 
Icosawlria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CistacecK. 

A  genus  of  handsome  shrubs,  few  of  which  are 
in  cultivation.  They  are  natives  of  Southern  and 
Western  Europe,  North  Africa,  and  the  Canary 
Islands.  Some  of  the  species  are  elegant  shrubs, 
having  terminal  flower  stalks  bearing  one  or 
more  flowers,  resembling  in  appearance  those  of 
the  Dog  Rose.  They  seldom  last  more  than  a 
few  hours  after  expanding,  and  do  not  open  ex- 
cept in  sunny  weather.  The  flowers  are  either 
white  or  rose-colored,  with  yellow  or  purplish 
marks  at  their  base.  Some  of  the  species  furnish 
a  gum  that  is  used  in  Turkey  as  a  perfume  and 
for  fumigation.  It  was  also  supposed  to  be  a 
specific  for  the  plague.  Propagated  by  seeds, 
layers,  or  cuttings. 

Citharexylum.  Fiddle-wood.  From  kithara,  a 
lyre,  and  xyUm,  wood  ;  in  reference  to  the  sup- 
posed fitness  of  the  wood  for  musical  instru- 
ments. Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Verbenacece. 

A  genus  of  tall-growing  trees  common  from 
Florida  to  Brazil.  It  furnishes  a  hard,  durable 
wood,  suited  for  various  purposes  in  the  me- 
chanic arts.  Its  supposed  use  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  musical  instruments  is  a  mistake.  Ono 
of  the  species  is  called  by  the  French  Mdtle,  for 
its  durability  in  building.  The  English  have 
corrupted  the  name  to  Fiddle-wood,  by  which 
name  it  is  popularly  known. 

Citrus.  Orange  Tree.  Derivation  of  name  un- 
known. Supposed  to  refer  to  Citron,  a  town  in 
Judea.  Linn.  Polyaddphia-Di*jyni<t.  Nat.  Ord. 
Auruntiac&e. 

The  genus  Citrus  includes  the  Orange,  Lemon, 
Lime,  Citron,  Shaddock,  etc.,  all  well  deserving 
cultivation,  both  for  their  flowers  and  their  fruit, 
but  of  which  only  a  few  kinds  of  Oranges  and 
Lemons  are  generally  grown.  When  grown  for  or- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


CLA 

namental  purposes  in  green-house  or  rooms,  they 
all  thrive  well  in  a  mixture  of  rich  loam  with  a 
little  rotten  dung  ;  but  great  care  is  necessary 
not  to  overpot  them,  or  give  them  too  much 
water  when  not  in  a  growing  state.  The  differ- 
ent species  and  varieties  are  generally  propa- 
gated by  budding,  grafting,  and  inarching  on 
the  common  Lemon,  which  grows  readily  from 
seed.  Oranges  are  also  frequently  raised  from 
seed  ;  but  unless  they  are  budded  or  grafted 
when  about  two  years  old,  it  will  be  many  years 
before  they  flower.  Orange  Trees  may  also  be 
propagated  by  cuttings,  which  are  best  from  the 
old  wood,  struck  in  sand  in  a  gentle  bottom  heat, 
and  shaded.  Plants  raised  in  this  manner 
flower  and  fruit  much  sooner  than  any  others,  but 
they  scarcely  ever  attain  a  large  size.  Both  the 
Orange  and  Lemon  are  such  favorites  in  this 
country  that  scarcely  a  cottage,  where  a  flower- 
pot or  tub  can  be  put  into  requisition,  is  without 
one  or  the  other  of  these  plants.  When  placed 
in  unsuitable  soil  and  carelessly  watered,  they 
seldom  remain  long  in  a  good  state  of  health. 
When  they  become  sickly  and  yellow,  they 
should  be  turned  out  of  the  pots,  a  large  portion 
of  the  old  soil  should  be  detached  from  the 
roots,  and  they  should  be  repotted  in  a  mixture 
of  fine  loamy  soil  and  rotten  manure,  with  about 
one-fourth  of  charcoal  dust,  or  powdered  char- 
coal. There  are  numerous  varieties  of  Oranges 
and  Lemons  grown  for  the  fruit.  Our  markets 
•were  formerly  supplied  from  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope, the  Azores,  and  the  West  Indies.  Until 
within  a  few  years  the  "Havana"  was  the  most 
highly  esteemed,  but  the  Florida  Orange  is  now 
the  leading  variety  in  the  markets.  The  culti- 
vation of  the  Orange  in  Florida  commenced  pre- 
vious to  1820,  but  was  carried  on  only  to  a  lim- 
ited extent  for  some  years  thereafter.  From 
1830  to  1835  many  large  groves  were  planted, 
nearly  all  of  which  were  destroyed  by  the  extra- 
ordinary frost  of  the  latter  year.  The  previous 
year  there  were  trees  at  St.  Augustine  that  pro- 
duced each  14,000  Oranges;  a  handsome  revenue 
from  a  single  tree.  The  dreaded  effects  of  a  frost 
almost  entirely  discouraged  further  plantings 
for  a  number  of  years.  The  cultivation  of  the 
Orange  is  now  attracting  greater  attention  in 
Florida  than  ever  before.  The  Indian  River 
country  abounds  in  plantations  that  are  yield- 
ing large  and  profitable  crops.  Some  of  the 
more  scientific  growers,  from  careful  experi- 
ments and  close  observation,  hold  the  opinion 
that  frosts  as  severe  as  those  of  1835  will  not  in- 
jure the  trees,  if  the  precaution  be  taken  to  shade 
the  trunks  from  the  sun  for  a  short  time,  until 
the  circulation  of  the  sap  is  fully  restored.  Lem- 
ons, Limes,  and  Shaddocks  are  also  largely 
grown  in  Florida.  In  some  parts  of  Texas,  and 
in  California,  the  cultivation  of  these  fruits  is 
being  rapidly  extended. 

Cladrastis.     See  Virgilia  lutea. 

Clarkia.  In  honor  of  Captain  Clarke,  who  accom- 
panied Captain  Lewis  in  his  journey  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Onagracea;. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  mostly  from  Cali- 
fornia. The  whole  of  the  species  are  indispen- 
sable to  every  flower  garden  where  annuals  are 
grown.  The  first  sowing  should  take  place  in 
September  ;  a  few  will  survive  the  winter,  and 
afford  an  early  bloom  in  the  following  season. 
The  next  and  principal  sowing  should  be  done 
in  March  ;  and  a  few  more  put  in  about  the  end 
of  April,  together  with  those  transplanted,  will 


CLE 

continue  a  fine  display  through  the  whole  sum- 
mer. They  grow  in  any  soil,  so  that  the  situa- 
tion is  open  or  free  from  the  drip  of  trees,  and 
merely  require  to  be  thinned  to  aboiit  a  foot  from 
each  other.  This  rule  will  apply  to  nearly  all 
that  are  known  as  "tender  annuals."  Intro- 
duced in  1825. 

Claytonia.  Named  after  Dr.  John  Clayton,  an 
early  American  botanist.  Linn.  Peniandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Portulacaceoe. 

A  genus  of  very  pretty  hardy  plants,  of  either 
annual  or  perennial  duration.  The  former  only 
require  to  be  sown  where  they  are  to  remain, 
and  the  latter  succeed  when  planted  in  loam 
without  further  trouble.  Their  flowers  are 
either  white  or  pink  of  various  shades.  They 
are  found  in  moist  woods  from  Virginia  west- 
ward and  southward.  Several  tuberous-rooted 
species  are  found  in  this  country  from  Virginia 
westward  to  California.  They  do  not  differ  ma- 
terially from  the  annuals  in  flowering.  They 
are  worthy  of  cultivation. 

Cleavers  or  Clivers.     See  Galium. 

Clematis.  Virgin's  Bower.  From  klema,  a  vine- 
branch  ;  in  reference  to  their  climbing  like  a 
vine.  Linn.  Polyandria-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
RanunculacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  handsome  twining 
shrubs,  natives  of  North  America,  Europe,  Ja- 
pan, and  occasionally  met  with  in  Australia, 
Asia,  and  Africa.  C.  Virginiana  is  the  well- 
known  Virgin's  Bower,  a  species  common  in  the 
woods  and  roadsides  from  New  York  southward. 
There  are  several  other  species  common  in  this 
country.  All  are  much  admired  for  their  grace- 
fulness, delicious  fragrance,  and  poetical  associ- 
ations. For  the  many  large-flowering  varieties 
we  are  indebted  to  Sieboldt  and  Fortune,  who 
discovered  them  in  Japan.  From  the  several 
species  introduced  by  them  very  many  varieties 
have  been  produced,  among  which  is  C.  Jack- 
manii,  a  variety  with  large  purple  flowers,  very 
showy  and  deservedly  popular.  Some  of  the 
varieties  are  pure  white,  with  both  double  and 
single  flowers.  The  whole  of  them  are  quite 
hardy,  though  the  young  growth  should  be  pro- 
tected the  first  winter.  They  delight  in  a 
strong,  rich  soil,  and  are  highly  useful  in  cov- 
ering walls,  arbors,  or  verandas,  which  they  do 
speedily  when  once  established.  They  are  prop- 
agated by  layering  the  young  shoots  in  summer 
or  by  root  grafting  on  some  of  our  stronger 
growing  native  varieties.  The  shoots  of  the 
half-ripened  young  wood  can  also  be  freely 
rooted  by  cuttings  during  the  summer  months. 
C.  crispa,  a  native  species  recently  introduced, 
promises  to  become  very  popular,  and  deserv- 
edly so.  The  flowers,  of  medium  size,  are  of  a 
beautiful  purple,  and  deliciously  fragrant  :  a 
characteristic  absent  from  most  of  the  class.  C. 
coccinea,  another  recent  introduction,  presents 
us  with  a  new  and  desirable  color. 

Cleome.  From  kleio,  to  shut;  in  reference  to  the 
parts  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Tetradynanua.  Nat. 
Ord.  CapparidacecK. 

An  extensive  genus,  consisting  of  tropical 
shrubs,  annuals  and  biennials,  which  are  not 
suitable  for  general  cultivation.  This  genus, 
however,  contains  several  very  curious  and 
pretty  indigenous  annuals,  with  white,  rose,  and 
purple  flowers,  natives  of  the  Southern  and 
Western  States.  They  are  all  easy  of  cultivation. 
They  should  be  started  in  a  hot-bed,  and  the 
plants  put  out  in  the  open  border  at  the  proper 
season  for  tender  annuals. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CLE 

Clerodendron.  From  kleros,  a  chance,  and  den- 
dron,  a  tree  ;  said  to  be  owing  to  the  uncertain- 
ty of  the  medicinal  qualities.  Linn.  Didynamia- 
Aivjiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Verbenacecu. 

It  is  difficult  to  conceive  more  beautiful  ob- 
jects than  several  members  of  this  genus  when 
well  cultivated.  Cuttings  taken  off  any  time 
during  summer  root  readily,  or  in  winter  in  gen- 
tle heat,  and  should  be  kept  in  small  pots 
through  the  succeeding  winter,  on  a  shelf  or 
underneath  a  bench  in  the  green-house.  About 
the  first  of  February  repot  them,  giving  them  a 
liberal  shift.  The  soil  should  be  light  and  very 
rich.  To  flower  freely  they  require  frequent 
shiftings  from  smaller  into  larger  pots.  With 
this  treatment  they  can  be  made  to  bloom  con- 
tinually during  the  entire  season.  Old  plants 
can  be  grown  on  with  occasional  shiftings,  and 
make  splendid  plants  for  garden  decoration  dur- 
ing summer.  They  must,  however,  be  grown 
in  the  shade.  After  flowering  water  freely,  in 
order  that  they  may  make  a  good  growth  ;  after 
which  they  should  have  partial  sun  to  ripen  the 
wood.  If  not  wanted  for  winter  flowering,  re- 
move the  plants  in  the  fall  to  a  light  cellar,  free 
from  frost,  giving  them  through  the  winter  just 
enough  water  to  sustain  life.  In  the  spring, 
when  all  danger  from  frost  is  over,  remove  the 
plants  to  any  desired  position  in  the  garden  or 
on  the  veranda  for  another  season  of  bloom.  C. 
li  ilfourii  is  the  best  and  most  showy  variety,  and 
one  we  have  seen  in  full  bloom  a  number  of 
years  in  succession,  with  the  above  treatment. 
It  makes  a  valuable  climbing  plant  when  so  de- 
sired. 

Clethra.  White  Alder,  Sweet  Pepperbush.  From 
Idethra,  the  Greek  name  of  the  Alder,  which 
this  genus  somewhat  resembles  in  foliage.  Linn. 
Uvcandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  EricacecK. 

A  genus  of  deciduous  shrubs,  several  species 
of  which  are  common  in  swamps  and  low  places 
along  our  southern  coast.     C.  alnifolia  is  common 
in  the  Middle  States.     It   is  remarkable  for  its 
sweet-scented   flowers,  which  are  borno  in  ter- 
minal racemes  in  July  and  August.     Like  many 
other  natives  of  our  swamps,  it  improves  by  cul- 
tivation, and  will  succeed  well  in  a  shrubbery   \ 
border,  however  dry.   It  should  be  transplanted   j 
in  early  spring. 

Cleyera.    Named  after  Dr.  Cleyer,  a  Dutch  botanist,    j 
Linn.  Pobjandrla-Monogynia.      Nat.   Ord.    Tern-  ! 

An  ornamental  green-house  evergreen  shrub, 
with  yellowish-white  flowers,  sometimes  sweet- 
scented.  They  are  natives  of  India  and  Japan, 
and  rarely  seen  in  collections. 

Clianthus.     Glory  Pea.     From  kleios,  glory,  and   < 
(inthos,   a    flower.      Linn.    Diadelphia-Tetmtwnia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabaceoi. 

A  genus  of  magnificent,  half-hardy  shrubs 
from  Australia,  remarkable  for  their  showy 
flowers,  which  are  borne  in  terminal  or  axillary 
racemes.  C.  pnniceus,  the  crimson  Glory  Pea,  is 
a  magnificent,  half-hardy  shrub,  with  bright 
crimson  flowers,  a  native  of  New  Zealand.  It 
grows  very  freely  in  rich  loam  if  its  roots  are 
allowed  sufficient  room  ;  and  it  generally  thrives 
best  when  planted  against  the  back  wall  of  a 
conservatory.  Cuttings  planted  in  pots  in  the  ! 
autumn,  and  kept  in  the  shady  part  of  the  i 
green-house,  will  be  rooted  by  spring,  when  they  i 
may  be  planted  in  the  open  border.  It  is  \\ 
plant  that  rarely  flowers  well  in  a  pot,  as  it  re- 
quires abundance  of  room  for  its  roots,  and 
grows  rapidly,  with  rather  succulent  shoots,  re- 


CLI 

quiring  abundance  of  water  during  the  growing 
season,  and  very  little  at  any  other  time.  When 
grown  in  the  open  ground  the  juicy  nature  of 
its  roots  renders  it  a  favorite  food  for  snails, 
and  when  kept  in  the  conservatory  or  green- 
house it  is  very  apt  to  be  attacked  by  the  red  spi- 
der. If  these  enemies  be  kept  away,  and  the 
plant  be  grown  in  rich  soil,  composed  of  equal 
parts  of  loam  and  thoroughly  rotten  manure, 
and  well  supplied  with  air,  light,  and  water, 
with  abundance  of  room  for  its  roots,  the  rapid- 
ity of  its  growth  and  the  splendor  of  its  flowers 
will  almost  surpass  belief;  but  unless  these 
points  are  attended  to,  the  plant  is  scarcely 
worth  growing.  C.  Dampieri,  a  species  of  recent 
introduction  from  the  desert  regions  of  Austra- 
lia, is  by  far  the  most  beautiful  of  the  genus, 
either  for  the  green-house  or  the  border.  Its 
cultivation  is  rather  difficult.  It  does  not  grow 
to  such  dimensions  as  the  former,  but  is  of  the 
same  habit.  The  flowers  are  brilliant  scarlet, 
and  marked  with  a  black  blotch  in  the  center. 
It  succeeds  best  when  treated  as  an  annual.  If 
the  seeds  be  planted  in  May  in  the  open  border 
where  they  are  to  grow,  in  a  rich,  sandy  loam, 
they  will  make  magnificent  plants,  and  flower 
freely  from  August  until  killed  by  frost.  Five 
degrees  of  frost  will  not  injure  either  the  plants 
or  the  flowers.  They  will  not  at  any  time  bear 
transplanting.  Introduced  in  1832. 
Climbing  Fern.  See  Lygodium. 
Climbing  Fumatory.  See  Adlumia. 
Climbing  Gentian.  See  Oraicfurdia. 
Climbing  Hydrangea.  See  Schlzaphragma. 
Climbing  Hempweed.  See  Mikania. 
Clintonia.  In  honor  of  De  Witt  Clinton,  a  governor 
of  the  State  of  New  York.  Linn,  llonaddphia- 
Digynla.  Nat.  Ord.  LobeHaceon. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  California  and 
British  Columbia,  free  flowering,  and  very 
pretty  for  the  border.  If  the  seeds  be  sown  in 
February,  and  the  plants  treated  the  same  as 
Verbenas,  they  will  flower  by  the  first  of  June, 
and  continue  until  killed  by  frost.  Flowers 
lovely  blue,  not  unlike  the  Lobelias.  Intro- 
duced by  Mr.  Douglas  in  1827. 
Clitoria.  Blue  Pea.  From  kleio,  to  shut  up  :  in 
reference  to  its  seeding  within  the  flower  long 
before  the  flower  drops  off.  Linn.  Diadelphia- 
Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

Very  handsome  hot-house  climbers,  of  grace- 
ful habit,  the  majority  producing  large,  highly- 
colored  flowers.  C.  Ternatea  is  perhaps  the  fin- 
est, its  lovely  blue  flowers  receiving  universal 
admiration.  The  whole  of  the  perennial  species 
succeed  in  rich  loam.  The  annual  kinds  require 
the  ordinary  treatment  of  tender  annuals.  ('. 
Mariana  has  a  curious  distribution,  being  found 
in  the  Southern  States  and  Mexico,  and  appear- 
ing again  in  the  Khasia  Mountains  in  India, 
without  being  found  in  any  intervening  place. 
Propagated  by  cuttings  or  seeds.  Introduced 
in  1732. 

Clivia.  Named  after  the  Duclt&ss  of  Northumber- 
land, a  member  of  the  Clive  family.  Linn.  7/er- 
ondria-Jtmogynio.  Nat.  Ord.  AiiKiryUidacetv. 

Clivia  nobuis,  the  only  species,  is  a  robust 
growing  plant,  which,  once  established,  is  very 
prolific  of  flowers.  It  grows  well  in  sandy  loam, 
if  allowed  the  warmest  part  of  the  green-house, 
or  a  cool  shelf  in  the  hot-house.  Its  flowers  arc 
of  a  delicate  flesh  color  throughout  the  greater 
part  of  the  tube,  heightening  to  a  deep  red  over 
the  limb,  the  segments  of  which  arc  bright 
green.  It  is  increased  by  division  of  the  roots. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CLO 

Native  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.    Introduced 
in  1823. 

Cloudberry.     See  Rubus. 

Clove  Tree.  Caryopkjflaa  aromaticus.  The  Cloves 
of  commerce  are  the  dried  unexpanded  flower 
buds. 

Clover.  The  common  name  for  Trifolium,  espe- 
cially applied  to  the  kinds  cultivated  for  hay  and 
pasture. 

Club-moss.  The  common  name  of  Lycopodium 
cUtrahim. 

Club-rush  or  Bulrush.  The  common  name  of 
the  genus  Sclrpus,  a  common  marsh  plant. 

Cobeea.  Named  in  honor  of  B.  Cobo,  a  Spanish 
botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
PdenioniacecE. 

Both  of  the  two  species  known  of  these  plants 
are  elegant,  fast-growing  climbers,  which  may 
be  grown  in  the  green-house,  the  conservatory, 
or  the  garden  in  summer,  where,  from  their 
rapid  development,  they  are  particularly  desir- 
able for  covering  walls,  arbors,  or  other  objects 
of  a  similar  nature.  It  is  preferable  to  treat 
them  as  annuals.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in 
March,  in  light,  rich  soil,  on  a  gentle  heat.  The 
young  plants  should  be  potted  separately  into 
small  pots,  as  soon  as  they  can  be  handled  with 
safety,  using  the  same  kind  of  soil,  and,  after 
being  gradually  inured  to  the  temperature  they 
are  likely  to  be  subject  to  in  their  after  growth, 
may  finally,  when  about  a  foot  in  height,  be 
placed  where  they  arc  to  remain.  It  is  seldom 
that  seed  is  matured  in  the  open  air,  but  in  a 
green-house  or  conservatory  it  is  produced 
abundantly.  C.  scandens,  the  species  in  general 
cultivation,  is  a  native  of  Mexico,  and  was  in- 
troduced in  1792.  A  white  flowered  variety  of 
C.  scandens  originated  here  in  1872,  and  one  with 
variegated  leaves  in  1874. 

Coburgia.  Named  after  Prince  Leopold  of  Saxe- 
Coburg,  now  King  of  Belgium.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryttidacecK. 

An  interesting  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs  from 
South  America,  (mostly  from  Peru,)  requiring 
the  same  treatment  as  the  Amaryllis  formosissi- 
ma.  The  flowers  are  mostly  scarlet  and  very 
showy.  Th'ey  require  a  strong,  rich  soil.  Prop- 
agated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1826,  but  rare- 
ly seen  except  in  botanical  collections. 

Coca.     See  Erythroxylon. 

Coccinia.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Polyadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacece. 

C.  Indica,  the  only  species,  and  formerly  called 
Momordica  monadelphia,  is  a  climbing  shrub, 
common  in  the  hedges  of  India.  It  has  large 
white  flowers.  The  fruit  is  oblong,  marked 
with  ten  white  lines.  When  ripe  it  is  of  a  red 
color,  and  is  used  by  the  natives  in  their  sauces. 
The  leaves  and  other  parts  of  the  plants  are  used 
in  medicine. 

Coccocypselum.  From  kokko.s,  fruit,  and  kypsele, 
a  vase  ;  referring  to  the  form  of  the  berries. 
Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchona- 
cetK. 

A  small  genus  of  soft-wooded  trailing  plants 
from  the  West  Indies  and  Central  America.  C. 
repens  is  interesting  from  its  bluish-purple  ber- 
ries. As  a  genus,  they  do  not  occupy  a  promi- 
nent place  either  as  ornamental  or  useful  plants. 

Coccoloba.  Sea  Side  Grape.  From  kokkos,  a 
berry,  and  lobos,  a  lobe  ;  in  reference  to  the  fruit. 
Linn.  Odandria-Trigynin.  Nat.  Ord.  Polygonacea;. 
Most  of  this  genus  are  tropical  evergreen  trees, 
interesting  and  beautiful,  but  too  large  for  ordi- 
nary green-house  culture.  C.  pMyc'.ada  is  a  dwarf 


COG 


species,  with  curious  flat  stems,  growing  from 
five  to  ten  feet  high.  It  succeeds  well  planted 
in  an  ordinary  flower  border,  and  is  useful  in 
filling  large  vases  and  rustic  tubs,  or  for  plant- 
ing in  rock-work.  It  is  propagated  freely  by 
cuttings.  Old  plants  flower  freely.  The  flow- 
ers are  small  and  white,  produced  at  the  axils  of 
the  leaves. 

Cocculus.  Derived  from  kokkos,  the  systematic 
name  of  the  Cochineal  ;  given  to  this  genus  be- 
cause most  of  the  species  bear  scarlet  berries. 
Linn.  Dioecia-Dodecaiidria.  Nat.  Ord.  Menisper- 
macece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  climbing  shmbs,  re- 
markable for  their  medicinal  properties.  With 
one  exception  the  species  are  all  natives  of  the 
East  Indies.  C.  (Jarolinuti,  common  in  woods 
and  thickets  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida,  is 
a  very  handsome  climber,  remarkable  for  its  ra- 
cemes of  white  flowers,  which  are  succeeded  by 
clusters  of  bright  scarlet  berries,  that  remain  on 
the  vine  all  winter.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  climbers  under  cultivation,  and  will 
succeed  well  where  there  is  not  more  than  ten 
or  twelve  degrees  of  frost.  It  is  increased  by 
cuttings  or  from  seeds. 

Cochlearia.     Horse-Radish,  which  see. 

Cockle.  The  common  name  of  Lychnis  Githago,  a 
troublesome  weed  in  grain  fields.  Introduced 
from  Europe. 

Cochliostema.  From  cochlios,  spiral,  and  .sterna, 
a  stamen.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Commelynacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house  'perennials  allied  to 
Tradescantia,  natives  of  Brazil.  They  are  rather 
curious  in  form,  having  contracted  stems  and 
tufted  leaves,  like  those  of  a  Bromelia.  The 
flowers  are  blue,  and  borne  on  branched  clus- 
ters. Of  the  two  species  in  cultivation,  one  is 
small  and  the  other  an  epiphyte  of  large  size. 
They  are  increased  by  division.  Introduced  in 
1866. 

Cocklebur  or  Clotbur.  The  popular  name  of 
Xanthium,  a  coarse  annual  weed,  common  on  the 
sea-coast,  especially  southward. 

Cockscomb.     See  Celosia. 

Cocoanut.     The  nut  of  Cocos  nucifera,  which  see. 

Cocos.  Cocoanut  Tree.  From 'the  Portugue.se 
word  coco,  a  monkey;  in  reference  to  the  end  of 
the  nut  resembling  the  head  of  a  monkey.  Linn. 
Monceda-Hexandria,.  Nat.  Ord.  Palinacea;. 

C.  nucifera,  the  well-known  Cocoanut  Tree,  is 
the  type  of  this  genus  of  Palms,  to  which,  in 
addition,  about  a  dozen  other  species  belong. 
They  mostly  form  tall,  graceful  trees,  and  the 
majority  of  them  are  natives  of  the  tropical 
regions  of  America,  one  only,  the  common 
Cocoanut,  being  found  in  Asia  or  Africa.  The 
trees  grow  to  a  great  height,  with  a  straight 
trunk,  and,  like  almost  every  species  of  the 
Palm  tribe,  without  branches.  The  leaves  are 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  feet  long.  The  flowers 
come  out  round  the  top  of  the  trunk  in  large 
clusters,  inclosed  in  a  sheath,  and  the  nuts  suc- 
ceed them,  commonly  ten  or  twelve  togetlier. 
There  are  few  trees  more  extensively  or  vari- 
ously useful.  The  leaves  are  employed  as 
thatch  to  cover  houses,  and  to  make  mats  either 
for  sitting  or  lying  upon.  The  leaf,  when  re- 
duced to  fine  fibers,  is  the  material  of  which 
beautiful  and  costly  carpets  are  mado  for  those 
in  the 'higher  ranks;  the  coarse  fibers  are  made 
into  brooms.  After  these  useful  materials  are 
taken  from  this  leaf,  the  stem  still  remains, 
which  is  about  three  inches  thick,  and  furnifs'ies 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


51 


C(EL 

firewood.  The  wood  of  this  Palm,  when  fresh 
cut,  is  spongy,  but  becomes  hard  after  being 
seasoned,  and  assumes  a  dark  brown  color.  On 
the  top  of  the  tree  a  large  shoot  is  produced, 
which,  when  boiled,  resembles  Broccoli,  but  is 
said  to  be  of  a  more  delicate  taste;  and  though 
much  liked,  is  seldom  used  by  the  natives,  be- 
cause, on  cutting  it  off,  the  pith  is  exposed,  and 
the  tree  dies.  Between  this  cabbage-like  shoot 
and  the  leaves  there  spring  several  buds,  from 
which,  on  making  an  incision,  there  distills  a 
juice  differing  but  little  from  water,  either  in 
color  or  consistence.  It  is  the  employment  of  a 
certain  class  of  men  to  climb  to  the  top  of  the 
trees  in  the  evening,  with  earthen  pots  tied  to 
their  waists,  which  they  fix  there  to  receive  the 
juice,  which  is  regularly  carried  away  before  the 
sun  has  had  any  influence  upon  it.  This  liquor 
is  sold  at  the  bazaars  by  the  natives  under  the 
name  of  toddy.  After  being  kept  a  few  hours  it 
begins  to  ferment,  acquires  a  sharp  taste,  and  a 
slightly  intoxicating  quality,  in  which  state  it  is 
drank  by  the  natives  and  poorer  classes  with 
avidity.  It  is  also  used  as  yeast,  for  which  it 
forms  an  excellent  substitute.  By  boiling  it  a 
coarse  kind  of  sugar  is  obtained;  and  by  distil- 
lation it  yields  a  strong,  ardent  spirit,  which  is 
sold  at  a  low  price,  constituting  it  a  most  perni- 
cious beverage.  The  outside  rind  or  husk  of  the 
fruit  yields  the  fiber  from  which  the  well-known 
Cocoanut  matting  is  manufactured.  In  order 
to  obtain  it  the  husks  are  soaked  in  salt  water 
for  six  or  twelve  months,  when  the  fiber  is  easily 
separated  by  beating,  and  is  made  up  into  a 
coarse  kind  of  yarn  called  coir.  Besides  its  use 
for  matting,  it  is  extensively  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  heavy  cordage  for  ships'  cables.  It  is 
also  used  for  various  kinds  of  brushes,  and  for 
stuffing  mattresses,  cushions,  etc.  The  next  im- 
portant product  of  the  fruit  is  the  oil,  which  is 
procured  by  boiling  and  pressing  the  white  ker- 
nel or  albumen  of  the  nut.  It  is  liquid  at  the 
ordinary  temperature  in  tropical  countries,  and 
while  fresh  is  used  in  cooking.  By  the  time  the 
nuts  reach  this  country  the  albumen  is  solid, 
and  has  frequently  a  rancid  smell  or  taste. 
When  green,  or  first  gathered,  this  substance  is 
easily  separated  by  pressure  into  what  is  termed 
stearine,  which  is  made  into  candles,  and  a  very 
good  oil,  used  for  burning  in  lamps.  As  an  ar- 
ticle of  food  the  kernel  is  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance to  the  inhabitants  of  the  tropics.  In  the 
Laccadives  it  forms  the  chief  food,  each  person 
consuming  four  nuts  per  day,  and  the  fluid, 
commonly  called  milk,  affords  them  an  agreeable 
beverage.  While  young  they  yield  a  delicious 
substance  resembling  blanc-mange.  As  the  nut 
ripens,  the  milk  is  gradually  absorbed,  or  hard- 
ens into  the  white,  fleshy  substance  that  we  find 
when  we  receive  them.  The  Cocoanuts  brought 
to  this  market  are  chiefly  from  Central  America, 
where  they  are  gathered  from  the  interior  by  the 
natives,  brought  to  the  coast,  and  sold  to  deal- 
ers who  make  that  trade  a  specialty.  Cbcos  Wed- 
delliaiut,  recently  introduced,  is  the  most  orna- 
mental of  this  group,  and  one  of  the  most  grace- 
ful Palms  in  cultivation.  For  dinner-table  deco- 
ration there  is  no  Palm  to  compare  with  it.  It 
is  very  dwarf,  with  finely-divided  foliage,  which 
is  recurved  with  exquisite  grace.  It  deserves  a 
place  in  the  smallest  collection  of  plants.  The 
'  'ocas  are  all  propagated  from  seed,  and  require 
a  temperature  of  about  70°  for  the  germination 
of  the  seed  and  the  growth  of  the  plants. 
Coelogyne.  From  koilos,  hollow,  and  gynf,  a  fe- 


COF 

male ;  in  reference  to  the  female  organ  or  pistil. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchi* 
daceoK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  very  beautiful  Orchids, 
natives  of  sub-tropical  Asia.  Most  of  the  spe- 
cies are  great  favorites  with  Orchid  growers,  on 
account  of  their  remarkable  flowers,  which  are 
produced  in  great  numbers  with  but  very  little 
care  or  trouble.  C.  cristata  is  one  of  the  finest 
of  the  genus.  The  flowers  are  ivory-white,  with 
a  blotch  of  yellow  on  the  lip.  "This  is  a  magnifi- 
cent species,  which  any  one  having  a  green- 
house can  grow.  Of  late  years  it  has  been  grown 
in  great  perfection,  and  it  is  as  easy  to  have 
plants  a  foot  or  more  in  diameter,  producing 
hundreds  of  flowers,  as  it  is  to  grow  Verbenas. 
Give  plenty  of  water  when  growing,  free  circu- 
lation of  warm  air,  and  not  too  much  heat." — 
Hand.  May  be  grown  in  moss  in  pots.  Propa- 
gated by  division.  Introduced  in  1837. 
Coffea.  Coffee  Tree.  From  Caffa,  the  name  of  a 
province  in  Narea,  in  Africa,  where  it  grows  in 
abundance.  Linn.  Pentandr'm-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  CinchonacefK. 

The  Coffee  of  commerce  is  the  fruit  of  an 
evergreen  shrub,  or  low-growing  tree,  rarely 
attaining  a  height  of  twenty  feet,  which  it  will 
only  acquire  under  the  most  favorable  condi- 
tions of  soil  and  climate,  the  usual  height  being 
from  ten  to  twelve  feet.  All  of  our  coffee  is  the 
fruit  of  one  species.  Some  botanists,  however, 
claim  there  are  two;  but  the  opinion  that  the 
different  sorts  are  merely  varieties,  resulting 
from  soil,  climate,  and  mode  of  culture,  is  the 
one  generally  entertained.  C.  Arabica,  the  pa- 
rent of  the  numerous  varieties  in  cultivation,  is 
a  native  of  Arabia  Felix  and  Ethiopia,  and  was 
first  introduced  to  the  notice  of  Europeans  by 
Eanwolfius  in  1573;  but  Alpinus,  in  1591,  was 
the  first  who  scientifically  described  it.  The 
Dutch  were  the  first  to  introduce  the  plant  into 
Europe.  Having  procured  some  berries  at  Mo- 
cha, which  were  carried  to  Batavia,  and  there 
planted,  a  specimen  was  sent  to  Amsterdam,  in 
the  year  1690,  by  Governor  Wilson,  where  it 
bore  fruit,  and  produced  many  young  plants. 
From  these  the  East  Indies,  and  most  of  the 
gardens  of  Europe,  were  furnished.  In  1714  a 
plant  was  presented  by  the  magistrates  of  Am- 
sterdam to  the  French  King,  Louis  XIV.  This 
plant  was  placed  at  Marley,  under  the  care  of 
the  celebrated  Jussieu,  who  afterward  gave  a 
plant  to  Desclieux,  a  young  officer  in  the  French 
Navy,  who  took  it  to  Martinique,  from  which  the 
extensive  plantations  of  the  French  West  Indies 
were  established,  and  whence  were  also  derived 
all  the  coffee  plants  in  Mexico  and  South  Amer- 
ica. The  use  of  coffee  was  known  in  Arabia, 
where  the  plant  is  supposed  to  have  been  indig- 
enous, long  before  the  periods  mentioned.  All 
authorities  agree  in  ascribing  its  introduction 
to  Megalleddin,  a  Turkish  doctor  of  divinity 
of  Aden,  in  Arabia  Felix,  who  had  become  ac- 
quainted with  it  in  Persia,  and  had  recourse  to 
it  medicinally  when  he  returned  to  his  own 
country.  The  progress  which  it  made  was  by 
no  means  rapid  at  first,  and  it  was  not  until  the 
year  1554  that  coffee  was  publicly  sold  in  Con- 
stantinople. Its  \ise  had,  in  the  meanwhile, 
been  much  checked  by  authority  of  the  Syrian 
government,  on  the  ground  of  its  alleged  intoxi- 
cating qualities;  but  more  probably  because  of  its 
leading  to  social  and  festive  meetings  incompat- 
ible with  the  strictness  of  the  Mohammedan 
discipline.  A  similar  persecution  attended  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COF 

use  of  coffee  soon  after  its  introduction  into  the 
capital  of  Turkey,  where  the  ministers  of  relig- 
ion having  made  it  the  subject  of  solemn  com- 
plaint that  the  mosques  were  deserted  while  the 
coffee-houses  were  crowded,  these  latter  were 
shut  up  by  order  of  the  mufti,  who  employed 
the  police  of  the  city  to  prevent  any  one  from 
drinking  coffee.  This  provision  it  was  found 
impossible  to  establish,  so  that  the  government, 
with  a  strict  eye  to  business,  laid  a  tax  upon  the 
sale  of  the  beverage,  which  produced  a  large 
revenue.  The  Turks  are  most  inveterate  coffee- 
drinkers,  a  fact  that  may  in  a  great  measure  be 
accounted  for  by  the  strict  prohibition  which  j 
the  Moslem  religion  lays  against  the  use  of  wine 
and  spirituous  liquors.  So  necessary  was  coffee 
at  one  time  considered  among  the  Turks,  that 
the  refusal  to  supply  it  in  moderate  quantities 
to  a  wife  was  reckoned  among  the  legal  causes 
for  divorce.  Coffee  cannot  be  cultivated  to 
advantage  in  climates  where  the  temperature  at 
any  time  descends  below  fifty-five  degrees  of 
Fahrenheit.  The  trees  thrive  best  in  new  soils 
on  a  gentle  slope,  where  water  will  not  lodge 
about  the  roots.  In  exposed  situations  it  is 
necessary  to  plant  rows  of  tall  trees,  at  proper 
intervals,  to  moderate  the  scorching  heat  of  the 
sun.  From  Ellis's  History  of  Coffee  we  learn 
the  following  facts:  "It  is  well  known  that  cof-  ; 
fee  raised  in  the  West  Indies  does  not  equal  in  { 
flavor  that  produced  in  Arabia  and  other  parts 
of  the  East;  and  it  is  commonly  imagined  that 
this  inferiority  is  principally  owing  to  local 
causes,  and  is,  therefore,  incapable  of  being 
remedied.  The  seed  of  the  West  Indian  coffee, 
from  growing  in  a  richer  soil  and  more  humid 
atmosphere,  is  larger  than  that  of  Arabia;  though 
there  is  reason  for  believing  that  the  superior 
quality  of  Turkey  and  East  Indian  coffee  is  not 
altogether  to  be  referred  to  the  influences  of  soil 
and  climate,  but  depends,  in  part  at  least,  upon 
the  age  to  which  the  seed  are  kept  before  they 
are  brought  into  consumption.  Trees  planted  j 
in  a  light  soil,  and  in  a  dry  situation,  produce 
smaller  berries,  which  have  a  better  flavor  than 
those  grown  in  rich,  flat,  and  moist  soils.  The 
weight  of  produce  yielded  by  the  latter  is,  how- 
ever, double  that  obtained  from  the  former. 
The  drier  the  soil  and  the  warmer  the  situation, 
the  better  will  be  the  coffee  produced,  and  the  j 
sooner  it  will  acquire  a  flavor."  He  says  further:  I 
"The  more  common  or  poorest  quality  of  South  j 
American  coffee  will,  in  the  course  of  ten  or  fif-  ; 
teen  years,  be  as  good,  and  have  as  high  a  flavor,  j 
as  the  best  we  now  have  from  Turkey;  but  due  i 
care  should  be  taken  to  keep  it  in  a  dry  place,  i 
and  to  preserve  it  properly.  Small  grained  cof- 
fee, produced  in  a  dry  soil  and  warm  situation, 
will  be  matured  in  three  years.  The  trees  begin 
bearing  when  they  are  two  years  old;  in  their 
third  year  they  are  in  their  full  bearing.  The 
produce  of  a  good  tree  is  from  one  and  a  half  to 
two  pounds.  The  aspect  of  a  coffee  plantation 
during  the  period  of  flowering  is  very  interest- 
ing. In  one  night  the  blossoms  expand  so  pro- 
fusely as  to  give  the  trees  the  appearance  of  be- 
ing covered  with  snow.  This  period  lasts  but 
one  or  two  days."  The  amount  of  labor  required 
to  secure  a  crop  of  coffee  is  very  great,  and  is 
chiefly  performed  by  negroes.  When  trees  are  j 
in  full  bearing,  an  industrious  man  will  pick 
three  bushels  of  the  berries  in  a  day,  and  each 
bushel  of  ripe  berries  will  yield  ten  pounds  of  j 
merchantable  coffee.  Two  systems  are  employed  ' 
in  curing  coffee  :  A  common  plan  is  to  expose 


COL 

the  berries  to  the  sun  in  layers  of  from  five  to 
six  inches  deep,  which  will  cause  the  pulp  to 
ferment  in  a  few  days,  after  which  it  takes  about 
three  weeks  to  dry  sufficiently  for  the  husks  to 
be  separated  from  the  seeds  by  a  mill.  Other 
planters  remove  the  pulp  as  soon  as.  gathered, 
by  a  mill  constructed  for  the  purpose,  which 
bruises  the  berries  and  separates  the  pulp  by 
washing,  after  which  it  is  dried  in  the  sun,  and 
the  husks  removed,  as  in  the  former"  process. 

Cohosh.  A  popular  name  of  the  genus  Cfmlo- 
phyttum. 

Coix.  Job's  Tears.  A  name  applied  by  Theo- 
phrastus  to  a  reed-leaved  plant.  Linn.  MonoRda- 
Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Gram'macecf. 

A  genus  of  perennial  grasses  that  succeed  well 
under  ordinary  cultivation  in  the  garden.  C. 
lachryma,  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  from  whence 
introduced  in  1596,  will  do  well  treated  as  an 
annual.  It  is  considerably  grown  for  its  seeds, 
which  are  popularly  known  as  Job's  Teir*. 
Mothers,  in  the  last  century,  thought  their  chil- 
dren could  not  be  safely  carried  through  teeth- 
ing without  a  string  of  Job's  Tears  around  their 
necks. 

Colax.  From  colax,  a  parasite.  Linn.  G-ynandrin- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  Orchid?,  taken 
from  MaxUlaria.  They  are  natives  of  Brazil,  and 
may  be  grown  in  moss  and  in  moderate  heat. 
Lycaste  was  formerly  included  in  this  genus. 

Colchicum.  Meadow  Saffron.  Named  after  Col- 
chis, its  native  country,  in  Asia  Minor.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Trif/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Mdanfhacece. 

A  hardy  bulbous-rooted  plant,  which  will 
grow  well  in  the  border.  The  flowers  come  up 
through  the  ground  without  the  leaves  in  au- 
tumn, and  closely  resemble  those  of  the  Crocus, 
deleaves  do  not  appear  till  the  following  spring, 
and  great  care  should  be  taken  of  them,  as,  if 
they  should  be  injured  so  as  to  prevent  them 
from  exercising  their  proper  functions  in  matur- 
ing the  sap,  the  bulb  will  not  flower  the  next 
autumn.  The  class  are  universally  poisonous. 

Colea.  Named  after  General  Cole,  Governor  of  the 
Mauritius.  Linn.  Didynarnia-Angiospertnia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Grescentiaceai. 

There  is  but  one  species  of  this  genus,  which 
is  found  in  Madagascar,  Mauritius,  and  the  ad- 
jacent islands.  It  is  an  exceedingly  ornamental 
green-house  shrub ,  producing  large  clusters  of 
bright  yellow  flowers  in  August  and  September. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1839. 

Coleus.  From  kolens,  a  sheath  ;  referring  to  the 
way  the  bottom  of  the  stamens  or  anther  threads 
are  combined.  Linn.  Didynamia-G-ymnosperinia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacea;. 

This  somewhat  extensive  genus  are  natives  of 
Asia  and  Africa.  It  consists  of  annuals,  some- 
times perennials,  and  rarely  shrubs,  but  none 
of  value  as  flowering  plants,  but  of  general  use 
in  ribbon  gardening,  massing,  or  any  situation 
where  striking  effect  is  wanted.  From  the  orig- 
inal species  many  varieties,  remarkable  for  their 
beautiful  foliage,  have  been  produced  by  florists. 
They  are  readily  propagated  by  cuttings.  The 
species  were  introduced  about  1825. 

Colic- Root.     See  Aletris. 

Coliseum  Ivy.     See  Linaria. 

Collania.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacecn. 
A  beautiful  free-flowering  green-house  peren- 
nial, allied  to  Alstrasmeria,  which  it  resembles. 
The  species  are  natives  of  Peru,  and  will  do 
well  in  this  climate  with  the  protection  (?f 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COL 

a  frame.  The  flower  stems  are  erect,  some- 
what rigid,  slightly  curved  at  the  top,  and  ter- 
minated with  an  umbel  of  large,  pendulous  flow- 
ers, upward  of  two  inches  long  ;  sepals  orange 
red,  tipped  with  black  ;  petals  yellow,  tipped 
with  green.  Propagated  by  offsets. 

Collards.  (Brassica  olfracert'.)  This  is  a  curled- 
leafed  variety  of  Cabbage  grown  for  "greens," 
but  mostly  in  the  Southern  States.  It  attains 
a  height  of  from  six  to  eight  feet.  This  stem  is 
an  inch  and  a  half  to  two  inches  in  diameter, 
and  is  used  to  a  considerable  extent  in  Europe 
for  making  light  walking  canes. 

Collinsia.  In  honor  of  Z.  Collins,  Vice-President 
of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences, Philadelphia. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Anqiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scro- 
phulariaceai. 

A  genus  of  free-flowering  California  annuals 
of  great  beauty,  and  deserving  of  cultivation, 
being  well  adapted  for  massing  and  for  mixed 
borders.  For  massing  the  seed  should  be  sown 
thick,  so  as  to  thin  out  to  four  inches  apart,  which 
will  give  the  bed  an  appearance  of  a  solid  mass. 
For  this  purpose  the  dwarf  species  are  to  be 
preferred,  the  latter  ones  being  more  suitable 
for  mixed  borders.  There  is  a  great  variety  of 
color,  white,  purple,  and  crimson  predominat- 
ing. First  introduced  in  1826. 

Collinsonia.  Horse-Balm.  Named  in  honor  of 
Peter  CoUinson,  a  well-known  patron  of  science 
and  correspondent  of  Linnasus,  who  introduced 
it  into  England.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  I/imiacetK. 

A  genus  of  strong-scented  perennial  herbs, 
common  throughout  the  United  States.  None 
of  the  species  has  any  special  merit  that  would 
warrant  its  cultivation. 

Collomia.  From  kolla,  glue  ;  referring  to  the 
glue  which  surrounds  the  seeds.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polemcniacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  California. 
They  are  showy  plants,  but  too  coarse  and  weedy 
in  appearance  to  entitle  them  to  a  place  in  choice 
collections.  They  grow  readily  from  seed,  and 
when  once  planted  need  no  care  except  to  exter- 
minate the  surplus  quantity. 

Colocasia.  From  kolokasia,  the  Greek  for  the  root 
of  an  Egyptian  plant.  Linn.  Monoecia-Heptan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Aracece. 

An  interesting  genus  closely  allied  to  the  Crila- 
dium,  most  of  the  species  being  known  under  that 
name.  C.  tnacrorhizi  is  a  beautiful  green-house 
plant,  remarkable  for  the  bold  and  distinct  mark- 
ings of  the  foliage,  consisting  of  light  green  and 
pure  white.  C.  etsadenta  is  a  favorite  plant  for 
single  specimens  on  the  lawn,  or  for  borders  of  a 
sub-tropical  group,  in  a  deep,  rich  soil.  If  freely 
watered,  the  leaves  will  sometimes  grow  four 
feet  in  length  by  three  feet  in  width.  This  spe- 
cies is  grown  extensively  in  the  Sandwich  Is- 
lands for  food,  and  is  called  by  the  natives 
Tara,  the  root  being  eaten  like  Potatoes,  and  the 
leaves  cooked  like  Spinach.  The  roots  are  also 
eaten  by  the  negroes  in  the  Southern  States, 
imd  are  called  by  them  Tam/nli. 

Cologania.  In  honor  of  the  family  of  M.  Colo- 
qan,  of  Port  Oratavo,  in  Teneriffe,  from  whom 
the  men  of  science,  visiting  that  island,  expe- 
rienced the  greatest  hospitality.  Linn.  Diadd- 
phia-  Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Faljawtr. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  climbers,  allied  to 
the  Clitoria,  and  requiring  the  same  treatment. 
The  flowers  are  of  a  lively  purple,  generally  in 
pairs  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  They  are  natives 
of  Mexico.  Introduce;!  in  1827. 


COM 

Colt's  Foot.     See  TussUago. 

Columbine.     See  Aquileyia. 

Columbo.     See  Frasera. 

Columnea.  Named  after  Fabius  Columna,  an 
Italian  nobleman.  Linn.Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cfesneracece. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  and  beautiful  green- 
house plants,  natives  of  New  Grenada.  The 
species  are  divided  between  climbers  and  shrubs. 
The  flowers  of  the  climbers  are  mostly  yellow 
and  orange;  of  the  shrubs,  rose  and  purple. 
They  are  propagated  by  cuttings,  and  should  be 
carefully  watered.  They  require  but  little  at 
any  time.  They  will  grow  on  blocks  of  wood, 
with  moss,  suspended  in  the  green-house.  In- 
troduced in  1850. 

Combretum.  An  ancient  name  adopted  from 
Pliny.  Linn.  Octandrvi-Monoaynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Gimbretacece. 

This  genus  contains  several  species,  all  re- 
markable for  the  elegance  and  brilliant  colors 
of  the  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  large 
panicles.  They  are  desirable  for  covering  the 
roof  or  columns  of  an  extensive  hot-house.  They 
grow  well  in  a  mixture  of  leaf  mould  and  loam, 
and  require  to  be  pruned  back  closely  every 
winter,  as  it  is  on  the  young  wood  only  that 
flowers  are  produced.  Most  of  the  species  are 
from  South  America  and  Africa.  Propagated 
by  cuttings  of  well-ripened  wood. 

Comesperma.  From  korne,  hair,  and  sperma,  a 
seed ;  in  reference  to  the  seeds  being  enveloped 
with  hairs.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Odandr'm.  Nat. 
Ord.  Pdygcdacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreens  from 
Australia.  Their  handsome  flowers  of  yellow, 
white,  or  purple,  borne  on  terminal  or  axillary 
racemes,  make  them  desirable  plants.  They 
are  easily  grown  in  an  ordinary  green-house. 
Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Comfrey.     See  Symphytum. 

Commelyna.  Dill,  Day  Flower.  Named  after 
J.  and  0.  Commdyn,  famous  Dutch  botanists. 
Linn.  Triandriz-Mbnogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Commely- 


An  extensi 

hardy  and  green-house  trailers,  found  through- 
out the  Southern  States  and  in  South  America. 
It  is  only  the  hardier  species  that  can  now  be 
considered  worth  cultivation.  C.  ccelestis  forms 
an  excellent  border  plant. .  Its  flowers  are  blue, 
of  a  brighter  shade  than  perhaps  is  to  be  found 
elsewhere  in  the  whole  range  of  vegetable  forms. 
The  tubers  of  this  plant  should  be  taken  up  in 
winter,  and,  indeed,  receive  the  treatment  of 
Dahlias,  except  that  they  do  not  require  to  be 
placed  in  any  elevated  temperature  to  induce 
them  to  start  into  growth.  The  annual  species 
should  be  sown  in  March  where  they  are  to  re- 
main. 

Comparettia.  Named  after  Cbmparetti,  an  Italian 
botanist.  Linn.  Gynrindna-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacefK. 

A  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  with  small  rose, 
purple,  or  scarlet  flowers,  produced  in  small 
bunches  on  long  stalks.  They  are  natives  of 
Mexico  and  South  America,  and  succeed  best 
when  grown  on  cork,  with  a  little  moss,  in  a 
shaded  house.  The  flowers  retain  their  beauty 
a  long  time.  Introduced  in  1838. 
Comptonia.  Sweet  Fern.  Named  after  B'ishop 
Gnnpton,  an  ardent  cultivator  of  exotics  and 
patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Jfbnawfo-lVtalidrkh 
Nat.  Ord.  MyricacffK. 

A  hardy  deciduous  shrub,  common   through- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CON 

out  the  Northern  States  on  poor  soils.  It  is  pop- 
ularly known  as  Sweet  Fern  from  its  aromatic 
scent,  and  the  resemblance  of  the  leaves  to  the 
fronds  of  the  Aspleniums.  A  decoction  or  ten 
made  of  the  leaves  is  useful,  applied  externally, 
in  cases  of  poisoning  by  the  Poison  Ivy. 

Conanthera.  From  fcmtoti  a  cone,  and  anlhera, 
an  anther,  or  pollen  bag;  in  reference  to  the  six 
anthers  forming  a  cone  in  the  early  stage  of  the 
flower.  Linn.  Hetandria-Monoijijnia.  Nat.  Ord. 
LUiacece. 

This  is  a  small  genus  of  Chilian  bulbs,  but 
little  known  because  of  the  difficulty  of  preserv- 
ing them.  They  produce  beautiful  blue  flowers 
in  panicles  on  a  stalk  about  one  foot  high.  They 
require,  like  all  Chilian  bulbs,  a  light,  dry  soil. 
They  will  endure  our  climate  with  but  little 
protection,  if  kept  nearly  dry  during  winter. 
They  are  rapidly  increased  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1823. 

Cone  Flower.    See  Rudbeckia. 

Conium.  Poison  Hemlock.  From  konos,  to  whirl 
around;  in  reference  to  the  giddiness  caused  by 
eating  the  leaves.  Linn.  Poitandria-Monoyyma. 
Nat.  Ord.  Apiacecv. 

This  genus  is  almost  identical  with  Cicuta,  or 
Water  Hemlock.  C.  inaculahtm  is  a  strong-grow- 
ing, branching  herb,  the  juices  of  which  are 
deadly  poisonous.  Common  in  marshy  places. 
Naturalized  from  Europe. 

Conoclinium.  Mist-Flower.  From  konos,  a  cone, 
and  kline,  a  bed;  from  the  conical  receptacle. 
Linn.  Syngenesla-JEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asleracen'. 
C.  coelestinum,  the  only  species  of  much  inter- 
est, is  a  hardy  herbaceous  perennial,  with  term- 
inal corymbs  of  violet-purple  or  blue  flowers, 
common  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States. 
It  is  commonly  called  Eupatorium,  from  which 
it  differs  only  in  the  receptacle.  They  are  rap- 
idly increased  by  division  or  from  seed. 

Conopholis.  Squaw  Boot,  Cancer  Eoot.  From 
konos,  a  cone,  and  pholis,  a  scale;  resembling 
a  fir  cone.  Linn.  D'tdynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrobanchacecK. 

0.  Americana,  is  a  very  singular  little  plant, 
common  in  oak  woods,  growing  in  clusters 
among  fallen  leaves.  The  plant  is  a  fleshy  herb, 
chestnut-colored  or  yellowish  throughoiit,  and 
as  thick  as  a  man's  thumb.  The  stem  is  with- 
out leaves,  scaly,  and  generally  simple.  The 
flowers  are  in  terminal  spikes,  and  not  showy. 
In  this  country  it  is  popularly  known  as  Cancer 
Root,  from  its  supposed  medicinal  properties. 

Conostephium.  From  konos,  a  cone,  and  stephn- 
nos,  a  crown;  referring  to  the  disposition  of  tho 
flowers.  Linn.  Peniandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Epacridacece. 

A  genus  of  fruit-bearing  Epacriducea;,  valued 
for  its  beautiful  flowers  by  gardeners  who  de- 
light in  growing  plants  that  can  only  be  grown 
with  the  greatest  difficulty,  to  which  class  this 
plant  belongs.  The  fruit,  though  wholesome,  is 
not  generally  liked.  The  Native  Currant  of  New- 
Holland  belongs  to  this  section.  Propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  from  Swan  River  in  1836. 

Conostylis.  From  konos,  a  cone,  and  stylos,  a 
style;  the  style,  or  female  organ,  grows  'in  the 
shape  of  a  cone  at  the  bottom.  Linn.  Hexnndria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Hcemodoraceoe. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials from  New  Holland,  rather  ornamental, 
but  not  of  sufficient  merit  for  general  cultiva- 
tion. Propagated  by  division  of  roots. 

Convallaria.  Lily  of  the  Valley.  From  the 
Latin  convallis.  a  valley,  and  rirn,  a  mantle; 


CON 

in  reference  to  the  dense  covering  formed  by 
the  leaves.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Liliacea;. 

The  Lily  of  the  Valley,  C.  majalis,  is  a  plant  so 
well  known,  and  such  a  tfhiversal  favorite,  that 
little  need  be  said  by  way  of  description,  unless 
we  add  that  of  Gerarde  in  1596,  which  is  as  fol- 
lows: "  The  Lilly  of  the  Vally  hath  many  leaves 
like  the  smallest  leaves  of  Water  Plantaine, 
among  which  riseth  vp  a  naked  stalke,  halfe  a 
foot  high,  garnished  with  many  white  floures, 
like  bels,  with  blunt  and  turned  edges,  of  a 
strong  savour,  yet  pleasant  enoughf,  which  be- 
ing past,  there  come  small,  red  berries,  much 
like  the  berries  of  asparagus,  wherein  the  seed 
is  contained."  A  modern  writer  in  the  Treasury 
of  Botany  says :  ' '  Without  poetical  or  fanciful 
conventionalities,  the  Lily  of  the  Valley  is  as 
perfect  an  emblem  of  purity,  modesty,  and  hu- 
mility as  the  floral  world  can  afford.  It  may 
seem  idle  to  observe  that  a  flower  of  this  de- 
scription cannot  be  that  referred  to  in  the  ser- 
mon on  the  mount;  but  as  that  opinion  is  fre- 
quently broached  in  popular  works,  it  may  sim- 
ply be  observed  that  it  never  grows  in  the  open 
field,  and  that  there  is  nothing  in  its  array  to 
which  the  term  '  glory '  is  applicable.  Not  a 
little  unprofitable  commentary  might  have  been 
spared  if  the  same  general  meaning  had  been 
attached  to  the  term  'Lilies  of  the  Field'  which 
has,  by  common  consent,  been  ascribed  to  the 
parallel  phrase  '  Fowls  of  the  Air, '  while  the 
passage  itself  would  have  gained  in  force  and 
dignity  by  being  kept  clear  from  botanical  dis- 
quisitions." The  flowers  of  the  Lily  of  the  Val- 
ley are  used  during  the  winter  months  in  im- 
mense quantities,  New  York  city  alone  prob- 
ably using  a  million,  the  average  price  of  which  is 
about  five  cents  each,  so  that  for  this  flower  alone 
$50,000  is  annually  paid  by  the  bouquet  makers 
to  the  florist,  the  consumer  paying,  no  doubt, 
one-third  more.  The  Lily  of  the  Valley  is  nearly 
all  imported  from  Germany  and  France,  usually 
in  single  crowns  or  "pips."  The  method  of 
culture  is  to  place  these  thickly  together  in 
shallow  boxes,  as  soon  as  received  in  November, 
placing  them  in  a  cold  frame,  or  in  the  open 
ground,  covering  them  up  so  that  they  do  not 
get  severely  frozen.  They  should  remain  in 
this  condition  at  least  four  weeks  before  they 
are  brought  in  to  force,  which  should  be  done 
gradually,  beginning  at  50°  and  running  up  to 
65°  or  70°.  If  taken  every  few  weeks,  a  succes- 
sion may  be  kept  up  from  January  until  May. 
In  fact,  the  flowers  are  now  to  be  had  all  the 
year  round,  as  some  growers  find  it  sufficiently- 
profitable  to  keep  the  roots  in  refrigerators, 
and,  thus  retarded,  they  are  forced  to  bloom  at 
will  at  any  time  during  the  summer  or  fall 
months.  This  same  system  might  be  used  with 
many  other  plants,  but  it  is  only  in  very  valu- 
able flowers  such  as  this  that  the  expense  would 
be  justified.  The  plant  does  well  in  the  garden, 
and  may  be  put  under  the  shade  of  trees;  but 
wherever  placed,  the  roots  should  not  be  dis- 
turbed for  several  years,  if  at  all,  as  many 
clumps  will  not  otherwise  bloom.  Propagate.! 
by  division. 

Convolvulus.  From  convolvere,  to  entwine;  in 
reference  to  their  twining  habit.  Linn.  Pentan- 
drla-Monofjyn'ut.  Nat.  Ord.  Oonvotwddoeas, 

Well-known,  splendid  climbing  plants,  hardy 
and  half-hardy,  annual  and  perennial.  They 
should  be  trained  against  stakes  or  trellis-work, 
as  their  stems  are  too  feeble  to  support  them- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


56 


COO 

selves.  Most  of  the  tender  kinds  of  Convolvu- 
lus were  separated  from  it  by  Linnaeus,  and 
formed  into  the  genus  Ipomoea.  All  the  tender 
kinds  may  be  made  to  flower  in  the  open  air  dur- 
ing summer;  and  the  hardy  species  only  require 
sowing  in  the  open  ground.  C.  minor,  (tricolor), 
a  dwarf-growing  species,  is  a  native  of  Spain  and 
Portugal.  The  flowers  are  often  pure  white, 
but  generally  variegated  with  blue  and  yellow, 
or  blue  and  white ;  the  more  beautiful  kind  is  a 
bright  blue,  gradually  changing  to  a  pure  white 
in  the  canter.  The  form  of  this  flower  is  no  less 
beautiful  than  the  color.  The  plant  spreads 
with  much  regularity  in  every  direction  from 
the  center,  so  that  a  bed  of  them,  with  the  plants 
two  feet  apart  each  way,  will  form  a  compact 
mass  resembling  a  single  plant.  It  is  scarcely 
exceeded  in  elegance  by  any  plant  in  the  border 
when  in  full  flower.  The  flowers  continue  open 
all  day  if  pleasant,  but  close  in  case  of  rain. 
Seed  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  the  ground  can 
be  got  in  good  order  in  spring.  If  started  in  the 
green-house  in  pots,  it  makes  a  charming  plant 
for  hanging  baskets,  rustic  work,  or  the  window. 
This  species  has  been  noticed  for  more  than  250 
years  in  Herbals. 

Cooperia.  Named  after  Mr.Cooper,  gardener  for 
many  years  at  Wentworth  House,  in  Yorkshire, 
England.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaryllidacw. 

A  small  genus  of  bulbous  plants  from  Texas, 
allied  to  the  Zephyranthes.  C.  Drumrnondiana,  typ- 
ical of  the  species,  has  narrow  twisted  leaves 
twelve  to  eighteen  inches  long,  and  a  scape  six 
to  twelve  inches  high,  bearing  at  the  end  a  sin- 
gle flower,  of  which  the  tube  is  upward  of  four 
inches  long,  of  a  greenish  color,  and  the  limb 
upward  of  an  inch  long  and  pure  white.  The 
flower  always  expands  in  the  evening,  and  is  not 
usually  perfect  after  the  first  night.  The  noc- 
turnal flowering  of  this  plant  is  an  anomaly  in 
the  order,  and  the  more  remarkable  because  its 
nearest  relatives  require  full  sunshine  to  make 
them  expand.  The  flower  has  the  fragrance  of 
the  Primrose.  These  bulbs  are  half-hardy,  and 
will  endure  our  winters  with  a  slight  protection 
if  grown  in  a  light,  sandy  soil,  which  is  the  one 
best  suited  to  them.  For  effect  they  should  be 
planted  in  clumps,  and  quite  close  together. 
Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1835. 

Copatfera.  From  the  Brazilian  name  copaiba, 
and  fero,  to  bear.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.'Ord.  Fabacea>. 

A  tender  evergreen  tree,  native  of  Brazil,  val- 
uable only  for  the  medicinal  properties  of  the 
balsam  it  yields. 

Coprosma.  From  copros,  dung,  and  osme,  a 
smell ;  the  plants  have  a  fetid  'smell.  Linn.  Te- 
trandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CmdumacttK. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs 
of  easy  culture,  and  of  little  interest  except  in 
their  own  country,  where  the  leaves  are  used  by 
the  New  Zealand  priests  to  discover  the  will  of 
the  gods .  The  leaves  are  attached  with  a  cord  of 
flax  to  sticks,  which  are  laid  on  the  ground, 
each  stick  representing  a  separate  party.  The 
priests  retire  to  pray, and  after  a  time  the  chiefs 
are  summoned  to  examine  the  sticks,  which  are 
found  to  have  been  moved,  and  some  have  dis- 
appeared entirely.  This  is  considered  a  certain 
sign  that  one  of  the  party  will  be  destroyed. 
Others  are  found  turned  over.  If  the  leaf  be 
turned  down  the  omen  is  bad;  but  if  the  reverse 
should  occur,  it  is  a  sign  that  the  party  repre- 
sented by  the  stick  will  prosper  in  his  under- 


COR 

takings.  C.  Ttaueriana  variegaia  is  a  strikingly 
beautiful  plant  for  the  green-house  and  conser- 
vatory, or  for  a  place  on  the  lawn  in  summer. 
Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Coptis.  Goldthread.  From  kopto,  to  cut;  in  ref- 
erence to  the  division  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Poly- 
andria-Polyrjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculacecn. 

C.  trifdia,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful  lit- 
tle evergreen  herb,  with  creeping  root-stocks, 
common  in  boggy  places  from  Maryland  north- 
ward. The  long,  bright  yellow  fibers  of  the  root 
have  caused  it  to  receive  the  common  name 
of  Goldthread.  The  roots  are  very  bitter,  and 
are  used  in  medicine  as  a  tonic.  It  formerly 
held  a  prominent  place  among  domestic  reme- 
dies, and  was  considered  invaluable  for  sore 
mouths  in  children. 

Corallorhiza.  Coral  Root.  Said  to  be  from  kor- 
ullinn,  a  coral,  and  rhiza,  a  root.  Linn.Gynan- 
driarMonandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacecr. 

A  genus  of  curious  little  Orchids,  common  in 
wet  or  boggy  places  throughout  the  United 
States.  Their  leaves  are  like  small  scales,  of  a 
yellowish  color,  like  their  stems ;  the  flowers  are 
small,  in  a  loose  terminal  spike.  C.  innata,  one 
of  the  more  common  species,  is  a  slender  plant, 
from  six  to  nine  inches  high,  of  a  pale  color, 
and  remarkable  for  its  root-stalk,  which  is 
formed  of  a  number  of  short,  thick,  whitish 
fleshy  fibers,  divided  into  short,  blunt  branches, 
and  densely  interwoven,  resembling  coral; 
hence  the  popular  name.  All  the  species  are  in- 
capable of  cultivation,  or,  at  least,  they  so  rare- 
ly live  when  removed,  that  it  is  considered  a 
useless  task  to  attempt  it. 

Coral  Root.     See  CoraUorhiza. 

Coral  Tree.     See  Erythrina. 

Corbularia.  From  corbida,  a  little  basket;  in 
reference  to  the  shape  of  the  nectary.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amwyllidaceci' . 
A  small  genus,  commonly  called  Hoop  Petti- 
coats, and  has  recently  been  separated  from 
Narcissus.  The  species  are  quite  ornamental  and 
perfectly  hardy,  but,  like  most  of  what  are  usual- 
ly termed  "  Dutch  Bulbs,"  they  do  best  with  a 
slight  protection  of  leaves  or  coarse  manure. 
Propagated  by  offsets.  A  native  of  Portugal. 
Introduced  in  1629. 

Corchorus.  From  kore,  a  pupil,  and  koreo,  to 
purge;  in  allusion  to  the  laxative  qualities  of 
some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Pdyandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  annuals  and  herbaceous 
plants,  inhabitants  of  both  hemispheres.  As  or- 
namental or  flowering  plants  they  are  of  little 
value.  They  are  much  grown  in  many  sections 
of  India  for  the  exceedingly  valuable  fiber  they 
yield,  which  is  known  under  the  name  of  Jute, 
and  which  forms  an  important  article  of  com- 
merce. 

Cord  Grass.     See  Sfiarthia. 

Cordyline.  Club  Palm.  From  kordyle,  a  club. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Mitnoijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacea'. 
A  genus  of  green -house  evergreen  shrubs,  al- 
lied to  Drae.frna.  The  type,  C.  indivisa,  has  usu- 
ally been  sold  in  this  country  under  the  name  of 
Draca-nd  indicisn.  It  is  an  exceedingly  useful 
plant  for  large  specimens  upon  the  lawn,  or  for 
jardinieres,  baskets,  or  vases,  as  it  will  withstand 
some  neglect  and  thrive  where  many  other  plants 
would  perish.  This  species  was  introduced  from 
New  Zealand  in  1850,  and  is  propagated  from 
seed,  which  should  be  sown  in  boxes  on  bottom 
heat  in  the  green-house.  As  soon  as  the  plants 
are  three  inches  high,  prick  out  in  small  pots. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COR 

The  young  plants  require  a  high  temperature 
and  liberal  waterings. 

Coreopsis.  From  koris,  a  bug,  and  opsls,  like; 
referring  to  the  appearance  of  the  seeds.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-Frustranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea;. 

Most  of  the  showy  annuals  formerly  known  by 
this  name  are  now  called  Calliopsis,  while  most 
of  the  perennial  species  are  still  left  in  the  for- 
mer genus.  For  the  difference  between  the  de- 
rivation of  the  two  names,  and  the  culture  of  the 
annual  species,  see  Calliopsis.  The  perennial 
kinds  are  quite  hardy;  but  as  they  are  tall  grow- 
ing, spreading  plants,  they  require  a  great  deal 
of  room,  and  should  be  planted  at  the  back  of 
the  borders.  They  will  grow  well  in  the  bor- 
der. Thev  are  propagated  by  division  of  the 
roots,  or  from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  as 
soon  as  ripe,  where  it  is  to  remain.  It  will 
flower  early  the  following  summer.  The  many 
species  are  found  from  South  Carolina  south- 
ward to  Mexico. 

Coriandrum.  Coriander.  From  koris,  a  bug;  re- 
ferring to  the  smell  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Pentan- 
tlridrDigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Umbellifera;. 

C.  saiivum,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  annual, 
and  a  native  of  the  south  of  Europe.  It  is  a 
plant  of  little  beauty,  and  of  the  easiest  culture. 
It  is  grown  only  for  its  seeds,  which  are  quite 
aromatic,  and  much  used  in  flavoring.  The 
odor  and  taste  depend  upon  a  volatile  oil. 

Cork  Tree.    See  Quereus  subtr. 

Cornel.     See  Cornus. 

Corn  Flag.     See  Gladiolus. 

Corn  Salad.     See  Vcderiandla. 

Cornus.  Dogwood.  From  Cornu,  a  horn;  in  ref- 
erence to  the  hardness  of  the  wood.  Linn.  Te- 
tmndia-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cornacece. 

A  genus  consisting  principally  of  trees  and 
shrubs.  Some  of  the  latter  are  very  ornamental, 
the  bark  of  the  branches  being  of  a  brilliant, 
glossy  red  in  winter,  and  the  leaves  of  an  in- 
tense purplish  red  in  autumn.  C.  florida,  or 
Flowering  Dogwood,  is  a  tree  growing  from 
twelve  to  thirty  feet  high,  and  is  common  in 
rocky  woods  from  New  York  southward.  It  is 


an  interesting  species,  not  only  for  its  symmet- 
growth, but  for  its  large  showy  flowers,  or 


rical 


rather  the  involucres  which  surround  the  flow- 
ers, (which  are  pure  white  inside  and  tinned  with 
violet  on  the  outside,)  and  the  showy  fruit  which 
succeeds  them.  It  is  an  appropriate  and  popu- 
lar tree  for  cemeteries,  and  a  fine  ornament  for 
the  lawn. 

Corpnilla.  From  corona,  a  crown  or  garland;  in 
reference  to  the  arrangement  of  the  flowers. 
Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 

A  genus  of  pretty  annual  and  perennial  plants 
found  in  Europe,  Asia  Minor,  and  North  Africa, 
but  in  the  greatest  abundance  in  countries  bor- 
dering on  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  Several  of 
the  green-house  species  are  very  pretty  flower- 
ing shrubs  of  easy  culture.  C.  (jlauat  produces 
its  bright  yellow,  pea-shaped  flowers  in  abund- 
ance during  the  winter.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings or  from  seeds,  which  ripen  freely.  The 
species  have  been  long  under  cultivation. 

Corpse  Plant.  One  of  the  popular  names  of  the 
Monoiropa  uniflora,  a  low-growing  parasite  on 
roots,  or  growing  on  decomposing  vegetable 
matter  like  a  fungus.  It  is  also  called  Indian 
Pipe. 

Correa.  Named  after  Joseph  Correa,  a  Portuguese 
botanist.  Linn.  Odandria-Monoyyn'M.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  na- 


COR 

tives  of  New  South  Wales,  New  Holland,  and 
Australia,  where  they  are  sometimes  called  Fuch- 
sias, from  the  slight  resemblance  the  flowers  have 
to  the  Fuchsia.  Several  of  the  species  have  long 
been  grown  in  green-houses  for  the  beauty  of 
their  flowers,  which  are  white,  scarlet,  or  green ; 
produced  in  June.  The  leaves  of  0.  alba  are 
said  to  be  a  very  good  substitute  for  tea.  They 
are  increased  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1793. 
Coryanthes.  Helmet  Flower.  From  korys,  a  hel- 
met, and  anihos,  a  flower;  in  reference  to  "the 
shape  of  the  lip  or  labellum.  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids  found  in  Mex- 
ico and  South  America.  Among  the  many  curi- 
ous forms  peculiar  to  this  genus,  perhaps  the 
most  singular  is  that  of  61  micraniha,  which  is 
thus  described  in  the  Botanical  Register:  "The 
plant  has  the  habit  of  a  Stanhopea,  and  pushes 
forth  from  the  base  of  its  pseudo-bulbs  a  pendu- 
lous scape,  on  which  two  or  three  flowers  are 
developed.  Each  flower  is  placed  at  the  end  of 
a  long,  stiff,  cylindrical-furrowed  ovary,  and 
when  expanded  measures  something  more  than 
six  inches  from  the  tip  of  one  sepal  to  that  of 
the  opposite  one.  The  sepals  and  petals  are 
nearly  of  the  same  color,  being  of  an  ochrey  yel- 
low, spotted  irregularly  with  dull  purple.  The 
lip  is  as  fleshy  and  solid  in  its  texture  as  the 
sepals  and  petals  are  delicate.  It  is  seated  on  a 
deep  purple  stalk,  nearly  an  inch  long;  this 
stalk  terminates  in  a  hemispherical,  greenish- 
purple  cup  or  cap ;  and  the  latter,  contracting  at 
its  front  edge,  extends  forward  into  a  sort  of  sec- 
ond stalk  of  a  very  vivid  blood-color,  the  sides 
of  which  are  thinner  than  the  center,  turned 
back,  and  marked  with  four  or  five  very  deep, 
solid,  sharp-edged  plaits.  These  edges  again 
expand  and  form  a  second  cup,  less  lobed  than 
the  first,  thinning  away  very  much  to  the  edges, 
of  a  broadly  conical  figure,  with  a  diameter  of 
at  least  two  inches  at  the  orifice ;  this  second  cup 
is  of  an  ochrey  yellow,  streaked  and  spotted 
with  pale  crimson,  and  seems  intended  to  catch 
a  watery  secretion,  which  drips  into  it  from  the 
succulent  horns,  taking  their  origin  in  the  base 
of  the  column,  and  hanging  over  the  center  of 
the  cup."  There  are  several  species  of  the  ge- 
nus, all  of  which  must  be  grown  in  a  hot-house. 
Propagated  by  division.  They  flower  in  June 
and  July. 

Corydalis.  From  korydalos,  a  lark  ;  the  spur  of 
the  flower  resembling  that  of  the  lark.  Linn. 
Diadelphia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Famariucea:. 

A  handsome  genus  of  hardy  tuberous-rooted, 
herbaceous  plants.  Their  flowers  are  showy, 
and  of  many  shades  of  color.  They  need  an 
open  exposure.  The  perennial  kinds  may  be 
increased  by  division  of  the  tubers  about  every 
three  years.  The  annual  species  require  to  be 
sown  in  March  where  they  are  to  remain.  Sev- 
eral of  the  species  are  indigenous,  growing  in 
rocky  places.  They  grow  from  one  to  three  feet 
high,  bearing  flowers  of  various  colors.  They 
are  easily  propagated  by  seeds,  and  are  very 
pretty  plants  for  rock-work. 

Corylus.  Hazel-nut,  Filbert.  From  korys,  a 
hood  or  helmet ;  in  reference  to  the  calyx  cov- 
ering the  nut.  Linn.  MonoRcia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Corylacerv. 

This  well-known  deciduous  shrub  is  common 
throughout  this  country  and  Europe.  The  spe- 
cies that  yields  the  Filberts  of  commerce,  C.  Avel- 
lana,  is  found  growing  in  great  abundance  near 
Avellana.  a  city  of  Naples,  whence  the  specific 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


67 


COE 

name.  It  is  a  strong  growing  shrub,  from  ten  to 
fifteen  feet  high.  The  Filbert  is  monoecious ;  the 
male  catkins  make  their  appearance  in  Septem- 
ber, on  the  previous  year's  growth,  but  are  not 
fully  developed  or  expanded  until  the  succeed- 
ing season,  when  the  female  flowers  appear  about 
the  first  of  February,  and  in  April  they  are  in 
full  flower.  The  flowers  are  small,  and  of  a 
beautiful  red  color.  The  fruit  of  this  species 
forms  an  important  article  of  export  from  Naples. 
C.  Column,  a  native  of  Turkey  and  Asia,  is  a  tall- 
growing  tree,  often  reaching  a  height  of  sixty 
feet.  The  nuts  are  larger  than  those  of  the  pre- 
ceding species,  and  are  of  excellent  quality. 
This  country  is  represented  by  two  species,  C. 
Americana  being  our  common  Hazel-nut.  The 
fruit  is  smaller  and  thicker-shelled  than  the  Eu- 
ropean species. 

Corypha.  Fan  Palm.  From  koryphe,  the  sum- 
mit ;  in  reference  to  the  leaves  growing  in  tufts 
on  the  top  of  this  Palm.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmaceai. 

A  noble  genus  of  Palms,  growing  from  fifteen 
to  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  high.  They  are 
chiefly  natives  of  tropical  Asia.  The  Talipot 
Palm,  C.  wnbraculifera,  is  a  native  of  Ceylon  and 
the  Malabar  coast,  where  it  usually  grows  sixty 
to  seventy  feet  high.  The  leaves  have  prickly 
stalks  six  or  seven  feet  long,  and  when  fully  ex- 
panded they  form  a  nearly  complete  circle  of 
thirteen  feet  in  diameter.  Large  fans  are  made 
of  these  leaves,  which  are  carried  before  people  of 
rank  among  the  Cingalese.  They  are  also  com- 
monly used  as  umbrellas,  and  tents  are  made 
by  neatly  joining  them  together,  being  the  only 
ones  in  use  for  the  soldiers  of  that  country.  It 
bears  no  fruit  until  the  last  year  of  its  life,  when 
it  throws  out  great  branches  of  beautiful  yellow 
flowers  that  emit  a  most  disagreeable  odor.  The 
fruit  is  borne  in  great  abundance,  is  very  hard 
and  round,  and  about  the  size  of  a  large  cherry. 
From  these  the  plant  is  propagated,  and  re- 
quires great  heat  and  a  humid  atmosphere  to 
grow  it  successfully.  This  species  was  intro- 
duced in  1742. 

Cosmelia.  From  kosmen,  to  adorn  ;  in  reference 
to  the  beauty  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Pmtandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Epacridacea;. 

The  only  species,  C.  rubra,  is  a  beautiful 
dwarf  green-house  plant,  with  bright  red  flow- 
ers resembling  those  of  an  Epacris,  but  larger 
and  more  swollen  in  the  middle  of  the  tube.  It 
requires  to  have  plenty  of  air,  and  is  improved 
by  frequent  stopping  while  young.  Propagated 
freely  from  cuttings. 

Cosmos.  From  kosmos,  beautiful ;  in  reference 
to  the  ornamental  flowers.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Su- 
peiflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracecp. 

Mexican  plants,  generally  grown  as  annuals, 
but  which  mostly  have  tuberous  roots  like  the 
Dahlia,  and  may  be  treated  like  that  plant.  The 
flowers  are  very  showy,  and  of  a  reddish  purple; 
and  the  seeds,  when  the  plants  are  grown  as  an- 
nuals, should  be  sown  in  March  or  April,  in  the 
open  ground  ;  or  in  autumn,  if  the  young  plants 
can  be  protected  during  winter.  The  plants  will 
grow  four  or  five  feet  high  in  any  garden  soil. 
Introduced  in  1799. 

Cossignia.  Named  after  M.  Oossigny,  a  French 
naturalist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
SapindaoecB. 

There  are  but  two  known  species  in  this 
genus,  both  small  evergreen  trees,  with  pinnate 
leaves,  with  from  one  to  three  pairs  of  oblong 
leaflets  and  an  odd  one.  The  upper  surface  of 


CRA 

the  leaves  is  richly  veined  with  golden  yellow, 
the  under  surface  covered  with  short  white 
down.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  and  ar- 
ranged in  terminal  panicles.  They  were  intro- 
duced from  the  Mauritius  in  1824.  Propagated 
by  cuttings. 

Cotton.     See  Gossypium. 
Cottpn-Grass.     The  common  name  of  the  genus 

Eriophorum. 

Cotton- Wood,     See  Popidus. 
Cotyledon.      Navelwort.     From  kotyle,  a  cavity; 
in  allusion  to  the  cup-like  leaves.     Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Pentagynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

A  genus  of  succulent  plants,  with  fleshy  leaves, 
nearly  allied  to  the  House-leek,  and  bearing  red 
or  yellow  flowers.  They  are  plants  of  no  great 
beauty,  but  interesting  from  the  manner  in  which 
they  are  popularly  supposed  to  feed :  the  sur- 
face of  the  leaves  is  covered  with  myriads  of 
pores  or  mouths,  through  which  they  are  sup- 
posed to  take  their  nourishment,  the  roots  seem- 
ing only  necessary  for  holding  them  in  position. 
The  ornamental  species  are  all  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  and  were  first  introduced  in  1690. 
Propagated  by  cuttings  and  leaves.  They  re- 
quire an  open,  sandy  soil. 

C  ouch-Grass.  The  popular  name  of  Triticum  re- 
pens. 

Coulteria.  In  honor  of  Thomas  Coulter,  M.D.,  a 
botanical  author.  Linn.  Decandria-Monoavnia 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  hot-house  shrubs,  that 
grow  from  twelve  to  fifteen  feet  high,  and  pro- 
duce an  abundance  of  yellow  and  orange  flowers. 
Their  size  prevents  them  from  being  grown  ex- 
cept in  botanical  collections.  The  wood  of  some 
of  the  species  is  used  in  dyeing. 
Coutarea.  From  coutari,  its  name  in  Guiana.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CinchonacecK. 

This  fine  evergreen  tree  is  allied  to  Cinchona. 
It  requires  the  same  treatment,  and  its  bark  has 
much  the  same  medicinal  properties. 
Cowania.  In  commemoration  of  the  services  ren- 
dered to  botany  by  the  late  Mr.  James  Cowan,  a 
merchant,  who  visited  and  introduced  a  num- 
ber of  plants  from  Mexico  and  Peru.  Linn.  Ico- 
sandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacea?. 

C.  plicata,  the  only  species,is  one  worth  far  more 
attention  than  it  has  hitherto  received.  Its  flow- 
ers are  large  and  handsome,  resembling  those  of 
a  Rose.  They  are  bright  red,  and,  in  addition, 
the  plant  is  of  robust  character,  nearly  hardy, 
requiring  only  to  be  protected  from  severe  frosts. 
Propagated  by  division.  It  is  a  native  of  Mex- 
ico. 

Cowbane.  The  popular  name  given  the  genus 
Archemora,  reputed  to  be  an  active  poison,  par- 
ticularly to  cattle,  if  eaten  by  them.  It  is  quite 
common  in  swampy  grounds,  from  New  York  to 
Illinois  and  southward.  It  is  also  called  Wild 
Parsnip. 
Cowberry.  One  of  the  common  names  of  Vac- 

cinium,  which  see. 
3ow-Herb.     See  Vaccarva. 
Cow-Itch.     See  Mucuna. 

Cow-Parsnip.    The  common  name  of  Heradeuin, 
a  coarse  growing,  weedy  plant,  sometimes  used 
in  medicine,  but  of  doubtful  reputation. 
Cowslip.     See  Primula. 
Cow-Tree.     See  Brosimum. 
Crab-Apple.    See  Pyrus. 

Crab-Grass.  Called  also  Dog's  Tail,  or  Wire- 
Grass,  popular  names  of  the  genus  Eleusine,  a 
native  of  India,  but  extensively  naturalized  in 
this  country. 


58 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CRA 

Crambe.  Sea-Kale.  The  name  crambe  is  derived 
from  the  Greek  name  for  Sea-cabbage.  Linn.  Te- 
tradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  perennials.  G.  maritime,  the 
best  known  species,  is  a  native  of  the  west  coast 
of  England,  where  it  grows  in  great  abundance 
in  the  clean  sand  and  gravel.  The  common  peo- 
ple have,  from  time  immemorial,  been  in  the 
practice  of  watching  the  appearance  of  the  shoots 
and  leaf-stalks  closely,  as  they  appear  in  early 
spring,  when  they  cut  them  off  under  ground 
in  the  same  manner  as  we  do  Asparagus.  These 
young  shoots,  when  cooked,  are  by  many  con- 
sidered superior  to  either  Asparagus  or  Cauli- 
flower. Sea-Kale  is  only  fit  for  use  in  a  blanched 
state,  which  is  easily  done.  In  early  spring  the 
crowns  should  be  covered  with  sand,  or  some 
light  mulching  that  will  exclude  the  young  shoot 
from  the  light,  the  covering  being  from  twelve 
to  fifteen  inches  in  depth.  By  the  time  the 
young  leaves  are  through  this  mulching  they 
will  be  perfectly  blanched  and  fit  for  use.  It  is 
a  common  practice  with  gardeners  to  cover  the 
crowns  with  an  inverted  flower-pot,  and  by 
others  the  whole  bed  is  covered  with  manure. 
Either  plan  will  prove  satisfactory.  Sea-Kale  is 
increased  by  seed  or  root  cuttings,  the  latter  plan 
being  preferable.  The  roots  should  be  taken  up 
in  the  fall,  cut  in  pieces  two  to  three  inches  long, 
and  these  placed  in  boxes  of  sand  in  a  dry  cel- 
lar until  February  or  March.  They  are  then 
strewn  on  the  surface  of  a  hot-bed,  where,  in  a 
week  or  two,  they  w.ill  emit  roots  and  tops,  and 
they  should  then  be  potted  to  harden  them  off. 
As  soon  as  the  weather  is  settled,  plant  out  in 
rows,  three  feet  apart  and  two  feet  between  the 
plants.  With  this  treatment  the  crowns,  under 
favorable  circumstances,  will  be  strong  enough 
to  yield  a  crop  the  next  season. 

Cranberry.     See  Oxycoccus. 

Cranberry-Tree.     See  Viburnum  opulus. 

Crane-fly  Orchis.     See  Tipularia. 

Cranesbill.     See  Geranium. 

Crape  Myrtle.     See  Lagerstrcemia. 

Crassula.  A  diminutive  of  craasus,  thick ;  in 
reference  to  the  fleshy  leaves  and  stems.  Linn. 
Peniandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

Succulent  green-house  plants,  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Gooa  Hope,  with  heads  of  red  or  white 
flowers.  All  the  Crassula  should  have  alternate 
seasons  of  stimulus  and  repose.  When  they  are 
growing,  and  about  to  flower,  they  should  be 
well  watered,  and  when  the  flowers  begin  to  fade, 
the  supply  of  water  should  be  gradually  lessened, 
till  at  last  very  little  is  given.  The  plants  are 
propagated  by  cuttings,  which  should  be  laid  on 
a  shelf  two  or  three  days  to  dry  before  planting, 
or  they  may  rot.  Most  of  the  species  are  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  have  been  in  culti- 
vation more  than  a  century. 

Crasswort.     See  Crudanella. 

Cratsegus.  The  Hawthorn.  From  Iratos,  strength ; 
in  reference  to  the  strength  and  hardness  of  the 
wood.  Linn.  Jcosandria-Dipentagynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Pomacecn. 

A  well-known  family  of  moderate-sized  trees, 
commonly  called  thorns.  They  are  found 
throughout  the  United  States,  Europe,  and  the 
temperate  regions  of  Asia  and  Africa.  There  is 
a  great  resemblance  to  each  other  in  all  the  spe- 
cies, both  as  to  the  shape  of  the  leaves  and  color 
of  the  flowers.  The  English  Hawthorn,  C.  oxy- 
acaniha,  so  commonly  used  as  a  hedge  plant,  will 
not  stand  the  seventy  of  our  winters,  at  least 
much  north  of  New  York,  with  a  certainty  that 


CRI 

would  warrant  its  use  here.  Single  specimens 
are  often  met,  in  old  gardens,  of  great  age  and 
size.  The  Hawthorns  are  remarkable  not 
only  for  their  fragrant  flowers  and  ornamental 
fruit,  but  for  the  variations  common  in 
both.  The  flowers  are  usually  white,  but  in 
the  cultivated  varieties  vary  to  pink  and  crim- 
son. The  fruit  is  sometimes  globular,  sometimes 
oblong,  but  generally  smooth  and  polished,  and 
in  some  quite  downy  ;  while  the  color  is  from 
black  to  orange-yellow  and  white.  The  double- 
flowering  varieties  are  especially  beautiful. 
Some  of  our  native  species  are  among  the  most 
ornamental  low  trees  we  have  in  our  gardens, 
being,  when  in  bloom,  completely  covered  with 
pure  white  flowers  of  delicious  fragrance.  From 
the  time  of  their  coming  into  flower  they  have 
been  quite  commonly  called  the  May-tree.  From 
the  perfect  hardiness  of  the  species,  their  orna- 
mental appearance  both  in  flower  and  fruit, 
which  never  fails,  they  should  be  cultivated  to 
the  exclusion  of  the  foreign  kinds.  Propagated 
usually  by  seeds,  which  not  unfrequently  take 
two  years  to  germinate.  A  double-flowering  va- 
riety, sent  from  France,  is  a  tree  of  great  beauty, 
the  flowers  being  bright  rosy  pink,  not  unlike 
the  flowering  Almond,  but  of  greater  substance. 
This  variety  is  not  considered  hardy  north  of 
Philadelphia.  The  great  drawback  to  its  culture 
is  its  being  subj  ect  to  the  attacks  of  the  "  borer. " 
It  is  propagated  by  cuttings  or  by  budding  on 
the  more  common  varieties.  The  whole  species 
grow  well  in  a  soil  that  is  naturally  dry  ;  wet  or 
marshy  situations  are  wholly  unsuited  to  them. 

Crazy  Weed.     See  Astragalus. 

Crawfurdia.  In  honor  of  Sir  John  Crawfurd,  Gov- 
ernor of  Singapore.  Linn.  Pentandria-DiijyHi't. 
Nat.  Ord.  Genlianacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  two  species,  both  her- 
baceous climbing  plants,  closely  allied  to,  and 
formerly  included  in,  the  genus  Gentiana.  C. 
Japonica,  (Climbing  Gentian, )  a  native  of  Japan, 
is  an  exceedingly  beautiful  plant,  attaining  a 
height  of  six  feet,  and  producing  large  axillary 
bell-shaped  flowers  of  a  deep  blue  color.  C.  fascir- 
ulata,  (fascicle  flowered,)  a  native  of  the  Hima- 
layas, is  a  similar  species,  but  not  so  tall.  Propa- 
gated by  division  or  from  seed.  Both  species  are 
of  recent  introduction  into  the  garden. 

Creeping  Forget-me-not.     See  Ontphdlodes. 

Creeping  Charlie.  A  popular  name  of  Lysima- 
chia. 

Creosote  Plant.     See  Lama.  . 

Cress.     See  Lepidivm. 

Cressa.  From  cressa,  a  native  of  Crete;  the 
plant  is  plentiful  there.  Linn.  Pentandria-Di<jij- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oonvolvulaceee, 

A  curious  little  annual,  rarely  seen  in  our  col- 
lections. The  flowers  are  funnel  shaped,  of  a 
lively  purple,  and  freely  produced.  It  requires 
but  little  care  or  nursing,  if  planted  in  a  light, 
rich  soil.  There  is  but  one  species,  G.  Crotica, 
which  is  a  native  of  the  Levant.  Introduced  in 
1822. 

Crinum.  From  krtnon,  the  Greek  name  of  the 
Lily.  Linn.  Jlexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AmaryttidacefK. 

This  is  a  fine  genus  of  bulbous  plants,  grow- 
ing from  a  foot  and  a  half  to  five  feet  in  height. 
The  flowers  are  large,  produced  freely  in  um- 
bels, and  many  of  them  are  richly  scented  and 
of  pleasing  colors.  To  grow  them  well  they 
should  be  potted  in  rich  loam  full  of  fibrous 
matter,  and,  in  the  early  part  of  the  growing 
season,  should  have  the  benefit  of  a  moderate 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


cm 

bottom  heat,  with  abundance  of  water  every  day. 
and  an  additional  soaking  of  liquid  manure 
about  once  a  week.  In  winter,  of  course,  this 
must  be  discontinued,  and  the  plants  placed 
where  they  may  receive  all  the  light  possible,  in 
order  to  mature  the  new  growth,  and  induce 
them  to  flower  freely  the  following  season.  C.  am- 
alrile  is  a  noble  species,  requiring  to  be  grown  in 
a  strong  heat.  The  bulbs  sometimes  grow  six 
to  eight  inches  in  diameter,  and  two  feet  long, 
and  sometimes  produce,  both  spring  and  fall, 
immense  spikes  of  dark  purple  flowers,  of  de- 
licious fragrance.  This  species  is  a  native  of 
the  East  Indies,  and  was  introduced  in  1810. 
The  genus  is  very  large,  and  the  species  are 
found  in  nearly  all  tropical  and  sub-tropical 
countries.  Propagated  by  offsets. 

Cristaria.     From  crista,  a  crest;  in  reference  to   i 
the  form  of  the  seed  vessel.     Linn.  Monadelplna- 
Polyandrla.     Nat.  Ord.  Malvacea.'. 

A    pretty  hardy  herbaceous    perennial  from 
the  Southwestern  States,  producing  quite  showy 
scarlet  flowers  in  terminal  racemes  or  clusters.    ; 
Propagated  by  division  of  roots  or  from  seeds,    ! 
that  require  some  time  to   produce  flowering 
plants. 

Crocus.     A  Chaldean  name,   applied   by  Theo-   j 
phrastus.   Linn.  Triandrla-Mono<jynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Irulacem. 

Of  this  well-known  genus  there  are  many  spe- 
cies, mostly  found  in  the  southern  and  eastern  ' 
parts  of  Europe ,  and  in  Asia  Minor.  As  a  gar- 
den flower  the  species  are  almost  entirely  lost 
sight  of  in  the  large  number  of  varieties  that 
have  been  produced  by  hybridizing.  They  are 
divided  into  two  classes:  the  first,  those  that 
flower  in  early  spring,  too  well  known  to  need 
description;  the  second,  the  autumnal  flower- 
ing or  naked  Crocus,  so  called  because  the  flow- 
ers are  produced  in  the  absence  of  leaves,  which, 
with  the  seeds,  are  thrown  up  in  the  spring. 
The  spring  Crocus  is  of  the  easiest  culture,  and 
we  need  only  remark,  that  it  is  a  mistake  to  put 
them  into  poor  ground,  since  no  plants  in  our 
gardens  delight  more  in,  or  make  greater  re- 
turns for,  rich  soil.  They  require  a  dry  situa- 
tion, and  in  such  a  place  and  soil  they  flower 
profusely.  The  bulbs  or  corms  should  be 
planted  at  least  three  inches  deep;  for,  as  the 
new  conn  forms  above  the  old  one,  they  will  in 
three  or  four  years  push  themselves  out  of  the 
ground  if  planted  too  near  the  surface.  As 
often  as  once  in  three  years  the  corms  should  be 
taken  up,  separated,  and  planted  out  as  quickly 
as  possible;  the  longer  they  are  left  out  of 
ground  the  weaker  they  become,  and  the  later 
they  will  come  into  bloom.  In  starting  a  new 
bed  the  corms  should  be  planted  as  soon  as  they 
can  be  obtained,  which  is  usually  about  the  first 
of  September.  If  left  until  November,  as  is  the 
too  common  practice,  very  few  will  flower  strong- 
ly the  coming  season,  and  none  satisfactorily. 
When  left  in  the  ground,  they  commence  new 
life  about  the  first  of  September,  and  before 
winter  they  have  their  preparations  for  spring 
work  complete;  the  flower  buds  will  be  nearly 
their  full  length  above  the  bulb,  ready  for  the 
first  sunny  days  in  March  to  break  forth  into 
bloom.  One  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  Crocus 
is,  that  when  they  are  in  flower,  the  germen  or 
seed  vessel  is  still  under  ground,  almost  close 
to  the  bulb;  and  it  is  not  till  some  weeks  ul'tcr 
the  flower  has  decayed  that  it  emerges  on  a 
white  peduncle,  and  ripens  its  seeds  above  the 
ground .  The  situation  for  the  Crocus  bed  should 


CRO 

be  a  warm  one,  and  before  hard  frosts  it  may  be 
mulched  two  or  three  inches  with  leaves  or 
coarse  litter,  which  is  to  be  taken  off  as  soon  in 
spring  as  the  season  will  warrant.  The  mulch- 
ing, however,  may  be  omitted  where  it  is  not 
convenient  to  apply  it.  C.  salivus,  which  is  the 
type  of  the  autumnal  flowering  species,  should 
be  planted  in  midsummer,  and  it  will  come  into 
flower  in  September.  All  the  species  and  vari- 
eties are  increased  by  offsets.  Their  introduc- 
tion into  British  gardens  dates  back  as  far  as 
1600.  The  new  named  varieties  introduced 
recently  bear  very  large  flowers,  and  are,  in  all 
respects,  very  great  improvements  upon  the 
older  kinds. 

Crotalaria.  From  fcrotoZon,  a  castanet ;  the  seeds 
are  inflated  pods,  and  rattle  when  shaken.  Linn. 
M&nadelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

This  is  an  extensive  genus,  and  a  few  of  i's 
species  are  particularly  beautiful.  The  green- 
house kinds  are  to  be  preferred.  All  of  them 
grow  readily  in  loamy  soil,  the  chief  point  in  their 
culture  being  to  observe  that  the  young  shoots 
are  stopped  once  or  twice  in  the  early  part  of 
their  growth,  in  order  to  counteract  their  natural 
tendency  to  grow  upright,  and  become  what  is 
technically  expressed  as  "long-legged."  One  of 
the  principal  discouragements  in  growing  these 
plants  is  the  difficulty  of  preserving  them  from 
the  attacks  of  the  red  spider.  The  annuals  are 
grown  from  seed,  and  the  perennial  kinds  are  in- 
creased from  cuttings.  The  species  are  pretty 
generally  found  from  the  West  to  the  East  In- 
dies. Some  of  the  annuals  are  found  in  the 
Southern  States. 

Croton.  From  kroion,  a  tick  ;  in  reference  to  the 
resemblance  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  MonoeciarMan- 
adelplda.  Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacea'. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs  of 
great  beauty,  grown  for  their  variegated  foliage, 
being  among  the  most  strongly  marked  plants 
in  cultivation,  (yellow  and  green,  sometimes  red 
with  the  other  colors. )  They  are  readily  propa- 
gated by  cuttings,  with  a  bottom  heat  of  not  less 
than  75°,  and  require  a  high  temperature  and 
full  sunlight  to  develop  their  markings.  Leaf 
mould  is  an  essential  element  in  the  com  post  for 
potting.  Water  should  be  sparingly  used,  par- 
ticularly in  winter.  They  do  best  in  small  pots. 
As  ornamental  plants  for  decoration,  they  nave 
no  superior.  Notwithstanding  their  great  beauty, 
they  are  also  classed  with  the  economic  or  use- 
ful plants.  C.  Tifjlium  furnishes  the  Croton  oil, 
a  most  powerful  purgative.  C.  tinctc-rum  is  used 
to  dye  both  silk  and  wool  of  an  elegant  blue 
color.  The  substance  for  this  purpose  is  called 
Turnsol,  and  is  made  of  the  juice  which  is 
lodged  between  the  calyx  and  the  seeds.  C. 
Eleuteria  furnishes  the  Cascarilla  bark,  which  has 
a  pleasant,  spicy  odor,  and  a  bitter,  warm,  aro- 
matic taste,  and  it  is  considered  a  valuable  med- 
icine. The  species  are  nearly  all  natives  of  the 
East  Indies,  and  were  first  introduced  in  1748. 

Crowea.  Named  after  J.  Crow,  a  British  bota- 
nist. Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Kutaceo'. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  green-house  shrubs,  con- 
sisting of  but  two  species,  ('.  MifoLia  and  (7.  .sa- 
lirjna,  both  lovely  objects  when  in  flower,  which 
is  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  year.  They  are  in 
the  greatest  perfection  during  the  winter  months. 
The  flowers  are  lily-shaped,  of  a  beautiful  pur- 
ple, and  borne  at  the  axil  of  the  leaves.  They 
are  easily  propagated  from  cuttings,  and  should 
be  grown  in  a  mixture  of  leaf  mould  and  loam. 


fiO 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


CRO 

Water  should  be  sparingly  given,  or  the  plants 
will  have  a  sickly,  yellow  appearance.  Both 
species  are  natives  of  New  South  Wales.  Intro- 
duced in  1790. 

Crowfoot.    See  Ranunculus. 

Crucianella.  Crosswort.  A  diminutive  of  cnu-, 
a  cross  ;  alluding  to  the  leaves  being  placed 
crosswise.  Linn.  TelrandriOrMonogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
QalvicecK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  and  green-house 
plants  of  but  little  interest.  C.  siylnsa,  a  native 
of  Persia  and  the  Caucasus,  is  a  low-tufted  herb 
with  rose-colored  flowers,  which  blooms  during 
the  greater  part  of  the  summer.  It  is  a  desira- 
ble plant  for  rockeries.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings or  from  seed. 

Cruel  Plant.    See  Phystomfku& 

Cryptochilus.  From  kryptos,  hidden,  and  chei- 
los,  a  lip  ;  the  lip  or  labeUum  being  partly  hid- 
den by  the  sepals.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacecr. 

An  interesting  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids 
from  the  cooler  parts  of  India.  There  are  but 
two  species,  one  producing  brilliant  scarlet  flow- 
ers on  a  one-sided  spike,  while  the  other  has 
smaller  yellow  flowers  produced  in  the  same 
manner.  They  require  the  same  treatment  as 


Cryptocoryne.  From  kryptos,  hidden,  and  ko- 
rune,  a  club  ;  the  club-shaped  spadix  or  spike  in 
tne  center  of  the  flower  is  hidden  by  the  hooded 
spathe.  Linn.  Moimcia-Diandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Araceo'.  Allied  to  Arum. 

Herbaceous  perennial  marsh  plants  with  tu- 
berous creeping  roots.  They  produce  the  same 
peculiar-looking  flowers  as  the  Arums,  but  are 
sweet  scented.  They  require  the  same  treatment 
as  the  tropical  species  of  Arum.  Propagated  by 
division.  Introduced  from  the  East  Indies  in 
1824. 

Cryptomeria.  Japan  Cedar.  From  kryptos,  hid- 
clen,  and  mem,  a  part  ;  the  structure  of  all  the 
parts  of  the  flower  being  hidden,  or  not  easily 
understood.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monadelphia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Pinaoece. 

A  splendid  evergreen  tree,  from  sixty  to  one 
hundred  feet  high,  from  the  north  of  Japan, 
where  it  is  found  in  moist  situations.  There  is 
but  one  species,  which  is  perfectly  hardy,  but 
requires  a  light  sandy  soil.  Introduced  in  1846. 

Cryptostegia.  From  kryptos,  hidden,  and  stege, 
a  covering;  alluding  to  the  corona  being  con- 
cealed within  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asclepiadacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  pretty  twining  green-house 
shrubs,  consisting  of  two  species,  (C.  grandi- 
flora  and  C.  Madagascariens'ts,)  the  one  from 
India,  the  other  from  Madagascar.  They  are 
interesting  plants,  having  opposite  leaves,  and 
produce  large,  reddish-white  flowers  in  terminal 
cymes.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in 
1818. 

Cryptostemma.  From  kryptos,  hidden,  and  stem- 
ma,  a  crown;  the  crown  of  the  flower  being  hid- 
den. Linn.  Syngenesia-Frusiranea.  Nat.  Ord.  As- 
tertuxcB, 

A  small  genus  of  tender  annuals  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers  are  bright 
golden  yellow,  borne  on  hairy  stems,  and  are 
very  showy.  They  were  at  one  time  very  com- 
mon, but  have  now  fallen  out  of  cultivation. 
The  seed  should  be  started  in  a  hot-bed,  and 
the  young  plants  pricked  out  the  latter  part  of 
May.  They  require  a  warm  situation,  and  a 
light  and  rather  sandy  soil.  One  of  the  species 


CUM 

has  flowers  yellow  inside  and  a  very  dark  purple 
outside,  which  gives  it  a  very  showy  appearance. 
Introduced  in  1731. 

Cryptostylis.  From  kryptos,  hidden,  and  stylos, 
a  style.  Linn.  Gyuandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidaceci'. 

A  small  genus  of  brown-flowered  terrestrial 
Orchids  from  New  Holland,  Java,  and  Ceylon. 
The  species  are  more  curious  than  beautiful. 
They  should  be  grown  in  turfy  loam  and  sand, 
in  equal  proportions,  in  an  ordinary  green- 
house temperature.  Introduced  in  1822. 

Cuba  Bast.  The  fibrous  inner  bark  of  the  Pari- 
tium  datum. 

Cuckoo-Flower.     See  Curdamine. 

Cucumber.     See  Ctwumis. 

Cucumber  Tree.  The  popular  name  of  the  Mag- 
nolia acuminata,  the  young  fruit  of  which  re- 
sembles a  small  cucumber. 

Cucumis.  Cucumber.  From  Cucumis,  the  Latin 
for  Cucuinbsr.  Linn.  Monoecia-Monaddphia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cucurbitacece . 

Of  the  several  species  included  in  this  genus, 
C.  sativus,  the  common  Cucumber,  is  the  best 
known  and  of  the  most  importance.  It  is  an 
annual  plant,  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  and 
was  first  introduced  into  England  in  1573.  In 
the  East  the  Cucumber  has  been  extensively  cul- 
tivated from  the  earliest  periods,  as  well  as  most 
of  the  other  species  of  gourd.  When  the  Israel- 
ites complained  to  Moses  in  the  wilderness, 
comparing  their  old  Egyptian  luxuries  with  the 
manna  upon  which  they  were  fed,  they  ex- 
claimed: "We  remember  the  fish  which  we  did 
eat  freely,  the  cucumbers  and  the  melons."  Isa- 
iah, in  speaking  of  the  desolation  of  Judah,  says: 
"  The  daughter  of  Zion  is  left  as  a  cottage  in  a 
vineyard,  as  a  lodge  in  a  garden  of  cucumbers." 
In  Syria  and  in  India  immense  quantities  are 
eaten  by  the  common  people.  The  probabilities 
are,  however,  that  their  Cucumbers  are  Melons, 
though  mention  is  made  of  the  cultivation  of 
both,  and  late  travelers  mention  large  planta- 
tions over  which  constant  watch  is  kept,  and 
fires  built  at  night  to  keep  off  the  wild  dogs  and 
wolves.  The  many  varieties  under  cultivation 
are  great  improvements  on  the  original  species ; 
but  where  and  when  improvement  commenced 
we  have  no  record:  and  in  looking  over  the  field 
during  the  last  thirty  years,  it  is  about  as  diffi- 
cult to  say  when  it  will  stop.  When  Cucumbers 
are  grown  under  glass  artificial  impregnation  of 
the  flowers  is  indispensable  to  obtain  perfect 
fruit. 

Cucurbita.  Gourd.  From  curbita,  a  gourd.  Linn. 
Monaecia-Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacece. 

This  is  an  extensive  genus  of  trailing  annuals, 
producing  what  is  commonly  known  as  ornament- 
al gourds,  some  of  which  are  exceedingly  curi- 
ous and  beautiful.  They  are  of  easy  culture, 
requiring  the  same  treatment  as  the  Cucumber. 
They  are  natives  chiefly  of  hot  countries.  They 
abound  in  India  and  South  America,  and  a  few 
are  found  in  the  north  of  Europe,  and  they  are 
also  met  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  in  Aus- 
tralia. 

Cummingia.  Named  after  the  late  Lady  Gordon 
dimming,  of  Altyro,  near  Forres,  Scotland.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliaceoe. 

A  small  genus  of  beautiful  little  half-hardy 
bulbs  from  Chili,  which  succeed  in  a  light  rich 
soil,  and  should  have  the  protection  of  a  frame. 
The  flowers  are  bell-shaped,  light  blue,  and 
borne  in  panicles  on  slender  scapes.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1823. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CUN 


Cunila.    Dittany.     The  derivation  of  this  word  is 
doubtful;  by  some  botanists  it  is  supposed  to 
be  from  konox,  a  cone,  and  by  others  from  ('»- 
nila,  the  name  of  a  town.     Linn.  Diandria-M  >,,<>- 
iji/nia.    Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 
'  Native  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  common 
on  dry  hills  from  New  York  to  Illinois  and  south- 
ward.    They  produce  clusters  of  small  white  or    j 
purplish  flowers  from  July  to  September.   Prop-   j 
agated  by  root  division. 

Cunninghamia.     In  honor  of  two  brothers,   J. 
find  A.    Cunni mjham,   British  botanists  in  Aus-   < 
tralia.    Linn.  Moncecia-Monadelphia.      Nat.  Ord. 
Pitiacece. 

C.  Sinensis,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  lofty 
evergreen  tree,  native  of  South  China.     It  bears 
a  close  resemblance  to  the  Araucarias,  the  foli-   ! 
age,  however,  being  of  a  brighter  gieen  and  less   I 
rigid.     It  is  too  tender  for  our  climate,  but  its 
elegance  makes  it  welcome  in  any  conservatory 
where  there  is  room  for  its  development.    Prop- 
agated from  seed.     Introduced  in  1804. 

Cupania.  Named  after  Francis  Cupani,  an  Ital- 
ian monk,  who  wrote  on  botany.  Linn.  Octan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapindacece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  green-house  evergreen 
trees,  chiefly  natives  of  Mexico  and  the   West    j 
Indies.     The  species  vary  in  height  from  six  to 
twenty  feet,  and  produce  beautiful  white  flowers. 
One  species,    C.  pendula,   a  native  of  tropical   j 
Australia,  is  a  lofty-growing  tree,  and  furnishes 
the  beautiful  wood  known  as   Tulip  wood,   so 
called  from  its  Tulip-like  markings.    The  spe- 
cies are  increased  by  cuttings. 

Cuphea.  From  kuptios,  curved;  referring  to  the 
form  of  the  seed-pods.  Linn.  Dodecandria-Mono- 
(jijn'm.  Nat.  Ord.  Lythracete. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  evergreens 
and  half-hardy  annuals.     With  a  few  exceptions,    j 
such    as    C'.   platycentra,   commonly    known    as 
"  Scgar  Plant  "  and  "  Fire  Cracker  Plant,"  they   j 
are  of  but  little  merit.     C.  platycentra  makes  a 
beautiful  border  and  room  plant.     It  is  propa- 
gated readily  by   cuttings,   grows  freely,  and 
produces  its  scarlet  and  purple  tubular  flowers 
in  great  profusion  nearly  the  whole  year.     In-   ! 
troduced  from  Mexico  in  18i5. 

Cup  Plant.     See  Silphium. 

Cupressus.      Cypress.     From   kuo,  to   produce,    j 
and  parisos,  equal ;  in  reference  to  the  symmet- 
rical growth  of    some  of   the  species.     Linn. 
Monceda-Monadelphia.     Nat.  Ord.  Pinacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  evergreen  trees, 
widely  disseminated.     C.  sempei-virens,  the  com- 
mon European  Cypress,  is  a  native  of  Persia,  but 
has  for  so  long  a  time  been  generally  planted   j 
throughout  the  East,  that  it  is  impossible  to  as- 
certain the  section  where  it  is  indigenous.    The 
timber  of  this  species  is  highly  esteemed  for  its 
durability,  being  considered  superior  to  cedar. 
The  doors  of  St.  Peter's  Church  at  Home,  which 
had  been  formed  of  this  wood  in  the  time  of 
Constantino,  showed  no  signs  of  decay  when, 
after  the  lapse  of  eleven  hundred  years,  Pope 
Eugenius  IV.  took  them  down  to  replace  them    i 
by  gates  of  brass.     In  order  to  preserve  the  re- 
mains of  their  heroes,  the  Athenians  buried   i 
them  in  coffins  of  Cypress;  and  the   chests  or   | 
coffins  in  which  the  Egyptian  mummies  are   ' 
found  are   usually  of   the   same  material.     C.    ' 
thyoides  is  the  White  Cedar  or  Cypress  of  our 
Southern  States,  a  graceful  and  beautiful  tree   i 
in  its  native  home,  but  only  thrives  in  wet    j 
places.      There  are  several  species  found    in    j 
California  and  Oregon,  some  of  which  are  mag- 


CYA 

nificent  trees;  others  are  graceful  and  ornament- 
al shrubs.  The  beautiful  Retinosporas  of  Japan 
are  nearly  related  to  this  genus. 

Curculigo.  Derived  from  curculio,  a  weevil;  the 
seeds  having  a  process  resembling  the  beak  of 
that  animal.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  UypoxidacecK. 

A  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  plants, 
some  of  which  have  large,  grassy,  ribbed  leaves 
beautifully  recurved,  making  them  suitable  for 
conservatory  decoration.  A  variety  with  striped 
foliage,  green  and  white,  of  somewhat  recent 
introduction,  is  one  of  our  most  ornamental 
foliage  plants.  C.  recur vata  is  a  native  of  Bengal, 
and  was  introduced  in  1805.  They  are  readily 
propagated  by  suckers,  and  grow  freely  in  a 
mixture  of  turfy  loam  and  sand. 

Currant.     See  Eibes. 

Curcuma.  Turmeric.  From  kurkum,  its  Arabic 
name.  Linn.  Monandria-Monorjynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Zingiberacece . 

An  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials, 
natives  of  the  East  Indies,  China,  and  Java. 
Most  of  the  species  possess  the  same  aromatic 
stimulating  properties  in  the  roots,  or  rhizomes, 
and  seeds,  as  the  common  ginger,  and  are 
plants  of  considerable  beauty  from  their  colored 
bracts.  C.  longa  is  one  of  the  best  known 
species,  the  powdered  root  of  which  is  the  Tur- 
meric of  commerce.  This  powder  is  used  in 
India  as  a  mild  aromatic  and  for  other  medici- 
nal purposes.  It  also  enters  into  the  composi- 
tion of  curry  powder,  and  a  sort  of  arrow-root 
is  made  from  the  young  tubers.  Turmeric  is  a 
dye  of  a  very  rich  color,  but  it  possesses  no 
durability,  nor  has  there  been  any  combination 
of  mordants  found  that  would  give  it  this  qual- 
ity in  a  sufficient  degree  to  make  it  useful.  Sev- 
eral of  the  species,  with  yellow  or  reddish  flow- 
ers, are  cultivated  in  the  green -house. 

Curmeria.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Mbnoecia-Heptandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Aracece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, natives  of  Colombia.  C.  WaMisii  is  a 
dwarf-growing  species,  and  of  a  very  ornament- 
al character.  The  leaves  are  spreading,  and 
strongly  marked  with  very  irregular  dark-green 
spots  or  blotches,  intermixed  with  broad  patches 
of  very  pale  yellowish-green.  C.  pidnratn  has 
broad  green  leaves,  with  a  broad  central  band  of 
silvery  gray.  The  plants  are  of  quite  recent  in- 
troduction, (1875,)  and  are  highly  esteemed  in  a 
collection  of  variegated-leaved  plants.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets  from  the  roots. 

Cuscuta.  Dodder.  From  kechout,  its  Arabic 
name.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CHS- 
cutacecK. 

These  plants  are  deserving  of  attention  from 
their  parasitical  character,  as  they  will  attach 
themselves  to,  and  grow  on,  any  other  plant  with- 
in their  reach.  Their  long  twining  stems  emit 
an  abundance  of  small  fragrant  flowers  towards 
the  end  of  summer.  Their  seeds  germinate  in 
the  earth,  but  detach  themselves  as  soon  as  suf- 
ficiently grown  to  take  hold  of  a  neighboring 
plant.  They  are  natives  of  South  America,  New 
Holland,  other  tropical  countries,  and  the  United 
States.  The  Cuscuta  is  becoming  troublesome 
in  the  Southern  States  by  overrunning  other 
vegetation.  It  is  particularly  so  to  Oleanders, 
several  instances  being  reported  where  it  has 
completely  destroyed  these  beautiful  shrubs. 

Custard  Apple.  A  popular  name  of  Asimina 
Iriloba,  or  American  Papaw. 

Cyananthus.     From  kyinws,  blue,  and  anlhos,  a 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


Meiastomacece. 

exceedingly  interesting  plant  we  take 
ring  description  from  Lowe's  "Beauti- 
d  Plants  : "  "  Native  country,  tropical 


CYA 

flower.     Linn.  Peniandria-Monogynia.    Nat.  Orel. 
Polemoniacece. 

C.  lobatw  is  a  delicate  little  hardy  herbaceous 
plant  from  the  higher  ranges  of  the  Himalayas, 
with  a  habit  similar  to  some  species  of  Cam- 
panula. Its  requirements  are  a  sandy  soil,  with 
plenty  of  moisture  during  the  flowering  season, 
but  afterward  it  should  be  kept  rather  dry  and 
allowed  to  rest.  The  flowers  are  terminal,  and 
light  blue.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Cyanella.  A  diminutive  of  kyanos,  blue.  Linn. 
Hi'.mmlria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LIKaoece. 

Pretty  green-house  bulbs,  with  white,  blue,  or 
yellow  flowers.  They  grow  readily  in  sandy 
loam,  and,  like  all  other  plants  of  the  same  or- 
der, require  to  have  a  resting  season,  which,  for 
convenience,  is  generally  deferred  to  the  winter. 
The  protection  of  a  cold  frame  is  all  they  re- 
quire to  endure  our  winters.  They  increase 
freely  by  offsets.  Natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.  Introduced  in  1768. 

Cyanophyllum.  From  kt/anos,  blue,  and  phyllon , 
a  leaf;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  under  surface 
of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Mdastomacece. 

Of  this  exceed 
the  followin 
ful  Leaved 

America.  Introduced  in  1857  by  Mr.  Linden,  a 
Continental  nurseryman.  A  fine  woody  Melas- 
tomaceous  hot-house  shrub,  which  has  not  yet 
flowered  in  this  country  (England).  The  leaves 
are  truly  magnificent,  growing  two  feet  long  and 
nine  inches  wide,  of  a  long  oval  shape,  tapering 
to  a  point.  Upper  surface  a  distinct  ivory-like 
midrib,  with  a  pair  of  veins  of  the  same  color 
running  from  the  base  near  the  margin  and 
meeting  near  the  poimt,  joining  near  the  midrib. 
Margin  irregularly  serrated.  Color  a  deep  vel- 
vety green;  underneath  the  veins  are  visible, 
and  the  general  color  is  a  rich  purplish  crimson. 
Habit  strong  growing.  Nothing  can  possibly 
exceed  the  beautiful  foliage  of  this  truly  hand- 
some new  plant."  The  above  description  of  C. 
magnificum  will  apply  equally  well  to  the  other 
species.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Cyanotis.  From  kyanos,  blue,  and  ous.  an  ear  ; 
referring  to  the  shape  of  the  petals.  Linn.  Jlex- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Commdynacecu. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  trailing  plants, 
allied  to  Tradescantia,  and  requiring  the  same 
general  treatment.  The  species  are  showy 
plants,  natives  of  tropical  Asia.  They  are  prop- 
agated readily  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1770. 
Cyathea.  From  kyatheion,  a  little  cup  ;  in  refer- 
ence to  the  appearance  of  the  spore  or  seed  cases 
on  the  back  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Cryplogamia- 
FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  arborescent  Ferns,  abun- 
dant in  South  America  and  in  the  West  Indies,  in 
India,  the  Eastern  Islands,  and  in  the  Pacific 
Islands;  a  few  are  also  met  with  in  New  Zealand 
and  South  Africa.  In  some  the  trunk  is  short, 
but  in  others  it  reaches  a  height  of  forty  to  six- 
ty feet,  and  is  crowned  with  a  magnificent  head 
of  fronds,  which  are  in  many  cases  of  gigantic 
size,  and  are  always  large.  C.  mfdullaris,  a  fine 
species  of  New  Zealand  and  the  Pacific  Isles, 
and  known  in  gardens  as  a  noble  Tree  Fern  of 
comparatively  hardy  character,  forms  in  its  na- 
tive country  a  common  article  of  food  with  the 
natives.  The  part  eaten  is  the  soft  medullary 
substance,  which  occupies  the  center  of  the 
trunk,  and  which  has  some  resemblance  to  Sago. 
C.  ckalhata,  another  beautiful  species  of  New 


OYC 


Zealand,  is  said  to  be  eaten  in  the  same  way. 
This  has  a  trunk  from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  high, 
crowned  with  a  noble  tuft  of  fronds,  which  are 
white  beneath  with  a  silvery  powder.  Propa- 
gated by  spores.  First  introduced  in  1793. 

Cyathod.es.  From  ky<ithon,  a  cup,  and  eidos,  like; 
because  the  nectary  resembles  that  vessel.  Linn. 
Penta7ulria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  KpacridacerK. 

An  interesting  and  somewhat  extensive  genus 
of  green-house  evergreens,  natives  of  Australia, 
and  occasionally  met  in  New  Zealand  and  the 
Pacific  Islands.  They  produce  small  axillary 
white  or  yellow  flowers.  They  require  the  same 
treatment  recommended  for  the  Epacris.  Prop- 
agated by  cuttings. 

Cycas.  The  Greek  name  of  a  Palm  said  to  grow 
in  Ethiopia.  Linn.  Dwcia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Oycadacece. 

A  remarkable  genus  of  ornamental  plants, 
consisting  of  low-growing  trees,  with  cylindri- 
cal, usually  unbranched  stems,  terminated  at 
the  top  by  a  crown  of  handsome,  deeply  cut, 
pinnate  leaves  of  thick  texture.  C.  rrcolnla, 
the  finest  of  the  species,  is  grown  extensively  in 
China  and  Japan,  its  native  countries,  for  the 
pith  contained  in  its  trunk,  and  which  is  pre- 
pared by  the  natives  into  an  article  of  food 
similar  to  the  Sago,  upon  which  they  live  wholly 
for  several  months  in  the  year.  They  are  com- 
monly but  erroneously  called  Sago  Palms,  as  they 
furnish  none  of  the  Sago  of  commerce.  The  culti- 
vation in  our  houses  is  the  same  required  for 
all  the  Palm  tribe;  plenty  of  pot  room,  and  a 
strong  moist  heat.  0.  revoluta,  however,  may 
be  wintered  in  a  low  temperature,  and  its  new 
growth  retarded  for  the  lawn.  After  the  leaves 
have  perfected  their  growth  and  are  thoroughly 
hardened,  the  plants  can  be  placed  upon  the 
lawn  during  summer,  where  they  are  most  ap- 
propriate ornaments.  Young  plants  are  usually 
obtained  from  suckers.  This  genus  was  first 
introduced  into  England  from  China  in  1737. 

Cyclamen.  From  kyklox,  circular;  referring  to 
the  round  leaves.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Primulacece. 

This  genus  contains  some  of  our  most  popular 
and  desirable  plants  for  fall,  winter,  and  early 
spring  flowering.  They  are  all  neat  and  dwarf 
in  habit ;  all  have  foliage  of  pretty  form  and 
beautiful  markings,  and  the  flowers,  in  every 
case,  are  beautiful,  some  exquisitely  so.  C.  Persi- 
cum  stands  at  the  head  of  the  family,  and  is  the 
one  in  most  general  cultivation.  The  Cyclamen 
should  be  grown  from  seed,  which  should  be 
sown  as  soon  as  ripe,  in  gentle  heat,  in  pans 
filled  with  a  compost  of  well-rotted  manure, 
leaf  mould,  and  coarse  sand  thoroughly  incor- 
porated. As  soon  as  the  plants  have  made  two 
leaves,  prick  out  into  thumb-pots  filled  with 
the  same  compost,  and  place  upon  the  shelf  in 
the  green-house,  near  the  glass,  and  shade  from 
direct  sunlight.  Carefully  water;  to  dry  them  or 
drown  them  is  equally  fatal.  As  soon  as  the  pots 
are  filled  with  roots,  shift  into  a  three-inch  pot, 
observing  the  same  instructions  in  all  respects. 
By  the  first  of  November  they  will  require 
a  five-inch  pot.  With  proper  care  and  attention, 
they  will  be  in  flower  in  January  following 
planting.  They  require  a  more  even  tempera- 
ture than  is  usually  given  to  green-house 
plants,  not  above  60°  nor  below  50°;  with  it 
bulbs  two  inches  in  diameter  can  be  grown  in 
one  year.  After  flowering  they  should  be  grad- 
ually ripened  off,  but  never  allowed  to  become 
thoroughly  dry.  During  summer  keep  them 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


68 


CYC 

in  a  frame,  shaded,  and  give  occasionally  a  little 
water.  They  should  be  repotted  again  about 
the  first  of  November,  without  breaking  the 
ball,  and  the  next  flowering  will  be  their  per- 
fection of  bloom.  This  species  is  a  native  of 
Persia.  All  the  species  are  famous  for  their 
acridity,  yet  in  Sicily  the  Cyclamen  is  the  prin- 
cipal food  of  the  wild  boars ;  hence  the  common 
name  at  Sow-bread. 

Cyclobqthra.  From  kyklos,  a  circle,  and  bothros, 
a  pit;  in  reference  to  a  cavity  at  the  bottom  of 
each  sepal.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monofjynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Lilutcew. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  bulbous  plants 
from  California  and  Mexico.  They  are  allied  to 
the  Calochortus,  and  require  the  same  treatment. 
The  flowers  are  nodding,  like  those  of  the  Fri- 
tillarias,  and  of  white,  yellow,  and  purple  colors. 
They  are  easily  propagated  by  the  small  bulbs 
that  grow  on  the  upper  part  of  the  stems. 

Cyclogyne.  From  kyklos,  a  circle,  and  gyne,  a 
stigma,  or  female  organ;  in  reference  to  the  dis- 
position of  the  pistils.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 

A  very  beautiful  green-house  evergreen  shrub 
from  Swan  River.  It  is  remarkable  for  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  pinnate  leaflets,  which  are  clad 
underneath  with  white  hairs ;  and  this,  with  the 
profusion  of  purple  flowers  it  bears,  renders  it 
an  attractive  object.  Propagated  by  seeds  or 
cuttings. 

Cycnoches.  Swan  Neck.  From  kyknos,  a  swan, 
and  auchen,  the  neck;  in  reference  to  the  long 
and  gracefully  curved  column.  Linn.  Gynan- 
drla-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea*. 

Some  of  the  species  are  considered  indispen- 
sable to  the  Orchid  house,  for  the  beauty  and  de- 
lightful fragrance  of  the  flowers.  They  require 
strong  heat  and  moisture. 

Cydonia.  Quince.  The  name  of  Cydonia  was 
given  to  this  plant  by  the  ancients,  from  its 
growing  abundantly  near  Cydon,  in  the  isle  of 
Crete,  now  Candia.  Linn.  Icosandria-Dipentayy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pomaceee. 

The  common  Quince,  C.  vulcjaris,  has  been 
under  cultivation  from  a  very  early  period. 
Pliny  says:  "There  are  many  kinds  of  this  fruit 
in  Italy;  some  growing  wild  in  the  hedgerows, 
others  so  large  that  they  weigh  the  boughs  down 
to  the  ground."  Martial,  who  died  at  Rome  A.D. 
104,  states  that  the  Romans  had  three  sorts  of 
Quinces,  one  of  which  was  called  Chrysomela, 
from  its  yellow  color.  They  boiled  them  with 
honey,  as  the  Europeans  make  marmalade.  Bo- 
tanical researches  show  that  the  Quince  grows 
spontaneously  on  the  hills  and  in  the  woods  of 
Italy,  in  the  south  of  France,  in  Spain,  Sicily, 
Sardinia,  the  Crimea,  and  in  the  south  of  the 
Caucasus;  it  also  grows  abundantly  on  the 
banks  of  the  Danube,  and  in  the  north  of  Africa. 
"The  learned  Goropius  maintains  that  Quinces 
were  the  golden  apples  of  Hesperides,  and  not 
Oranges,  as  some  commentators  pretend.  In 
support  of  his  argument  he  states  that  it  was  a 
fruit  much  revered  by  the  ancients,  and  he  as- 
sures us  that  there  has  been  discovered  at  Rome 
a  statue  of  Hercules  that  held  in  its  hand  three 
Quinces.  This,  he  says,  agrees  with  the  fable 
which  states  that  Hercules  stole  the  golden  ap- 
ples from  the  gardens  of  the  Hesperides."  This 
species  is  unquestionably  the  parent  of  the  sev- 
eral varieties  under  cultivation.  There  seems 
to  have  been  but  little  improvement  in  this  fruit 
in  centuries.  The  great  difference  in  the  qual- 
ity of  this  fruit,  as  seen  in  our  markets,  is  large- 


CYP 

ly  due  to  cultivation.  The  common  practice  of 
planting  the  Quince  in  some  neglected  corner 
results  in  getting  small,  knotty  fruit,  almost  if 
not  altogether  worthless.  The  Quince  should 
have  a  deep,  rich  soil,  rather  heavy,  and  the 
ground  should  be  kept  clean  and  free  from 
grass.  Attention  should  also  be  paid  to  pruning, 
as  a  preventive  against  slugs  and  other  vermin. 
The  trunks  and  branches  should  be  thoroughly 
rubbed  over  with  strong  soft-soap  every  spring. 
With  this  simple  precaution  the  failure  of  a  crop 
of  large,  clean,  healthy  fruit  will  be  very  rare. 
The  propagation  of  the  Quince  is  very  simple, 
the  more  rapid  way  being  to  take  cuttings  from 
the  young  wood  in  autumn,  heel  them  in  in 
some  protected  place  during  winter,  and  plant 
out  in  spring  in  a  shaded  situation,  and  they 
will  take  root  very  readily.  C.  Japonica  is  a 
beautiful  dwarf  species,  remarkable  for  the  bril- 
liancy of  its  blossoms,  which  vary  from  the  rich- 
est scarlet  to  the  most  delicate  blush  color.  It 
is  a  native  of  Japan,  perfectly  hardy,  and  well 
adapted  for  single  plants  on  the  lawn,  or  for 
planting  ornamental  hedges.  The  fruit  has  a 
delicious  fragrance,  but  is  entirely  worthless  for 
domestic  purposes.  This  species  is  best  propa- 
gated by  root  cuttings. 

Cylista.  From  kylistos,  twining;  referring  to  the 
habit  of  the  plants.  Linn.  DkuMphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacea;. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  climbing  plants.  C. 
scariosa,  found  in  the  Bombay  districts  of  India, 
is  a  very  ornamental  climber,  requiring  to  be 
grown  in  a  hot-house,  as  do  most  of  the  genus. 
The  flowers  are  very  showy,  bright  yellow, 
borne  on  erect  bracted  racemes,  and  are  re- 
markable for  their  large  papery  calyx,  which 
is  very  conspicuous.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Introduced  in  1776. 

Cymbidium.  From  kymbos,  a  hollow  recess  ;  re- 
ferring to  a  hollow  recess  in  the  lip  or  labellum. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchi- 
dacece. 

A  genus  containing  both  terrestrial  and  epi- 
phytal Orchids,  many  of  them  of  rare  beauty, 
and  all  worthy  of  cultivation.  C.  Sinense,  a  native 
of  China,  is  remarkable  for  its  delicious  fra- 
grance. The  epiphytal  species  require  the  treat- 
ment of  hot-house  Orchids;  the  terrestrial  ones 
do  well  in  a  green-house  temperature. 

Cynoglossum.  Hound's  Tongue.  From  kyon, 
a  dog,  and  ylossa,  a  tongue ;  referring  to  the 
shape  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Boraqinacece. 

Pretty  border  plants,  producing  flowers  of  al- 
most all  colors.  They  grow  in  any  soil,  and  are 
not  very  particular  as  to  situation.  They  are  in- 
creased readily  by  division  of  stools  in  the 
spring.  The  annuals  and  biennials  are  grown 
from  seed. 

Cypella.  From  kypftton,  a  goblet  or  cup;  refer- 
ring to  the  form  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Mona- 
delphia-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  lridn<-«i: 

A  genus  of  very  pretty  half-hardy  bulbs, 
worthy  of  a  place  in  the  green-house.  They 
are  multiplied  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1823. 

Cyperus.  Supposed  to  be  derived  from  Cyprix,  a 
name  of  Venus,  from  their  supposed  medicinal 
qualities.  Linn.  Triandria-3fonogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


.  genus  of  sedge  plants,  of  but  little  merit  for 
the  garden  or  green-house.  C.  alternifolius  is 
grown  as  a  basket  plant;  it  is  of  the  easiest  cul- 
ture, and  will  thrive  in  any  soil  or  situation,  but 
prefers  a  moist  one.  A  variegated  variety  of 


fri 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GYP 

this  species  is  very  beautiful,  but  not  constant. 
They  are  natives  of  Madagascar,  first  introduced 
in  1781.  C.  rotundus  (Nut  Grass)  is  a  common 
and  troublesome  weed  in  the  Southern  States. 

Cyphia.  From  kyphos,  curved;  referring  to  the 
shape  of  the  style  and  stigma.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CampanulacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  herbaceous  twiners  from 
South  Africa.  They  produce  small  blue  or  red 
bell-shaped  flowers,  of  but  little  interest.  The 
species  are  rarely  met,  excepting  in  botanical 
collections. 

Cypress.     See  Cupressus. 

Cypress  Vine.     See  QuamoclU. 

Cypripedium.  Ladies'  Slipper,  or  Moccasin 
"Flower.  From  Cypris,  one  of  Venus's  names,  and 
podion,  a  slipper.  Linn.  Gynandria-Digynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrckidacecK. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  terrestrial 
Orchids,  producing  flowers  of  the  most  singular 
structure,  combined  with  elegance  and  beauty. 
It  is  remarkable  that  a  family  with  such  marked 
and  distinctive  characteristics  should  find  con- 
genial homes  in  such  a  diversity  of  soil  and  cli- 
mate. The  species  are  pretty  generally  distrib- 
uted, from  our  most  northern  States  to  Mexico, 
through  South  America,  the  Pacific  Islands,  and 
India.  The  State  of  New  York  furnishes  six 
species,  all  beautiful  and  worthy  of  cultivation. 
The  native  species  may  all  be  cultivated  in  the 
garden  by  placing  them  in  a  shady  border.  The 
soil  should  be  liberally  mixed  with  leaf  mould. 
Their  unique  blossoms  render  them  highly  de- 
serving of  any  care.  The  best  time  for  trans- 
planting them  from  their  native  localities  is 
when  they  are  in  bloom,  and  they  should  be  re- 
moved with  a  ball  of  earth  attached  to  the  roots. 
Some  of  the  tropical  species  require  the  tem- 
perature and  humid  atmosphere  of  the  hot- 
house, while  others  do  best  in  the  green-house. 
The  flowers  are  greatly  valued  in  the  winter 
months  for  florists'  work.  Propagated  by  divi- 
sion of  roots,  and  by  seed,  but  with  some  of  the 
species  it  is  a  rather  difficult  matter. 

Cyrtanthera.  From  kyrlos,  curved,  and  anthera, 
an  anther.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AcanMiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  evergreen  plants 
from  South  America,  which  do  well  in  the  green- 
house. They  are  nearly  related  to  Justicia; 
their  flowers  are  of  orange,  yellow,  and  rose  col- 
ors, borne  in  dense  terminal  panicles.  They 
are  propagated  readily  from  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1827. 

Cyrtanthus.  From  kyrtot,  curved,  and  anthos,  a 
flower;  the  flowers  bend  down  from  the  summit 
of  the  scape  or  stalk.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  OrJ.  AmaryUidacecK. 

Very  handsome  green-house  bulbs  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers,  which  are 
borne  in  umbels  on  a  slender  scape,  are  red, 
crimson,  and  orange,  produced  in  summer, 
when  they  require  very  liberal  watering;  they 


DAC 

should  be  grown  in  pots.     Propagated  by  off- 
sets.    Introduced  in  1774. 

Cyrtpceras.  Has  been  united  to  Centrostemma, 
which  see. 

Cyrtochilus.  From  kyrtos,  curved,  or  concave, 
and  cheilos,  a  lip;  the  form  of  the  labellum  or 
lip.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mono'gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Or- 
chidacece. 

A  genus  of  small  flowering  Orchids  from  Mex- 
ico and  Guatemala.  The  flowers  are  red,  yellow, 
spotted,  purple,  and  green.  They  require  a 
high  temperature,  and  are  usually  grown  on 
blocks  of  wood  or  cork. 

Cyrtodeira.  From  kyrtos,  curved,  and  ihire, 
neck.  Linn.  Didynctmia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Gesneracece. 

Green-house  herbaceous  perennials,  with 
beautifully-colored  foliage,  and  solitary  flowers 
on  short  axillary  stems.  They  make  very  pretty 
basket  plants  for  the  hot-house,  the  only  place 
in  which  they  thrive  well.  They  do  best  in 
sandy  loam  and  leaf  mould.  Increased  readily 
from  cuttings,  and  also  from  seed. 

Cyrtomius.  From  kyrtos,  curved;  the  shape  of 
the  spore  cases  or  seed  vessels.  Linn.  Crypto- 
gamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea*. 

A  small  genus  of  robust  evergreen  Ferns  of 
very  ornamental  character.  They  are  natives  of 
India,  China,  and  Japan,  and  require  the  hot- 
house for  perfection  of  growth. 

Cyrtopera.  From  kyrtos,  curved,  and  pera,  a 
small  sack;  alluding  to  the  sack-like  appendage 
to  the  labellum  or  lip.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  terrestrial 
Orchids,  natives  of  Northern  India.  In  appear- 
ance they  resemble  the  llletias,  and  are  usually 
given  the  same  treatment. 

Cyrtopodium.  From  kyrlos,  curved,  and  pous,  a 
foot;  referring  to  the  form  of  the  labellum  or 
lip.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  beautiful,  strong-growing  Orchids 
from  Brazil,  valued  alike  for  their  large  spikes 
of  flowers,  yellow  spotted  with  red,  and  for  their 
beautiful  foliage.  One  species,  with  yellow 
flowers,  has  pseudo-bulbs  nearly  five  feet  high. 
The  room  required  to  grow  them  prevents  their 
general  cultivation. 

Cystopteris.     From  kystis,  a  bladder,  and  pteroii, 
a  wing.      Linn.    Ci-yptogamia-HUces.     Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacece. 
A  genus  of  interesting  Ferns.     See  Aspidium . 

Cytisus.  From  Oythrus,  one  of  the  Cyclades,where 
one  of  the  species  was  first  found.  Linn.  Monn- 
ddphia-Heacagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 

This  is  an  extensive  genus,  consisting  princi- 
pally of  hardy  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs,  of 
which  the  Laburnum  is  a  well-known  species. 
They  are  all  very  ornamental  and  free  flowering. 
They  succeed  well  in  almost  any  soil  or  situa- 
tion. They  are  readily  increased  by  seeds  or 
from  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1596. 


D. 


Dacrydium.     From  dakru,  a  tear  ;  referring  to 
the  gummy  exudation.     Linn.  Monoecia-Deca- 
gynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Taxacea: 

A  genus  of  evergreen  trees  inhabiting  the 
East  Indies  and  New  Zealand.  The  flowers  are 
curious,  but  not  showy.  The  young  branches 


afford  a  beverage  of  the  same  qualities  as  root- 
beer.  D.  Franklinii,  from  Tasmania,  furnishes 
a  valuable  timber,  very  durable,  which  is  used 
for  ship  and  house-building.  Some  of  the  wood 
is  beautifully  marked,  and  is  used  for  cabinet 
work. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


Dsemonorops.  From  dema,  a  cord,  and  rhops,  a 
twig  ;  alluding  to  the  rope-like,  climbing 
stems.  Linn.  Polygamia-Dicecia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Palmacea;. 

This  genus  of  Palms,  numbering  more  than 
forty  species,   is   closely  allied  to   Calamus,  to 
which  most  of  the  species  formerly  belonged. 
All  the  species  are  natives  of  the  Eastern  Hemi- 
sphere, principally  of  the  Malayan   peninsula 
and  islands.     They  have  long,    thin,   flexible 
stemp,    furnished    with    pinnate  leaves,     the 
prickly    stalks   of  which  are  frequently   pro-   : 
longed  into  whip-like  tails.      D.  Draco  (form-   j 
erly    Calamus    Draco)  is  a  native  of  Sumatra 
and  other  islands  of  the  Indian  Archipelago, 
and  is   called  the    Dragon's   Blood    Palm,   in   i 
consequence  of  its  fruits  yielding  a  portion  of 
the  substance  known  in  commerce  as  Dragon's 
Blood.    The  fruits  are  about  the  size  of  cherries, 
and  when  ripe  are  covered  with  a  reddish  resin- 
ous substance,  which  is  separated  by  shaking   j 
them  in  a  coarse  canvas  bag.     This  resin  is  the   ! 
best  Dragon's  Blood  that  is  obtained,  although   i 
there  are  several  other  plants  that  furnish  a  sim- 
ilar article.     D.  Palembanicus  and  a  few  other 
species,  natives  of  Java,  have  lately  been  intro- 
duced into  the  green-house  as  decorative  plants, 
for  which  purpose  they  are  exceedingly  appro- 
priate.    The  young  leaves  are  of  a  bright  cinna- 
mon brown,  and  the  contrast  between  this  warm 
color  and  the  deep  green  of  the  matured  leaves 
renders  the  plants  very  beautiful  at  the  time 
they  are  in   course    of  development.      Young 
plants   are  obtained  from  seed.     In  a  growing 
state  they  require  considerable  heat. 
Daffodil.    Narcissus,  Pseudo-Narcissus.   See  Nar- 
cissus. 
Dagger    Plant    and    Bayonet   Plant.      Local 

names  for  a  species  of  Yucca. 

Dahlia.  In  honor  of  Andrew  Dahl,  a  celebrated 
Swedish  botanist  and  pupil  of  Linnaeus.  Linn. 
Synyenesia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Composilce. 

This  interesting  genus,  consisting  of  compar-   i 
atively  few  species,  shows  more  plainly  the  skill   j 
of  the  florist  than  almost  any  other  in  cultiva-   ' 
tion.     Its  history  is  also  somewhat  curious,  as,    j 
strange  to  say,  though  it  has  become  so  great  a   j 
favorite,  and  is  so  universally  cultivated,  the   \ 
history  of  its  introduction  is  very  obscure.    It   j 
is  generally  said  to  have  been  introduced  into 
England  by  Lady  Holland  in  1804;  but  the  fact   | 
is,  it  had  been  introduced  many  years  before   j 
that  period,  and  was  only  brought  from  Madrid   I 
in   1804  by  Lady  Holland,  who  apparently  did   i 
not  know  that  it  was  already  in  that  country.    ! 
The  first  kind  of  Dahlia  known  to  Europeans,  D. 
siiperflua,  Cav.,  (D.  variabilis,  Dec.,  Geurt/inn  pln- 
nata,  W.,)  was  discovered  in  Mexico  by  Baron 
Humboldt  in  1789,  and  sent  by  him  to  Professor 
Cavanilles  of  the  Botanical  Garden,  Madrid,  who 
gave  the  genus  the  name  of  Dahlia,  in  honor  of 
the  Swedish  professor  Dahl.     Cavanilles  sent  a 
plant  of  it  the  same  year  to  the  Marchioness  of 
Bute,   who  was  very  fond  of  flowers,  and  who 
kept  it  in  the  green-house.     From  this  species 
nearly  all  the  varieties  known  in  the  gardens 
have  been  raised,  as  it  seeds  freely,  and  varies 
very  much  when  raised  from  seed.     In  1802,  D. 
frustranea,  Ait.,  (D.  coccinea,  Cav.,)  was  intro- 
duced from  France,  in  which  country  it  had 
been  raised  from  this  kind,  but  they  are  much 
smaller  than  the  others.     It  is  rather  remarka- 
ble that  the  two  species  did  not  hybridize  to- 
gether, and  that  D.  superflua,  or  variabilis,  should 
produce  flowers  of  colors  so  diiFerent  as  crim- 


DAL 

son,  purple,  white,  yellow,  orange,  and  scarlet, 
without  hybridization.  Among  all  the  colors, 
however,  displayed  by  these  varieties,  no  flow- 
ers have  yet  appeared  of  blue,  and  are  not  likely 
ever  to  be,  as  we  find  no  family  of  plants  in  na- 
ture in  which  there  are  blue,  yellow,  and  scarlet 
in  varieties  of  the  same  species.  These  two  spe- 
cies and  their  varieties  were  the  only  Dahlias 
known  in  English  gardens  for  many  years,  as, 
though  a  few  kinds  were  introduced  from  time 
to  time  from  France  and  Spain,  yet,  as  they  did 
not  hybridize  with  the  others,  and  were  rather 
more  tender,  they  were  not  generally  cultivated, 
and  appear  to  have  been  soon  lost.  Most  of  these 
have,  however,  been  reintroduced  from  Mexico, 
with  several  new  species,  within  the  last  few 
years,  and  there  are  now  ten  or  twelve  distinct 
species,  besides  innumerable  varieties  of  D.  va- 
riabilis. The  most  remarkable  of  the  new  spe- 
cies is  the  tree  Dahlia,  D.  excelsa,  which  is  said 
to  grow  in  Mexico  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  trunk 
thick  in  proportion.  The  propagation  of  the 
Dahlia  is  quite  simple.  For  amateurs,  division 
of  the  root  will  more  than  supply  their  needs, 
as  each  will  divide,  if  started  in  a  hot-bed  or  any 
warm  and  m6ist  place,  into  at  least  six  good 
plants.  D.  imperialis,  a  distinct  species,  attains 
a  hight  of  ten  to  fifteen  feet,  and  is  of  a  fine 
branching  form,  producing,  late  in  the  fall,  pure 
white,  drooping,  lily-like  flowers,  three  inches 
in  diameter.  It  flowers  rather  late  to  be  seen 
in  perfection  in  the  Northern  States,  but  it  is 
a  magnificent  plant  in  any  section  of  the  coun- 
try where  frost  holds  off  until  the  loth  of  No- 
vember. A  new  section,  from  D.  coccinea,  has 
just  been  introduced  in  England  with  single 
flowers,  that  make  distinct  and  interesting  bed- 
ding plants,  as  they  flower  in  great  profusion. 
The  colors  so  far  attained  are  scarlet,  yellow, 
rose,  and  crimson,  making  a  fine  contrast  with 
the  yellow  disk.  For  the  trade  it  is  prnpa^at.-.! 
generally  by  cuttings  taken  off  early  in  January, 
and  grown  on  in  pots,  with  few  shiftings,  until 
time  to  plant  out  in  the  border,  which  should  be 
done  as  soon  as  danger  from  frost  is  over.  To 
succeed  well  they  should  have  a  strong,  deep,  and 
rich  soil;  as  they  are  rapid  growers,  they  are 
consequently  gross  feeders.  For  perfection  in 
bloom,  the  side  branches  should  be  kept  cut, 
allowing  but  few  at  the  top;  this  will  give  but 
few  flowers,  though  of  superior  quality.  The 
roots  should  be  stored  during  winter  in  a  dry, 
warm  cellar,  and  covered  with  sand. 
Daisy.  See  Bellis. 

Dalbergia.  Named  after  Nicholas  Dalberg,  a  Swed- 
ish botanist.  Diadelphia-Decagynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Fabacecv. 

A  genus  of  lofty  growing,  East  Indian  ever- 
green trees.  Most  of  the  species  are  truly  mag- 
nificent. They  are  of  immense  size,  with  beau- 
tiful pinnate  foliage,  and  produce  an  abundance 
of  white  flowers  in  axillary  racemes.  The  trees 
are  the  most  remarkable  for  the  valuable  timber 
they  furnish.  D.  latifolia  is  the  Blackwood  or 
East  Indian  Rosewood  tree,  common  on  the 
Malabar  and  Coromandel  coasts,  and  yields  one 
of  the  most  valuable  furniture  woods.  The  tim- 
ber is  furnished  in  planks  four  feet  wide,  and  is 
of  a  dark  purplish  color,  very  heavy,  close 
grained,  and  susceptible  of  a  high  polish.  It 
lacks  the  rich  perfume  of  the  true  Rosewood, 
and  is  not  so  beautifully  variegated.  In  India 
it  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  their  richest  fur- 
niture. The  species  yield  some  of  the  most  val- 
uable timber  used  in  the  mechanic  arts. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DAL 

Dalechampia.  Named  after  James  Dalechamp,  a 
celebrated  French  botanist.  Linn.  Monaecia-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacece. 

Evergreen  climbers,  producing  small  yellow- 
ish-green flowers  on  axillary  peduncles.  The 
genus  is  small,  mostly  natives  of  Brazil,  and  do 
best  in  the  hot-house.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Dalibardo.  Named  after  Denvt  Dalibard,  a  French 
botanist.  Linn.  Icosandria-Diyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
RosacecK. 

D.  repens,  the  only  species,  is  a  rather  pretty 
trailing  plant,  quite  common  in  our  Northern 
woods.  The  flowers  are  white,  singly  or  in  pairs. 
It  is  not  cultivated  except  in  botanical  collec- 
tions. 

Dammara.  The  name  of  the  species  in  Amboyna. 
lAnn.  Monceda-Decagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Coniferce. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  trees,  similar  to  our 
Pines.  D.  Australis,  a  native  of  New  Zealand,  is 
a  tree  from  150  to  200  feet  in  height,  producing 
a  hard,  brittle,  resin-like  copal,  the  principal  in- 
gredient of  Dammar  or  white  varnish. 

Dampiera.  Named  after  the  circumnavigator, 
Captain  William  Dampier.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Goodeniacece. 

Green-house  herbaceous  perennials  from  New 
Holland,  of  easy  culture.  Flowers  blue,  both 
axillary  and  terminal.  Propagated  by  cuttings 
of  young  shoots  or  by  division. 

Dandelion.    See  Taraxacum. 

Daphne.  From  daio,  to  burn,  and  phone,  a  noise ; 
it  crackles  when  burning.  Linn.  Octandria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Thymelacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  small  shrubs,  mostly 
evergreen,  with  very  beautiful  fragrant  flowers, 
natives  chiefly  of  Europe,  but  partly  also  of  the 
cooler  parts  of  Asia,  including  Japan  and  China. 
Some  of  them  are  hardy  shrubs,  valued  for  their 
early  spring  flowers.  D.  Gneorum  is  a  hardy 
trailing  evergreen  shrub,  growing  about  a  foot 
high,  and  producing  its  beautiful  brighfepink 
or  crimson,  deliciously  sweet-scented  flowws  in 
terminal  clusters  in  April  and  May,  and  occa- 
sionally again  in  September.  On  account  of  its 
dwarf  habit  it  is  especially  suitable  for  planting 
on  rock- work,  or  for  edgings  to  beds.  It  is  propa- 
gated by  layers.  D .  odora,  a  native  of  China,  is  o 
green-house  evergreen,  succeeding  best  when 
planted  out  in  a  cool  house.  This  and  D.  Tniic'i 
are  grown  extensively  for  cut  flowers,  which  are 
highly  esteemed  for  their  delicious  fragrance.  It 
grows  freely  from  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1771. 


Named  after  Dar  a  botanist.    A  genus 
of  Ferns  allied  to  Asplenium,  which  see. 

Darlingtonia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.Darlinqton, 
one  of  our  most  distinguished  botanists.  Linn. 
Pdyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sarraceniacea;. 
This  remarkable  genus  consists  of  but  one 
species,  D.  Californica,  which  is  found  in  the 
marshy  districts  of  California,  and  is  commonly 
known  as  the  California  Side-Saddle  Flower  or 
Pitcher  Plant.  It  is  a  perennial  herb,  and  can  be 
grown  in  an  ordinary  cool  green-house.  The 
plants  should  be  potted  in  leal-mould  and  sand. 
Propagated  by  division  and  from  seed.  Dr.Tor- 
rey  gave  the  first  description  of  this  plant  in 
1853. 

Darnel.  A  common  name  for  the  Lolium.  A  ge- 
nus of  noxious  grasses  introduced  from  Europe. 

Darwinia.  Named  after  Dr.  Darwin,  author  of  the 
Botanic  Garden.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Chamcelauciacece. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing,  heath-like,  ever- 
green shrubs,  found  in  the  extra-tropical  regions 
of  Australia.  The  leaves  are  marked  with  trans- 


DAV 

parent  dots.     They  are  plants  of  but  little  inter- 
est to  the  florist. 

Dasylirion.  From  daftys,  thick,  and  leirion,  a  lily  ; 
the  plants  are  succulent.  Linn.  Hexandna-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bromeliacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  plants 
from  Mexico.  The  flowers,  like  most  of  this 
order,  are  quite  interesting.  They  require  sim- 
ilar treatment  to  the  tender  species  of  Yucca. 
They  are  increased  by  suckers.  Introduced  in 
1830. 

Date  Palm.     See  Phoenix. 

Date  Plum.     See  Diospyros. 

Datura.  Jamestown  Weed,  Thorn  Apple,  Devil's 
Trumpet.  An  alteration  of  the  Arabic  name 
tatorah.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Solanacew. 

Strong  -  growing,  large-leaved  plants,  with 
doubtful  propriety  sometimes  classed  with  or- 
namental plants,  and  allowed  a  place  in  the  bor- 
der. The  flowers  of  some  of  the  species  are 
large  and  showy,  but  the  plants  themselves 
have  a  straggling,  naked  appearance  that  quite 
counteracts  the  beauty  of  the  flower.  D.  Stra- 
monium, commonly  known  as  Thorn  Apple,  and  in 
some  sections  as  Jimson  Weed,  is  a  coarse-grow- 
ing, troublesome  weed,  that  seems  to  delight  in 
filthy  door-yards.  The  seeds  and  stems  of  the 
Datura  are  powerful  narcotic  poisons,  and  many 
deaths  have  resulted  from  eating  the  seeds. 
They  are  sparingly  used  in  medicine,  and  the 
dried  root  is  sometimes  smoked  as  a  remedy 
for  asthma. 

Daubentonia.  Named  after  M.  Daubenton,  a  cele- 
brated naturalist.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Tetragynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
chiefly  remarkable  for  their  curious,  quadran- 
gular seed  pods,  which  are  three  to  four  inches 
long,  stalked,  pointed,  and  furnished  with  wings 
along  the  angles.  Their  red  or  yellow  flowers, 
resembling  the  Laburnum,  are  borne  on  short 
axillary  racemes.  They  are  natives  of  Texas  and 
Buenos  Ayres.  Propagated  by  cuttings  of  ripen- 
ed young  shoots.  Introduced  in  1820. 

Daubenya.  In  honor  of  Dr.  Daukeiiy,  Professor 
of  Botany  in  the  University  of  Oxford.  Linn. 
Sexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacfce. 

A  genus  consisting  of  two  species  of  yellow 
flowering  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
They  are  very  dwarf,  the  flower  stalk  being  from 
three  to  six  inches  high,  upon  which  is  borne  an 
umbel  of  small  showy  flowers.  They  are  of  easy 
culture,  in  a  dry,  warm  situation,  and  with  slight 
protection  they  will  endure  our  winters.  The 
safer  way  is  to  treat  them  the  same  as  Gladiolus. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

Daucus.     Carrot.     From  daio,  to  make  hot;  in  al- 
lusion to  its  supposed  effect  in  medicine.    Linn. 
Pentandtia-Digynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 
For  description  of  this  genus,  see  Carrot. 

Davallia.  Hare's-foot  Fern.  Named  after  Ed- 
mund DavaU,  a  Swiss  botanist.  Linn.  Cryptoga- 
mia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea;. 

A  fine  and  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Ferns. 
They  have  scaly,  creeping  rhizomes,  which  are 
covered  with  close  brown  hair,  which  feature 
has  given  rise  to  the  name  of  Hare's-foot  Fern. 
The  genus  is  well  marked  by  natural  features, 
and  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  to  be  found  in  our 
green-houses.  Propagated  by  division  of  roots 
and  by  spores.  Introduced  in  1699. 

Daviesia.  Named  after  the  Rev.  Hugh  Dames,  a 
Welsh  botanist.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


67 


DAY 

Handsome  green-house  evergreens  from  New 
Holland.  Like  all  other  plants  from  that  coun- 
try, they  require  a  bountiful  supply  of  air  on  all 
favorable  occasions  through  the  winter,  and  in 
summer  they  are  much  better  placed  in  the  open 
air,  so  that  they,  are  slightly  shaded  from  the  mid- 
day sun.  Some  of  the  species  have  a  subscan- 
dent  habit,  which,  with  their  densely-filled, 
drooping  spikes  of  yellow  and  red  flowers,  gives 
them  a  very  graceful  appearance.  Propagated 
by  cuttings  from  well-ripened  side  shoots.  In- 
troduced in  1792. 
Day  Flower.  See  Commelyna. 
Day  Lily.  See  Funkia. 

Dead  Nettle.  A  common  name  for  the  genus 
Lamium,  worthless  weeds,  a  few  species  of  which 
have  become  naturalized  in  this  country  to  such 
an  extent  as  to  be  troublesome.  Natives  of  Eu- 
rope. 

Decumaria.  From  decuma,  a  tenth ;  referring  to 
the  ten  valvate  divisions  of  the  calyx,  and  the 
ten  cells  of  the  capsule  or  seed-pod.  Linn.  Do- 
decandria~Mono<jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ph'dttdnlphacece. 
A  climbing  shrub  of  the  Southern  States.  Al- 
lied to  Philadelphus.  The  flowers  are  white, 
sweet-scented,  and  arranged  in  corymbs.  They 
are  well  adapted  for  growing  against  walls, 
thriving  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings  or  from  seed. 
Deerberry.  One  of  the  popular  names  of  Vacci- 

nium  stamineum. 
Deer-Grass.     See  Rhexia. 

Delphinium.  Larkspur.  From  delphin,  a  dolphin; 
in  reference  to  the  supposed  resemblance  in  the 
nectary  of  the  plant  to  the  imaginary  figures  of 
the  dolphin.  Linn.  Polyandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Ranunculacece. 

Well-known  annual,  biennial,  and  perennial 
plants,  with  curiously-cut  leaves  and  splendid 
flowers,  which  are  either  scarlet,  purple,  pink, 
blue,  or  white,  and  never  yellow.  The  Siberian 
Larkspurs  are  remarkable  for  the  metallic  lus- 
ter of  their  flowers,  the  hue  of  which  resembles 
that  of  silver  which  has  been  tarnished  by  fire; 
and  the  Bee  Larkspurs  are  remarkable  and  in- 
teresting for  the  curious  manner  in  which  the 
petals  are  folded  up  in  the  center  of  the  flower, 
so  as  to  resemble  a  bee,  or  a  large  blue-bottle 
fly.  The  Larkspurs  will  grow  in  any  soil  or 
situation,  but  one  open  to  the  sun  suits  them 
best.  They  are  improved  by  the  addition  of  a 
good  deal  of  thoroughly-rotted  manure  to  the 
soil  in  which  they  grow.  The  seeds  keep  good 
a  long  time,  and  those  of  the  annual  kinds  do 
best  sown  in  autumn,  as  when  sown  in  spring 
they  are  a  long  time  before  they  flower.  The 
perennials  are  propagated  by  division  of  the 
root,  or  by  seed,  which  if  sown  in  March  in  the 
green-house  or  hot-bed,  and  the  plants  pricked 
out  as  soon  as  they  show  their  second  pair  of 
leaves,  and  carefully  grown  on  until  the  first 
of  June,  and  then  turned  out  into  the  flower- 
garden,  they  will  flower  finely  during  the  au- 
tumn months. 

Dendrobium.  From  dendron,  a  tree,  and  bios, 
life;  referring  to  the  way  these  air-plants  fasten 
on  trees  for  support.  Linn.  Gynandri'i- Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

In  this  extensive  genus  we  are  presented  with 
some  truly  magnificent  epiphytes,  which,  re- 
garded either  for  their  singular  manner  of  grow- 
ing, graceful  or  grotesque  habits,  and  large, 
handsome,  and  richly-scented  flowers,  are  per- 
haps unsurpassed  in  the  entire  range  of  vegeta- 
ble forms.  In  a  cultural  sense  they  may  be  di-  . 


DEN 

vided  into  two  sections,  the  pseudo-bulbous 
class,  and  those  with  tall  bulbous  stems.  Many 
of  the  former  are  extremely  small  compared 
with  the  splendid  flowers  they  produce,  and, 
from  this  circumstance,  are  usually  grown  on 
blocks  of  wood  or  cork,  lest  the  young  shoots 
should  receive  injury  from  excessive  moisture. 
Those  belonging  to  the  other  section  are  again 
divisible.  The  upright  growing  species,  such  as 
D.  nobtte,  make  the  best  appearance  when  culti- 
vated in  pots,  and  trained  into  suitable  forms 
by  the  aid  of  stakes;  those  of  pendent  trailing 
habits  should  be  grown  in  baskets  suspended 
from  the  roof  of  the  house;  in  either  case  the 
soil  should  be  composed  of  about  one-half  fibrous 
loam,  and  the  other  portion  made  up  of  sphag- 
num and  rotten  wood.  This  mixture  should  be 
thoroughly  incorporated  without  breaking  it 
fine,  and  an  efficient  drainage  must  be  secured, 
or  the  plants  will  not  thrive.  The  base  of  their 
stems  should  be  elevated  two,  three,  or  four 
inches,  according  to  the  size  of  the  plant,  above 
the  top  of  the  pot  or  basket,  as  they  are  liable  to 
much  injury  from  damp  when  protruding  their 
new  shoots.  The  temperature  of  the  house  in 
which  these  plants  are  grown  is  a  consideration 
of  the  first  consequence  to  their  successful  cul- 
ture; it  requires  to  be  assimilated,  as  nearly  as 
circumstances  will  allow,  to  that  of  their  native 
positions,  and  may  be  described  as  of  three  dis- 
tinct phases,  a  dry  and  warm  season,  in  which 
the  plants  produce  their  flowers,  to  be  succeeded 
by  one  still  warmer,  and  in  which  an  abundance 
of  moisture  must  be  present,  as  it  is  at  this  time 
that  new  growths  are  effected,  and  this  active 
season  must  be  followed  by  one  suited  to  pro- 
duce a  state  of  repose  in  the  plants,  by  reducing 
the  amount  of  heat  considerably,  and  restricting 
the  supply  of  moisture  to  the  least  possible 
quantity.  This  season  is  that  which  corresponds 
with  our  winters,  and  for  convenience  should 
be  referred  to  that  time.  Thus,  from  December 
to  about  the  end  of  March,  or  later  for  some 
species,  may  be  regarded  as  the  period  first 
mentioned,  the  growing  season  commencing 
with  each  individual  as  soon  as  its  flowering  is 
over,  and  continuing  until  the  growth  is  com- 
plete, which  is  usually  about  the  end  of  August 
or  some  part  of  September,  when  they  require 
the  perfect  rest  already  spoken  of.  It  is  in  the 
variation  of  these  seasons,  the  withholding  or 
appliance  of  heat,  that  the  whole  art  of  the 
management  lies.  If  it  is  done  correctly,  and  at 
the  proper  time,  of  course  the  plant  progresses 
satisfactorily,  but  otherwise  all  is  confusion ;  the 
plant  continues  growing,  but  does  not  flower, 
becoming  weaker  each  season.  An  average  of 
55°,  with  but  slight  alteration,  should  bo  ob- 
served for  the  dormant  season;  increasing  it 
gradually  to  65°  or  70°  for  the  flowering  period, 
and  after  this  is  past,  the  temperature  may  be 
allowed  to  run  up  to  85°,  90°,  or  even  more 
through  the  summer,  keeping  a  proportionate 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  atmosphere  of  the 
house  by  means  of  frequent  steaming,  syring- 
ing, etc.  The  genus  consists  of  over  200  species, 
of  which  upward  of  eighty  have  been  intro- 
duced into  the  green-house,  and  some  of  the 
species  are  grown  to  an  extent  that  warrants 
their  use  as  a  cut-flower.  Their  appearance  in 
the  florists'  windows  is  by  no  means  rare,  the 
more  common  being  D.  nobile,  which  flowers 
freely  in  the  green-house  during  the  winter,  and 
is  one  of  the  very  few  Orchids  that  will  grow 
and  flower  very  well  in  the  ordinary  sitting- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DEN 

room.   They  are  natives  of  India,  Australia,  and 
the  Pacific  Islands. 

Dendrochilum.  From  dendron,  a  tree,  and  cheilos, 
a  lip.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  Orchids,  chiefly 
of  little  interest.  One  or  two  of  the  species  are 
highly  esteemed  by  those  who  make  a  specialty  of 
Orchids.  D.  glumaceum  is  a  very  handsome  spe- 
cies, of  neat  habit,  and  produces  graceful  droop- 
ing spikes  of  ivory-white  flowers;  the  leaves,  re- 
sembling thoseof  theLily  of  the  Valley,  gives  the 
plant  a  beautiful  appearance  when  out  of  flower. 
D.  jUiforme  is  another  graceful  little  plant,  with 
yellow  flowers.  This  genus  requires  to  be  grown 
in  great  heat,  and  the  plants,  when  at  rest, 
should  have  an  occasional  watering,  as  the 
pseudo-bulbs  are  quite  small,  and,  if  allowed  to 
shrivel,  the  plants  would  be  lost.  They  are  in- 
creased by  division.  Introduced  in  1836. 

Dennstaedia.  Derivation  of  name  not  given. 
Linn.  Cryptogamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodi- 
acecv. 

A  genus  of  Ferns  known  here  as  Dicksonia, 
which  see.  The  name  is  also  a  synonym  of 
Sitolobium. 

Dentaria.  Toothwort.  Pepper-root.  From  dens, 
a  tooth;  referring  to  the  fanged  roots.  Linn. 
Teiradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  sev- 
eral of  the  species  being  common  in  most  of  the 
States.  The  roots  of  D.  diphi/tta  have  a  pungent, 
mustard-like  taste,  and  are  considerably  used  as 
a  salad,  under  the  name  of  Pepper-root.  The 
plant  is  somewhat  ornamental,  of  a  dwarf  habit, 
producing  short  racemes  of  white  or  purplish 
flowers.  They  are  increased  readily  by  divi- 
sion. 

Desfontainia.  In  honor  of  M.  Desfontaines,  the 
French  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece. 

The  few  species  that  compose  this  genus  are 
very  handsome  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
found  in  Peru.  They  have  thick  leaves  with 
spiny  margins,  like  those  of  the  Holly.  This  is 
one  of  the  plants  that  perplexes  the  botanist, 
as  there  is  nothing  in  its  external  appearance 
that  would  lead  to  a  knowledge  of  its  affinities. 
It  has  been  placed  under  three  different  classifi- 
cations previous  to  the  present  one.  D.  spinosa, 
the  only  described  species,  has  large  flowers 
borne  on  terminal  peduncles,  scarlet,  with  a 
yellow  limb.  The  elegance  of  its  foliage  and  the 
brilliancy  of  its  flowers  make  it  a  very  desirable 
green-house  plant.  It  requires  about  the  same 
treatment  as  the  Fuchsia.  Introduced  in  1850. 

Desmodium,  Moving  Plant,  Tick-Trefoil.  From 
desmos,  a  band;  alluding  to  the  stamens  being 
joined.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Leguminosce. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  peren- 
nials and  green-house  evergreen  shrubs.  Most 
of  the  species  are  uninteresting  plants,  but  a 
few  are  very  beautiful  and  remarkably  interest- 
ing. There  are  numerous  species  throughout  the 
United  States,  with  purple  flowers,  produced  in 
slender  racemes.  Some  are  herbs,  others  shrubs, 
but  none  of  the  native  species  are  worthy  of  cul- 
tivation. The  most  interesting  of  the  species, 
if  not  the  most  beautiful,  is  D.  gymns,  the  Mov- 
ing Plant,  a  native  of  India,  but  rarely  seen  un- 
der cultivation.  The  singular,  spontaneous 
rotary  motion  of  the  leaflets  of  this  pla»>.t  ren- 
ders it  an  object  of  great  interest.  The  leaves 
are  composed  of  three  leaflets,  the  terminal  one 


DIA 

being  very  large,  and  the  laterals  very  small, 
but  these  are  almost  constantly  in  motion. 
They  execute  little  jerks  somewhat  analogous  to 
the  movements  of  the  seconds  of  n  watch.  One 
of  the  leaflets  arises  and  the  other  descends  at 
the  same  time,  and  with  a  corresponding  force. 
When  the  first  begins  to  descend  the  other  be- 
gins to  rise.  The  large  leaflet  moves  also,  in- 
clining itself  first  to  the  right,  then  to  the  left, 
but  by  a  continuous  and  very  slow  movement 
when  compared  with  that  of  the  lateral  leaflets. 
This  singular  mechanism  endures  throughout 
the  life  of  the  plant.  It  exercises  itself  day  and 
night,  through  drought  and  humidity.  The 
warmer  and  more  humid  the  day,  the  more 
lively  are  its  movements.  It  is  not  unusual  for 
the  leaflet  to  make  sixty  jerks  in  the  minute; 
they  will  not  do  this,  however,  under  artificial 
cultivation,  except  when  the  plant  is  subjected 
to  great  heat.  These  movements  occur  spon- 
taneously and  without  any  apparent  cause. 
The  same  external  cause  that  has  such  a  won- 
derful effect  on  the  Catch-fly  and  the  Sensitive 
Plant,  does  not  effect  this  in  the  least.  None  of 
our  native  species  has  this  strong  peculiarity. 
D.  pendnl'ifloi-urn,  a  native  of  Japan,  introduced 
into  the  United  States  in  1865,  is  one  of  our  best 
hardy  herbaceous  plants.  Its  height  is  five  to  six 
feet,  and  the  color  bright  rosy  carmine.  Propa- 
gated by  seeds  or  cuttings. 

Deutzia.  Named  after  J.  Deutz,  a  sheriff  of  Am- 
sterdam. Linn.  Decandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
PhUadelphacece. 

A  genus  of  slender  branched,  graceful  shrubs, 
producing  compound  panicles  of  beautiful 
white  flowers.  D.  scabra,  one  of  the  more  com- 
mon species,  takes  its  specific  name  from  the 
roughness  of  its  leaves,  which  in  its  native 
country,  Japan,  are  used  by  the  cabinet  makers 
in  polishing  the  finer  kinds  of  wood.  D.  graci- 
lis  is  grown  extensively  for  forcing  into  flower 
in  winter  and  early  spring,  for  the  cut  flower 
trade.  All  the  species  are  perfectly  hardy. 
They  are  readily  propagated  by  cuttings,  divis- 
ions, or  layers. 

Devil  in  a  Bush.     See  Nujella. 

Devil's  Bit.     A  vulgar  name  for  Chctmcvlirium. 

Devil's  Trumpet.    A  popular  name  for  Datura. 

Dew-Berry.     See  Rubus. 

Dianella.  A  diminutive  of  Diana,  the  sylvan 
goddess;  the  first  discovered  species  being  found 
in  a  grove.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Liliaccce. 

Lovely  tuberous-rooted  plants,  chiefly  from 
New  Holland.  They  should  b3  grown  in  pots 
of  loam  and  peat,  and  if  allowed  a  good  situa- 
tion in  the  green-house,  will  produce  their 
showy  blue  flowers  in  abundance.  Propagated 
by  division  or  from  seed. 

Dianthus.  From  dios,  divine,  and  antiios,  a 
flower;  in  reference  to  the  fragrance  and  the  un- 
rivaled neatness  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Caryophyllacea;. 

Most  of  the  species  of  this  genus  are  highly 
valued  for  the  beauty  and  fragrance  of  the  flow- 
ers, which  present  a  richer  variety  of  tints  of 
scarlet,  crimson,  rose,  orange,  etc.,  than  is  to  be 
found,  perhaps,  in  any  other  genus.  The  fr.i- 
grance  of  some  of  them  is  peculiarly  grateful, 
and  no  plant  in  this  respect  surpasses  the  Carna- 
tion D.  caryophyUus,  (Clove  Pink  and  Carnation. ) 
Seedlings  stand  the  winter  and  spring  without 
difficulty,  with  a  light  covering  of  leaves  and 
evergreen  boughs,  and  flower  very  well.  Very 
many  will  not  be  considered  worth  saving  by 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


DIA 

the  florist,  although  they  will  all  be  interesting 
as  single,  semi-double,  or  irregular  flowers,  and 
richly  repay  all  the  labor.  Carnations  are  ar- 
ranged by  florists  into  three  classes,  viz. ,  Flakes, 
Bizarres,  and  Picotees.  Flakes  have  two  colors 
only;  their  stripes  are  large,  going  quite  through 
the  petals.  Bizarres  are  variegated  in  irregular 
spots  and  stripes,  with  not  less  than  three  col- 
ors. Picotees  have  a  white  ground,  spotted  at 
the  edges  with  scarlet,  red,  purple,  or  other  col- 
ors. The  Clove  Pink  is  rather  more  hardy  than 
the  Carnation,  of  which  it  is  the  parent;  the  pet- 
als are  more  fringed,  and  the  fragrance  more 
powerful,  resembling  that  of  the  clove.  In 
France  it  is  called  the  Clove  Gilly-flower.  Some 
suppose  this  latter  name  to  have  been  corrupted 
from  July-flower,  July  being  its  flowering  time. 
The  great  improvement  in  the  Perpetual  Carna- 
tion (Tree  or  Winter-flowering  Carnation)  has 
added  an  invaluable  feature  to  the  section  of 
winter-blooming  plants,  for  the  sitting-room, 
conservatory,  or  green-house.  The  delicately 
rich  and  grateful  odor,  in  connection  with  the 
brilliant  color  and  good  outline  of  the  flowers 
now  offered,  secures  for  them  a  prominent  place 
in  the  forcing  department  for  cut  flowers.  D. 
hortensis,  (Garden  Pink,  Florist's  Pink,  or  Paisley 
Pink. )  This  species  is  in  perfection  about  the 
last  of  June.  The  foliage  is  more  grass-like  and 
the  plant  much  hardier  than  the  Carnation. 
The  double  varieties  are  very  desirable,  and 
all  have  clove  fragrance.  D.  Chiiiensis,  (China 
Pink. )  This  species  is  a  biennial  of  dwarf 
habit,  of  great  beauty,  but  without  fragrance. 
The  foliage  is  of  a  yellowish  green.  It  flowers 
from  seed  the  first  year,  being  perfectly  hardy. 
It  flowers  stronger  th§  second  year.  The 
colors  are  exceedingly  varied  and  rich :  crim- 
son, and  dark  shades  of  that  color  approach- 
ing to  black,  are  often  combined  in  the  same 
flower  with  edgings  of  white,  pink,  or  other 
colors.  Seed  saved  from  double  flowers  will 
produce  a  great  proportion  of  double  flow- 
ers. In  beds  where  there  may  be  a  hundred 
plants,  scarcely  two  will  be  found  alike.  D.  bar- 
batus  (Sweet  William)  is  an  old  inhabitant  of 
the  flower-garden,  and  was  much  esteemed  in 
Gerarde's  time  ' '  for  its  beauty  to  deck  up  the 
bosoms  of  the  beautiful,  and  garlands  and 
crowns  for  pleasure. "  Fine  varieties  are  perpet- 
uated by  dividing  the  roots.  It  is  easily  raised 
from  seeds.  A  bed  of  fine  sorts  presents  a  rich 
sight.  It  sports  into  endless  varieties,  viz. : 
white,  pink,  purple,  crimson,  scarlet,  and  vari- 
ously edged,  eyed,  and  spotted.  The  whole 
family  of  Dianthus  are  readily  increased  by 
seeds  or  cuttings. 

Diapensia.  Named  by  Linnaeus  from  diapente, 
composed  of  five;  alluding  to  the  flowers  being 
five-cleft.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monoijyiua.  Nat. 
Ord.  Diapensiwi-n: 

This  genus  consists  of  two  beautiful  little  Al- 
pine plants,  both  evergreen,  which  grow  in 
dense  tufts,  scarcely  rising  more  than  an  inch 
above  the  ground.  The  flowers  are  white,  bell- 
shaped,  and  about  half  an  inch  across.  It  was 
first  discovered  in  Lapland,  but  has  since  been 
found  in  the  White  Mountains,  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  in  the  Adirondacks  in  New  York.  In 
its  native  country  it  is  continually  covered  with 
snow  in  winter,  which  is  the  best  protection 
against  severe  dry  frosts.  It  can  be  grown  in 
small  pots,  and  protected  by  a  frame  in  winter. 
Propagated  by  seeds  or  division. 
Dicentra.  See  DMytra. 


DIC 

Dichorizandra.  From  dios,  twice,  chorizo,  to 
part,  and  aner,  an  anther;  referring  to  the  an- 
thers being  two-cleft.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Commdynacece. 

A  genus  of  hot-house,  herbaceous  perennials 
from  Brazil,  some  of  the  species  being  exceed- 
ingly ornamental  and  invaluable  for  late  autumn 
or  winter  flowering.  D.  thyrsiflora  ranks  high- 
est, and  when  well  grown  will  reach  ten  feet  in 
height,  branched  all  round,  each  branch  termi- 
nating with  a  long  spike  of  sky-blue  flowers. 
When  the  flowers  begin  to  expand  it  may  be  re- 
moved to  a  warm  conservatory,  where  it  will  last 
in  bloom  for  several  weeks.  Propagated  by  di- 
vision in  spring,  when  the  new  growth  com- 
mences, or  from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  in 
a  hot-bed  or  green-house  as  early  as  possible 
in  spring.  Introduced  in  1810. 

Dickspnia.  Named  after  James  Dickson,  a  famous 
British  cryptogamic  botanist.  Linn.  Cryptoga- 
mia-Fttices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiaceai. 

A  genus  of  very  ornamental  Ferns,  mostly 
arborescent,  and  including  some  of  the  most 
valued  Tree  Ferns  to  be  found  in  our  green- 
houses. D.  antartica,  a  native  of  Australia,  in- 
troduced in  1824,  is  the  one  most  commonly 
met,  and  the  most  ornamental  of  the  genus. 
D.  arbarescens,  a  native  of  St.  Helena,  grows 
about  twelve  feet  high,  bearing  at  its  summit  a 
number  of  pinnated  fronds,  from  ten  to  twelve 
feet  in  length.  This  species  grows  in  great 
abundance  at  St.  Helena,  and,  next  to  the  tomb 
of  Napoleon,  is  the  great  attraction  of  the  island. 
It  is  remarkable  that  this  species  has  not  been 
found  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  All  the 
Tree  Ferns  should  be  grown  in  a  mixture  of 
loam  and  leaf  mould,  and  require  a  humid  at- 
mosphere. They  increase  rapidly  by  division 
or  from  seed.  One  species,  D.  pundilobula,  a 
hardy  herbaceous  plant,  is  a  native  of  this 
country,  very  common  in  moist,  rather  shady 
places.  It  is  one  of  our  handsomest  Ferns,  and 
has  an  agreeable  odor. 

Dicliptera.  From  dis,  twice,  and  kleio,  to  shut ; 
referring  to  the  two-celled  capsule  or  seed  vessel. 
Linn.  Dit.indria-M'inogynwi.  Nat.  Ord.  Acantha- 
ceii'. 

An  extensive  genus  of  annuals  and  perennials, 
allied  to  Justiciti.  The  species  are  dispersed 
over  the  tropical  and  sub-tropical  regions  of 
the  New  and  Old  World.  The  annuals  grow 
readily  from  seed,  which  should  be  started  in 
a  hot-bed,  or  the  green-house  in  March,  grown 
on  until  all  danger  from  frost  is  past,  and  then 
transplanted  in  the  open  border.  The  peren- 
nials are  increased  by  cutting.  They  all  re- 
quire a  very  light,  rich,  fibrous  soil. 

Dictamnus.  Fraxinella,  Gas  Plant.  An  ancient 
name,  supposed  to  have  been  given  because  the 
leaves  resemble  those  of  the  Ash  ;  hence  the 
English  name,  Fraxinella.  Linn.  Decandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rutm-nr. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials, 
and  among  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  the  cottage 
garden.  Johnson  says:  "  Instances  are  known 
where  D.  Fraxinella  has  outlived  father,  son, 
and  grandson  in  the  same  spot,  without  increase. 
All  attempts  at  multiplying  it,  to  give  away  a 
rooted  slip  to  a  newly-married  member  of  the 
family,  having  failed,  yet  the  Fraxinella  is 
easily  increased  from  seeds,  which  should  be 
sown  soon  as  ripe  in  any  common  garden  soil. 
They  will  come  up  the  following  spring."  The 
plant  has  to  be  three  years  old  before  it  will 
flower.  It  is  a  native  of  Germany.  When 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DIG 

rubbed  the  leaves  emit  a  fine  odor,  like  that  of 
lemon  peel;  it  is  strongest  in  the  pedicels  of  the 
flowers.  The  flowers,  on  opening,  emit  a  gas 
which  may  be  readily  ignited. 

Dictyanthus.  From  dildyon,  net  work,  and 
ai/tlios,  a  flower ;  the  flowers  are  netted  with 
veins.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AsdepiadacecK. 

Green-house  climbers  of  considerable  beauty, 
from  Central  America  and  Brazil.  They  will  do 
well  planted  out  in  summer,  but  require  green- 
house culture  during  winter.  The  same  treat- 
ment that  is  given  the  Passiflora  will  suit  them. 
The  flowers  are  whitish  purple  and  greenish 
brown,  borne  on  axillary  peduncles.  D.  cam- 
pamdatus  somewhat  resembles  the  Stapelia. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1851. 

Dictyogramma.  A  genus  of  Ferns  formerly 
called  Gymnogramma.  D.  Japonica  is  described 
as  Gymnogramma  Japonica.  There  does  not  seem 
to  be  any  good  reason  for  this  change  in  name. 

Dictyopteris.  From  diktyon,  a  net,  and  pteris,  a 
Fern ;  referring  to  the  fronds.  Linn.  Gryptogamia- 
FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  genus  of  Ferns  from  Australia,  without  spe- 
cial merit,  and  rarely  met  in  collections. 

Didiscus.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece.  The 
two  species  that  compose  this  genus  were  for- 
merly included  in  Trachymene.  D.  cceruleus  is  a 
showy  plant,  a  native  of  Australia.  It  is  covered 
with  hairs  ;  its  leaves  are  three-parted,  each 
division  again  sub-divided  ;  its  flowers  are  blue. 
The  fruit,  when  mature,  is  covered  with  small 
tubercles.  D.  albiflorus  has  no  hairs,  and  its 
flowers  are  white. 

Didymochlaena.  From  didymos,  twin,  and  chlaina, 
a  cloak  ;  referring  to  the  covering  of  the  spore 
cases,  called  seed  vessels.  Linn.  Cryptogamia- 
Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  Tree  Ferns, 
natives  of  Africa  and  South  America.  They  are 
allied  to  Oxygonium.  The  species  are  rarely  met 
in  collections. 

Dieffenbachia.  Named  after  Dr.  Dieffenbach,  a 
German  botanist.  Linn.  Monaecia- Heptagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Aracece. 

A  genus  of  showy  plants,  all  inhabitants  of 
tropical  America  and  the  West  Indies.  They 
are  grown  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage,  which 
is  a  very  light  green,  thickly  dotted  with  irregu- 
larly-shaped, pure  white  blotches,  which  give 
the  plant  a  decidedly  variegated  appearance. 
They  require  a  warm  house,  and  should  be  kept 
near  the  glass  to  bring  out  their  full  colors. 
When  at  rest,  if  water  is  thrown  over  them, 
they  are  liable  to  damp  off".  The  juice  of  these 
plants  is  decidedly  poisonous  ;  for  this  reason, 
and  their  awkward  appearance  when  at  rest,  they 
have  lost  much  of  the  favor  that  was  bestowed 
upon  them  at  their  early  introd  uction.  D.  segui- 
napicla  (also  called  Galadium  seguinum)  is  called 
the  "dumb  cane"  by  the  natives,  because  it  has 
the  power,  when  chewed,  of  swelling  the  tongue 
and  paralyzing  the  speech.  It  is  said  that  Hum- 
boldt,  when  gathering  the  plant,  unfortunately 
tasted  it,  and,  in  consequence,  lost  his  speech 
for  several  days.  Similar  instances  are  related 
of  others.  Propagated  by  division  and  by  cut- 
tings. They  should  be  grown  in  a  light,  rich 
loam,  freely  mixed  with  sand  and  leaf  mould. 

Dielytra.  From  dis,  two,  and  elytron,  a  sheath; 
the  base  of  the  flower  being  furnished  with  two 
sheath-like  spurs.  There  has  been  a  good  deal 
of  learned  discussion  among  botanists  as  to  the 


DIL 

true  derivation  of  this  word.  Gray  favors  Dlcen- 
tra.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Diyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fu- 
mariacea'. 

A  genus  of  very  desirable  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  that  grace  any  position  in  which  they  may 
be  placed.  D.  speclabilis,  the  "Bleeding  Heart, "  a 
native  of  Siberia,  was  found  by  Mr.  Fortune  in  the 
gardens  in  the  north  of  China,  and  sent  it,  in 
1846,  to  the  London  Horticultural  Society.  This 
species  is  too  well  known  to  need  description. 
It  is  only  proper,  however,  to  say  it  is  by  far 
the  handsomest  of  its  tribe,  and  will  grow  in 
thick  groves  or  in  the  most  sunny  situations. 
In  the  shade  they  do  not  flower  so  freely 
as  in  sunny  places,  but  last  longer,  and  more 
than  compensate  the  loss  of  flowers  by  their 
luxuriant,  graceful  foliage.  This  species  is  well 
adapted  for  pot  culture.  It  should  be  potted  in 
November,  left  outside  until  it  has  formed 
new  roots,  and  then  brought  into  a  gentle 
heat,  and  it  will  come  into  flower  early  in 
March.  Taking  it  all  in  all,  it  is  probably  the 
finest  hardy  plant  in  cultivation.  The  plants 
are  increased  by  division  of  roots,  which  should 
be  done  as  soon  as  they  start  in  spring. 

Diervilla.  Named  after  M.  DieraiUe,  a  French 
surgeon.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  ;Nat. 
Ord.  Czprifoliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing  shrubs,  with 
yellow  flowers,  appearing  in  spring,  by  no 
means  as  showy  as  the  allied  Japanese  genus 
Weigela.  They  are  common  from  Canada  south- 
ward. 

Digitalis.  Fox-glove.  From  the  Latin  digitale, 
the  finger  of  a  glove;  referring  to  the  shape  of 
the  flower.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Scrophulariacetv. 

This  genus  consists  of  several  species,  bien- 
nials and  perennials,  all  perfectly  hardy  and  of 
the  easiest  culture.  D,  purpurea,  the  common 
Fox-glove,  has  long  been  cultivated  as  an  orna- 
mental border  plant,  and  is  the  most  useful  of 
the  class.  There  are  some  with  white,  rose,  and 
yellow  flowers  that  are  very  beautiful,  but  not  so 
free  flowering.  They  prefer  a  rich,  loamy  soil, 
and  partial  shade.  Natives  of  Central  Europe. 
Propagated  by  seeds  or  root  division.  There 
are  ssveral  green-house  shrubs  that  wero  for- 
merly classed  as  Digitalis,  that  will  now  be 
found  under  Isophltxis,  Rehminniu,  and  Ptero- 
sligma.  A  popular  English  name  of  the  Digitalis 
purpurea  is  Witches'  Fingers.  The  plant  is  used 
in  medicine. 

DHL  Anethum  graveolens.  Dill  is  a  hardy  bien- 
nial plant,  P.  native  of  Spain,  and  has  been  un- 
der cultivation  in  English  gardens  for  nearly 
three  hundred  years.  The  plant  grows  upright, 
and  resembles  Fennel,  only  it  is  smaller.  The 
flowers  are  borne  in  an  umbel,  and  appear  in 
July.  The  whole  plant  is  strongly  aromatic. 
The  leaves  are  used  in  pickles,  and  fco  give  flavor 
to  soups  and  sauces.  It  was  formerly  included 
in  domestic  medicines.  It  is  readily  grown 
from  seed  in  any  good  garden  soil. 

Dillwynia.  In  honor  of  L.  W.  Dillwyn,  a  British 
patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogyni'i. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

Handsome  green-house  plants,  of  neat  habit 
of  growth,  free  to  flower,  and  of  easy  cultivation. 
An  airy  part  of  the  green-house  should  bs  allot- 
ted to  them  in  winter,  and  through  the  summer 
they  will  be  benefited  by  being  placed  out  of 
doors.  It  is  essential,  in  order  to  produce 
handsome  plants,  that  the  young  shoots  be  fre- 
quently stopped  while  the  plants  are  young,  or 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


71 


DIM 

they  are  liable  to  overgrow  themselves.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings  of  firm  side  shoots  in  March 
or  April.  Natives  of  New  Holland.  Introduced 
in  1794. 

Dimorphanthus.  From  dimorphus,  two  formed. 
Linn.  Pentandria  -  Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aru- 
liacece. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  herbs  and  shrubs, 
natives  of  China  and  Japan.  Some  of  the  ' 
species  are  very  ornamental  plants  for  the 
green-house  or  garden.  D.  Mandc.huricus  is  a 
deciduous  shrub,  said  to  be  perfectly  hardy.  ; 
Its  handsome  multifid  leaves  are  nearly  three 
feet  long,  and  of  the  same  width,  which  gives 
the  plant  a  magnificent  outline.  The  young 
shoots  of  D.  edalis  are  a  delicate  article  of  food, 
much  prized  by  the  Chinese.  They  are  in- 
creased by  seeds  and  from  cuttings. 

Dion.  From  (its,  two,  and  oon,  an  egg;  referring 
to  the  two-lobed  scales  which  compose  the  large 
cones  of  the  cycad,  bearing  a  large  nut-like  seed 
at  the  bottom  of  each  scale  ;  otherwise  from 
seeds  being  borne  in  twos.  Linn.  DicRcia-Dodi'- 
caijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cycadacea;. 

D.  edule,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful  Palm- 
like  plant.  Its  simple  Zamia-like  stem  is  com- 
pletely covered  with  wool,  and  bears  deep  green 
pinnate  leaves,  whose  leaflets  are  sword-shaped 
and  sharp  pointed.  The  cone  consists  of  flat 
scales  covered  with  wool,  each  scale  bearing  two 
large  seeds  of  the  size  of  Chestnuts,  that  yield 
a  large  quantity  of  starch,  which  is  used  as  ar- 
row-root. D.  edule  is  extensively  cultivated  as 
nn  ornamental  green-house  plant  here.  Propa- 
gated by  suckers  and  seeds.  It  is  a  native  of 
Mexico,  and  was  introduced  in  1844. 

Dionaea.  Venus's  Fly-trap.  Dione,  one  of  the 
names  of  Venus.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogyniu. 
Nat.  Ord.  Droceracea?. 

D.  muscipula,  the  only  species,  is  indigenous 
to  the  swamps  of  North  Carolina  and  other 
Southern  States,  Aside  from  all  the  fables 
about  this  plant,  it  is  one  of  extreme  interest  to 
cultivators,  owing  to  the  irritability  displayed 
by  the  stipulary  fringes  on  the  winged  leaves. 
The  lamina  of  the  leaf  itself  is  divided  by  the 
midrib  into  two  nearly  semicircular  halves,  each 
of  which  is  fringed  with  stiff  hairs.  This  leaf  ex- 
actly resembles  a  miniature  rat-trap.  When  the 
hairs  are  touched  by  a  fly  or  other  insect,  the 
sides  of  the  leaf  are  brought  together  with  a 
sudden  spring,  imprisoning  the  intruder.  Mr. 
Charles  Darwin  and  other  writers  claim  that  the 
Dioncea  not  only  catches  and  kills  the  insects,  I 
but  that  its  tissues  absorb  or  feed  upon  them. 
Our  experiments,  carefully  and  extensively 
made  during  the  summer  of  1878,  were  such  as 
to  cause  strong  doubts  of  the  correctness  of  this 
theory.  The  Diotnva  is  easily  grown  in  sphag- 
num moss,  kept  very  moist  when  the  plants 
are  in  a  growing  state.  They  do  rather  the  best 
when  grown  in  a  Wardian  case  or  under  a  bell 
glass,  and  are  always  interesting  from  their  sin- 
gular insect  catching  peculiarity. 

Dioscorea.  Yam.  After  Pedacius  Dioscorides,  a 
Greek  physician.  Linn.  Dicetia-Hexayynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Dioscorini'iii'. 

A  genus  of  tuberous-rooted  plants  that  are 
extensively  grown  in  Africa  and  the  East  and 
AVest  Indies  for  food.  The  roots  grow  to  a  great 
size,  are  mealy,  and  considered  to  be  easy  of  di- 
gestion. They  are  roasted  and  eaten  instead  of 
bread.  The  introduction  of  the  Dloxcoriii  huln- 
tas  into  this  country  as  an  article  of  food  some 
years  ago  created  qtiite  a  sensation  ;  although 


DIP 

we  did  not  get  a  very  valuable  esculent,  we  got 
a  beautiful  hardy  climber,  with  clean,  glossy 
foliage  and  sweet-scented  flowers,  that  are  -pro- 
duced in  spikes  at  the  base  of  the  leaves.  This 
species  was  introduced  from  the  West  Indies  in 
1733.  D.  vUlosa,  Wild  Yam,  is  quite  common 
in  the  thickets  of  New  England  and  to  the 
South  and  West. 

Diosma.  From  dios,  divine,  and  osme,  odor  ; 
referring  to  the  powerful  perfume  which  char- 
acterizes the  species.  Linn.  Ptntandria~Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rutacece. 

There  is  quite  a  large  number  of  the  species, 
all  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  First  intro- 
duced in  1731. 

Diospyros.  Date  Plum,  Persimmon.  From  dios, 
divine,  and  pyros,  pear;  literally  celestial  food. 
Linn.  Polygamia-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ebenacea;. 

D.  Virtjiniana  is  the  Persimmon  of  our  woods, 
common  from  New  York  southward.  Ebony 
wood  is  obtained  from  several  species  of  this 
genus.  The  best  and  most  costly  kind,  with 
the  blackest  and  finest  grain,  is  that  imported 
from  the  Mauritius,  which  is  yielded  by  D.  reti- 
cidata.  It  is  only  the  heart  of  the  tree  that 
yields  the  black  ebony;  the  outer  portion,  or 
sapwood,  being  white  and  soft.  The  Japanese 
Persimmon  is  the  best  fruit  in  Japan.  Their 
horticulturists  have,  by  selection  and  cross- 
fertilization,  developed  this  fruit  until  it  occu- 
pies the  same  position  with  them  that  the 
Apple  does  with  us.  It  is  described  as  one  of 
the  finest  fruits  in  the  world,  and  ranges  in 
weight  from  eight  to  twenty  ounces.  Prof.  Asa 
Gray  says:  "  He  who  has  not  tasted  Kaki  (the 
Japanese  Persimmon)  has  no  conception  of  the 
capabilities  of  the  Diospyros  genus. "  The  trees 
are  ornamental,  especially  when  in  fruit,  pro- 
lific bearers,  and  free  from  worms  and  insects. 
It  has  proved  about  as  hardy  as  our  native  spe- 
cies. 

Diplacus.  From  dis,  two,  and  plakos,  a  placenta; 
alluding  to  the  splitting  of  the  capsule,  to  each 
valve  of  which  is  attached  a  large  placenta,  and 
under  its  edges  are  found  the  slender  subulate 
seeds.  Linn.  LUdynamia-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord 
Scrophutariacece. 

This  genus,  consisting  of  three  or  four  spe- 
cies, is  closely  allied  to  Mimulus,  the  principal 
difference  being  in  its  shrubby  habit  and  the 
seed  capsule.  D.  ylutinosuft,  a  native  of  Califor- 
nia, was  long  cultivated  under  the  name  of 
Mimulus  glulinosus.  It  is  an  erect,  branching 
plant,  becoming  more  or  less  branching  at  the 
base.  The  flowers  are  rather  large,  solitary  in 
the  upper  axils,  and  vary  from  a  pale  yellow  to 
a  rich  orange  or  scarlet.  All  the  varieties  are 
desirable  plants  for  the  green-house  or  shady 
border.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Dipladenia.  From  diploos,  double,  and  aden,  a 
inland;  referring  to  the  presence  of  two  gland- 
like  processes  on  the  ovary.  Linn.  Pentundria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apocyniicm  . 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  climbing  green 
and  hot-house  shrubs  from  Central  America  and 
Brazil.  The  flowers  are  red,  purple,  rose,  yellow, 
etc.,  and  are  produced  in  terminal  clusters  in 
great  abundance,  and  some  few  kinds  flower  when 
quite  small.  Most  of  them  require  to  be  grown 
in  rather  a  high  temperature.  Propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1841. 

Diplazium.  From  diplazo,  to  double;  referring 
to  the  double  covering  of  the  spore  cases  or  seed 
vessels.  Linn.  Cryptoyamia-FHices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacea: 


72 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


DIP 

An  extensive  genus  of  handsome  evergreen 
Ferns,  closely  allied  to  Asplenium,  and  requir- 
ing the  same  general  treatment.     The  species   j 
are    pretty  generally  distributed    from   North    ' 
America  to  Brazil. 

Dipsacus.     Teasle.     From  dipsao,  to  thirst;  re- 
ferring to  the  cavity  formed  by  the  leaves  clasp-   j 
ing  the  stem  holding  water.     Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monngifnia.     Nat.  Ord.  Dipsacacece. 

Hardy  biennials,  of  but  little  beauty  or  use,    ! 
except  D.fultonum,  the  Fuller's  Teasle,  which  is   | 
a  leading  farm  crop  in  the  town  of  Skaneateles,    i 
N.  Y.,  the  conditions  there  being  so  favorable  for   j 
its  growth  that  it  produces  nearly  all  that  are   j 
used  in  the  United  States.     The  flower  heads,    | 
when  dried,   are  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
woolen  cloths,  and  are  an  article  of  considerable 
importance.     Natives  of  Great  Britain. 
Dipterix.    Tonquin  Bean.    From  dis,  double,  and 
pterix,  a  wing,  referring  to  the  two  upper  seg-   : 
ments  of  the  calyx.    Linn.  Diadelphia-Tetragynia.    j 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacea>. 

D.  odorata,  the  only  species,  is  an  ornamental 
evergreen  tree,  a  native  of  Cayenne.  It  produces 
the  Tonquin  or  Tonga  Bean  of  commerce,  so 
much  used  by  perfumers,  and  in  the  adulter- 
ation of  the  extract  of  Vanilla. 

Dirca.  Leather-wood,  Moose- wood.  From  eftrfce,  j 
afountaim;  the  plant  growing  in  moist  places.  ! 
Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Thyme-  \ 
lacece. 

D.  paliistris,  the  only  species,  is  a  much- 
branched  shrub  growing  about  six  feet  high. 
The  flowers  are  small  and  yellow,  and  produced 
in  clusters.  They  are  followed  by  small  red- 
dish, poisonous  fruit.  The  fibrous  bark  of  this 
shrub  is  remarkably  tough,  and  was  used  by  the 
Indians  for  thongs,  whence  the  popular  names. 
It  is  common  in  moist  ground  from  Pennsylva- 
nia and  Kentucky  northward.  In  some  of  the 
New  England  States  it  is  called  Wicopy. 
Disa.  Meaning  unknown,  but  supposed  to  be  its 
native  name.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  j 
Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

An  extensive   genus    of   terrestrial    Orchids   ' 
confined  to  South  Africa  and  Abyssinia.    There   | 
is  a  wide  variation  in  the  habit  of  the  various 
species.      D.   grandiflora  is  perhaps  the  most   I 
beautiful  of  all  terrestrial  Orchids.     It  is  spoken   j 
of  as  the   pride  of  Table   Mountain,  where  it   \ 
grows  in  great   profusion   on  the   borders  of 
streams  and  water  pools,  which  are  dry  in  sum- 
mer, producing  its  gorgeous  flowers  in  February 
and  March.   The  flowers  are  large,  the  sepals  of  a 
deep  scarlet  crimson;  petals  tipped  with  white 
and  green,  pale  yellow  inside.    The  species  have 
been  considered  the  most  difficult  to  manage  of 
any  in  cultivation.     Mr.  Rand  differs  with  most 
growers  upon  this  point,  having  been  quite  suc- 
cessful in  flowering  them,  with  the  following 
treatment:     "The  soil  for  this  plant  should  be 
rich  fibrous  peat  and  loam.    It  should  have  but 
little  heat,  and  never  be  allowed  to  dry  off.    The 
great  trouble  in  its  culture  appears  to  be  want 
of   water.     If  there  is    good    drainage  it    can   j 
scarcely  have  top  much.    It  does  not  need  much 
heat,  and  should  be  grown  with  a  good  circula- 
tion of  air,  and  not  full  sun."    Propagated  by 
division.     Introduced  in  1805. 
Dischidia.     From  dis,  twice,  and  schko,  to  split; 
referring  to  an  obscure  process  in  the  construc- 
tion of   the  flower.     Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia. 
Nat.    Ord.    Asdepiadacea'.      Nearly  related  to 
Stephanotis  and  Hoya. 
A   small  genus    of  ornamental    green-hoiise 


DOD 

evergreen  trailers.  Flowers  are  white,  borne  at 
the  axils  of  the  leaves.  A  plant  of  but  little 
merit. 

Disemma.  From  di,s,  double,  and  stemma,  a 
crown ;  referring  to  the  double  coronet  or  rays. 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Passiflo- 


This  genus  is  closely  allied  to  Passiflora,  re- 
quires the  same  general  treatment,  and  is  prop- 
agated in  the  same  manner.  Some  of  the 
species  are  very  beautiful,  and  worthy  of  culti- 
vation. They  are  natives  of  New  Holland. 
Introduced  in  1792. 

Disocactus.  Dish-rag  Plant.  See  Luffa.  From 
di-s,  twice,  ii*)s,  equal,  and  cados ;  the  divisions 
of  the  petals  and  sepals  equal,  and  twice  two, 
and  the  habit  of  a  Cactus.  Linn.  Icosandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cadacem. 

There  is  but  one  known  species  of  this  genus, 
which  is  a  weak  trailing  shrub  or  bush,  a  con- 
necting link  between  two  sections  of  the  order, 
the  Epiphyllum  and  Rhipsalis.  The  flowers  are 
produced  singly  from  one  of  the  notches  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  young  branches,  and  are  char- 
acterized by  having  only  four  sepals  and  four 
petals.  They  are  of  a  deep  pink  color,  about 
two  inches  long,  produced  in  succession,  last  a 
long  time,  and  are  succeeded  by  beautiful  little 
shiny,  deep  crimson  berries.  The  plant  should 
be  grown  in  soil  composed  of  equal  parts  of 
sharp  sand,  leaf  mould,  and  turfy  loam.  In  a 
growing  state  it  should  have  a  moist  atmos- 
phere, but  in  winter  it  should  be  kept  dry,  with 
plenty  of  light.  It  may  be  increased  by  cuttings 
or  seeds.  It  is  a  native  of  Honduras,  and  was 
introduced  in  1839. 

Disperis.  From  dLs,  double,  and  pera,  a  pouch  ; 
in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  outer  segments  of 
the  perianth.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidarec'. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  bearing  scarlet  or  purple 
flowers.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  in  prop- 
agation and  culture  as  Disa. 

Disporum.  From  di.s,  double,  and  poros,  a  pore  ; 
application  not  stated.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
yynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Mdanthaceo>. 

A  genus  of  half-hardy  herbaceous  plants,  al- 
lied to  Uvularia.  The  flowers  are  small,  but 
rather  pretty,  of  brown  or  yellow  colors.  They 
succeed  well  in  a  warm  border,  if  slightly  pro- 
tected in  winter.  Natives  of  China  and  Nepal. 
Introduced  in  1801.  Propagated  by  division  of 
roots. 

Ditch  Stone  Crop.  The  common  name  of  Pen- 
thoruin  sedoules. 

Dittany.     See  Cimiln. 

Dock.     See  Rttmex. 

Dodder.     See  C>wntn. 

Dod.ecath.eon.  American  Cowslip.  From  dodeka, 
twelve,  and  theos,  a  divinity  ;  twelve  gods  or  di- 
vinities of  the  Romans  ;  a  name  absurdly  ap- 
plied to  a  plant,  native  of  a  world  the  Eomans 
did  not  know,  and  resembling  in  no  particular 
any  plant  of  their  writers.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Primutacece. 

This  is  a  genus  of  native  herbaceous  peren- 
nials that  deserve  extensive  cultivation.  They 
are  common  in  rich  woods  in  Pennsylvania  and 
westward  to  Wisconsin.  In  the  West  the  com- 
mon name  is  Shooting  Star.  They  are  exceed- 
ingly handsome  in  cultivation,  thriving  well  in 
a  shady  border.  The  flower-stems  are  one  foot 
or  more  high,  bearing  a  considerable  number  of 
elegant  drooping  flowers  of  rosy  purple,  light 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


DOG 

purple,  or  white  colors,  and  of  an  interesting 
shape,  somewhat  resembling  the  Cyclamen,  to 
which  plant  it  is  allied.     They  are  propagated 
by  seeds  or  division  of  the  roots. 
Dog's  Tail  Grass.     One  of  the  popular  names  of 

the  E'eusine  Indica. 

Dog's  Tooth  Violet.     See  Erythronium. 
Dogwood.     See  Cornus. 

Dolichos.  From  dolichos,  long  ;  referring  to  the 
long,  twining  shoots.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Tetra- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

Climbing  annual  and  perennial  plants  from 
the  East  and  West  Indies,  generally  with  purple 
or  white  flowers.  The  pods  and  seeds  are  eat- 
able, and,  in  some  cases,  also  the  roots.  D,  Lab- 
lab,  the  Egyptian  Bean,  is  a  beautiful  species 
with  two  varieties,  one  with  dark  purple  flow- 
ers, the  other  white.  They  grow  in  any  situa- 
tion, where  an  ornamental  climber  is  required, 
and  may  be  treated  as  hardy  annuals.  This  spe- 
cies was  introduced  from  Egypt  in  1818. 
Dondia.  A  synonym  of  Hacsjuetia,  which  see. 
Doodia.  Named  after  Samuel  Doody,  a  London 
apothecary  and  cryptogamic  botanist.  Linn. 
Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  PolypodiacetK. 

A  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  Ferns, 
with  the  exception  of  D.  Virginica,  which  will 
grow  in  any  moist  situation,  with  partial  shade, 
being  perfectly  hardy.     The  species  are  small, 
stiff,  and  rough-leaved,  without  great  beauty. 
The  tender  species  are  from  Australia.     Propa- 
gated by  division  when  at  rest. 
Doora.     See  Sorghum  vulgare. 
Dorema.     From  dorema,  a  gift  or  benefit.     Linn. 
Pentandria-Digynia.      Nat.  Ord.  Apiacecu. 

A  hardy  herbaceous  plant,  growing  on  the 
plains  in  the  province  of  Irak,  Persia.  It  fur- 
nishes the  drug  known  as  Ammoniacum.  The 
plant  abounds  in  a  milky  juice,  which  exudes 
upon  the  slightest  puncture  being  made,  and 
dries  upon  the  stem  in  little  rounded  lumps,  or 
tears,  as  they  are  called.  Propagated  by  seeds. 
Doronicum.  Leopard's  Bane.  Altered  from 
Deronogi,  its  Arabic  name.  Linn.  Synyenesia-Su- 
peifiua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  genus  of  showy  herbaceous  perennials,  with 
large,  dark  yellow  flowers,  that  are  produced 
with  the  least  possible  care  in  early  spring. 
They  make  very  effective  border  plants.  They 
are  natives  of  Northern  Europe.  Propagated  by 
division  of  roots.  Siberia  furnishes  one  species, 
D.  altaicum,  that  has  pure  white  flowers,  and  is 
an  ornamental  plant  that  deserves  a  situation  in 
the  border.  Introduced  in  1783. 
Doryanthes.  From  dory,  a  spear,  and  anthe,  a 
flower  ;  the  flower-stem  shoots  up  from  twelve 
to  twenty  feet  high,  like  the  handle  of  a  spear, 
bearing  flowers  on  the  top.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 

D.  excelsa,  introduced  in  1800,  is  a  magnificent 
Australian  plant,  and  is  what  is  termed  an  im- 
perfect bulb.  The  flower-stalk  has  been  known 
to  grow  as  high  as  thirty  feet,  crowned  with  a 
head  of  bright  scarlet  flowers,  that  emerge  from 
crimson  bracts.  It  does  well  in  a  green-house 
temperature.  D.  Palmeri,  recently  introduced 
from  Queensland,  is  described  as  being  a  more 
beautiful  plant  than  the  preceding.  The  flow- 
ers form  a  pyramidal  spike  twelve  to  eighteen 
inches  high,  and  ten  to  twelve  inches  broad,  the 
flowers  being  red,  with  a  center  almost  white. 
Propagated  by  suckers. 

Doryopteris.  From  dory,  a  spear,  and  pter'is,  a 
fern;  spear-leaved  Fern,  Linn.  Oryptogan/ia-l-1- 
iices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodi«ceu\ 


DRA 

A  genus  of  tropical  herbaceous  Ferns,  allied 
to  Pteris.  Some  of  the  species  were  introduced 
under  the  latter  genus.  They  are  common  in 
South  America  and  the  East  and  West  Indies. 
Propagated  by  spores. 

Douglasia.  Named  by  Dr.  Lindley  in  compli- 
ment to  David  Douglas,  whose  zeal  in  collecting 
seeds  and  plants,  and  whose  untimely  end  have 
richly  earned  for  him  a  niche  in  the  long  gal- 
lery of  departed  martyrs  to  science.  "Mr. 
Doughy?  was  born  in  Scone,  Scotland,  in  1798, 
and  killed  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  July  12th, 
1834.  Having  been  employed  as  a  laborer  in  the 
Glasgow  Botanic  Garden,  his  intelligence  at- 
tracted the  notice  of  Sir  William  Hooker,  who 
procured  for  him  an  appointment  as  botanical 
collector  to  the  Horticultural  Society  of  London. 
In  this  capacity  he  traveled  extensively  in  Amer- 
ica. In  1824  he  explored  the  Columbia  River 
and  California,  and  in  1827  traversed  the  conti- 
nent from  Fort  Vancouver  to  Hudson's  Bay, 
where  he  met  Sir  John  Franklin,  and  returned 
with  him  to  England.  He  made  a  second  visit 
to  the  Columbia  in  1829,  and  afterward  went  to 
the  Sandwich  Islands.  His  death  was  caused 
by  falling  into  a  pit  made  to  entrap  wild  cattle, 
where  he  wag  killed  and  mutilated  by  an  animal 
previously  entrapped.  Through  his  agency  217 
new  species  of  plants  were  introduced  into  Eng- 
land. He  collected  800  specimens  of  the  Cali- 
fornia Flora.  A  gigantic  species  of  Pine  which 
he  discovered  in  California  is  named  after  him, 
Pinus  Douglasi."  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Primulacece. 

This  is  a  very  pretty  hardy  herbaceous  plant, 
with  forked  and  closely-tufted  stems,  which  are 
covered  with  numerous  short,  stiff  hairs.  The 
plant  is  evergreen,  and,  like  many  others  from 
high  latitudes,  will  not  bear  sudden  changes ; 
consequently  it  needs  protection  in  winter. 
The  flowers  are  small,  of  beautiful  purple,  borne 
in  small  tufts.  Propagated  by  seed.  Introduced 
in  1827. 

Dove-Flower.     See  Peristeria. 

Draba.  From  drabc,  acrid  ;  referring  to  one  of 
the  universal  characters  of  its  natural  order. 
Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  rock  or  Alpine  plants,  con- 
sisting of  annuals,  biennials,  and  herbaceous 
perennials.  They  are  very  low  plants,  admira- 
bly adapted  for  rock-work,  as  they  are  generally 
found  in  a  wild  state  in  the  fissures  and  crevices 
of  rocks  and  mountains.  They  have  white  or 
yellow  flowers,  and  should  be  grown  with  good 
drainage  and  a  sunny  exposure.  Propagated 
by  root  division,  or  by  seeds.  First  introduced 
in  1731. 

Dracaena.  From  draJcaina,  a  female  dragon  ;  the 
thickened  juice  becomes  a  powder,  like  the 
dragon's-blood.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LUiacece. 

Dracaenas  rank  among  the  most  beautiful  and 
useful  of  the  ornamental-foliaged  and  fine- 
leaved  plants.  In  a  large  or  small  state  they  are 
alike  elegant  and  attractive.  They  are  deserved- 
ly popular  for  the  green-house  or  the  sub-tropi- 
cal garden,  and  for  lawn  decoration,  large  plants 
of  many  of  the  species  have  no  equal.  The  spe- 
cies include  the  celebrated  Dragon  Tree  (D. 
Draco)  at  Orotavia,  in  the  island  of  Teneriffe, 
that  was  first  noticed  by  Humboldt,  who  esti- 
mated its  age  at  6,000  years.  This  tree  was  sev- 
enty feet  in  height  and  seventy-nine  feet  in  cir- 
cumference at  the  base.  D.  termiiuilis,  a  native  of 
both  the  East  and  West  Indies,  is  the  best  known 


71 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DRA 

of  the  species,  and  is  extensively  grown  for  bas- 
kets, window  gardens,  or  the  conservatory,  the 
yivid  coloring  of  its  leaves  rendering  it  at  all 
times  attractive.  For  the  hot-house,  many  other 
of  the  species  are  considered  more  desirable  and 
interesting  because  of  their  varied  and  rich  tints 
of  color,  and  their  gracefully  recurved  foliage. 
Nearly  all  the  species  are  admirably  adapted  for 
decorative  purposes.  For  the  sub-tropical  gar- 
den or forthe  lawn,  D.  indivisa  ( Cordyline  indivisa, ) 
is  the  best,  being  of  graceful  habit,  rapid  growth, 
and  not  affected  by  sunshine,  storm,  or  drought. 
This  species  is  a  native  of  New  Zealand,  and  is 
readily  increased  from  seed.  The  other  species 
are  propagated  by  placing  the  stems  on  the  prop- 
agating bench  in  sand,  with  a  bottom  heat  of  75°, 
and  covering  them  with  sphagnum  about  one 
inch  in  depth,  which  should  be  kept  at  all  times 
moist;  in  a  short  time  an  eye  will  break  forth  from 
nearly  every  joint.  The  most  forward  of  these 
may  be  removed  from  the  stein  from  time  to 
time,  which  will  soon  strike  root  in  sand  with 
bottom  heat.  The  old  stem  should  not  be  re- 
moved until  its  reproductive  powers  are  exhaust- 
ed. The  species  are  pretty  generally  distributed 
throughout  all  tropical  and  sub-tropical  coun- 
tries, and  were  first  brought  to  notice  about  1820. 

Dracocephalum.  Dragon  Head.  From  drak-on, 
a  dragon,  and  keptiale,  a  head;  referring  to  the 
gaping  flower.  Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaeece. 

This  genus  consists  of  both  hardy  annuals  and 
perennials,  several  of  which  are  well  known  as 
garden  flowers,  among  which  may  be  found  D. 
MoUIavicum,  the  Moldavian  Balm,  a  hardy  annual 
with  blue  flowers.  Several  hardy  species,  per- 
ennials, natives  of  Siberia,  have  beautiful  large 
blue  flowers.  One  very  pretty  species,  D.  par- 
vMorum,  is  sparingly  met  in  the  Northern  and 
Western  States.  All  are  propagated  by  seed  or 
root  division.  Introduced  in  1731. 

Dragon.  Arum.     See  Arisa*ma. 

Dragon  Head.     See  Dracocephalum. 

Dragon  Root.     Ariswma  Dracontium. 

Drimia.  From  drimys,  acrid;  referring  to  the 
juice  of  the  bulbs.  Linn.  Jlfxandria-Monogunia. 
Nat.  Ord.  LiHacev. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  bulbs  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers  are  white,  pur- 
ple, red,  green,  and  variegated,  and  resemble 
the  Ixias,  though  not  as  showy.  The  juice  of 
the  bulb  is  very  acrid,  causing  blisters  when  ap- 
plied to  the  skin.  Propagated  by  offsets.  In- 
troduced in  1800. 

Drooping  Sorghum.     See  Sorghum  cernuum. 

Drop-seed  Grass.  The  common  name  of  the  ge- 
nus tporobolus,  applied  because  the  seeds  are 
loose,  and  easily  scattered.  The  several  species 
are  common  in  dry  barrens. 

Dropwort.     See  SpircKa. 

Drosera.  Sun-dew.  From  droseros,  dewy.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Penlagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Droseracew. 
American,  British,  and  Australian  plants,  with 
hairy  leaves  and  curious  flowers,  which  require  to 
be  grown  in  moss,  mixed  with  leaf  mould,  kept 
moist, and  during  the  heat  of  the  day  covered  with 
a  bell  glass.  The  hairs  on  the  leaves  support  drops 
of  water  in  the  hottest  weather,  and  being  very 
irritable,  close  on  any  insect  that  may  chance  to 
touch  them,  like  those  of  Dioncea  muscipula, 
Venus's  Fly-trap,  the  leaf  bending  over  the  in- 
sect, and  holding  it  imprisoned.  The  Italian 
liqueur  called  Rossoglia  is  said  to  take  its  name 
from  one  of  the  species  being  used  in  its  compo- 
sition. This  is  one  of  the  plants  experimented 


DRY 

with  by  Mr.  Darwin,  from  which  he  was  led  to 
believe  that  some  plants  feed  on  insects. 

Dryas.  From  Druudes,  the  goddesses  of  the 
woods,  to  whom  the  oak  was  sacred.  The  leaves 
of  D.  octopetala,  a  Scotch  plant,  on  which  the 
genus  was  founded  by  Linnasus,  resembles  small 
oak  leaves  ;  and  he,  in  playful  mood,  made  Dryas 
the  badge  of  Virgil's  Dryades,  after  the  manner 
of  the  Scottish  clans.  Linn.  Icosandrln-Poly- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacea;. 

A  delicate  genus  of  dwarf,  modorately-spread- 
ing  plants,  with  neat  evergreen  leaves,  and 
strawberry-lito  flowers.  All  have  white  flowers 
except  D.  Drummondii,  which  are  of  a  sulphur 
yellow.  They  are  all  of  easy  culture,  but  require 
a  moist,  shaded  situation.  They  are  natives  of 
Great  Britain  and  the  United  States.  Propa- 
gated by  division  and  seeds. 

Drynaria.  From  dry*,  a  tree ;  dwelling  among 
trees.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  Ferns  from 
India  and  the  Pacific  Islands. 

Drypis.  From  drypto,  to  lacerate  ;  leaves  armed 
with  spines.  Linn.  Pentandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Caryophyttaceaj. 

D.  spinosa  is  a  beautiful  little  trailing  plant, 
well  adapted  for  growing  upon  rock-work ;  itn 
pretty  blue  flowers  being  produced  so  as  to 
completely  cover  the  ground.  It  is  increased  by 
cuttings.  This  plant  is  a  native  of  Italy,  and 
was  introduced  in  1795. 

Durra.     See  Sorghum  vulgare. 

Dutchman's  Breeches.     Dicentra  cucullaria. 

Dutchman's  Pipe.     See  Aristolochia  sipho. 

Duvaua.  In  honor  of  M.  Duvau,  a  French  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Moncecia-Octandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Ann- 
cardiacecK. 

Singular  half-hardy  shrubs  from  Chili.  The 
leaves  of  the  plants  of  this  genus,  if  thrown  upon 
water,  will  start  and  jump  about  in  a  very  ex- 
traordinary manner.  They  have  a  strong  smell 
of  turpentine.  The  flowers  are  white,  produced 
in  small  spikes,  and  are  succeeded  by  dark  pur- 
ple berries.  They  require  green-house  treatment. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1830. 

Dwarf  Dandelion.  Krigia  Virginica,  a  small, 
hardy  annual,  with  yellow  flowers  resembling  a 
small  Dandelion,  common  in  New  England  and 
Southward. 

Dyckia.  Named  in  honor  of  Prince  Salm-Dyck, 
a  German  author  of  a  splendid  work  on  succu- 
lents. Linn.  Hexandria-Triyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bro- 
meliacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  plants,  resem- 
bling the  Pineapple  in  miniature,  or  a  small 
Pitcairnia.  D.  rariftora  is  a  very  showy  plant 
with  orange-colored  flowers.  One  or  two  other 
species  of  the  same  general  character  have  been 
introduced  into  the  green-house.  Propagated  by 
division  or  from  seeds. 

Dyer's  Green- Weed.    See  Genista  tindoria. 

Dyer's  Rocket,  or  Dyer's  Weed.  A  popular 
name  of  Reseda,  latiola,  allied  to  Mignonette. 

Drymonia.  From  drumonia,  woodland;  their  habi- 
tation. Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Gesneracew. 

A  small  genus  of  South  American  shrubs,  of 
climbing  habit,  found  in  moist  or  marshy  situ- 
ations. Flowers  large,  not  unlike  the  Gesnera. 
A  few  species  have  been  introduced  into  the 
green-house,  and  are  quite  ornamental.  They 
should  be  grown  in  baskets  filled  with  turf  and 
pieces  of  wood,  and  need  a  moist,  warm  house. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1806. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


E. 


EAR 


Earina.   From  earinos,  the  spring  ;  the  time  of 
their  flowering.    Linn.  Gynandria-Monoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidnceiv. 

A  genus  of  very  rare  Orchids.      The  stems  are 
terminated   by  dense  oblong    spikes  of  white 
flowers,  which  are  delightfully  fragrant.     They 
were  introduced  from  New  Zealand  in  1843. 
Ebony.    See  Diospyros. 

Eccremocarpus.  From  el, -Ar^/ies,  pendant,  and 
L-ti rpos,  fruit;  position  of  seed-pods.  Linn.  Didy- 
ii.'iiii'iif-Anyiospfrmia.  Nat.  Ord.  Blgnon'm <•>•»'. 

A  half-hardy  climber,  of  exceedingly  vigor- 
ous growth,  producing  a  great  profusion  of 
orange-scarlet  flowers,  and  ripening  an  abun- 
dance of  seed.  If  cut  down  to  the  root  in  au- 
tumn, and  covered  with  dead  leaves,  straw,  or 
anything  to  preserve  it  from  the  frost  during 
winter,  it  will  shoot  up  again  the  following 
spring.  It  may  be  propagated  by  cuttings,  but 
it  ripens  seed  so  freely  that  it  is  most  easily 
raised  from  them.  They  should  be  sown  in 
autumn,  as  soon  as  they  are  ripe,  on  a  slight 
hot-bed ;  and  the  plants,  which  should  be  kept 
in  a  frame  or  green-house,  should  be  shifted 
two  or  three  times  till  they  are  ready  for  plant- 
ing out  in  April  or  May.  The  species  are  natives 
of  Peru.  Introduced  in  1824. 
Echeandia.  Named  after  Gfrey.  Echeandia,  botani- 
cal professor  at  Saragossa.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  exceedingly  rare  tender 
herbaceous  perennials,  discovered  near  the  Real 
del  Monte  Ninas,  Mexico,  by  Mr.  John  Rule, 
and  sent  by  him  to  England  in  1837.  It  is  allied 
to  the  Anthericum,  which  in  habit  of  growth  it 
resembles.  The  flower  spike  grows  nearly  three 
feet  high,  branching,  and  during  July  and  Au- 
gust it  produces  daily  several  flowers,  Asphodel- 
shaped,  of  a  bright  orange-yellow  color.  It  is 
increased  ironi  seeds. 

Echeveria.  In  honor  of  M.  Echeveri,  author  of 
the  splendid  drawings  of  the  Flora  Mexicani. 
Linn.  Decandria-Tetrayynia.  Nat.  Ord.  O«.s.-«- 
lacffn. 

The  Echeverias  are  succulent  plants,  all  more 
or  less  ornamental,  particularly  so  when  in 
flower.  Some  are  dwarf  and  herb-like  in  their 
manner  of  growth,  and  others  more  or  less 
shrubby  in  their  habit.  They  are  all  free-grow- 
ing plants,  suitable  for  rockeries,  edgings,  or 
massing;  where  "carpet  bedding"  is  done  the 
fr-l,e>:erias  are  indispensable.  They  require  the 
protection  of  the  green-house  during  winter, 
and,  like  most  other  succulents,  to  be  carefully 
watered;  in  fact,  the  soil  must  never  approach 
a  soddened  condition.  They  must,  however,  be 
freely  supplied  with  water  while  in  a  growing 
condition.  The  Echeverias  are  readily  propa- 
gated by  the  leaves,  especially  those  produced 
along  the  flower-stem,  and  by  seeds.  They  re- 
quire a  very  open  or  porous  soil,  consisting  of 
loam  and  coarse  sand.  They  are  chiefly  natives 
of  Mexico.  Some  of  the  more  popular  kinds  are 
of  recent  introduction. 

Echinacea.  Purple  Cone-Flower.  From  «7,/'/io.v, 
a  hedge-hog;  referring  to  the  involucre,  or  scaly 
covering  of  the  flowers.  Linn,  tiynynn •*i<i-Snl>,  ,•- 
fiua.  Nat.  Ord.  As1i-r<t<->-"\ 

A  small  genus  of  coarse-growing,  hardy  her- 


EDW 


baceous  perennials,  bearing  large  purple  or  red- 
dish flowers,  with  a  dark  center.  They  are  com- 
mon South  and  West. 

Echinocactus.  From  vchiiio*,  hedge-hog,  andcar- 
ttts  ;  &  name  given  by  Theophrastus  to  a  spiny 
plant.  Linn.  Icotsandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Cactaoea'. 

This  genus  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
order;  the  grotesque  appearance  of  the  plants, 
crowned  as  they  are  at  times  with  their  large 
flowers,  render  them  objects  of  much  attention 
among  the  admirers  of  this  class  of  vegetable 
forms.  The  soil  we  prefer  for  their  culture  is  a 
mixture  of  rich  loam,  thoroughly  decomposed 
manure,  and  sand,  in  equal  quantities.  This 
must  be  well  drained  by  mixing  small  lumps  of 
charcoal  and  potsherds  with  the  earth,  and  by 
placing  a  layer  of  the  same  material  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  pots.  Through  the  winter  the  plants 
should  be  kept  in  a  reduced  temperature,  such 
as  that  of  a  green-house,  and  have  little  or  no 
water,  but  in  summer  they  grow  and  flower 
more  freely  if  allowed  a  stove  temperature  and 
a  liberal  supply  of  moisture.  Bright  sunlight 
is  essential  to  their  vigor  at  all  seasons,  but 
most  particularly  so  in  autumn  and  winter. 
The  genus  comprises  many  species;  more  than 
"half  of  them  natives  of  Mexico,  the  rest  being 
distributed  throughout  South  America.  They 
are  propagated  by  offsets,  which  should  be  dried 
a  few  days  after  being  taken  off  the  plant.  First 
introduced  in  1796. 

Echinops.  Globe  Thistle.  From  echinos,  a  hedge- 
hog, and  opsis,  like;  referring  to  the  spiny  scales 
of  the  involucre,  or  covering  of  composite  flow- 
ers. Linn.  Syngenesia-Seyreyata.  Nat.  Ord.  Aster- 
acecK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annual,  biennial,  and  per- 
ennial plants,  generally  with  blue  flowers,  ar- 
ranged in  dense  round  clusters  at  the  ends  of 
the  branches,  so  that  each  cluster  of  flower-heads 
has  the  appearance  of  a  single  head,  containing 
many  florets.  They  are  all  of  easy  culture,  and 
will  grow  in  almost  any  situation.  For  moder- 
ate-sized gardens,  they  are  too  rank  growing 
and  coarse  to  be  useful.  Natives  of  Southern 
Europe.  Propagated  by  seeds  and  division. 

Echites.  From  eckis,  a  viper;  referring  to  the 
snake-like  coils  of  the  twining  shoots.  Linn. 
Pen'andria-M^noyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

A  genus  of  magnificent  green-house  climbing 
plants,  with  yellow,  white,  red,  and  crimson 
flowers  and  richly-veined  leaves.  Thev  closely 
resemble  Diplndenia,  which  may  be  referred  to 
for  culture.  It  is  an  extensive  genus,  pretty  gen- 
erally distributed  throughout  South  America 
and  the  East  Indies. 

Echium.  Viper's  Bugloss.  From  echis,  a  viper: 
seeds  like  the  viper's  head.  Linn.  Pentunaria- 
Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Boranyinaceo: 

Perennial,  biennial,  and  annual  plants,  gene- 
rally with  rich  dark-blue  flowers;  though  some 
of  the  kinds  that  are  natives  of  the  Cap  of  Good 
Hope  and  the  Canaries  have  red,  white,  or  vio- 
let flowers.  They  are  easily  propagated  by  seedfl 
or  division  of  the  root.  First  introduced  in  1683. 

Edwardsia.  In  honor  of  Sydenliam  Edwards, 
a  celebrated  English  botanical  draughtsman. 
Linn.  Decttndria-Monoyyttiu.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacea;. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EEL 

Half-hardy  low  trees  and  shrubs,  with  pinnate 
leaves  and  very  curiously-shaped  seed  pods  and 
flowers,  (which  are  of  a  dark  golden  yellow.) 
They  are  ornaments  to  the  lawn,  but  must  be 
protected  in  winter.  The  species  are  all  na- 
tives of  New  Zealand.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Introduced  in  1772. 

Eel-Grass.     See  I'allisneria. 

Egg-Plant.  The  Egg-Plant  of  our  gardens  is 
Stfanum  melongena,  a  native  of  North  Africa.  It 
was  first  introduced  into  England  in  1596,  but 
for  a  long  time  was  little  known  or  used,  owing 
much  to  the  climate  being  unsuited  to  the  per- 
fect development  of  the  fruit.  In  India  and 
other  hot  countries  it  is  a  favorite  article  of  food, 
and  for  many  years  it  has  steadily  grown  in  fa- 
vor in  this  country.  In  India  it  is  served  up 
with  sugar  and  wine,  and  in  Italy  and  France  it 
is  used  in  stews  and  soups.  Of  this  species 
there  are  several  varieties,  the  favorite  being  the 
•'  Improved  New  York  Purple,"  which  is  a  strong 
grower,  the  plants  yielding  from  five  to  eight 
fruits,  some  of  which  are  of  enormous  size;  the 
size,  however,  depends  much  on  the  soil  and 
method  of  culture.  For  perfection  of  growth, 
a  very  rich  soil,  plenty  of  moisture,  and  warm 
weather  are  required,  with  the  addition  of  fre- 
quent hoeings.  Under  such  circumstances, 
fruit  seven  inches  in  diameter  and  eight  to  nine 
inches  long,  and  weighing  five  to  six  pounds,  is 
easily  obtained.  There  are  several  other  species 
occasionally  met  in  our  gardens,  one  having 
bright  scarlet,  another  white  fruit,  each  abox\t 
the  size  of  a  hen's  egg,  which  are  chiefly  grown 
as  curiosities.  The  white  variety  is  edible,  how- 
ever, and  is  perhaps  the  most  delicately  flavored. 
Seeds  should  be  sown  about  March  1st,  in  a 
temperature  at  no  time  lower  than  70  degrees 
F.,  and  from  the  seed  bed  pricked  out  in  shallow 
boxes,  and  from  these,  again,  into  small  flower 
pots,  to  be  planted  out  in  the  open  ground 
when  all  danger  from  frost  is  past,  since  the 
plant .  being  tropical,  is  at  all  times  sensitive  to 
cold. 

Eglantine.     Rosa  rxbiginosa.    Sweet  Brier. 

Egyptian  Lotus.     See  Nymphwa  lotus. 

Ehretia.  In  honor  of  D.  0.  Ehret,  a  celebrated 
German  botanical  draughtsman.  Linn.  Pentan- 
'li'iu-.Wonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ehretacea>. 

A  small  genus- of  very  beautiful  tropical  trees 
and  shrubs,  producing  large  corymbs  of  fra- 
grant, mostly  white  flowers.  None  of  the  species 
is  under  cultivation. 

Elaeis.  The  Oil  Palm.  From  eUiia,  the  olive ; 
similarity  of  expressing  oil  from  the  fruit. 
Linn.  DioKda-Hexagynut.  Nat.  Ord.  PalmacecK. 

This  interesting  genus  of  Palms  consists  of 
but  few  species,  the  minor  ones  being  natives 
of  South  America.  R  (Juineensis,  the  most  im- 
portant species,  abounds  on  the  west  coast  of 
Africa.  It  grows  to  the  greatest  perfection  in 
shady  places,  where  the  trees  attain  u  height  of 
twenty  feet.  The  immense  groves  interspersed 
with  the  larger  vegetation  of  that  country,  gives 
the  landscape  an  indescribable  beauty.  The 
fruits  of  this  species  are  borne  in  immense, 
dense  heads,  measuring  from  one  to  two  feet 
long,  and  from  two  to  three  feet  in  circum- 
ference, the  individual  fruit,  or  nut,  being 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  long  by  an  inch  in 
diameter.  These  fruits  yield  the  Palm  Oil  of 
commerce,  the  collecting  of  which  is  the  princi- 
pal industry  of  the  Negroes  in  many  parts  of 
Africa,  but  more  particularly  on  the  west  coast. 
Theoil  is  obtained  by  bruising  the  fruit,  boiling 


ENC 


in  water,  and  skimming  it  off  as  it  rises  to  the 
surface.  The  Palm  Oil  of  commerce  is  about  the 
consistence  of  butter,  of  a  deep  orange  yellow, 
becoming  lighter  upon  being  exposed  to  the  air, 
and  when  fresh  it  emits  a  sweet  violet  odor.  In 
Africa  this  oil  is  used  as  butter  under  the  name 
of  qhea.  A  soup  is  also  made  of  it,  that  forms 
an  important  article  of  food.  The  vast  produc- 
tiveness of  the  plant  is  evident  from  the  fact, 
that  the  importations  into  Great  Britain  alone, 
in  1860,  amounted  to  more  than  eight  millions 
of  dollars.  The  chief  uses  to  which  this  oil  is 
applied  is  in  the  manufacture  of  candles,  Palm 
Oil  soap,  and  for  lubricating  oil  for  machinery. 

Elder.    See  Sambucus. 

Elecampane.     See  Jnulu. 

Elephant's  Foot.    See  Testudinaria. 

Elseocarpus.  From  elala-,  the  olive,  and  karpus, 
fruit;  resemblance  of  the  fruits.  Linn.  Dodecan- 
dr'M-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

A  genus  of  handsome  trees  belonging  to  the 
Linden  family.  They  are  natives  of  South 
America,  Australia,  and  the  East  Indies.  The 
flowers  are  white  or  green,  quite  showy.  The 
rough  bony  fruit,  or  stone,  has  a  sculptured 
appearance,  and  is  used  for  necklaces  and  other 
articles  of  ornament.  The  fruit  is  surrounded 
by  an  edible  pulp,  and  is  pickled  like  olives. 
The  bark  of  some  of  the  species  affords  an  excel- 
lent dye,  varying  from  light  brown  to  deep 
black;  it  is  highly  valued  for  its  permanency. 

Elseodendron.  Olive  Wood.  From  elaia,  an 
olive,  and  dendron,  a  tree  ,  alluding  to  the  re- 
semblance. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cdastracece. 

A  genus  of  medium-sized  evergreen  trees, 
common  in  Africa,  India,  the  South  of  Europe, 
and  is  also  abundant  in  the  Holy  Land.  The 
trees  grow  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  high,  much 
branched,  with  rough,  scraggy  trunks.  The 
fruit  is  considerably  esteemed.  The  tree  fur- 
nishes the  Olive  Wood,  used  so  much  in  turning, 
and  various  small  works,  such  as  boxes,  charms, 
trinkets,  and  small  cabinet  work.  The  fruit 
yields  an  oil  something  like  that  of  the  true 
Olive,  Olea  Europcva,  though  of  an  inferior 
quality. 

Elichrysum.     See  Hdichrysum. 

Elisena.  An  ancient  name  of  romance.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Mongynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryttidacecK. 
A  small  genus  of  strong-growing  bulbs  from 
Peru.  The  flowers  are  borne  in  a  cluster,  on  a 
scape  nearly  three  feet  high,  pure  white  and 
fragrant,  closely  resembling  Ismene.  They  re- 
quire green-house  treatment.  To  bring  them 
into  flower,  water  should  be  withheld  after  their 
season's  growth,  until  the  flower  spike  appears, 
when  they  should  have  the  warmest  position 
in  the  green-house,  with  plenty  of  air  and 
water.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in 
1837. 

Elettaria.    A  synonym  of  Amomum,  which  see. 

EUobocarpus.  Pod  Fern.  From  en,  in,  lobos,  a 
pod,  and  karpos,  a  seed  vessel ;  alluding  to  the 
appearance  of  the  divided  fronds.  Linn.  Orypto- 
gamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacecv. 

E.  oleraceijis,  the  only  species,  io  a  beautiful 
Fern  from  Tranqueb,  whence  it  was  introduced 
in  1818.    It  should  be  grown  in  the  warm  green- 
Elm.    See  Ulmus. 

Encholirion.  A  genus  of  brotndiacecK,  consisting 
of  a  few  Brazilian  herbaceous  plants,  usually 
referred  to  Vriesia,  which  see. 

Encephalartos.     From  en,  within,   krpbale,  the 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


77 


BMC 

head,  and  artos,  bread;  the  inner  part  of  the  top 
of  the  trunk  being  farinaceous.  Linn.  Dioscia- 
Icvsandrla.  Nat.  Ord.  Cycadaceti-. 

This  is  a  small  genus  separated  from  #///<;</. 
They  require  the  same  treatment,  and  are  in 
all  respects  very  similar  plants.  They  are  na- 
tives principally  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Several  of  the  species  are  valuable  decorative 
plants. 

Enchanter's  Nightshade.     See  Circcea. 

Enkianthus.  From  enkous,  enlarged,  and  an- 
tlios,  a  flower;  the  flowers  are  swollen  in  the  mid- 
dle. Linn.  Decandria-Monoyyma.  Nat.  Ord. 
Ericacece. 

Highly  beautiful  objects,  which,  from  their 
habit  of  blooming  in  winter  and  early  spring, 
are  much  esteemed  for  ornamenting  the  green- 
house and  conservatory.  They  should  have  a 
shaded  situation  out  of  doors  through  the  sum- 
mer. Propagated  by  cuttings,  which  require  to 
be  of  firm  young  wood.  There  are  but  two 
species.  Introduced  from  China  in  1812. 

Entada.  The  Malabar  name.  Linn.  Polygamia- 
Monceda.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  hot-house  climbers, 
consisting  of  five  species,  with  white  or  yellow 
flowers,  produced  either  in  spikes  at  the  bases 
of  the  leaves,  or  in  bunches  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches.  The  most  remarkable  feature  of  the 
genus  is  the  extraordinary  length  of  its  pods, 
which  are  flat  and  woody,  divided  into  numer- 
ous joints,  each  containing  one  large,  flat,  pol- 
ished seed.  In  E.  scandens,  a  native  of  the  tropics 
of  both  hemispheres,  the  pods  often  measure  six 
or  eight  feet  in  length.  The  seeds  are  near- 
ly two  inches  across  by  half  an  inch  thick, 
and  have  a  hard,  woody,  and  beautifully  pol- 
ished shell,  of  a  dark-brown  or  purplish  color. 
In  the  tropics  the  natives  convert  these  seeds 
into  snuff-boxes,  scent-bottles,  and  various  other 
trinkets.  In  this  country  they  are  much  worn 
as  charms  on  watch-guards,  and  are  very  com- 
mon in  their  natural  state  on  the  side-walk 
stands  in  Broadway,  New  York.  They  are  na- 
tives of  the  West  and  East  Indies  and  the  South 
Sea  Islands.  The  seeds  are  often  picked  up  on 
the  coast  of  Florida,  and  even  as  far  as  the 
coast  of  Finland,  having  been  conveyed  there 
by  the  great  oceanic  currents.  They  are  sold 
under  the  name  of  Sea  Beans  and  Florida 
Beans. 

Epacris.  From  epi,  upon,  and  akros,  the  top. 
The  Epacris  grows  upon  the  tops  of  hills  and  on 
rising  grounds.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monoyyniu. 
Nat.  Ord.  Epacridacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  ornamental  shrubs 
from  Australia,  the  species  of  which  are  highly 
valued,  both  for  their  graceful  beauty  and  the 
early  period  at  which  they  produce  their  abun- 
dant flowers.  For  a  proper  method  of  treat- 
ment, we  quote  from  the  Florist's  Journal:  "  The 
method  we  are  about  to  recommend  for  the 
management  of  these  lovely  plants  will  be  found 
to  differ  considerably  from  the  ordinary  course 
of  treatment,  but  as  we  have  found  it  so  de- 
cidedly preferable,  there  can  bo  no  hesitation 
in  advising  its  adoption.  To  begin,  we  select 
young,  healthy  plants,  and  in  February  remove 
them  from  the  small  pots  in  which  they  have 
been  grown  into  others  three  or  four  sizes 
larger,  according  to  the  apparent  strength  of 
the  individual,  using  a  very  sandy  soil;  the 
rougher  and  more  turfy  the  soil  is  the  better  the 
plants  will  thrive.  Particular  attention  should 
be  paid  to  drainage.  The  plants  are  then  cut 


EPI 

back  to  within  four  or  five  joints  of  their  last 
growth  and  are  placed  in  a  gentle  heat,  where 
they  soon '  break '  vigorously.  These  new  growths 
are  stopped  by  pinching  off  their  tops  two  or  three 
times  in  the  course  of  the  summer,  taking  care, 
however,  to  discontinue  it  after  July,  so  that  the 
last  shoots  may  have  time  to  ripen  before  the 
winter,  and,  by  giving  proper  attention  to 
watering,  they  will  attain  a  length  of  a  foot  or 
more,  and  make  nice  little  specimens  to  bloom 
in  the  following  spring.  After  they  have  then 
done  flowering,  they  are  again  repotted,  and, 
instead  of  being  stopped  in  their  after-growth, 
are  at  once  cut  back  to  very  near  the  base  of  the 
preceding  year's  shoots,  and  are  then  allowed  to 
grow  as  far  as  they  please,  training  them  into 
any  desirable  form.  Thus,  instead  of  a  few 
flowers  on  several  small  stems,  we  have  long 
spikes  full  of  flowers,  increasing  the  general 
beauty  of  the  plants  to  an  amazing  extent.  Every 
year  they  are  cut  down  in  the  same  manner,  and 
each  season  more  numerous  spikes  are  pro- 
duced. We  must  observe,  however,  that  after 
the  first  season  the  plants  are  not  subject  to  a 
high  temperature,  choosing  in  preference  a 
shaded,  airy  place  for  them  to  make  their  new 
wood  through  the  summer,  removing  them  about 
August  to  a  sunny  position,  in  order  to  ripen  the 
recent  shoots;  in  other  respects  the  ordinary  at- 
tention is  all  that  is  required."  Hardly  as  good 
results  can  be  obtained  in  this  country,  as  they 
suffer,  like  the  Heath,  from  our  long,  dry,  hot 
summers.  Propagated  by  cuttings  of  the  tips 
of  the  shoots  when  from  one  to  two  inches 
in  length,  in  spring  or  early  summer.  E. 
grandiflora,  one  of  the  finest  species,  was  intro- 
duced in  1803. 

Ephedra.  The  Greek  for  the  Hippuris,  or  Horse- 
tail, which  it  resembles.  Linn.  JDioecia-Polygynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Grndacea?. 

This  genus  consists  of  evergreen  trailing 
shrubs  with  numerous  slender-jointed,  jgreen 
branches,  and  small,  scale-like  leaves.  These 
shrubs  inhabit  the  rocky  shores  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean and  salt  plains  of  Asia.  Some  of  the  spe- 
cies are  very  ornamental,  but  not  sufficiently 
hardy  to  stand  the  winters,  unprotected,  north 
of  the  Carolinas.  One  of  the  species,  E.  anti- 
syphilitica,  is  said  to  contain  large  quantities  of 
tannin. 

Epidendrum.  From  epi,  upon,  and  dendron,  a 
tree;  the  plants  are  usually  found  growing  on 
the  branches  of  trees.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mono- 
f/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea'. 

This  is  an  extensive,  and,  for  the  most  part, 
beautiful  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids.  All  of 
them  may  be  grown  on  billets  of  wood  or  on 
cork,  or,  where  it  is  preferred,  for  the  stronger- 
growing  species,  pots  may  be  used,  and  in 
the  latter  case  it  is  indispensable  that  the  soil 
be  porous  and  well  drained.  It  should  consist  of 
equal  parts  of  sphagnum  moss,  leaf  mould,  and 
rotten  wood,  filling  the  pots  for  two-thirds  their 
depths  with  broken  potsherds,  and  when  the 
plants  are  placed  in  them,  the  base  of  their  pseu- 
do-bulbs must  be  kept  considerably  above  the 
rim,  so  that  water  may  not  lodge  near  them. 
The  same  relative  variations  ol  temperature 
should  be  observed  for  these  as  mentioned  for 
Dendrobium,  keeping  it  at  an  average  of  ten  de- 
grees lower  than  recommended  for  that  genus; 
and  as  the  same  principles  govern  the  growth  of 
each,  the  like  changes  of  atmospheric  influence 
are  necessary  in  either  case.  The  genus  con- 
sists of  over  300  species,  distributed  throughout 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EPI 

the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  South  America. 
Propagated  by  division.  The  first  species  was 
introduced  in  1738. 

Eoieasa.  Trailing  Arbutus.  From  epl,  upon,  ami 
5'iVthe  earth;  referring  to  its  trailing  habit. 
Linn.  Decantlria-Uonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericas. 
K  repena,  the  only  species,  is  one  of  our  most 
beautiful  native,  early  spring-flowering  plants. 
It  is  a  low-growing  evergreen  shrub,  producing 
axillary  clusters  of  small  rose-colored  nosers, 
remarkable  for  their  rich,  spicy  fragrance.  I  hey 
are  usually  found  in  the  shade  of  Pines  or 
Scrub  Oaks.  In  warm,  sheltered  situations  they 
show  their  flowers  early  in  April.  It  is  com- 
monly known  on  Long  Island,  where  it  grows 
in  great  abundance,  as  Trailing  Arbutus,  in 
New  England  as  May  Flower,  and  in  many  lo- 
calities as  Ground  Laurel.  It  can  be  easily 
grown  in  the  shaded  border  by  removing  the 
plant  from  the  woods  in  autumn,  being  careful 
not  to  disturb  the  roots.  After  planting  in  a 
sandy  soil  protect  from  sun  and  winds  by  a 
slight  covering  of  dry  leaves.  Clumps  carefully 
taken  up  in  autumn,  and  put  in  a  cool  green- 
house in  February,  will  come  into  flower  in 
March. 

Epilobium.  Willow  Herb.  From  epi,  upon,  and 
Tofctf,  a  pod ;  flowers  superior  or  seated  on  the 
seed-pod.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


ERI 


A  genus  of  tall- growing,  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  chiefly  natives  of  Europe,  some  of  whicli 
have  become  naturalized  in  this  country.  Sev- 
eral of  our  native  species  are  showy  plants,  with 
large  spikes  of  pink  flowers,  that  would  make 
them  conspicuous  border  plants.  They  are  all 
of  easy  culture,  taking  care  of  themselves  when 
once  planted.  They  are  increased  by  division 
in  spring,  or  from  seeds. 

Epiphoria.  A  pretty  little  terrestrial  Orchid, 
from  South  Africa,  with  yellow  flowers  streaked 
with  red.  £.  pubescens,  the  only  species,  was 
taken  from  Polystachia,  which  see. 

Epiphyllum.  Crab's  Claw  Cactus,  Lobster-leav- 
ea  Cactus.  From  epl,  upon,  and  phytton,  a 
leaf ;  flowers  borne  on  the  ends  of  the  leaf-like 
branches.  Linn.  Icosandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  CadaceoK. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  Cactaceous  plants, 
natives  of  Brazil,  where  they  are  generally  found 
upon  the  trunks  of  trees.  The  varieties  are  nu- 
merous. They  are  largely  cultivated  for  their 
showy  flowers,  the  colors  being  various;  they  are 
produced  upon  the  ends  of  the  branches.  E. 
tru  in-lit  HIII  and  its  varieties  are  the  kinds  usually 
met  in  our  green-houses.  The  Epiphyllum  is 
often  grafted  on  Cereus  Iriangularis,  C.  grandi- 
florus,  C.  serpentinua,  and  others,  but  does  best, 
perhaps,  on  the  Pereskia.  A  large,  symmetrical 
head  is  easily  formed,  and  with  proper  attention 
will  make  a  plant  worthy  of  a  situation  in  any 
green-house.  Their  culture  is  of  the  easiest 
description.  They  delight  in  a  rich,  well- 
drained,  sandy  soil,  and  should  have  plenty  of 
air,  water,  and  sunlight  while  they  are  growing. 
The  Epiphyllum  is  one  of  the  best  of  sitting- 
room  plants,  and  may  be  had  in  bloom  from 
November  to  March  with  good  management. 
There  were  formerly  many  species  included  in 
this  genus,  most  of  which  are  now  found  in 
' '"•/><*,  Cereus,  and  Phyllocaclus. 

Episcia.  From  epi,  upon,  and  skia,  a  shadow; 
on  account  of  the  plants  delighting  in  shady 
places.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Oesneracea.-. 


A  small  genus,  nearly  related  to  Besler'M, 
natives  of  the  West  Indies  and  Central  America. 
They  require  the  same  treatment  as  the  various 
other  classes  of  this  natural  order. 
Equestrian  Star.  See  Hippeastrum. 
Eranthemum.  From  erao,  to  love,  and  anthos,  a 
flower ;  referring  to  the  beauty  of  the  flowers. 
Lhm.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 
A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  winter-flower- 
ing green-house  plants,  found  pretty  generally 
distributed  throughout  tropical  and  sub-tropi- 
cal countries.  The  flowers  are  small,  purple, 
white,  blue,  or  rose  colored.  They  require  the 
treatment  of  soft-wooded  plants  of  the  same 
class.  Two  species  of  recent  introduction,  E. 
tricolor  and  E.  sanguinea,  are  equal  to  Dracaenas 
in  their  beautiful  crimson  and  carmine-colored 
foliage,  which  fit  them  either  for  massing  out- 
side or  as  specimens  in  the  green-house.  Prop- 
agated by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1796. 
Eranthis.  Winter  Aconite.  From  er,  spring,  and 
anthos,  a  flower  ;  referring  to  its  early  flowering. 
Linn.  Polyandria-Hexagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranun- 
culacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  tuberous-rooted  plants, 
natives  of  Italy  and  Siberia.  E.  hy  emails  is  the 
well-known  Winter  Aconite.  It  is  one  of  the 
earliest  and  most  hardy  of  spring  flowers, 
throwing  up  its  pretty  yellow  blossoms  long 
before  the  snow  disappears,  and  continuing  in 
flower  for  several  weeks.  This  is  the  only 
species  under  cultivation,  and  is  freely  propa- 
gated by  division  of  the  tubers.  It  has  been 
under  cultivation  since  1596. 

Eria.  From  erion,  wool ;  referring  to  the  down  on 
the  leaves  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orch'idacece. 

A  small  genus  of  pretty  flowering  hot-house 
Orchids,  allied  to  Dendrobium,  mostly  from  the 
East  Indies.  They  require  the  same  treatment 
as  Stanhopea.  Propagated  by  division.  Intro- 
duced in  1837. 

Erianthus.  Woolly  Beard-Grass.  From  erion, 
wool,  and  anthos,  a  flower.  Linn.  Triandria- 
Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gh-aminacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tall-growing,  reed-like  grasses. 
The  E.  Rai-ennce,  a  rival  to  the  Pampas  Grass, 
though  not  so  beautiful,  is  more  valuable  in 
this  latitude,  being  perfectly  hardy,  and  pro- 
ducing its  graceful  plumes  in  autumn  in  great 
abundance.  It  makes  a  magnificent  lawn  plant. 
Propagated  by  root  division  and  from  seed. 
Introduced  in  1824. 

Erica.  Heath.  From  erico,  to  break  ;  referring 
to  the  brittle  nature  of  the  wood.  Linn.  Octan- 
dria-Monogynia. Nat.  Ord.  Ericacew. 

This  genus  comprehends  a  great  number  of 
species,  the  most  of  which  are  very  beautiful 
and  interesting  plants.  Several  hundred  of  the 
species, including  all  that  are  desirable  for  indoor 
culture.are  natives  of  Table  Mountain  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  They  all  occupy  elevated  ranges, 
enjoying  a  pure  air,  refreshed  by  copious  dews, 
and  exposed  for  a  long  period  to  a  dry,  arid  atmo- 
sphere. The  Heath,  however,  can  never  be  culti- 
vated as  successfully  here  as  in  England,  as  our 
climate  is  too  dry  and  hot  in  summer.  They  are 
readily  propagated  by  cuttings  of  half-ripened 
wood,  which  is  in  proper  condition  when  it  begins 
to  turn  brown.  They  are  easily  grown  from  seed, 
an  interesting  way,  on  account  of  the  varieties 
produced  when  a  little  care  has  been  given  in 
cross-fertilization.  The  seeds  should  be  sown 
in  pots  of  finely-sifted  leaf-mould,  pressed 
tightly  into  the  pot,  well  watered  before  sowing, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EKI 

and  afterward  covered  with  a  bell  glass.  They 
should  then  be  kept  in  a  cool  house  or  pit, 
where  they  can  have  an  even  temperature  and 
moisture.  They  were  first  introduced  into  Eng- 
land in  1774.  ' 

Erigeron.  From  er,  the  spring,  and  geron,  an  old 
man;  some  being  hoary  with  a  downy  covering 
early  in  the  season.  Linn.  Syngenesia-jEqualin. 
Nat.  Ord.  AsteracefK. 

A  gen  us  of  coarse-growing,  unpretending,  her- 
baceous plants,  found  common  in  waste  places 
throughout  the  United  States.  In  some  locali- 
ties known  as  Flcabane.  Plants  of  no  value  in 
their  native  country. 

Erinosma.  From  er,  the  spring,  and  osme,  to 
smell;  referring  to  the  early  flowering  of  this 
sweet-scented  bulb.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome,  early,  spring- 
flowering  bulbs,  resembling  the  Snow-drop,  but 
flowering  much  later.  E.  vernum,  formerly 
called  Leuwynm  vermun,  the  best  of  the  species, 
is  a  native  of  Germany  and  Switzerland,  where 
it  is  common  in  the  woods  and  other  shady 
places.  It  was  introduced  in  1596;  is  dedicated 
to  St.  Agnes,  the  patron  saint  of  young  virgins, 
from  its  loveliness  and  purity;  and  hence  it  is 
called  St.  Agnes's  Flower.  The  flowers  are  much 
larger  than  the  Snow-drop,  pure  white,  with  a 
yellowish-green  spot  near  the  point  of  each  pet- 
al. They  are  perfectly  hardy  and  are  increased 
by  offsets. 

Erinus.  Meaning  unknown.  (The  wild  Fig- 
tree  is  the  Erinos  described  by  Dioscorides.  It 
has,  however,  no  resemblance  to  the  Erinos  of 
the  moderns.)  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Scrophukiriacea}. 

This  is  a  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
Alpine  plants,  suitable  for  rock-work  or  other 
rough,  uneven  situations.  They  are  low  grow- 
ing, generally  forming  close  tufts,  producing 
lively  purple  and  white  flowers  in  early  spring. 
Though  perfectly  hardy,  they  are  impatient  of 
water,  and,  consequently,  should  have  the  pro- 
tection of  a  frame  in  winter,  unless  planted  in  a 
very  dry  situation.  There  are  one  or  two  ever- 
green species  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  but 
they  are  little  known.  The  hardy  species  are 
propagated  by  root  division  or  from  seed.  First 
introduced  into  the  garden  in  1739. 

Eriocnema.  From  erion,  wool,  and  kneme,  a  knee ; 
the  joints  are  woolly.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Melastomacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous 
plants,  allied  to  the  Sonerila,  and  natives  of  Bra- 
zil. The  flowers  are  white,  produced  sparingly 
in  little  umbels  on  the  end  of  a  naked  stalk.  E. 
marmomtum  has  beautifully  variegated  leaves, 
green  striped  with  broad  bands  of  white.  Its 
habit  is  not  unlike  some  of  the  Begonias. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1850. 

Eriophorum.  Cotton  Grass.  From  erion,  wool, 
and  phoreo,  to  bear;  in  reference  to  the  silky  tails 
or  coverings  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  Triaivlria-Mo- 
nogynin.  Nat.  Ord.  CyperacecK. 

A  very  interesting  genus  of  marsh  or  bog 
plants,  commonly,  but  incorrectly  termed 
grasses.  They  are  hardy  herbaceous  plants, 
growing  in  dense  clumps  or  masses,  very  con- 
spicuous and  interesting,  on  account  of  the 
flowers  of  some  of  the  species,  the  heads  of 
which  appear  like  tufts  of  cotton.  One  of  the 
species  is  indigenous  in  this  country,  and  seve- 
ral of  them  have  been  naturalized  from  Europe. 

Eriopsis.      From    eria,    a    well-known  genus  of 


ERY 

Orchids,  and  opsis,  resemblance;  woolliness  of 
flowers.  Linn.  Qynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Orchids,  having  the  general 
appearance,  while  growing,  of  the  genus  Eria, 
but  with  gay  orange-colored  flowers  resembling 
the  Vandas.  They  are  natives  of  Mexico  and  New 
Grenada,  but  little  cultivated. 

Eriospermum.  From  erion,  wool,  and  spermis,  a 
seed;  woolly-seeded.  Linn.  Hexandria-Muno- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

A  considerable  genus  of  bulbs  from  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  the  flowers  of  which  precede  the 
leaves.  The  flowers  have  no  special  beauty, 
and  the  leaves  always  have  a  deformed  appear- 
ance. 

Eriostemon.  From  erion,  wool,  and  stemon,  a  sta- 
men; referring  to  the  woolly  stamens.  Linn. 
Decandria-Moiwgynia.  Nat.  Ord.  RutacecK. 

A  genus  of  handsome  green-house  plants  from 
New  Holland,  of  neat,  compact  habit  of  growth,  ' 
and  free-flowering.  Flowers  are  white  or  pink- 
ish, produced  singly  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves. 
They  require  plenty  of  air  and  light.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings  of  young  shoots  in  April. 
Introduced  in  1824. 

Erotiium.  Heron' s-bill.  Wild  Geranium.  From 
erodios,  a  heron ;  referring  to  the  resemblance  of 
the  style  and  ovaries  to  the  beak  and  head  of  the 
heron.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Geraniacece. 

The  genus  Erodium  differs  from  the  Gerani- 
um and  Pelargonium  in  the  shape  of  its  seed 
vessel.  In  all  the  three  the  seed-pod  resembles 
the  head  and  beak  of  a  bird;  in  Geranium  it  re- 
sembles a  crane's  bill,  in  Pelargonium  it  is  a 
stork's  bill,  and  in  Erodium  a  heron's  bill.  The 

rcies  are  dwarf  annuals  and  perennials,  pro- 
sing mostly  lilac  and  purple  flowers.  Though 
interesting,  their  flowers  will  not  bring  them 
into  competition,  for  the  garden,  with  their 
more  showy  relatives,  the  Pelargonium  and  Gera- 
nium. 

Ervum.  Lentil.  From  eric,  tilled  land,  in  Celtic; 
some  of  the  species  are  pests  in  cultivated  ground. 
Linn.  Diadelpliia-Tdragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 
A  genus  justly  classed  as  weeds,  the  only  spe- 
cies of  interest  being  E.  Lens,  the  common  Len- 
til, a  plant  of  the  greatest  antiquity.  It  was 
from  the  seed  of  this  that  the  pottage  was  sup- 
posed to  have  been  made,  for  which  Esau  sold 
his  birthright.  From  that  date  it  has  been  held 
in  high  esteem  in  Egypt  and  Syria.  It  is '  con- 
sidered an  indispensable  diet  by  the  natives, 
who  undertake  long  journeys.  It  is  largely 
sold  by  druggists  under  the  name  of  Ervalenta. 

Eryngium.  Eryngo.  From  Erynyeon,  a  name 
adopted  by  Pliny  from  Dioscorides.  Linn. 
Pentandrta-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
herbaceous  perennials,  the  latter  being  common 
throughout  Europe.  E.  waritimum,  Sea  Eryngo, 
or  Sea  Holly,  is  a  conspicuous  plant  along  the 
English  coast ;  the  flowers  are  thistle-like,  of  a 
bright  blue  color.  E.  amethystinum,  a  native  of 
Dalmatia,  is  one  of  the  best  for  the  border  of  the 
perennial  species.  The  flowers,  as  well  as  the 
bracts  and  upper  part  of  the  stems,  have  a  beau- 
tiful blue  tint.  Of  the  annual  species,  E.  Leav- 
enworth'd,  a  native  of  Kansas  and  westward,  is  not 
only  the  best  of  its  class,  but  is  one  of  the  best 
of  our  hardy  annuals.  It  is  very  floriferous,  the 
heads  are  of  a  beautiful  purple,  which,  if  cut 
after  maturity,  will  keep  their  color  for  several 
months,  making  them  valuable  for  winter  bou- 


so 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ERY 

quets.  The  plant  grows  about  two  feet  high  and 
w  very  branching.  It  is  strictly  an  autumn 
flowering  plant,  but  if  the  seeds  are  sown  early 
in  spring  in  a  hot-bed,  the  season  of  flowering 
will  be  greatly  prolonged. 

Erysimum.  Hedge  Mustard.  From  eryo,  to 
draw  it  is  considered  a  powerful  cure  for  sore 
throat;  it  is  also  said  to  draw  and  produce  blis- 
ters. Linn.  Telradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Srassica- 

An  extensive  genus,  mostly  biennials.  All  of 
but  little  merit.  One  or  two  cultivated  species 
of  hardy  annuals  make  rather  effective  clumps 
in  the  border.  E.  Arkansanum,  western  Wall- 
flower, grows  about  two  feet  high,  the  stem  be- 
ing crowded  with  bright  orange  yellow  flowers 
as  large  as  those  of  the  Wall-flower.  Propagated 
by  seed. 

Erythrsea.  From  erythros,  red;  the  color  of  the 
flowers  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Pentan- 
drla-Manogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Qentianacece. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  biennials  and 
annuals.  The  latter  are  of  easy  culture,  and 
produce  freely  small  pink  flowers.  Seed  should 
be  sown  in  autumn  in  the  open  border.  The 
biennials  require  the  protection  of  the  frame, 
which  their  merits  do  not  deserve.  The  annuals 
are  natives  of  Europe,  and  have  been  long  known 
in  the  garden. 

Erythrina.  Coral-tree.  From  erythros,  red;  the 
color  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Dtitdelphia-Tetragy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Phbacece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  flowering  green-house 
shrubs,  commonly  known  as  Coral-trees.  They 
are  found  pretty  generally  distributed  through- 
out the  tropics  of  both  hemispheres.  All  pro- 
dace  scarlet  or  crimson  pea-shaped  flowers  in 
pairs  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  E.  Crista-tjalli 
and  laurifdia  are  from  Brazil.  Both  succeed  well 
planted  out  in  a  warm  situation  in  the  open  bor- 
der, producing  flowers  in  the  greatest  abun- 
dance. They  require  considerable  room,  being 
rank  growers.  As  a  shrub  for  the  lawn  they 
have  few  if  any  superiors,  their  showy  flowers 
contrasting  finely  with  their  bright  glossy  foli- 
age. K  Hendersonii,  a  variety  of  recent  intro- 
duction, is  one  of  the  very  finest  flowers,  a 
bright  scarlet,  smaller  than  the  other  species, 
but  produced  in  greater  abundance.  As  it 
flowers  earlier  it  seeds  freely,  so  that  it  can  be 
grown  as  an  annual  plant.  The  only  care  re- 
quired is  to  take  the  plants  up,  after  the  tops 
are  killed  by  frost,  and  keep  them  through  the 
winter  in  a  warm  dry  room  or  in  the  cellar.  The 
roots  should  be  kept  covered  with  dry  sand.  In 
spring  cut  well  back  before  planting  out.  They 
are  readily  propagated  by  cuttings  of  the  tender 
shoots,  or  from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  in 
boxes  about  the  first  of  January,  and  they  will 
make  flowering  plants  the  coming  summer. 
Ery  throleena.  Mexican  Thistle.  From  erythros, 
red,  and  Icena,  a  cloak;  referring  to  the  scarlet 
flowers.  Linn.  Syngenesia-^qualis.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asteracece. 

E.  conspicua,  the  only  species,  is  the  prettiest 
of  all  the  Thistles.  It  is  a  tall  plant,  growing 
from  eight  to  ten  feet  high;  the  leaves,  not  un- 
like the  common  Thistle,  are  at  the  base  of  the 
plant,  two  feet  long.  The  flower-heads,  clus- 
tered at  the  ends  of  the  branches,  are  about 
three  inches  long,  and  very  handsome,  scarlet 
and  orange.  Young  plants  are  readily  obtained 
from  seed.  Introduced  in  1825. 
Erythronium.  Dog's-Tooth  Violet.  From  ery- 
thros, red;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  leaves 


ERY 

and  flowers  of  the  species  first  discovered.  Linn. 
Hexandrm-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  L'diaceai. 

A  genus  of  small  growing  bulbous-rooted 
plants.  Most  of  the  species  are  American,  and 
are  common  in  moist  woods  in  most  of  the 
States.  With  but  one  exception  the  native  vari- 
eties have  large  yellow  flowers,  borne  singly  on 
a  slender  scape  six  to  nine  inches  high.  K  al- 
bidum,  a  rare  species  found  in  Iowa  and  south- 
ward, has  nearly  white  flowers,  without  the  spots 
on  the  leaves  common  to  the  species.  E.  dens- 
amis,  common  in  Europe,  has  purplish  rose- 
oolored  flowers,  with  light  rose-color  within. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

./throxylon.  From  erythros,  red,  and  xylon, 
wood;  the  wood  of  the  trees  is  red.  .Linn.  De- 
candria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Erythroxylacece. 

Bushy  shrubs  or  low-growing   trees,   chiefly 
natives  of   tropical    South    America    and    the 
West  Indies.     One  of  the  species  has  a  world- 
wide reputation.    For  the  following  account  and 
description  of  it  we  are  indebted  to  The  Treas- 
ury of  Botany:    "  E.  Coca  is  the  most  interesting 
of  the  species,  on  account  of  its  being  extensively 
cultivated,  and  its  leaves  largely  employed  as  a 
masticatory,  under  the  name  of  Coca,  by  the 
inhabitants  of  countries  on  the  Pacific  side  of 
South  America.     It  is  a  shrub  of  six  or  eight 
feet  high,  somewhat  resembling  a  Blackthorn 
bush.     The  Coca  leaves  are  of  a  thin  texture, 
but  opaque,  oval,  tapering  toward  both  extrem- 
ities, their  upper  surface  dark  green,  the  lower 
paler  and  strongly  marked  with  veins,  of  which 
two,  in  addition  to  the  midrib,  run  parallel  with 
the  margin.     Small  white  flowers  are  produced 
in  little  clusters  upon  the  branches,  in  places 
where  the  leaves  have  fallen  away,  and  stand 
upon  little  stalks  about  as  long  as  themselves. 
The  use  of  Coca  in  Peru  is  a  custom  of  very 
great  antiquity,  and  is  said  to  have  originated 
with  the  Incas.     At  the  present  day  it  is  com- 
mon throughout  the  greater  part  of  Peru,  Quito, 
and  New  Grenada;  and  also  on  the  banks  of  the 
Rio  Negro,  where  it  is  known  as  Spadic.     Coca 
forms  an  article  of  commerce  among  the  Indians, 
and  wherever  they  go  they  carry  with  them   a 
bag  of  the  carefully  dried  leaves,  and  also  a  lit- 
tle   bottle-gourd    filled  with    finely  powdered 
lime,  and  having  a  wooden  or  metal  needle  at- 
tached to  its  stopper.     Four  times  a  day,  what- 
ever the  nature  of  his  occupation,  whether  em- 
ployed in  the  mines,  the  fields,  as  a  muleteer,  or 
domestic  servant,  the  Indian  resigns  himself  to 
the  pleasures  of  Coca  chewing,  mixing  the  leaves 
with  lime,  or  the  ashes  of  Cecropia.     When  used 
in  moderation  Coca  exerts  a  pleasurable  influ- 
ence upon  the  imagination,  and  induces  a  for- 
getfulness  of  all  care.     It  is  also  a  powerful 
stimulant  of   the  nervous    system,   and  when 
under  its  influence  Indians  are  able  to  perform 
long   and    rapid   journeys,    and    carry  heavy 
loads,  without  requiring  any  other  sustenance. 
But  when  taken  in  excess  it  produces  intoxica- 
tion, of  a  character  resembling  that  of  opium 
rather  than  alcohol,  but  not  so  violent,  although 
the  consequences  of  its  prolonged  use  are  quite 
as  injurious,  and  very  few  of  those  who  become 
slaves  to  the  habit  attain  an  old  age.     Spruce 
says  that  an  Indian  with  a  chew  of  Spadic  in  his 
cheek  will  go  two  or  three  days  without  food, 
and  without  feeling   any  desire  to  sleep."    A 
preparation  of  Coca,  under  the  name  of  "  Coca 
Beef  Tonic,"  is  now  being  sold  ;  but  those  who 
use  it  will  do  well  to  remember  that  it  does  not 
"make  old  bones." 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS 


81 


sp 


ESC 

Eschscholtzia.  Named  after  Dr.  Eschxcholtz,  a 
botanist.  Linn.  Poty&ndria-Tetragyriia.  Nat.  Ord. 
PajtaveracetK. 

Annual  plants,  with  showy  flowers,  natives  of 
California,  on  which  account  the  first  species  in- 
troduced was  called  the  California  Poppy.  The 
seeds  should  be  sown  in  the  open  border  as  soon 
they  are  ripe,  as,  if  the  sowing  be  delayed  till 
ring,  the  plants  frequently  do  not  flower  till 
the  second  year.  Sometimes  they  will  live,  and 
flower  two,  or  even  three  years  in  succession, 
though  this  is  very  rarely  the  case. 

Eucalyptus.  From  en,  well,  and  katypto,  to 
cover  ;  the  limb  of  the  calyx  covers  the  flower 
before  expansion,  and  afterward  falls  off  in  the 
shape  of  a  lid  or  cover.  Linn.  Icosandria-Mono- 
(jynla,  Nat.  Ord.  Myrtacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  immense  evergreen 
trees,  of  the  Australian  and  Tasmanian  forests. 
E.  globulus,  the  Blue  Gum  Tree,  has  been  exten- 
sively planted  within  the  past  few  years  in  the 
Southern  States  and  California,  for  the  reputa- 
tion it  has  of  absorbing  malaria.  The  tree  is 
very  ornamental,  and  furnishes  timber  of  a  su- 
perior quality.  Its  rapid  growth  excites  the  won- 
der and  admiration  of  those  already  accustomed 
to  the  extraordinary  development  of  the  vege- 
table kingdom  on  the  Pacific  coast.  It  will  be 
remembered  that  Australia  sent  to  the  World's 
Fair  at  London  in  1863  a  plank  from  this  tree 
250  feet  long.  Young  plants  are  readily  obtained 
from  seed  or  from  cuttings.  The  species  are  not 
hardy  in  the  United  States  north  of  the  Caro- 
linas. 

Eucharidium.  From  eucharis,  agreeable  ;  in  al- 
lusion to  the  appearance  of  the  plant.  Linn. 
Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Onagracece. 

A  genus  of  pretty  little  annuals  from  Califor- 
nia, allied  to  the  Clarkias.  They  come  into  flower 
in  six  weeks  after  germination,  and  are  perfectly 
hardy.  They  succeed  best  in  a  rich,  loamy  soil. 
Introduced  in  1836. 

Eucharis.  Lily  of  the  Amazon.  From  eucharis, 
agreeable;  alluding  to  the  fragrant  flowers.  Linn. 
Jlexandria-Monofjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryllidacecK. 
As  far  as  known  there  are  but  three  species  in 
this  genus,  all  free-growing  bulbous  plants  of 
rare  beauty  and  delicious  fragrance.  They 
should  be  grown  in  the  hot-house  or  a  warm 
green-house.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  a 
truss  of  from  four  to  eight,  according  to  the 
strength  of  the  bulb  and  manner  of  treatment, 
and  are  born  on  a  stem  that  lifts  them  just  above 
the  leaves.  They  are  pure  waxy  white  and  of 
great  substance.  If  asked  for  the  plant  produc- 
ing the  best  white  flowers  for  the  hot-house,  for 
the  decoration  of  vases,  or  for  any  other  purpose 
where  white  flowers  are  wanted,  we  should  un- 
hesitatingly recommend  the  Eucharis,  as  com- 
bining all  the  essentials  of  the  perfect  flower.  ' 
The  species  are  of  recent  introduction,  and  from 
a  general  impression  that  they  are  difficult  to 
manage,  are  but  little  grown.  The  plant  is  found 
growing  by  the  side  of  a  river  ;  consequently, 
moisture  and  heat  are  essential  to  the  develop- 
ment of  its  flowers.  The  ease  with  which  it  is 
now  cultivated,  the  fact  that  a  dozen  or  more 
large  pots  of  it  will  furnish  flowers  nearly  the 
whole  year,  make  it  invaluable  in  all  collections 
of  choice  plants.  The  plants  may  be  potted  at 
any  time  of  the  year,  taking  care  not  to  damage 
the  bulbs  or  roots,  and  remove  as  much  of  the 
old  soil  as  possible.  The  soil  should  be  com- 
posed of  loam,  leaf  mould,  sand,  and  well-rotted 
manure  in  equal  proportions  ;  give  the  pots  lib- 


EUL 

crul  drainage.  While  they  are  growing  freely 
they  should  have  plenty  of  water  and  liquid  ma- 
nure twice  a  week.  They  should  be  syringed 
twice  a  day.  The  temperature  of  the  house  dur- 
ing winter  should  not  fall  below  70°,  and  they 
should  have  a  good  share  of  sunshine.  If 
wanted  to  flower  during  the  winter  months, 
water  should  be  used  sparingly  from  August 
to  October.  The  bulbs  should  be  disturbed  as 
little  as  possible,  re-potting  when  necessary, 
without  division.  Side  shoots  may  be  taken  off 
at  any  time  and  potted  in  small  pets,  and,  if 
well  managed,  they  will  flower  in  a  year.  The 
green  fly  and  thrips  are  apt  to  trouble  them; 
they  should  then  be  sponged  off  or  got  rid  of 
by  smoking  every  alternate  day  for  a  week.  The 
three  species  are  E.  grandiflora,  the  largest  and 
best,  E.  Amazonicu,  and  E.  Candida,  a  small  flow- 
ering species,  but  very  beautiful.  They  all  re- 
quire the  same  general  treatment.  This  plant 
was  first  introduced  in  1864. 

Eucodonia.  A  genus  of  Mexican  plants  separated 
from  Achinieneti.  The  species  grown  for  its  flow- 
ers was  also  called  Maudirola  lanata. 

Eucornis.  From  eukoniea,  beautiful-haired  ;  re- 
ferring to  the  tufted  crown  of  the  flower-spike. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Li&acea:. 
A  genus  of  coarse-growing  bulbs  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  requiring  green-house  treat- 
ment, as  they  rest  in  summer.  E.  bifolia,  one  of 
the  species,  has  only  two  leaves,  lying  flat  on  the 
ground,  and  a  short  raceme  of  pale  green  flow- 
ers. The  only  merit  of  the  species  is  in  the  fra- 
grance of  the  flowers.  They  grow  with  the  most 
ordinary  treatment,  and  are  propagated  by  off- 
sets. Introduced  in  1774. 

Eucrosia.  From  eu,  beautiful,  and  krossos,  a 
fringe  ;  referring  to  the  cup  above  the  insertion 
of  the  stamens.  Linn.  Hexandrui-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaryllidacece. 

A.  genus  of  green-house  bulbs  from  South 
America,  mostly  from  the  western  declivity  of 
the  Peruvian  Andes.  E.  bicolor,  the  only  species, 
has  bright  vermilion  flowers,  with  a  purple  stripe 
on  the  outside  of  the  petals.  They  are  borne  in 
a  terminal  cluster  on  a  scape  about  one  foot 
high.  They  should  be  grown  in  a  warm  green- 
house. In  winter  they  require  perfect  rest. 
Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1816. 

Eugenia.  Rose  Apple.  Named  after  Prince  En- 
<jnne  of  Saxony.  Linn.  Icosandria-Mono<jijnia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Myrtacece. 

A  genus  of  handsome  shrubs,  grown  as  fruit 
trees  in  the  East  Indies,  but  grown  in  English 
hot-houses  for  their  splendid  white  flowers,  that 
are  produced  freely.  Propagated  by  cuttings  of 
the  ripe  wood,  which  strike  freely.  Recent 
botanists  place  here  E.  Pimenta,  which  produces 
the  Allspice  of  commerce.  See  Pimenta. 

Eulalia.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Tri'utdria-Difft/niu.  Nat.  Ord.  (rraminacecK. 

We  are  indebted  to  the  American  Agriculturist 
for  the  following  history  and  description  of  this 
genus  :  "One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  orna- 
mental grasses  is  the  variegated  Eulalia  Japonica, 
which  was  sent  from  Japan  several  years  ago  by 
Mr.  Thomas  Hogg.  It  was  illustrated  in  'Hearth 
and  Home '  in  1871,  and  a  year  or  two  later  was 
placed  in  the  trade.  It  is  a  robust  perennial 
grass,  forming,  when  well  established,  large 
clumps,  with  firm,  but  graceful  leaves,  which  are 
marked  with  alternate  stripes  of  creamy-white 
and  green,  much  after  the  manner  of  the  old 
'  Ribbon  or  Striped  Grass '  of  the  gardens,  and 
presenting  quite  as  much  variety  in  the  striping. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EUL 


This  is  taller  and  more  erect  than  that,  and  the 
leaves  are  longer  and  more  robust.  The  flower 
stalks  appear  in  September,  and  the  plant  at 
this  time  is  from  four  to  six  feet  high.  The 
flower  panicles  are  at  first  brownish,  with  erect 
branches,  and  not  at  all  showy,  but  as  the  flow- 
era  open,  the  branches  of  the  panicle  curve  over 
cracefully  in  a  one-sided  manner,  and  bear  a 
stronc  resemblance  in  form  to  what  is  known  as 
a  'Prince  of  Wales'  feather;'  each  of  the  indi- 
vidual flowers,  which  are  very  numerous  upon 
each  branch  of  the  cluster,  has  at  its  base  a  tuft 
of  long  silky  hairs,  and  these  contribute  greatly 
to  the  feathery  lightness  of  the  whole.  When 
Mr.  Hogg  sent  this,  it  was  accompanied  by 
another  variety  of  the  same  grass,  which  did  not 
survive  the  effects  of  the  journey.  Upon  a  sec- 
ond visit  to  Japan,  he  procured  other  plants  of 
this  last  variety,  which  reached  this  country  in 
good  condition.  This  variety,  which  it  is  pro- 
posed to  call  Eulalia  Japonica,  var.  Zebriim,  the 
'Zebra-striped  Eulalia, '  or  Zebra  Grass,  in  all  that 
relates  to  form,  habit,  and  its  flowers,  is  quite  like 
the  other,  but  differs  most  essentially  in  the  man- 
ner of  its  variegation.  In  the  older  variety  the 
leaves,  according  to  the  usual  manner  of  varie- 
gation in  grasses,  have  the  markings  run  length- 
wise of  the  leaf,  while  in  this  Zebrina  variety 
they  ran  crosswise.  The  leaves  present  alternate 
bands  of  green  and  cream-white,  of  varying  j 
width,  but  with  the  colors  quite  well  denned, 
and  producing  a  most  singular  effect.  Japan  is 
remarkable  for  the  great  number  of  plants  with 
variegated  foliage  that  it  has  contributed  to  our 
collections,  but  we  have  not  seen  any  variegation 
that  interested  us  so  much  as  this  peculiar  grass. 
We  have  seen  but  one  other  plant  with  its  varie- 
gation so  singularly  disposed,  and  that  was  also 
from  the  same  country.  In  the  quaint  little  gar- 
den attached  to  the  Japanese  Bazar  at  the  Cen- 
tennial Exhibition  was  a  Bulrush,  (Stirpus,)  the 
cylindrical  stems  of  which  were  marked  trans- 
versely, though  the  markings  were  much  less  posi- 
tive than  in  the  grass  in  question.  Aside  from  the 
ornamental  effect  of  its  peculiar  transverse  mark- 
ings, this  variety  has  great  interest  for  us  in  a 
physiological  or  pathological  point  of  view.  It 
is  claimed  by  some  that  all  variegation  of  foliage, 
or  at  least  that  in  which  the  green  of  the  leaf  is 
changed  to  white  or  yellow,  is  an  indication  of 
disease,  and  this  view  is  strongly  maintained  in 
spite  of  the  numerous  instances  in  which  the 
variegated  plants  are  more  vigorous  and  hardy 
than  typical  plain  green  ones  of  the  same  spe- 
cies. To  those  who  hold  this  view — that  varie- 
gation is  due  to  disease— this  Zebrina  variety  of 
Eulalia  presents  a  difficult  problem.  As  the  cir- 
culation of  the  juices  of  the  leaf  must  take  place 
in  a  lengthwise  direction,  the  nutriment  for 
each  green  portion  of  the  leaf  must  pass  through  j 
one  of  the  colored  sections,  and  those  who  re-  i 
gard  these  white,  or  whitish,  bands  as  marks  of  j 
disease,  will  be  puzzled  to  account  for  the  occur- 
rence of  green  sections  of  the  leaf  which,  though  ! 
placed  directly  between  two  '  diseased '  portions  l< 
remain  in  perfect  health  throughout  the  whole  i 
season  of  growth."  The  Eulalias  are  perfectly 
hardy  in  this  latitude,  and  are  valuable  acquisi- 
tions to  the  garden,  not  only  for  the  grace  and 
elegance  of  the  foliage,  but  for  the  flowers  as  i 
"dried  grasses."  They  keep  for  years,  present-  j 
ing  somewhat  the  appearance  of  an  ostrich  i 
feather.  Propagated  by  division  or  by  seeds,  i 
which,  however,  do  not  produce  variegated 
leaves. 


EUP 

Euonymus.  Burning  Bush.  From  en,  well,  and 
onoma,  a  name;  literally,  of  good  repute.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Celastracece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  low-growing  trees  and 
shrubs,  mostly  of  an  ornamental  character.  E. 
atropurpureus,  a  native  species,  is  a  valuable 
shrub  for  the  border,  on  account  of  its  hand- 
some foliage,  its  abundance  of  purple  flowers, 
and  its  copious  crimson  fruit  in  autumn.  This 
species  is  what  is  commonly  called  Burning 
Bush.  It  grows  freely  in  almost  any  soil  or  sit- 
uation, preferring  a  moist  one.  Japan  has  fur- 
nished several  species  with  ornamental  foliage, 
that  are  among  our  most  useful  plants  for  single 
specimens,  for  baskets,  or  window  gardens.  .E. 
radicans  variegata  has  leaves  of  green  and  white, 
is  a  rapid  grower,  and  hardy  south  of  New  York. 
It  is  readily  increased  by  cuttings.  The  Japan 
species  are  evergreen.  They  were  introduced 
in  1804. 

Eupatorium.  Named  after  Mithridates  Eupater, 
King  of  Pontus,  who  discovered  one  of  the  spe- 
cies to  be  an  antidote  against  poison.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

An  extensive  genus,  consisting  for  the  most 
part  of  native  hardy  herbaceous  plants.  A  num- 
ber of  species  are  grown  in  the  green-house  for 
their  white  flowers,  which  are  produced  freely 
in  winter.  Of  our  native  kinds,  E.  ageratoides, 
White  Snake-root,  is  the  most  valuable  as  a 
flowering  plant.  The  flowers  are  pure  white, 
borne  in  terminal  clusters  or  heads.  The  plant 
grows  about  four  feet  high,  is  very  branching, 
and  prefers  a  thick  shade.  It  flowers  late  in 
August,  and  is  very  showy  for  nearly  a  month. 
E.  perf'oliatum,  Bone-set,  has,  outside  of  the 
"regular  practice,"  considerable  reputation  as  a 
tonic  stimulant,  and  is  often  administered  in 
the  form  of  a  tea,  made  from  the  leaves,  in  cases 
of  intermittent  fevers.  They  are  readily  in- 
creased by  root  division  or  from  seeds. 

Euphorbia.  Named  after  Euphorbus,  physician 
to  the  King  of  Mauritania.  Linn.  Dodecandria- 
Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacece. 

This  is  an  extensive  and  variable  genus,  in- 
cluding species  with  the  aspect  of  trees  or  large 
shrubs,  and  through  every  gradation,  downward 
to  the  humblest  annual  weeds,  all  of  them  re- 
markable for  an  acrid  milky  juice.  Notwith- 
standing the  extent  and  variety  of  the  genus, 
there  are  comparatively  few  of  its  members  in 
cultivation ;  the  principal  of  them  being  E. 
splendens,  E.  jacquiniflora,  (fulgens  or  prunifolia,) 
and  Bojeri.  These  do  best  in  the  hot-house,  and 
are  well  deserving  attention  for  their  rich  red 
or  crimson  flowers,  and  amply  repay  the  little 
trouble  occasioned.  These  species  are  all  much 
improved  by  frequent  stopping,  as  it  induces  a 
more  dense  habit,  and  consequently  a  greater 
display  of  flowers.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that 
the  first  flowers  that  expand  in  each  season  on 
E.  splendens  are  in  pairs,  but  those  which  follow 
are  each  time  increased  in  duplicate  ratio,  so 
that  those  which  open  last  are  commonly  as 
many  as  eight  together.  The  other  perennial 
species  require  to  be  treated  in  the  manner  of 
Cacti,  and  the  remainder  respectively  as  they 
belong  to  the  hardy  or  tender  classes  of  annual, 
biennial,  or  perennial  plants.  E.  corollatn,  a  na- 
tive species,  is  a  free-flowering  plant,  and  val- 
uable for  florists'  use,  or  for  cut-flowers.  They 
are  small,  greenish  white,  in  general  appearance 
like  the  Forget-me-not.  This  species  is  readily 
propagated  by  root  division.  The  French  sub- 
stitute the  seeds  of  E.  lathyriis  for  the  English 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EUR 

capers,  which,  if  taken  in  quantity,  prove  highly 
deleterious.  For  E.  Poinsettei,  see  Poinsettia 
pulcharrimtk. 

Eurya.  From  eurys,  large;  referring  to  the  flow- 
ers. Linn.  Polyyamia-Mona>c'M.  Nat.  Ord.  '/'«,•,,- 
stromiacece. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  evergreen  shrubs, 
or  low-growing  trees,  ftmnd  in  India,  China,  and 
the  adjacent  islands.  The  leaves  are  not  unlike 
those  of  the  tea-plap4f.  The  flowers  are  white, 
arranged  in  axillary  clusters. 

Eurycles.  From  eurys,  broad,  and  Mas,  a  branch ; 
referring  to  the  broad  leaves  or  branch-like  foot- 
stalks. Liiin.  H'.ffiiiilrin-Monoijyn'ia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Amftryllidftcea'. 

A  genus  of  strong-growing  bulbs,  found  in 
the  Eastern  Archipelago  and  in  New  Holland. 
This  genus  was  formerly  included  in  Pancra- 
tium, from  which  it  is  distinguished  by  its 
broad,  nearly  heart-shaped  leaves,  and  its  flow- 
ers with  a  long  cylindrical  tube,  with  equal  and 
regular  petals.  The  flowers  are  borne  in  um- 
bels, and  are  pure  white.  They  require  to  be 
grown  in  the  green-house,  and  must  have  com- 
plete rest  during  winter.  Planted  out  in  May, 
they  flower  finely.  Propagated  by  suckers, 
which  should  be  taken  off  when  a  new  growth 
commences  in  spring.  Introduced  in  1821. 

Eutaxia.  From  eutaxirt,  modesty;  referring  to 
the  delicate  aspect  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Der<ai- 
drla-Monoij-ynin.  Nat.  Ord.  Fdltacecn. 

A  genus  of  very  pretty  green-house  shrubs, 
natives  of  Western  Australia.  They  are  chiefly 
low-growing  and  bushy,  with  small  heath-like 
leaves,  flowers  pea-shaped,  produced  in  small 
axillary  clusters.  Color,  pure  yellow.  E.  myr- 
tifolifi  is  a  popular  green-house  plant,  whose 
slender  stems  are  often  seen  thickly  covered  in 
the  spring  and  summer  months  with  its  bright 
yellow  flowers.  The  species  are  increased  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1803. 

Euterpe.  After  Euterpe,  one  of  the  Nine  Muses. 
Linn.  Monceda-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Pahnaceee. 
A  genus  of  Palms  of  extremely  graceful  habit, 
natives  of  South  America  and  the  West  Indies. 
With  the  exception  of  E.  montana,  from  the  lat- 
ter country,  all  are  too  tall  growing  for  the 
green-house.  This  species  attains  a  height  of 
about  twenty  feet,  and  has  the  base  of  the  stem 
much  swollen  or  bulged  out.  The  leaf  bud  and 
the  central  portion  of  the  upper  stem  arc  cooked 
as  a  vegetable  or  pickled  by  the  natives,  and 
highly  esteemed.  Propagated  by  seed. 

Eutoca.  From  eatokos,  fruitful;  referring  to  the 
abundance  of  seeds.  Linn.  Pentaivlria-Monogy- 
i-'in.  Nat.  Ord.  Hydropyttacea}. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  with  blue,  pink, 
or  lilac  flowers,  mostly  from  California.  A  few 
species  are  found  in  Virginia,  and  South  and 
West,  but  are  not  of  sufficient  merit  to  warrant 
their  introduction  into  the  garden.  Those  from 
California  are  free-flowering,  and  of  the  easiest 
culture.  The  seed  should  be  sown  as  early  in 
spring  as  possible. 

Evening-  Glory.     See  Iponuxa. 

Evening  Primrose.     See  (EnoUn-ni. 

Everlasting  Pea.     See  Lathyrus  laiifolius. 

Evolvulus.  From  evolvo,  to  roll  out,  the  opposite 
to  Convolvulus ;  referring  to  the  plant  not 
twining.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
'  '/'ii>:oluulacea>. 

An  extensive  genus  of  annuals  and  perennials, 
mostly  from  the  East  Indies  and  South  America, 
a  few  species  being  found  in  Florida.  The 


EXO 

flowers  of  these  plants  are  extremely  beautiful, 
mostly  of  a  large  size,  and  of  various  shades  of 
blue  and  white.  The  annuals  should  be  started 
in  a  hot-bed  or  green-house,  and  planted  out  as 
soon  as  the  weather  will  permit,  or  they  may  be 
grown  in  pots  and  trained  on  a  balloon  frame. 
The  perennials  should  be  kept  dry  and  dormant 
through  the  winter,  and  started  in  a  brisk  heat 
in  spring.  During  summer  they  may  be  grown 
in  the  green-house,  or  in  pots,  and  trained  on  a 
trellis,  or  other  suitable  place  for  a  climbing 
plant.  The  perennials  may  be  increased  by  cut- 
tings of  young  shoots.  First  introduced  in 
1817. 

Exochprda.  From  exn,  out  of,  and  chorda,  a  cord ; 
referring  to  the  cords  by  which  the  seeds  are 
suspended.  Linn.  Icosandria-Dipentagynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  RosacecK. 

This  is  a  beautiful  hardy  shrub  from  China, 
introduced  a  few  years  since,  and  as  yet  com- 
paratively little  known.  It  is  in  substance  de- 
scribed in  the  late  edition  of  the  Treasury  of 
Botany  as  being  remarkable  for  the  structure  of 
its  fruits,  which  consist  of  five  small  compressed 
bony  carpels  adhering  round  a  central  axis  in  a 
star-like  manner.  From  the  axis  or  growing 
point  stand  five  erect  placentary  cords,  which 
enter  the  carpels  on  their  inner  face  near 
the  top,  suspending  from  the  apex  two  thin 
seeds.  These  cords  remain  after  the  carpels 
have  fallen,  and  have  suggested  the  name  of  the 
genus.  The  only  species,  E.  grandiflora,  is  a 
smooth  shrub  or  dwarf  tree,  with  alternate 
nearly  lance-shaped  entire  leaves,  the  stems  ter- 
minated by  racemes  of  handsome  white  flowers, 
which  appear  in  the  spring,  and  are  about  an 
inch  in  diameter.  They  have  a  bell-shaped 
calyx  with  a  five-parted  border,  five  rounded 
petals,  and  fifteen  to  twenty  stamens.  The 
plant  is  also  known  as  fipircrrt  fjrawli flora.  It  is 
a  beatitiful,  tall-growing  shrub,  worthy  of  a 
place  on  the  lawn  and  in  the  shrubbery.  It  is 
still  a  rare  plant  in  the  United  States,  chiefly 
because  it  is  difficult  to  propagate,  and  in  con- 
sequence is  not  easy  to  get.  It  is  propagated 
from  cuttings. 

Exogonium.  From  em,  external  ;  referring  to 
the  cxserted  stamens.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monoyy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cbni^olvuJacfce. 

The  few  species  that  are  included  in  this 
genus  are  closely  allied  to,  and  very  nearly  re- 
semble the  tuberous-rooted  IpnmoRns.  They  are 
desirable  climbers,  flowering  freely  nearly  the 
whole  summer.  During  winter  the  tubers  should 
be  kept  dry  and  free  from  frost.  E.  purga,  a 
Mexican  species,  has  beautiful  salver-shaped, 
purplish  flowers,  and  furnishes  the  true  Jalap 
tubers  of  commerce.  These  are  roundish,  of 
variable  size,  the  largest  being  about  as  large  as 
an  orange,  and  of  a  dark  color.  They  owe  their 
well-known  purgative  properties  to  their  resin- 
ous ingredients.  They  can  be  rapidly  increased 
by  cuttings,  or  by  division  of  tubers  in  spring, 
like  the  Dahlia. 

Exostemma.  From  e.ro,  external,  and  slemmn,  a 
crown ;  referring  to  the  exserted  stamens.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  trees  or  shrubs,  valued 
more  for  the  medicinal  properties  they  possess, 
than  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage  or  flowers. 
They  are  natives  of  the  West  Indies.  One  of  the 
species,  K.  C'trHnritm,  has  become  naturalized  in 
Southern  Florida.  The  bark  possesses  the  same 
active  principle  as  that  of  the  Cinchona. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS 


F. 


FAB 


Fabiana.     Named  after  F.  Fbbiann,  a  Spaniard. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Sola- 


FEK 


A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen,  heath- 
like  shrubs.  F.  im'trimta,  the  only  species,  is  a 
neat  evergreen  shrub  of  compact  habit,  and 
densely  covered,  during  the  spring  months, 
with  pure  white  tubular  flowers.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  from  cuttings. 

Fadyenia.  Named  after  Dr.  fhdyen,  author  of 
a  Flora  of  Jamaica.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-Filices. 
Nat.  Ord.  PbtaxxBoeeo. 

F.  proUfera,  the  only  species;  is  a  curious  little 
Fern,  a  native  of  the  West  Indies.  It  grows  but 
a  few  inches  in  height:  the  fronds  have  netted 
veins,  and  are  remarkable  for  the  large  size  of 
the  sori.  It  is  occasionally  met  in  choice  collec- 
tions. Propagated  by  spores,  which  answer  to 
seeds. 

Fagelia.  Named  after  Fagel,  a  botanist.  Linn.  Dia- 
dflphia-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen,  twining, 
herbaceous  plants,  found  in  South  Africa  and 
Abyssinia.  The  leaves  somewhat  resemble  those 
of  Phaseolus,  but  are  smaller.  Their  flowers  are 
pea-shaped,  yellow,  and  borne  on  long,  axillary 
racemes.  Young  plants  are  obtained  from  seeds. 

Fagopyrum.  Buckwheat.  From  phago,  to  eat, 
and  pyros,  wheat ;  seed  eatable.  Linn.  Octandrui- 
Trujipua.  Nat.  Ord.  Polygomace.fr. 

F.  cymosum,  the  only  species,  is  our  common 
Buckwheat,  which  see. 

Fagus.  The  Beech.  From  phago,  to  eat;  in  early 
ages  the  nuts  of  the  Beech-tree  were  used  as 
food.  Linn.  MmoecM-Polyandrw.  Nat.  Ord.  Cory- 
lacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  trees,  re- 
markable for  their  graceful  and  symmetrical 
habit  of  growth,  their  great  size  and  beauty, 
which  renders  them  objects  of  admiration, 
whether  in  their  native  wood,  or  transplanted  on 
the  lawn  for  shade.  There  are  but  two  species  in 
our  forests.  F.  sylvestris,  White  Beech,  is  one 
of  the  tallest  and  most  majestic  of  our  forest 
trees.  It  grows  most  abundantly  in  the  Middle 
and  Western  States,  though  common  east  of  the 
Alleghanies,  attaining  its  greatest  size  on  the 
banks  of  the  Ohio,  where  the  trees  are  frequently 
found  one  hundred  feet  high,  with  a  diameter 
from  three  to  four  feet.  This  species  is  more 
slender  than  the  Bed  Beech,  but  its  foliage  is 
superb,  and  its  general  appearance  magnificent. 
The  sexes  are  borne  on  different  branches  of 
the  same  tree.  The  male  flowers  are  borne  in 
pendulous,  globular  heads,  the  female  flowers 
are  small,  and  of  a  greenish  color.  The  Ked 
Beech,  F.  ferruginea,  is  more  exclusively  con- 
fined to  the  Northern  States.  It  is  so  abundant 
as  often  to  constitute  extensive  forests,  the  finest 
of  which  grow  on  fertile,  level,  or  gently  slop- 
ing lands,  with  a  humid  surface.  The  Bed  Beech 
equals  the  white  species  in  diameter,  but  not  in 
height;  and  as  it  branches  nearer  the  earth,  and 
is  more  numerously  divided,  it  has  a  more 
massive  summit  and  the  appearance  of  more 
tufted  foliage.  Its  leaves  are  equally  brilliant, 
a  little  larger  and  thicker,  and  are  more  serrated. 
The  European  Beech,  F.  sylvalica,  is  almost 
identical  with  the  latter  species.  The  Weepin« 


Beech,  F.  sylvati-ca  pendula,  is  one  of  the  most 
curious  and  beautiful  of  lawn  trees.  The  origi- 
nal tree  stands  in  the  park  of  Baron  de  Mau,  at 
Beersel,  Belgium.  "The  trunk  is  three  and  a 
half  to  four  feet  in  diameter,  and  grows  in  a 
twisted  form  to  a  height  of  twelve  to  fifteen  feet, 
with  an  appearance  of  being  pressed  down  by  an 
immense  weight.  The  branches  cover  an  area 
nearly  a  hundred  feet  in  diameter.  Its  history 
is  curious.  Some  sixty  years  ago  the  baron's 
gardener  was  planting  an  avenue  of  Beech  trees, 
and  the  baron,  observing  a  very  crooked  speci- 
men, directed  to  have  it  thrown  out;  but  the 
gardener  planted  it  in  a  corner  of  the  grounds 
little  visited,  where  it  grew  to  be  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  and  singular  freaks  of  sylvan 
nature." — Scoff.  The  Purple-Leaved  Beech,  F. 
purpurea,  now  so  popular  for  lawn  decoration,  is 
a  sport  from  the  common  White  Beech,  found 
in  a  German  forest.  The  Copper-colored  Beech, 
F.  cuprea,  is  a  sub-variety  of  the  Purple  Beach. 
The  Fern  and  Cut-leaved  Beeches  are  very  orna- 
mental varieties,  the  leaves  resembling  the 
fronds  of  a  Fern.  There  are  varieties  with  va- 
riegated foliage.  They  are  all  varieties  of  /•'. 
sylvatica. 

Fairy  Lily.    See  Zephyranthes. 

False  Acacia.  The  common  Yellow  Locust,  Ro- 
binia  pseud-acacia. 

False  Asphodel.  A  popular  name  of  the  genus 
Tofieldia,  small  flowering  Liliaceous  plants. 

False  Dragon-head.     See  Physostegia. 

False  Fox-Glove.     See  Gerardiaflai-a. 

False  Hellebore.     See  Veratrum. 

False  Honeysuckle.  A  popular  name  of  our 
native  Azaleas. 

False  Indigo.     See  Amoi'pha. 

False  Mistletoe.  American  Mistletoe,  Pkoraden- 
dronflavescens. 

False  Red  Top.  A  popular  name  of  Poa  serotina, 
because  of  its  resemblance  to  Agrostis  vulgaris, 
the  true  Ked  Top  Grass. 

False  Solomon's  Seal.     See  Smilacina. 

False  Spikenard.     See  Smilacina  racemosa. 

Fan  Palm.     See  Corypha. 

Farkle-berry.  A  local  name  for  one  of  the  Cran- 
berries, Vaccinium  arboreum. 

Feather  Grass.     See  Stipa-. 

Feea.  In  honor  of  M.  Fee,  Professor  of  Botany  at 
Strasburg.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
rolypodiacvct'. 

A  small  genus  of  interesting  little  Ferns  found 
in  Guiana  and  the  West  Indies.  They  require 
to  be  grown  in  a  very  warm,  moist  atmosphere. 

Fenzlia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Fenzl,  author  of 
a  monograph  on  Alsinacece.  Linn.  Pentandrin- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  PokmoniacecK. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  dwarf  California  hardy 
annuals.  They  bear  a  profusion  of  delicate, 
rosy-tinted  flowers,  with  a  yellow  throat,  sur- 
rounded with  dark-colored  dots.  It  is  very 
dwarf  and  closely  tufted,  keeping  in  flower  the 
whole  summer,  making  it  desirable  for  small 
beds  or  edgings.  It  is  also  very  pretty  for  win- 
dow gardens.  It  is  also  known  as  Gilia  dian- 
ihoides. 

Ferns  consist  of  three  orders  of  flowerless  plants. 
Some  of  the  species  are  magnificent,  with  trunks 
upward  of  fifty  feet  high.  Some  are  climbing, 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


FER 

some  creeping,  others  bushy  and  dwarf,  and  all 
are  graceful  and  interesting.  Many  of  the  gen- 
era are  described  in  their  proper  order. 

Ferraria.  Named  after  Ferrari,  an  Italian  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Monaddphia-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Iridacece. 

A  genus  of  dwarf  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  producing  very  curious,  oddly-colored 
flowers,  perhaps  more  singular  than  beautiful. 
They  are  of  easy  culture,  requiring  to  be  kept  dry 
during  winter.  They  should  be  started  in  the 
green-house  in  February,  in  small  pots.  As 
soon  as  they  commence  growth,  give  them  plenty 
of  air,  sunlight,  and  water,  and  they  will  come 
into  flower  in  April.  They  will  grow  finely  in  a 
col  frame  if  carefully  protected  from  water 
during  winter.  They  are  increased  freely  by 
offsets.  Introduced  in  1800. 

Ferula.  Giant  Fennel.  From  /mo,  to  strike  ; 
stems  used  as  rods.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Apiacece. 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing,  herbaceous  peren- 
nials from  the  Mediterranean  and  Persian  re- 
gions. They  are  of  but  little  interest,  except  F. 
Persica,  the  juice  of  which  furnishes  very  much 
of  the  Asafoetida  of  commerce. 

Fescue  Grass.     See  Festuca. 

Festuca.  A  genus  of  grasses,  containing  some  of 
the  best  pasture  grasses.  F.  glauca  is  a  very 
handsome  ornamental  grass,  which,  though 
hardy,  is  very  suitable  for  the  green-house  and 
the  sitting-room. 

Fetid  Horehound.     See  Ballota. 

Fever  Bush.  A  local  name  of  the  Lindera;  given 
for  the  supposed  medicinal  properties  of  the 
shrub. 

Feverfew.     See  Pyretlirum. 

Ficaria.  Fromficus,  a  fig;  in  reference  to  the 
fig-shaped  little  tubers  of  the  root.  Linn.  Poly- 
andria-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Raminwlacece. 

A  hardy  herbaceous  perennial,  with  bright 
yellow  flowers,  closely  resembling  the  Ranuncu- 
lus, to  which  it  is  allied,  the  only  difference  be- 
ing in  the  shape  of  the  petals.  It  is  one  of  the 
earliest  spring  flowers  in  the  English  woods  or 
waste  places. 

Ficus.  Fig-tree.  The  Fig-tree  has  nearly  the 
same  name  in  all  the  European  languages,  and  is 
supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Hebrew  name 
feg.  Linn.  Polygamia-Dioecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Jfora- 
cecK. 

A  genus  of  trees,  some  of  which  require  to  be 
grown  in  the  hot-house.  It  contains  several 
valuable  species,  especially  the  India  Rubber 
tree,  (F.  dasticu,)  and  the  Banyan  tree,  (F.  Indi- 
ca;)  the  foliage  of  all  of  them  is  very  impos- 
ing, and  their  culture  is  of  the  easiest  descrip- 
tion, requiring  heat  and  plenty  of  water  in  their 
growing  season.  F.  dastica,  if  cultivated  in  a 
humid  atmosphere,  such  as  that  of  an  Orchid- 
house,  will  emit  roots  from  its  stem  and  branches, 
and  attach  itself  to  any  contiguous  object,  such 
as  a  wall,  in  the  manner  of  an  epiphyte.  This 
is  the  India  Rubber  tree  of  commerce.  It  is 
much  valued  as  a  decorative  plant  for  rooms. 
This  species  grows  to  an  immense  size  in  Cen- 
tral and  South  America.  F.  Gariai,  the  culti- 
vated Fig,  is  supposed  to  be  a  native  of  Caria  in 
Asia.  It  has,  however,  been  so  long  under  cul- 
tivation throughout  Southern  Europe  that  its 
nativity  is  lost  sight  of.  The  fruit  can  be  grown 
here  without  artificial  heat,  an  ordinary  pit 
alone  being  sufficient  protection  in  winter;  or 
the  plants  can  be  laid  down  and  covered  up  with 
six  inches  of  soil  in  November  and  uncovered 


FRA 

in  April,  and  will  thus  withstand  our  severest 
Northern  winters.  The  Fig  is  generally  hardy 
south  of  Washington.  Propagated  by  cuttings 
or  layers. 

Fiddle- Wood.     See  Citharejcyhtm. 

Fig  Marigold.     See  Mesembryanthemum. 

Filbert.     See  Corylus. 

Fir.     See  Abies. 

Fire  Cracker  Plant.     See  Cuphea. 

Fire  Pink.     A  local  name  of  ti'dene  Virginica. 

Fire  Tree.     See  Nuytsia. 

Fire- Weed.  A  name  given  to  Erechites  hieracifdia, 
because  of  its  appearance  on  new  grounds,  when 
brush  has  been  burned.  It  is  a  coarse,  worth- 
less weed,  though  not  apt  to  be  troublesome. 

Fish-Tail  Palm.     See  Caryota. 

Fittonia.    See  Gymnostachyum. 

Five-finger.     See  Potentilla. 

Flame  Flower.  One  of  the  popular  names  of 
Tritoma. 

Flame  Lily.    See  Pyrolirwn. 

Flame  Tree.     See  tiuytsia. 

Flame  Tree,  or  Tree  of  Fire.     See  Brachychiton. 

Flamingo  Plant.     See  Anthurium. 

Flax.     See  Linum. 

Fleabane.     See  Erigeron. 

Fleur-de-Luce.     See  Iris. 

Florida  Bean.     See  Entada. 

Florida  Moss.     See  Ttilandsia. 

Flower  of  the  Holy  Spirit.    See  Peristeria. 

Flowering  Bush.     See  Butomus. 

Flower-de-Luce.     See  Iris. 

Flowering  Fern.     See  Osmunda. 

Fool's  Parsley.     See  jEihusa. 

Forget-me-not.     See  Myosotis. 

Forsythia.  In  honor  of  Mr.  Forsyth,  royal  gar- 
dener at  Kensington,  Eng.  Linn.  Diandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oleacece. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental  deciduous,  hardy 
shrubs,  introduced  from  the  north  of  China  in 
1845.  F.  vmdissitna  is  one  of  the  earliest  of 
spring  flowering  shrubs,  being  completely  cov- 
ered in  early  spring  with  tufts  of  rather  large, 
pendulous,  bright  yellow  flowers,  which  grow 
two  or  three  together  from  all  parts  of  the  rod- 
like  branches.  It  is  easily  increased  by  cut- 
tings or  layers. 

Fourcroya.  Named  after  M.  Fourcroy,  a  cele- 
brated chemist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynui. 
Nat.  Ord.  Amaryttidacece. 

A  genus  closely  allied  to  Agaw.  There  are  but 
three  species,  all  natives  of  Mexico.  F.  longceva 
(long  lived)  throws  up  a  magnificent  flower  stem 
forty  feet  high.  It  is  branching  and  pyramidal, 
like  the  Yucca,  though  more  graceful.  The  lower 
branches  of  the  terminal  pyramid  are  from  ten 
to  twelve  feet  long,  and  are  covered  with  innu- 
merable white  flowers.  From  their  great  size 
they  are  rarely  met  in  collections! 

Four  O'Clock.     See  Mirabilis. 

Fox  Glove.     See  Digitalis. 

Fragaria.  The  Strawberry.  From  fragrans,  fra- 
grant ;  in  reference  to  the  perfumed  fruit.  Linn. 
Icosawlria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacece. 

According  to  Sir  Joseph  Banks  and  others, 
the  common  name  of  Strawberry  was  given  on 
account  of  straw  having  been  laid  between  the 
plants  to  prevent  the  fruit  from  getting  soiled 
in  wet  weather.  There  are  several  species  of 
Strawberries,  the  principal  of  which  are,  F.  Vir- 
</iii!iina,  the  Virginian  or  Scarlet,  the  well-known 
native  species;  F.  grnndiftara,  the  Pine;  F.  ChUi- 
en.vi.s-,  the  Chilian;  F.  vnoa,  the  Wood  and  Al- 
pine; F.  datior,  the  Hautbois;  F.  viridis,  the 
green ;  F.  Indica,  the  Indian,  not  edible,  but  n 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


pret 
ben 


.etty  plant  for  hanging  pots  and  baskets,  its 
Berries  being  very  attractive.  Like  all  the  oth- 
ers, it  is  propagated  by  runners  as  well  as  seed. 
Previous  to  1629,  the  date  assigned  to  the  intro- 
duction of  the  Scarlet  Strawberry  from  Virginia, 
the  Wood  Strawberry  is  supposed  to  have  been 
the  kind  generally  gathered  for  sale  in  England. 
The  varieties  now  grown  are  almost  innumer- 
able, especially  in  the  United  States,  and  they 
are  increasing  every  year.  The  improvements 
effected  among  us,  in  quality,  size,  and  produc- 
tiveness, are  very  remarkable  indeed.  Berries 
have  been  exhibited  in  New  York  that  measured 
fully  twelve  inches  in  circumference. 

Franciscea.  Named  in  honor  of  Francis,  Em- 
peror of  Austria.  Linn.  Dldynamia-Aivjiosper- 
mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  Brazil.  There  are  several  in  cultivation, 
most  of  them  having  very  showy  salver-shaped 
purple  flowers.  The  roots,  and  to  some  extent 
the  leaves,  are  employed  in  medicine.  The 
tincture  is  bitter,  purgative,  and  emetic,  and  is 
poisonous  in  large  doses.  From  its  peculiar 
properties  it  is  called  by  the  Portuguese  Vege- 
table Mercury. 

Francoa.  Named  after  F.  Franco,  a  Spaniard. 
Linn.  Octandria-Teiragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Francoa- 

rur. 

A  small  genus  of  tender  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, natives  of  Chili.  They  are  found  to  suc- 
ceed best  when  treated  as  tender  annuals,  as 
they  can  only  be  increased  by  seeds,  which,  if 
sown  early  in  a  hot-bed,  make  good  flowering 
plants  for  autumn.  The  flowers  are  produced 
on  long  spikes,  and  are  quite  showy.  Colors 
white  or  purple. 

Frankenia.  Sea  Heath.  Named  after  John  Frank- 
enius,  a  Swedish  botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Frankeniacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  ever- 
green trailers,  growing  in  marshy  places  through- 
out Europe  and  the  Canary  Islands.  Though 
very  pretty,  they  have  received  but  little  atten- 
tion from  florists.  Flowers  pink,  produced  in 
axillary  clusters,  very  small.  Propagated  by 
division. 

Frasera.  Named  after  John  Fraser,  an  indefati- 
gable collector  in  this  country  toward  the  close 
of  the  last  centurj .  Linn.  Tetrandria-Honogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Genlianaceoi. 

F.  Caro'mensis,  the  only  species,  is  a  tall-grow- 
ing, showy  herbaceous  plant.  The  flowers  are 
about  one  inch  in  diameter,  of  light  greenish- 
yellow  color,  marked  with  small  brown-purple 
dots.  It  is  commonly  known  as  American  Co- 
lumbo,  and  is  common  in  Southwest  New  York 
to  Wisconsin  and  southward. 

Fraxinella.     Sea  Dictmnnus. 

FraxinuB.  The  Ash.  From  phraxis,  a  separa- 
tion; in  reference  to  the  facility  with  which  the 
wood  splits.  Linn.  Polygamiu-Dioecia.  Nat.  Ord. 


This  genus  includes  some  of  the  most  com- 
mon forest  trees  throughout  the  United  State  j. 
They  are  also  common  in  Europe,  Asia,  and  in 
the  North  of  Africa.  The  more  common  and 
important  of  the  native  species  are  the  follow- 
ing: The  White  Ash,  F.  Americana,  is  a  beautiful 
tree,  with  trunk  perfectly  straight,  and  usually 
undivided  to  the  height  of  thirty  to  forty 
feet.  In  the  forest  the  tree  often  attains  a 
height  of  one  hundred  feet.  Solitary  trees  are 
often  very  beautiful,  being  symmetrical  and 
globular,  with  dense  foliage  of  a  dull  bluish- 


FUC 

green  color.  This  species  delights  in  a  warm, 
rich  soil,  and  is  rarely  found  in  its  natural  state 
in  any  other.  The  timber  of  this  species  is 
valuable  in  the  mechanic  arts,  where  strength 
and  durability  are  required.  The  Black  Ash, 
F.  sambucifolia,  is  a  tree  of  medium  size,  usually 
found  in  wet  or  swampy  situations.  It  is  of  but 
little  value  as  an  ornamental  tree,  and  the  tim- 
ber has  little  value  except  to  split  into  rails  for 
fencing.  The  other  native  species  are  of  no 
special  interest.  The  English  Ash,  F.  excelsior, 
is  almost  identical  with  our  White  Ash.  From 
it  several  varieties  have  originated;  one  of  weep- 
ing habit,  F.  excelsior  pendula,  a  very  beautiful 
and  desirable  tree  for  the  lawn.  Some  of  the 
varieties  with  golden,  and  some  with  variegated 
foliage,  are  being  extensively  planted,  and  are 
strongly  recommended  for  suburban  grounds. 
Fremontia.  Named  in  honor  of  Major-General 
John  C.  Fremont,  who  discovered  it  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  Sierra  Nevada.  Linn.  Monadelphia- 
Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  titerculiacea;. 

F.  Califomica,  the  only  species,  is  a  deciduous 
shrub  from  four  to  ten  feet  high,  somewhat  re- 
sembling the  ordinary  Fig-tree.  The  flowers  are 
very  handsome,  bright  yellow,  bell-shaped,  and 
are  produced  on  short,  spur-like  branches. 
Propagated  by  cuttings  or  from  seed.  Intro- 
duced in  1851. 

French  Honeysuckle.  See  Hedysarum. 
French  Marigold.  See  Tagetes. 
Frenoh  Mulberry.  See  Callicarpa  Americana. 
Fringe  Tree.  See  Chionanthus. 
Fritillaria.  From  frit'dlus,  a  chess-board;  refer- 
ring to  the  checkered  flowers  of  some  species. 
Linn.  Hexandria-AIonogi/nia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacea'. 
Showy  bulbs  for  the  border,  mostly  attaining 
a  height  of  from  two  to  three  feet,  though  F.  mc- 
leagris  and  its  varieties  are  dwarf.  This  species, 
and  one  or  two  others  like  it,  have  had  much 
attention  paid  them  by  the  continental  florists, 
who  have  succeeded  in  obtaining  many  beautiful 
varieties  by  seed,  and  now  these  flowers  occupy 
a  prominent  place  in  their  catalogues.  They 
delight  in  very  rich  soil,  frequently  dug  and 
well  pulverized  previous  to  planting.  The  bulbs 
may  be  placed  in  the  ground  either  in  autumn 
or  early  spring,  covering  them  with  about  three 
inches  of  earth.  In  the  blooming  season, 
should  the  weather  prove  dry,  the  ground  must 
be  frequently  well  soaked  with  water,  that  the 
growth  may  be  sufficiently  vigorous,  or  the 
flowers  of  the  following  season  will  be  deficient. 
When  the  stems  begin  to  decay,  the  bulbs 
should  be  taken  up,  but  not  dried  to  any  extent, 
it  being  far  preferable  to  preserve  them  till  the 
following  planting  season  in  sand  or  light  and 
partially  dried  earth.  F.  imperialis  is  the  well- 
known  Crown  Imperial,  a  native  of  Persia,  of 
which  there  are  several  varieties.  They  will  be 
greatly  benefited  by  mulching  with  leaves  to  the 
depth  of  six  inches,  just  before  the  ground 
freezes  up.  They  can  remain  a  number  of 
years  without  taking  up.  Propagated  by  divi- 
sion of  the  bulbs. 
Frog's  Bit.  See  Limnobium. 
Fuchsia.  Named  after  Leonard  Fachs,  a  celebrated 
German  botanist.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Onagracea;. 

The  best  history  we  have  of  this  interesting 
genus  is  from  the  pen  of  the  Eev.  C.  A.  Johns, 
in  the  "Treasury  of  Botany."  Hi  says:  "A 
plausible  story  has  often  been  printed,  which 
attributes  the  introduction  of  the  Fuchsia  into 
England  to  a  sailor,  whose  wife  or  mother  was 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


87 


FUG 

induced  to  sell  it  to  Mr.  Lee,  a  nurseryman, 
who,  in  the  course  of  the  following  summer, 
made  a  profit  of  300  guineas  by  the  transaction. 
This  is  said  to  have  happened  about  the  close 
of  the  last  century.  It  was,  however,  a  hundred 
years  before  this  time  that  a  monk  named  Father 
Plumier  discovered  the  first  specimen  of  the 
family,  which  he  afterward  dedicated  to  the 
memory  of  Leonard  Fuchs.  This  first  species 
was  named  Fuchsia  tnphylla  flore  corcinea,  and  a 
description  of  it  is  to  be  found  in  the  works  of 
Plumier,  published  in  1703.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  F.  excorticata  and  F.  procumbens,  which  are 
natives  of  New  Zealand,  all  the  species  belong 
to  the  central  and  southern  regions  of  America, 
in  shady,  moist  places,  in  forests,  or  on  lofty 
mountains  of  Mexico,  Peru,  and  Chili.  The 
number  of  distinct  species  at  present  known  is 
more  than  fifty,  which  have  been  introduced 
from  time  to  time  since  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century;  but  the  varieties  most  prized 
by  florists  date  only  from  the  year  1837,  when 
F.  fulgens  was  introduced.  The  introduction  of 
this  species,  and  soon  afterward  of  F.  c&ri/mbi- 
flora,  cordifolici,  and  sei-ratifolia,  gave  to  horticul- 
turists the  opportunity  of  hybridizing  these 
long-flowered  species  with  the  globose  kinds, 
and  the  result  has  been  the  annual  appearance 
of  varieties  which,  from  a  garden  point  of  view, 
have  surpassed  their  predecessors,  to  be  them- 
selves eclipsed  in  their  turn. "  The  cultivation  of 
the  Fuchsia  is  quite  simple.  Stock  plants  should 
be  started  in  the  green-house  in  November  or 
December,  and  cuttings  taken  off  as  soon  as  large 
enough,  which  will  be  in  ten  days  or  two  weeks. 
In  an  ordinary  propagating  house,  they  will  be 
sufficiently  rooted  in  two  weeks  to  pot  off;  after 
which  the  growth  is  rapid,  if  given  the  four 
essential  elements,  viz.,  light,  air,  heat,  and 
water.  They  require  to  be  re-potted  often, 
never  allowing  them  to  get  pot-bound  if  you 
wish  large  show  plants.  By  training  up  the 
leading  shoot,  and  keeping  it  tied  to  a  straight 
stick,  the  plant  will  throw  out  side  shoots  in  the 
perfect  order  required  for  a  graceful,  symmetri- 


GAL 

cal  outline .  Plants  carefully  grown  on  in  this 
manner  will,  by  the  first  of  July,  fill  a  twelve- 
inch  pot,  which,  if  placed  in  a  shady  situation, 
and  liberally  watered  with  liquid  manure,  will 
make  a  plant  fully  six  feet  high  by  autumn,  and 
all  the  summer  be  completely  covered  with 
flowers.  During  our  hot  summer  months,  moss 
two  inches  thick,  as  a  mulching,  on  top  of  the 
pots,  will  be  found  to  be  of  great  advantage. 

Fumaria.  Fumitory.  From  fumos,  smoke  ;  re- 
ferring to  the  disagreeable  smell  of  the  plant. 
Lin.it.  Dladdphia-Dirjyma.  Nat.  Ord.  Fumaria- 
cew. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  mostly  mere  weeds. 
One  or  two,  however,  are  very  pretty  climbers, 
ornamental,  when  grown  along  hedge-rows,  for 
their  delicate  foliage,  and  small,  pinkish  white 
flowers. 

Funkia.  Day  Lily.  Named  in  honor  of  Henry 
Funk,  a  German  Cryptogamist.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monorjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Biliacea?. 

A  handsome  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  with  bundled  fibrous  roots,  from  Japan. 
It  is  nearly  allied  to  Hemerocallis,  and  some  of 
the  species  first  introduced  were  included  in 
that  genus,  which  has  caused  considerable  con- 
fusion in  names.  They  are  remarkable  for  their 
neat  habit,  the  fine  character  of  their  foliage, 
and  the  delicious  fragrance  of  the  flowers  of 
some  of  the  species.  F.  albo-marginata  and  F. 
Sieboldti  have  beautifully  variegated  foliage, 
green  and  white.  As  border  plants  they  are 
very  showy  and  attractive,  and  to  mix  with  cut 
flowers  for  vases  the  foliage  is  invaluable.  /'. 
subcordaia,  or  Japonica,  the  well-known  white 
Day  Lily,  is  the  largest  growing  of  the  species. 
In  rich  soils  they  will,  in  a  short  time,  make 
immense  clumps,  that  flower  freely  in  August. 
This  species  does  best  in  partial  shade.  They 
are  readily  increased  by  division  of  roots,  which 
should  be  done  in  early  spring.  First  intro- 
duced in  1790. 

Fungi.  Extensive  groups  of  singular  plants, 
known  as  blights,  blasts,  mildews,  and  mush- 


Gagea.     Named  after  Sir  Thomas  Gage,  a  botan- 
ical amateur.     Linn.    Ilexandria  -  Monoqunia 
Nat.  Ord.  LiliacetK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  little  yellow-flowering  bulbs, 
allied  to  the  Tulip.  The  species  are  natives  of  Eu- 
rope, temperate  Asia,  and  northern  Africa.  The 
flowers,  which  are  large  for  the  size  of  the  plant, 
are  produced  in  umbels  on  stems  not  more  than 
four  inches  high.  They  flower  about  the  same 
time  as  the  Crocus,  and  should  occupy  similar 
places  in  the  garden.  Propagated  by  offsets. 
Introduced  in  1759. 

Gaillardia.  Named  after  M.  Gaillard  de  Maren- 
tonneau,  a  French  patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Syn- 
yenesia- Frustranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Asieracece. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  half-hardy  annuals, 
natives  of  South  Carolina  and  southward.  They 
are  exceedingly  showy,  and  well  adapted  for 
garden  decoration.  The  seed  germinates  slowly, 
and  in  order  to  get  plants  to  flower  the  whole 


summer  it  should  be  sown  in  the  green-house 
in  February.  The  plants  may  be  put  out  in  the 
open  border  when  all  danger  from  frost  is  over. 
Cuttings  may  be  made  in  the  fall  and  grown  on 
in  the  green-house  during  the  winter.  G.  /.'/<•/,- 
ardsoni,  a  species  of  late  introduction,  is  a  hardy 
perennial,  propagated  by  root  division. 
Galanthus.  Snow-drop.  From  gala,  milk,  and 
antkos,  flower;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  flow- 
ers. Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Amaryllidacea.'. 

G.  nivalis,  the  common  Snow-drop,  for  its 
poetical  associations  as  the  ever-welcome  har- 
binger of  spring,  is  universally  cultivated,  and 
by  potting  and  very  gentle  forcing  may  be 
made  an  interesting  ornament  to  the  green- 
house in  mid-winter.  It  is  perfectly  hardy, 
however.  Loudon  remarks:  "  It  is  rather  singu- 
lar, and  also  to  be  regretted,  that  no  variations 
or  hybrids  have  been  produced  from  ihis  early 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GAL 

and  pretty  little  flower."  By  way  of  episode, 
we  may  mention  that  there  are  but  two  species 
of  the  genus  and  one  variety,  bnt  it  is  probable 
that  a  cross  might  be  obtained  between  it  and 
the  allied  genus  Leucojum,  or,  indeed,  other 
genera  of  the  same  order,  the  great  difficulty 
being  however,  to  have  the  different  species  in 
flower  at  the  same  time.  The  precocity  of  the 
Snow-drop  putting  it  out  of  the  question  in  a 
natural  manner,  it  would  be  necessary  to  retard 
the  latter  till  the  blooming  season  of  the  genus 
be  selected.  Natives  of  Great  Britain. 
Galathea  ccelestis.  Blue  Daisy,  Derivation  of 
name  not  given.  Belongs  to  the  natural  order 
Asteracea;. 

This  is  a  neat  green-house  plant,  somewhat 
resembling  the  Gazania  in  foliage  and  shape  of 
flower,  but  having  petals  of  a  deep  blue  with 
yellow  disk.  As  it  blooms  profusely,  and  the 
color  is  a  rare  and  beautiful  shade  of  blue, 
which  contrasts  finely  with  the  golden  yellow 
disk,  it  is  much  valued  as  an  ingredient  in 
winter  bouquets.  It  is  a  neat  plant,  and  the 
peculiar  color  (mazarine  blue)  is  very  unusual  in 
this  class  of  plants.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Galaxia.  From  galaktiao,  to  abound  in  milk;  re- 
ferring to  the  juice.  Linn.  Momdelphia-Mono- 
ijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacea:. 

A  genus  of  dwarf,  tender  bulbs  from  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  The  flower  stems  are  short, 
with  a  terminal  cluster  of  narrow  leaves,  and 
handsome  funnel-shaped  flowers.  Most  of  the 
species  are  yellow,  others  purple.  The  bulbs 
may  be  planted  out  in  early  spring,  like  the 
Gladiolus,  and  given  the  same  treatment  dur- 
ing summer.  They  may  be  left  in  the  ground 
during  winter,  if  protected  from  frost.  In- 
creased by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1799. 
Galeandra.  From  galea,  a  helmet,  and  aner,  a 
stamen ;  referring  to  the  crested  male  organ  on 
the  top  of  the  column.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea*. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  with 
pink,  purple,  or  yellow  flowers.  They  are  from 
Central  and  South  America,  and  require  the 
same  treatment  as  is  recommended  for  the 
Bletia.  Introduced  in  1840. 

Galium.  Bedstraw,  Cleavers.  From  gala,  milk; 
referring  to  the  flowers  of  G.  verum  having 
been  used  to  curdle  milk.  Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Galiacea?. 

A  genus  of  interesting  herbs,  natives  of  Eu- 
rope, but  extensively  naturalized  in  the  United 
States.  0.  aparine,  vulgarly  known  as  Goose- 
Grass,  has  a  great  reputation  in  the  eclectic 
practice  of  medicine  as  a  cure  for  gravel  in  the 
bladder,  and  is  considered  by  them  invaluable 
as  a  diuretic. 

Gamboge.  A  gum  resin  that  is  furnished  by  a 
number  of  trees  in  the  East  Indies.  It  was  at 
one  time  chiefly  obtained  from  Xantkochymus, 
a  native  of  Ceylon.  See  Garcinia  and  Nauclea. 
Garcinia.  Mangosteen.  Named  after  Dr.  Garcin, 
an  Eastern  traveler,  iinn.  Dodecandria-Mvno- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Clusiacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  trees  of  medium  size, 
highly  esteemed  for  their  delicious  fruit  and 
for  the  valuable  gums  they  furnish.  The  fruit 
of  G.  Mangostana  is  one  of  the  most  delicious 
that  grows,  and  the  tree  upon  which  it  is  pro- 
duced is  one  of  the  most  graceful  and  beautiful 
anywhere  to  be  met  with.  It  is  a  native  of 
Sumatra  and  the  islands  of  the  Eastern  Archi- 
pelago. The  stem  rises  to  the  height  of  about 
twenty  feet ;  the  branches  come  out  in  regular 


GAR 

order,  and  give  the  head  of  the  tree  the  form  of 
a  parabola ;  the  leaves  are  about  eight  inches 
long,  and  four  broad  at  the  middle,  of  a  beauti- 
ful green  on  the  upper  side,  and  a  fine  olive  on 
the  under.  The  flower  resembles  that  of  a  single 
rose,  with  some  dark  red  petals.  The  fruit  is 
round,  about  the  size  of  an  ordinary  orange. 
The  shell  of  the  fruit,  which  is  at  first  green, 
but  changes  to  brown,  marked  with  yellow 
spots,  has  some  resemblance  to  that  of  the 
Pomegranate,  but  is  thicker  and  softer,  and  the 
contents  are  more  juicy.  The  flavor  of  the  pulp 
is  said  to  be  that  of  the  finest  Grape  and  Straw- 
berry united  ;  but  those  who  have  tasted  the 
fruit  in  perfection,  and  attempted  to  convey  to 
others  some  idea  of  the  impression  that  it  had 
made  on  them,  are  not  agreed  as  to  what  it  re- 
sembles. Abel  says  that  "  he  and  his  com- 
panions were  anxious  to  carry  with  them  some 
precise  expression  of  its  flavor;  but  after  satis- 
fying themselves  that  it  partook  of  the  Pine- 
apple and  the  Peach,  they  were  obliged  to  con- 
fess that  it  had  many  other  equally  good,  but 
utterly  inexpressible  flavors. "  The  species  may 
be  grown  and  ripen  fruit  in  the  hot-house. 
They  will  bear  fruit  in  two  years  from  seed. 
Some  of  the  species  yield  a  gum  resin,  known 
as  Gamboge,  though  not  the  true  sort,  but  it  is 
said  to  be  nearly  as  good. 
Gardener's  Garters.  A  local  name  for  Arundo 

Donax  versicolor ;  also  Phalaris  arundinacea. 
Gardenia.     Named   in   compliment  to  Alexander 
Garden,  M.D.,  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  a 
correspondent  of    Ellis  and  Linnaeus.      Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  C'mchonacea;. 

A  genus  of  splendid  green-house  shrubs,  re- 
markable for  the  size,  number,  and  fragrance  of 
their  flowers,  and  the  noble  character  of  the 
plant.  G.  fiorida  and  G.  Fortunei  are  natives  of 
China.  The  former  was  introduced  into  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1754,  where  it  received 
its  common  name,  Cape  Jasmine.  They  are 
usually  treated  as  green-house  plants,  but  if 
kept  moderately  cool  during  winter,  their  sea- 
son of  rest,  and  planted  out  in  spring,  they  will 
flower  freely  during  the  early  part  of  the  sum- 
mer. They  may  be  taken  up  in  autumn,  potted, 
and  kept  under  the  table  in  the  green-house 
during  winter.  They  are  readily  increased  by 
cuttings  made  from  half-ripened  wood. 
Gardoquia.  Named  after  Gardoqui.  a  Spaniard, 
who  greatly  promoted  the  publication  of  the 
"Flora  Peruviana."  Linn.  Didynamia  -  Angio- 
spermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house,  low-growing  shrubs, 
producing  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  bright 
scarlet  or  pink  flowers.  They  thrive  well  with 
ordinary  green-house  culture.  In  order  to  make 
neat  and  compact  plants  they  should  be  kept 
cut  well  back,  or  the  plants  will  become  strag- 
gling. They  are  readily  increased  by  cuttings. 
Introduced  in  1812  from  Peru. 
Garland  Flower.  See  Hedi/cJiium. 
Garlic.  Allium  sativum.  This  plant  belongs  to 
the  same  genus  as  the  Onion  and  the  Leek.  It 
is  a  perennial,  found  growing  wild  in  the  south- 
ern parts  of  Europe.  It  is  commonly  cultivated 
in  almost  every  country,  and  has  been  highly 
esteemed  from  a  very  early  period,  not  only  as 
an  article  of  food,  but  as  a  medicine.  It  was 
introduced  into  the  English  gardens  in  1548. 
Every  part  of  the  plant,  but  especially  the  root, 
has  a  pungent,  acrimonious  taste,  and  a  pecu- 
liar offensive  odor,  that  is  far  more  penetrating 
and  diffusive  than  that  of  the  Onion.  So  power- 


HENDERSONS    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


GAS 

ful  is  this  principle,  that  when  Garlic  is  applied 
externally,  as  to  the  feet,  the  smell  is  said  to  be 
observed  in  the  breath  and  perspiration.  The 
common  field  Garlic,  Allium  rineale,  was  sup- 
posed to  have  been  brought  into  this  country  by 
the  Welsh,  who  planted  it  for  early  pasture.  It 
is  now  completely  naturalized,  and  in  many 
parts  of  the  country  is  quite  a  nuisance.  A. 
Ganadense,  or  Wild  Garlic,  is  indigenous,  and 
common  in  moist  meadows.  This  differs  from 
the  field  Garlic  in  having  flat  leaves,  but  is 
equally  to  be  dreaded. 

Gasteria.  From  gaster,  a  belly  ;  alluding  to  the 
swollen  base  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LillacecK. 

A  somewhat  extensive  ge*nus  of  succulent 
green-house  plants,  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  allied  to  the  Aloe,  which  they  closely  re- 
semble, and  require  the  same  treatment.  The 
flowers  of  most  of  the  species  are  bright  scarlet 
or  red,  and  very  showy. 

Gastrolpbium.  From  gaster,  belly,  and  lobos,  a 
pod  ;  inflated  seed-pod.  Linn.  Decandria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecr. 

Handsome  New  Holland  shrubs  with  bright 
yellow  and  orange-colored  blossoms,  requiring 
to  have  an  airy  situation  in  the  green-house 
through  the  winter,  and  a  shaded  one  out  of 
doors  in  summer.  Propagated  by  seeds  or 
from  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1840. 

Gastronema.  From  gaster,  belly,  and  nema,  a 
filament  ;  in  reference  to  the  filaments  seen 
below  the  points  of  insertion.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynla.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUldacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  very  pretty,  but  exceedingly 
rare  bulbs,  from  South  Africa.  There  are  but 
two  species,  one  with  white  flowers,  the  other 
rose.  They  will  flower  freely  in  the  open  ground 
in  summer,  if  planted  in  early  spring.  When 
the  foliage  shows  signs  of  ripening,  take  up  the 
bulbs,  and  keep  in  a  dry  place,  free  from  frost, 
during  winter.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1816. 

Gaultheria.  Named  after  Dr.  Gaulther,  of  Que- 
bec, Canada.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Ericacece. 

Of  the  several  species  of  this  genus  of  low 
evergreens,  two  are  natives  of  this  country, 
and  perfectly  hardy.  G.  procumbens  is  found 
throughout  the  Northern  States,  and  universally 
known  as  Wintergreen.  In  some  sections  the 
berries  are  called  Partridge  Berries,  in  others 
Checker-berry,  Deer-berry,  Tea-berry,  etc.  Win- 
tergreen oil  is  distilled  from  this  plant. 

Gaylussacia.     See  Huckleberry. 

Gazania.  From  grtza,  richness  ;  in  reference  to 
the  large,  gaudy  flowers.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Frus- 
tranea.  Nat.  Ord.  AsteracecR. 

A  genus  of  very  showy,  low-growing,  tender 
herbaceous  plants,  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
The  flowers  are  large,  yellow,  or  deep  orange 
color,  with  almost  black  centers.  They  are  very 
ornamental  for  the  green-house,  and  are  well 
adapted  for  out-of-door  culture.  The  flowers 
open  only  in  the  sunshine.  They  are  propa- 
gated readily  from  cuttings.  Introduced  in 
1812. 

Geissorhiza.  Tile  Root.  From  geisson,  a  tile, 
and  rhiza,  a  root ;  referring  to  the  dry  coats 
which  cover  the  fleshy  roots,  like  tiles  on  a  roof. 
Linn.  Tri/mdria-Monogynift.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacecr. 
A  small  genus  of  South  African  bulbs,  one 
species  of  which  has  been  found  in  Abyssinia. 
They  are  all  remarkable  for  having  bulbs,  or, 
more  correctly,  bulbo-tubers,  covered  with  seve- 


GEN 

ral  crustaceous  or  scarious  skins  or  tunics, 
which  lie  over  each  other  like  scales,  or  the  tiles 
of  a  house,  beginning  from  below.  It  is  from 
this  peculiarity  that  the  plants  take  their  Eng- 
lish name  of  Tile  Root.  They  have  but  four  leaves, 
all  of  which  spring  from  the  root,  and  are  nar- 
row and  bristly.  The  stems  are  simple  or 
branched,  producing  one  or  two  flowers  each, 
resembling  the  Ixia,  very  showy,  of  various 
colors,  the  white,  yellow,  and  blue  predominat- 
ing. They  are  properly  green-house  bulbs, 
but  will  succeed  finely  in  a  cold  frame.  They 
are  increased  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1795. 

Gelasine.  From  gelasinas,  a  smiling  dimple  ;  re- 
ferring to  the  flowers  of  these  pretty  bulbs. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 
G.  azurea,  the  only  species,  is  a  small  bulb 
from  the  Rio  Grande,  producing  two  to  four 
beautiful  blue  tulip-shaped  flowers  on  a  slender 
stalk,  about  one  and  a  half  feet  high.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets,  or  from  seed.  Seedlings  flower 
the  second  year.  Introduced  in  1838. 

Gelsemiuxn.  From  geksemiiis,  an  Italian  name 
of  the  Jasmine  ;  alluding  to  the  simplicity  of 
the  flowers.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Loganiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  climbing  shrubs,  with  oppo- 
site lance-shaped,  shining  leaves,  and  produc- 
ing axillary  clusters  of  showy  yellow  flowers, 
very  fragrant.  It  is  indigenous  to  North  Caro- 
lina and  southward,  and  is  popularly  known  as 
Carolina  Jasmine.  It  is  increased  by  cuttings. 

Genetyllis.  From  genetyUis,  protective  of  birth; 
alluding  to  the  form  and  position  of  the  flowers. 
Linn.  Icosandria-Monogynia.  Nat. Ord.  Myrtacea;. 
A  small  genus  of  green -house  evergreen 
shrubs,  having  a  heath-like  appearance,  natives 
of  Australia.  The  flowers  are  tulip-shaped,  of 
cream  color  or  crimson,  borne  in  scattered,  ter- 
minal clusters.  The  species  are  remarkable  for 
the  exquisite  sweetness  of  their  foliage,  which, 
with  the  half-ripe  fruit,  retains  its  fragrance  for 
such  a  length  of  time  that  it  might  possibly  be 
considered  worth  collecting  for  the  perfumer. 
They  are  easy  of  cultivation.  Young  plants  are 
obtained  from  cuttings. 

Genista.  From  the  Celtic  gen,  a  small  bush. 
Linn.  Mbnadelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 
This  genus  consists  of  upward  of  seventy 
species,  inhabiting  Europe,  North  Africa,  and 
Western  Asia.  Many  of  the  species  are  perfectly 
hardy.  G.  tindoria,  an  escape  from  Europe, 
has  taken  possession  of  the  dry  waste  places  of 
Southern  New  York  and  New  England  with  the 
persistency  of  a  native.  This  species  is  the 
English  Broom.  They  are  all  very  handsome, 
from  the  profusion  of  their  bright  yellow  pea- 
flowers,  and  are  of  the  easiest  culture.  The 
green-house  kinds  are  propagated  by  cuttings. 

Gentiana.     Gentian.     Named  after  Genlius,  King 
of  lUyria,  who  first  experienced  the  virtues  of 
the  plant.     Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.    Nat.  Ord. . 
Gentianacece. 

A  large  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials,  in- 
habiting all  parts  of  the  world,  from  the  regions 
of  perpetual  snow  upon  the  summits  of  the 
mountains  of  Europe,  to  the  -hottest  sands  of 
South  America.  They  are  very  common  in 
many  parts  of  this  country,  some  growing  on  dry 
hill-sides,  others  in  moist  and  swampy  grounds. 
All  the  plants  of  this  genus  are  pretty,  and  many 
are  extremely  beautiful ;  the  flowers  take  in  the 
extremes  of  color:  pink,  blue,  yellow,  and  white 
are  all  exhibited,  the  predominating  color 
however,  being  a  beautiful  blue.  0.  Andrewsii 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GEO 

IB  common  in  moist,  rich  places  in  the  Northern 
States,  and  is  a  very  beautiful  species  ;  the 
flowers  are  of  a  deep,  purplish  blue  striped  in- 
side the  folds  whitish.  G.  <rimta,  Fringed 
Gentian,  is  another  quite  common  species  in  New 
England  and  westward.  The  four  lobes  of  the  j 
corolla  are  fringed  at  the  margin,  an  exceptional 
point  of  beauty  of  this  species.  The  Alpine 
species  are  mostly  low  growing,  well  adapted 
for  rock-work  or  pot  culture.  The  species  are  , 
increased  by  seed,  which  should  be  sown  as 
soon  as  ripe!  The  Fringed  Gentian  is  partial  to 
its  native  home.  It  rarely  lives  if  transplanted, 
and  coming  into  flower  so  late  in  the  season,  it 
is  very  seldom  that  it  ripens  seed.  Were  it 
readily  increased  it  would  be  a  very  popular  * 
plant. 

Geonoma.  From  geonomos,  skilled  in  agriculture; 
it  was  supposed  that  only  a  skillful  gardener 
could  increase  these  Palms.  Linn.  Dioscia-Hex- 
andria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmaceai. 

This  genus  includes  something  like  forty 
species  of  Palms,  the  most  of  them  without 
special  interest.  0.  gracilis  is  a  dwarf  species 
of  pendant  habit,  resembling  somewhat  some  of 
the  Gocos.  It  is  quite  popular  for  decorative 
purposes.  The  species  are  of  but  little  value 
in  the  useful  arts.  They  are  increased  from 


Geranium.  Crane's  Bill.  From  geranos,  a  crane; 
referring  to  the  beak-like  torus,  or  projection 
beyond  the  seeds.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Geraniacece. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous 
plants,  most  of  which  are  nardy.  Two  species 
are  common  to  this  country,  and  several  of  the 
species  are  classed  with  our  native  plants,  hav- 
ing been  naturalized  from  Europe.  A  few  of 
the  species  produce  handsome  flowers,  while 
most  of  them  are  mere  weeds.  The  well-known 
Geraniums  of  our  gardens  are  properly  Pelar- 
goniums, and  will  be  found  under  that  head. 
Gerardia.  Named  in  honor  of  John  Gerard,  the 
English  herbalist.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiosper- 
mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophvlariaceae. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  perennials, 
common  in  many  of  the  States,  particularly 
along  the  seacoast.  The  flowers  are  yellow  and 
purple,  and  are  produced  in  great  abundance. 
The  species  are  extremely  difficult  of  cultivation, 
but  spread  rapidly  where  once  introduced. 
Geropogon.  Old  Man's  Beard.  From  geron,  old 
man,  and  pogon,  a  beard  ;  referring  to  the  hair- 
like  pappus  which  crowns  the  calyx  in  this  order. 
Linn,  ayngenesia- Squalls.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracecv. 

There  is  only  one  species  of  this  genus,  G. 
glaber,  a  native  of  Italy,  and  which  is  a  very 
curious  plant.  It  is  an  annual,  having  a  smooth 
stem  and  leaves,  and  growing  about  a  foot  high. 
The  flowers  are  flesh-colored,  and  expand  in  the 
form  of  a  star  only  when  the  sun  shines  upon 
them.  The  seeds  are  very  curious,  and  it  is 
from  them  that  the  plant  takes  its  English  name. 
They  should  be  sovm  in  the  open  border  in 
March  or  April,  and  the  plants  will  flower  in 
July  and  August. 

Gesnera.  Named  after  Conrad  Gamer,  a  celebrat- 
ed botanist  at  Zurich.  Linn.  Didyiwmia-Angio- 
spermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gesneracetf. 

A  beautiful  and  extensive  genus  of  tuberous- 
rooted  green-house  plants  from  Mexico  and 
South  America.  They  are  remarkable  for  the 
beauty  of  their  foliage,  which  is  singularly 
marked,  and  soft  as  velvet,  and  for  their  long 
spikes  of  brilliant-colored  flowers,  mostly  scar- 


GLA 

let  and  yellow.  Some  of  them  are  singularly 
marked  or  spotted.  One  species,  G.  Suttoni  alba, 
from  Brazil,  has  pure  white  flowers.  With  a  lit- 
tle care  in  regulating  their  season  of  rest,  they 
can  be  brought  into  flower  at  any  desired  time. 
They  require  a  light  rich  soil,  a  warm  situation, 
but  little  sun,  and  plenty  of  water,  which  should 
not  touch  the  foliage.  They  are  easily  propa- 
gated by  cuttings  of  young  shoots,  or  by  cut- 
tings of  leaves  with  a  bud  at  the  base,  division 
of  the  tubers,  or  from  seeds.  The  latter  is  a 
very  interesting  and  simple  plan.  The  certainty 
that  all  your  plants  will  be  as  good  as  the 
parents,  and  the  uncertainty  as  to  how  good,  or 
how  strange  they  may  be,  furnish  an  addi- 
tional stimulant  to  grow  them  in  this  way.  The 
seed  should  be  sown  in  March,  in  pans  or  boxes, 
in  fine  light  compost,  largely  composed  of  sand. 
Place  the  pans  in  a  warm,  moist  atmosphere. 
As  soon  as  the  seedlings  are  up,  and  commence 
the  second  leaf,  plant  separately,  an  inch  or  so 
apart,  in  shallow  boxes,  and  from  these  put  in 
small  pots  as  they  grow,  and  let  them  grow  there 
for  the  summer.  Allow  them  to  go  to  rest  in 
the  autumn,  and  let  them  remain  in  the  same 
pots  during  winter.  As  soon  as  they  show 
signs  of  life  in  spring,  re-pot  in  fresh  soil,  and 
many  of  them  will  come  into  flower  during  the 
summer.  The  first  species  were  introduced  in 
1814. 

Gethylis.  From  getheo,  to  rejoice;  referring  to 
the  sweetness  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacea'. 

A  small  genus  of  the  most  diminutive  of  this 
noble  family  of  plants.  They  are  green-house 
bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  producing 
small  white,  fragrant  flowers  in  July,  singly  on 
a  scape  not  more  than  six  inches  high.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1780. 
Geum.  Avens.  From  geyo,  to  stimulate;  the 
roots  of  some  of  them,  and  of  allied  species, 
have  the  same  properties  as  Peruvian  Bark. 
Linn.  Icosandria-Potyyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosicen-. 
A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  con- 
taining some  species  of  an  ornamental  charac- 
ter, well  adapted  for  the  shrubbery  border.  G. 
atrosanguineum,  a  bright  blue,  and  G.  coccineum, 
scarlet,  are  very  showy.  Propagated  by  seeds 
or  from  root  division. 
Giant  Fennel.  See  Ferula. 

Gilia.  Named  in  honor  of  P.  S.  Gil,  a  Spanish 
botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  PolemoniacetK. 

Handsome  hardy  annuals  from  California, 
•with  white,  lilac,  and  rose-colored  flowers.  They 
are  low-growing,  and  profuse  bloomers,  suitable 
for  borders  or  rock-work.  Seed  should  be  sown 
in  the  fall,  and  the  beds  lightly  covered  with 
leaves. 

Gilliflower.     See  Mathiola. 
Ginger.     See  Zingiber. 
Ginkgo-tree.     See  Salisburia. 
Ginseng.     See  Panax. 

Gladiolus.  From  gladius,  a  sword;  referring  to 
the  sword -shaped  leaves.  Linn.  Triandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

This  extensive  and  well-known  genus  consists 
of  upward  of  sixty  species.  With  but  few  ex- 
ceptions, which  will  be  noted  in  their  descrip- 
tions, they  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.  They  are  remarkable  for  ease  of  culture, 
grace  of  habit,  and  for  the  beauty  and  intense 
coloring  of  the  flowers,  that  varies  from  the 
most  brilliant  scarlet  to  pure  white,  from  clear 
rose  to  pure  yellow  and  bright  purple.  The 


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GLA 

habits  of  the  species  are  as  varied  as  their 
colors;  some  delicate  and  light,  others  strong 
and  robust,  with  constitutions  adapted  to  any 
climate  excepting  the  most  frigid.  From  these 
species  some  of  the  most  remarkable  hybrids 
have  been  produced.  In  no  branch  of  floricul- 
ture has  the  skill,  the  zeal,  and  the  perseverance 
of  the  hybridizer  been  so  liberally  rewarded. 
A  class  with  almost  unlimited  numbers  of  varie- 
ties has  been  produced,  that,  for  the  size  of 
flower,  beauty  in  form,  size  and  strength  of 
plant,  together  with  the  enormous  length  of 
flower  spike,  are  entirely  unknown  to  the  spe- 
cies. So  popular  have  these  hybrids  become 
that  the  species  are  only  to  be  found  in  botani- 
cal collections.  As  the  parentage  of  the  most  of 
our  garden  varieties  is  so  little  known,  we  give 
our  readers  a  brief  history  of  the  species,  whose 
characteristics  are  strongly  marked  in  the  hy- 
brids. G.  alatus,  the  Winged  Gladiolus,  was  in- 
troduced by  Mr.  Thunberg  in  1795.  It  is  a  very 
singular  species,  the  three  upper  segments  of  the 
flower  being  of  a  bright  orange  scarlet,  softening 
almost  to  white  in  the  center,  and  very  strongly 
veined,  while  the  three  lower  ones  are  yellow- 
ish tipped  with  orange  scarlet.  It  has  a  pleas- 
ing fragrance,  resembling  that  of  the  Sweet 
Brier.  The  bulbs  are  not  larger  than  small 
peas,  and  should  be  grown  in  light  sandy  loam, 
well  enriched  with  thoroughly  rotted  manure. 
All  the  Cape  species  will  thrive  under  the  same 
treatment,  so  that  cultural  instructions  for  the 
others  will  be  unnecessary.  They  should  be 
planted  as  soon  as  the  ground  is  in  good  condi- 
tion in  spring,  grown  with  ordinary  care  during 
summer,  given  perfect  rest  in  winter,  and  be 
kept  perfectly  dry.  All  the  Cape  bulbs  are  more 
injured  by  excessive  moisture  during  the  dor- 
mant season  than  even  by  frost,  provided  they 
are  quite  dry  when  the  frost  sets  in.  The  reason 
for  this  is,  that  the  bulbs,  in  their  native  country, 
are  only  accustomed  to  moisture  in  their  grow- 
ing season;  and  thus,  when  the  ground  around 
them  becomes  saturated  by  autumn  rains,  they 
are  stimulated  into  premature  activity,  as  they 
seem  to  suppose  their  growing  season  has  ar- 
rived. This  unnatural  growth  has  caused  the 
loss  of  many  valuable  collections  of  what  is  or 
was  supposed  to  be  hardy  bulbs.  This  class,  if 
protected  from  moisture  by  a  frame,  or  sufficient 
mulching,  would  stand  the  severity  of  our  win- 
ters without  that  protection.  The  only  safe 
plan  is  to  take  them  up  as  soon  as  they  show 
signs  of  ripeness,  and  keep  in  a  dry,  warm 
room.  Propagated  by  offsets.  G.  Algoensis,  the 
Algoa  Bay  Gladiolus,  and  the  former  species, 
are  allied  to  the  viper  species;  they  have  the 
same  general  appearance  as  to  form  and  color. 
This  species  is  a  native  of  Algoa  Bay,  on  the  East 
coast  of  South  Africa,  a  much  warmer  climate 
than  at  the  Cape,  yet  the  bulbs  are  much  more 
hardy.  It  was  introduced  in  1824.  G.  albidus, 
the  White  Gladiolus,  is  a  species  properly  en- 
titled to  its  distinctive  name,  as  its  flowers  are 
pure  white,  except  very  light  stains  on  the  backs 
of  the  petals,  before  they  expand.  The  spikes 
usually  furnish  three  small,  but  well-opened 
flowers,  of  more  substance  than  the  average  spe- 
cies. It  was  introduced  in  1794,  but  has  been 
entirely  lost  sight  of  until  within  the  last  three 
years,  within  which  time  we  have  seen  it  grown 
as  a  "novelty"  in  this  country,  under  a 
"  variety "  name.  G.  atif/ustus,  the  Narrow- 
leaved  Gladiolus,  is  a  delicate  growing  species 
of  but  little  merit.  The  flowers  are  small,  and 


GLA 

produced  on  one  side  of  the  stem  only ;  the  gen- 
eral color  of  the  flower  is  dingy  white,  with  the 
lower  petals  stainci  with  a  heart-shaped  mark 
of  red.  It  is  one  of  the  first  species  introduced 
into  Europe.  It  was  cultivated  by  Miller  in 
1757.  G.  aphyllu?,  the  Leafless  Gladiolus,  is  a  cu- 
rious species,  at  first  sight  more  resembling  the 
Linaria  than  the  Gladiolus .  It  requires  to  be 
grown  in  the  green-house,  its  time  of  flowering 
being  in  January  or  February.  The  bulb  sends 
up  a  single  stem  about  a  foot  high,  with  six  or 
eight  flowers,  but  without  a  single  leaf,  except 
what  appears  to  be  the  rudiments  of  one  near 
the  base  of  the  stem.  The  flowers  are  without 
fragrance,  but  are  rather  pretty,  the  upper 
petals  being  slightly  tinted  with  pink,  the  lower 
ones  being  of  darker  pink  or  rose  color,  shaded 
with  yellow.  G.  blandns,  the  Fair  Gladiolus,  is  a 
very  handsome  species,  growing  about  two  feet 
high,  spike  strong,  producing  from  eight  to  ten 
flowers,  which  are  ranked  alternately  on  each 
side;  color  white,  the  three  lower  petals  each 
stained  with  two  email  oval  spots  of  red.  It 
flowers  in  June,  and  was  introduced  in  1774. 
G.  brevifolius,  the  Short-leaved  Gladiolus,  is  only 
suitable  for  green-house  culture,  as  it  comes  into 
flower  in  January.  The  flowers,  though  small, 
are  very  pretty,  from  their  rosy  tint  and  delicate 
pencilings,  but  the  flower  spike  grows  nearly 
two  feet  long,  and  is  very  slender,  giving  it  a 
naked  appearance.  It  should  be  grown  among 
plants  with  large  leaves,  of  lower  growth,  so  that 
its  flowers  would  show  just  above  them,  on  a 
level  with  the  eye.  G.  Byzanlinus,  the  Turkish 
Gladiolus,  is  a  perfectly  hardy  species,  and 
when  once  planted  it  may  be  left  in  the  ground 
for  years  without  taking  up.  As  it  produces 
but  few  oflfeets,  it  requires  a  long  time  to  become 
troublesome  by  crowding.  It  grows  about  two 
feet  high,  and  the  spike  is  well  filled  with  pur- 
plish-red flowers.  The  bulbs  may  be  planted 
either  in  spring  or  fall,  the  latter  being  prefer- 
able. They  must  not  be  planted  in  the  shade, 
or  near  trees,  full  sunshine  and  free  air  being 
necessary  for  the  development  of  the  flowers. 
This  species  is  desirable  in  a  collection,  as  it 
comes  into  flower  in  June,  and  will  last  until 
the  earlier  of  the  hybrids  begin  to  show  their 
flowers.  It  is  a  native  of  Turkey.  Parkinson 
speaks  of  it  in  1629  as  a  well-known  flower  of 
that  period.  G.  campanulatus,  the  Bell-shaped 
Gladiolus,  is  a  very  handsome  species,  but  sin- 
gularjy  ill-named,  as  its  flowers  are  less  bell- 
shaped  than  most  of  the  other  species.  It  is  of 
a  dwarf  habit;  flowers  lilac,  with  a  red  stain  on 
each  lower  petal.  Introduced  in  1794.  G.  cardi- 
naiis,  the  Scarlet  or  Superb  Gladiolus,  is  the 
most  showy  of  the  species.  In  favorable  situa- 
tions it  will  grow  four  feet  high.  The  stem 
branches  out  at  the  top  into  five  or  six  branches, 
each  bearing  six  or  eight  flowers.  They  are 
borne  on  one  side  only,  and  are  a  bright  scar- 
let, with  a  white,  diamond-shaped  spot  on  each 
petal.  The  bulbs  of  this  species  should  be 
planted  as  early  in  spring  as  possible.  Intro- 
duced in  1789.  G.  carnetis,  the  Flesh-colored 
Gladiolus,  is  a  very  handsome  species,  growing 
from  two  to  three  feet  high,  with  broad,  sword- 
shaped  leaves,  with  a  narrow  white  margin. 
The  flowers  are  very  large,  with  a  long  t\ib«,  and 
rather  narrow-pointed  petals,  the  lower  three 
having  a  brilliant  carmine  diamond-shaped  spot 
in  the  center  of  each ;  they  are  nearly  equally  dis- 
posed on  both  sides  of  the  stem.  The  large  size 
and  beautiful  color  of  the  flowers,  together  with 


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GLA 

the  great  abundance  in  which  they  are  produced 
has  made  this  a  prominent  parent  in  many  ol 
our  present  garden  varieties.      It    flowers  in 
June     Introduced  in  1796.     0.   coddeaius,  the 
Spoon-tipped  Gladiolus,  a  curious  species,  with  a 
very  slender  stem,  sometimes  nearly  two  feet 
lone     The  leaves  are  very  narrow,  straight,  and 
rigid,  tapering  to  a  sharp  point.     The  flowers 
are  white;  the  three  upper  petals  are  only  about 
half  the  size  of  the  three  lower  ones,  more  erect, 
and  are  stained  with  a  red,   compass-shaped, 
feathery  mark;  the  central  lower  petal  is  spoon- 
shaped,  from  which  it  takes  its  name.   This  spe- 
cies must  be  grown  in  the  green-house,  as  it 
flowers  in  February  and  March.     It  was  intro- 
duced in  1809.    G.  communis,  the  common  Glad- 
iolus,  is    found    pretty  generally  distributed 
throughout  the  south  of  Europe.    It  consists  of 
three  varieties:  white,  rose,  and  purple,  all  per- 
fectly hardy,  of  easy  culture,  and  desirable  for 
early  flowers  in  the  garden.     They  are  of  dwarf 
habit,  the  flower  spike  rarely  exceeding  two  feet 
in  height.     The  bulb  should   be  planted  in 
autumn,  and  need  not  be  disturbed  oftener  than 
once   in   three  or   four  years,   and  not  then, 
unless  they  get  too  thick,  as  they  are  liable  to 
do,  from  the  immense  quantity  of  offsets  they 
produce.    A  small  clump  will  produce  a  large 
number  of  spikes  at  a  time  when  choice  flowers 
in  the  garden  are  scarce.    G.  ColviUei,  a  splendid 
hybrid,  produced  in  1823,  from  the  seeds  of  G. 
concolor,  that  had  been  fertilized  by  the  pollen 
of  G.  carditialvi.     The  flowers  are  of  a  beautiful 
scarlet,  softening  into  purple  in  the  margin,  and 
have  a  delicious  fragrance.   We  should  not  give 
this  hybrid  a  place  among  the  species,  but  for 
the  fact  of  its  constancy,  there  not  having  been 
any  varieties  produced  from  it.     G.  concolor,  the 
one-colored  Gladiolus,  is  a  very  desirable  spe- 
cies for  its  color,  which  is  of  a  clear  bright  yel- 
low, and  the  form  of  its  flowers,  which  are  nearly 
bell-shaped.     The  number  of  the  flowers  varies 
from  two  to  eight,  and  are  produced  on  the 
same  side  of  the  spike.    In  the  evening  it  dif- 
fuses a  fragrance  like  the  common  Pink.     This 
species  should  be  grown  in  a  frame,  as  its  season 
of  flowering  is  too  early  for  spring  planting,  and 
it  is  impatient  of  green-house  treatment.     The 
species  was  introduced  in  1790.     G.  cuspidatus, 
the  Sharp-pointed  Gladiolus,  is  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  species  of  the  genus,  from  the  great 
length  and  undulation  of  the  petals.     The  flow- 
ers, which  are  produced  in  May  or  June,  are 
cream  colored,  but  the  lower  petals  are  marked 
with  a  very  rich  and  most  remarkable  stain, 
which  looks  like  a  spot  of  gold  on  dark  purple 
velvet.      This  species  was  introduced  in  1795. 
G.  detrilis,  the  Weak  Gladiolus,  is  a  species  bear- 
ing solitary  flowers,  which  differ  materially  from 
most  others  of  the  genus,  as  all  the  sections  of 
the  flower  are  spread  open  like  the  Ixias;  the 
two  inner  sections  are  marked  with  a  rich,  dark, 
rose-colored  spot  near  the  base,  the  other  por- 
tions of  the  flower  being  white.    The  leaves  and 
stem  are  both  very  long,  slender,  and  weak; 
hence  the  name.     G.  edulis,  the  Eatable  Gladio- 
lus, is  a  remarkable  species,  from  the  fact  that 
it  is  entirely  void  of  beauty.     The  flowers  are 
white,  slightly  stained  with  pink  and  yellow, 
and  so  much  curled  that  they  look  withered  as 
soon  as  they  expand.   The  bulb  is  oblong,  firm, 
and  white,  and  is  roasted  like  chestnuts  and 
eaten  by  the  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
G.  fasdatus,  a  very  pretty  dwarf  species,  the 
stem  seldom  growing  six  inches  high,  and  never 


GLA 

more  than  a  foot.  The  flowers  are  of  a  delicate 
pink,  the  petals  have  waved  margins,  and  the 
three  lowev  ones  have  a  dark  crimson  streak 
down  each.  This  species  requires  pot  culture, 
as  it  flowers  in  winter.  The  stem  is  generally 
branched,  and  if  potted  in  a  small  pot  first, 
and  afterward  shifted  two  or  three  times  into 
others,  getting  gradually  larger,  without  break- 
ing the  ball  of  earth,  the  plant  will  form  a  com- 
pact little  bush,  covered  with  flowers.  G.  flori- 
buiidus,  the  Abundant-flowering  Gladioluses  one 
of  the  few  species  that  is  considered  worthy  of 
cultivation  in  ordinary  collections,  as  it  compares 
favorably  with  many  hybrids  of  recent  introduc- 
tion. It  grows  about  one  foot  high.  The  flow- 
ers are  produced  abundantly  on  opposite  sides 
of  the  stem.  They  are  very  large,  and  stand 
erect,  opening  widely,  like  little  Lilies.  They 
are  white,  with  a  bright  pink  stripe  down  the 
center  of  each  petal.  This  species,  if  planted  in 
a  dry,  sandy  soil,  with  a  sunny  exposure,  is  per- 
fectly hardy  around  New  York.  They  produce 
an  immense  number  of  offsets,  that  will  flower 
the  second  year.  Introduced  in  1788.  G.  gra- 
cttis,  the  Slender  Gladiolus,  is  one  of  the  least 
ornamental  of  the  genus,  from  the  great  length 
and  slenderness  of  the  stem,  its  narrow  leaves 
and  few  flowers,  which  rarely  number  more  than 
three,  and  are  of  a  pale  lilac,  with  the  lower 
petals  spotted  with  black.  They  are  quite 
hardy,  and  will  grow  well  in  the  garden  bor- 
der. G.  hirsutus,  the  Hairy  Gladiolus,  is  a  spe- 
cies variable  in  habit,  growing  from  one  to  three 
feet  high,  as  the  soil  and  situation  suits  it.  The 
flowers  are  large,  rose-colored,  and  all  produced 
on  one  side  of  the  spike;  the  scapes  and  leaves 
are  edged  with  a  deep  red  margin,  and  are  quite 
hairy.  The  fragrance  of  the  flowers  resembles 
that  of  the  Hawthorn.  G.  MiUerii,  Miller's  Glad- 
iolus, an  interesting  species  raised  from  seed 
sent  from  the  Cape  to  England  in  1737.  The 
stem  is  about  a  foot  high,  and  generally  bends 
to  one  side.  The  flowers  are  all  on  the  same 
side  of  the  stem;  they  are  large,  and  of  a 
pale  yellow,  with  a  dark  pink  stripe  down  the 
center  of  each  petal.  This  species  requires  to 
be  grown  in  a  frame  because  of  its  early  flower- 
ing. G.  Mortonius,  Morton's  Gladiolus,  is  a 
handsome  dwarf-growing  species  from  Southern 
Africa.  The  flowers  are  pale  pink,  nearly  white ; 
the  leaves  are  broad,  of  yellowish-green.  G. 
psiilacinus,  the  Parrot  Gladiolus,  (synonym  Na- 
talensis,)  is  a  species  that  is  interesting  from  the 
fact  of  its  parentage  to  the  whole  family  of  hy- 
brids of  G.  Gaiidavensis,  now  so  extensively  cul- 
tivated. It  is  a  native  of  the  southeast  coast  of 
Africa,  near  Port  Natal,  and,  like  other  species 
from  there,  it  is  more  hardy  than  the  Cape  spe- 
cies that  are  found  much  farther  from  the  equa- 
tor. It  should  be  planted  in  the  open  ground, 
and  need  only  to  be  taken  up  when  the  bulbs 
are  overcrowded.  It  grows  from  three  to  four 
feet  high.  The  flowers  are  of  the  most  intense 
scarlet  and  yellow.  G.  ramosus,  the  Branching 
Gladiolus,  is  unquestionably  the  finest  species 
of  the  genus.  In  the  size  and  beauty  of  its  flowers 
it  yields  the  palm  to  none,  and,  on  account  of  its 
peculiarly  branching  habit,  it  may  be  considered 
the  most  ornamental.  In  favorable  situations 
the  flower-stem  will  grow  five  feet  high,  and  pro- 
duce a  succession  of  flowers  from  June  until 
August.  The  flowers  are  very  large,  well  opened, 
and  of  a  rosy  blush,  with  heavy  carmine  stains  on 
the  three  lower  segments  or  petals.  The  leaves 
are  proportionately  large  and  handsome,  and  the 


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GLA 

whole  plant  forms  a  magnificent  object  when 
given  plenty  of  room  for  its  development.  The  j 
bulbs  should  be  planted  in  the  fall,  in  a  dry,  ' 
rich,  sandy  loam,  and  they  will  amply  repay'a 
generous  mulching.  The  Dutch  were  the  first 
to  introduce  this  species  from  the  Cape.  They 
do  not  give  the  year.  There  seems  to  have  been 
a  number  of  varieties,  from  which  they  pro- 
duced a  great  number  of  hybrids,  or,  more 
properly,  cross-breeds,  as  they  all  seem  to  have 
the  same  specific  character.  G.  recurvus,  the 
Eecurved  Gladiolus,  is  an  unassuming,  yet  in- 
teresting species.  It  is  rather  a  tall,  slender- 
growing  plant,  usually  two  feet  high,  and  pro- 
duces from  two  to  five  flowers  of  small  size; 
color,  violet-purple  tinged  with  yellow.  The 
sheath  is  white,  mottled  with  a  purplish-brown, 
and  it  is  as  glossy  as  the  finest  porcelain,  which, 
indeed,  it  greatly  resembles.  Its  fragrance  is 
like  that  of  the  violet.  G.  suai-eolens,  the  Fra- 
grant Gladiolus,  is  a  species  bearing  pale  yellow 
or  straw-colored  flowers,  the  upper  petals  dotted 
with  red.  The  flowers  are  small,  but  very  fra- 
grant. It  is  best  suited  to  green-house  culture. 
Introduced  in  1799.  G.  undidatus,  the  Wavy 
Gladiolus,  is  a  slender,  dwarf-growing  species, 
producing  flowers  on  one  side  of  the  stem  only. 
They  are  of  a  pale  yellow  color,  with  a  broad  red 
stripe  down  the  center  of  each  petal.  It  was  in- 
troduced in  1760.  G.  i-iperatus,  the  Viper  Gladi- 
olus, so  named  because  of  the  resemblance  of 
the  flower  to  a  viper's  head.  This  species  is 
more  singular  than  beautiful.  The  flowers  are 
greenish-gray,  with  dark  stripes,  and  are  very 
fragrant.  Introduced  in  1825.  We  omit  de- 
scriptions of  very  many  species,  having  included 
in  the  list  all,  or  nearly  all,  of  the  important 
ones,  or  those  with  distinctive  features,  that  are 
now  represented  in  the  hybrids  that  have  taken 
possession  of  the  field,  and  given  the  parents 
only  the  refuge  and  protection  of  the  botanical 
garden. 

Hybrid  Gladhlus. — The  hybridization  of  any 
popular  tribe,  when  it  is  attended  with  so  lit- 
tle labor,  in  proportion  to  the  results  produced, 
as  in  this  class,  is  speedily  carried  to  an  extent 
which  renders  characteristic  distinction  indefin- 
able; and  perhaps  the  introduction  of  the  num-  I 
berless  names  which  necessarily  arise  out  of 
such  a  circumstance  is  to  be  regretted,  as  occa- 
sioning difficulty  and  labor  beyond  what  most 
cultivators  are  disposed  to  submit  to.  For  the  I 
purposes  of  sale,  however,  and  also  to  enable  ! 
the  producer  to  recommend  very  particular  sorts 
to  dealers  and  amateurs,  it  is  essential  that  every 
seedling  or  variety  that  is  at  all  deserving  of  be- 
in  g  perpetuated  should  have  a  distinctive  name. 
As  we  have  before  stated,  the  many  hundred 
named  garden  varieties  of  Gladioli  are  descend-  ) 
ants  of  G.  Gandavensix,  but  how  and  where  this 
variety  was  produced  has  been  for  a  long  time 
an  open  question,  why  we  could  never  fully  un- 
derstand, for  we  have  the  word  of  one  of  the  j 
most  prominent  horticulturists  in  the  world, 
Louis  Van  Houtte,  whose  word  was  authority 
whenever  given,  that  it  was  produced  at  Ghent, 
and  was  a  cross  between  G.  psittacinus and  G.  <;<//•- 
dinalis.  This  we  should  consider  a  full  settle- 
ment of  the  question;  not  so,  however;  for  the 
late  Hon.  and  Rev.  William  Herbert,  an  ac- 
knowledged authority  on  bulbs,  says  Mr.  Van 
Houtte  is  in  error;  for  after  repeated  attempts 
to  hybridize  the  two,  he,  Mr.  Herbert,  could  not 
succeed;  consequently  it  could  not  be  done, 
and  what  Mr.  Van  Houtte  said  had  been  done 


GLA 

was  a  mistake.  All  the  English  writers  agree 
with  Mr.  Herbert,  and  say  the  origin  of  G.  Gand- 
avensiti  is  obscure.  There  is  no  question,  how- 
ever, as  to  the  fact,  that  to  G.  Gandavtmsis  we  are 
indebted  for  all  our  fine  garden  varieties,  as  it 
crosses  freely  with  many  of  the  species,  and 
each  cross  seems  to  possess  merits  superior  to 
either  parent.  It  is  a  common  mistake  to  call 
our  many  varieties  hybrids,  when  in  reality 
they  are  all,  or  nearly  all,  cross-breeds;  and 
this  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  features  in 
Gladioli  culture,  that  every  cross  between  well- 
known  varieties  tends  in  almost  every  case  to 
improve,  not  only  the  beauty  of  the  flower,  but 
the  vigor  of  the  plant.  We  wish  now  to  remove, 
as  far  as  possible,  the  prevalent  erroneous  idea, 
that  it  is  a  difficult  task  to  raise  new  and  choice 
varieties  from  seed.  The  only  secret,  the  only 
mystery  is,  that  one  can  with  so  little  trouble 
and  expense  produce  flowers  that  will  give  such 
intense  satisfaction  and  pleasure.  It  is  no  more 
trouble  to  raise  Gladioli  from  seed  than  it  is  to 
raise  the  most  common  vegetable.  With  the 
simplest  garden  culture,  there  is  an  almost  ab- 
solute certainty  of  success .  Prepare  your  bed 
in  spring  as  for  any  hardy  annual,  sow  your 
seed,  and  cover  to  the  depth  of  one  inch.  Hoe 
as  often  as  needed  for  other  crops;  keep  them 
well  weeded ;  take  up  the  bulbs  after  a  frost,  or 
before,  if  they  show  signs  of  ripening;  store  them 
in  a  dry  cellar,  free  from  frost;  plant  them  out 
again  the  next  spring,  and  the  ensuing  summer 
very  many  of  them  will  flower.  If  the  precau- 
tion is  taken  to  sow  the  seed  in  a  hot-bed,  close 
the  same  upon  the  approach  of  a  heavy  rain, 
which  they  dislike  exceedingly.  Very  nearly 
all  the  bulbs  will  be  large  enough  to  give  their 
most  perfect  flowers  the  second  year.  The  fact 
that  the  best  rarely  flower  first,  will  tend  to  cre- 
ate in  the  amateur  a  warm  and  lively  interest. 
A  pertinent  question  is,  how  to  obtain  the  best 
seed.  Commence  by  making  a  careful  selection 
of  the  best  varieties  in  cultivation,  keeping  in 
view  those  of  the  best  form,  largest  size,  and  of 
the  most  intense  and  positive  colors;  wherever 
they  are  marked  or  variegated,  have  the  mark- 
ings bold  and  distinct.  Plant  all  in  a  bed  so 
that  they  will  not  be  more  than  one  foot  apart 
each  way.  Without  further  care  you  will  get 
some  good  seed;  but  a  better  quality  and  much 
larger  quantity  will  be  obtained  by  crossing 
them  in  all  sorts  of  ways,  which  is  the  most 
effectually  done  on  a  dry  day,  when  there  is  but 
little  air  stirring.  It  is  not  necessary  to  cross 
fertilize  for  good  varieties,  though  it  is  a  more 
certain  way;  yet  very  many  of  our  best  seedlings 
were  accidentals;  artificial  fertilization  being 
necessary  from  the  fact  of  their  rarely  fertilizing 
themselves.  The  Gladioli  dislikes  a  stiff,  clayey 
soil,  but  will  thrive  well  in  almost  any  other,  its 
preference  being  for  one  of  a  moist  sandy  na- 
ture, or  light  loam.  They  do  best  on  what  is 
termed  sod-ground,  with  but  little  manure,  and 
that  well  rotted.  Successive  plantings  in  the 
same  ground  should  be  avoided.  Change  the 
locality  of  the  bed  every  year,  so  as  not  to  re- 
turn to  the  same  spot  for  at  least  three  years. 
It  is  much  the  best  plan  to  make  your  ground 
very  rich  this  year,  and  put  on  some  light  crop; 
then  it  will  be  in  perfect  order  for  your  Gladio- 
lus next.  Increase  of  desirable  sorts  is  effected 
by  the  small  bulbs  or  bulblets  that  form  at  the 
base  of  the  new  bulb,  which  are  produced  in 
greater  or  less  quantities.  Some  varieties  will 
have  on  an  average  a  hundred  in  a  year;  oth- 


M 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GLA 

ers  will  produce  scarcely  any.  This  will  in  a  , 
SJlMtton  account  for  the  marked  difference 
indices  of  the  named  sorts;  it  will  also  account 
for  the  rapid  increase  in  the  more  common  sorts, 
and  the  sudden  disappearance  of  those  greatly 
prized.  Choice  sorts  are  but  short-lived,  unless 
they  are  increased  by  bulblets.  In  many  of  our 
named  sorts,  old  bulbs  will  not  produce  good 
flowers,  if,  indeed,  they  produce  any;  conse- 
quently the  bnlblets  from  all  favonte  sorts 
should  be  planted  every  spring,  or  at  least  a 
sufficient  number  of  them  for  a  required  stock. 
The  bulblets  should  be  planted  in  spring  in  any 
convenient  out-of-the-way  place  in  the  garden, 
and  given  the  same  treatment  as  is  recom- 
mended for  the  seed.  If  in  rich,  light  soil,  very 
nearly  all  will  flower  the  second  year.  They 
require  but  little  room  the  first  year.  Prepare 
the  rows  about  the  width  of  the  common  gar- 
den hoe,  and  sow  the  bulblets  (or  seeds)  so  close 
that  they  will  nearly  touch  each  other,  and  they  ; 
will  do  much  better  than  if  more  scattered,  j 
During  winter  the  bulbs,  without  regard  to  size 
or  age,  are  best  kept  in  a  dry,  cool  cellar.  Plant- 
ings should  be  made  as  early  in  spring  as  the 
ground  can  be  got  in  order,  no  matter  if  there 
should  be  hard  frosts  after;  it  will  not  penetrate 
the  ground  sufficiently  to  injure  them.  For  late  ; 
flowering  some  of  the  stronger  bulbs  may  be  | 
kept  until  the  first  of  July,  which  will  keep 
them  back  until  about  the  first  of  October. 

Glasswort.     See  UnKeornia. 

Glaucium.  Horn  Poppy.  From  glaukos,  grayish  i 
green;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  leaves,  j 
Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynift.  Nat.  Ord.  Papa-  ' 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  perennials,  na- 
tives of  Europe.  They  are  remarkable  for  their 
bright  yellow  flowers,  that  are  produced  in  great 
abundance  all  the  summer,  and  for  their  deeply 
cut  leaves,  that  have  a  decided  glaucus  hue. 
G.  luteum,  one  of  the  most  showy  and  desirable 
species,  is  very  common  at  Montauk  Point, 
Long  Island,  and  on  the  islands  along  the 
coast,  having  become  naturalized  from  Europe. 
This  species  grows  readily  from  seed,  and 
makes  a  valuable  plant  for  the  ribbon  border.  • 

Gleditschia.  Honey  Locust.  In  honor  of  Gott- 
lifb  Gleditsch,  once  a  professor  at  Berlin,  and  a 
defender  of  Linnaeus  against  Siegesbeck,  and 
author  of  many  botanical  works.  Linn.  Pdyga- 
mia-Diascia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fnltacew. 

A  genus  of  handsome  hardy  deciduous  trees, 
several  of  the  species  being  common  in  the  Mid- 
dle, Southern,  and  Western  States. 

Gleichenia.  Named  after  Gleichen,  a  German 
botanist.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filu-es.  Nat.  Ord. 
PolypodiacftK. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  Ferns.  They  are 
found  widely  scattered  in  the  tropics,  both  of 
the  Old  and  New  World,  and  extending  to  Chili 
and  the  Australasian  regions.  A  few  only  have 
found  their  way  into  the  hot-house,  some  of 
which  are  highly  esteemed.  They  are  propagated 
by  division  or  from  spores.  Introduced  in  1823. 

Globe  Amaranth.     See  Goinphrena. 

Globe  Thistle.     See  EfhiH^s. 

Globulea.  From  globvloa,  a  small  globe;  refer- 
ring to  the  glands  on  the  petals.  Linn.  Penian- 
dria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Orof.  Crassnlm;,!-. 

A  genus  of  succulent  plants,  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  with  flat,  sickle-shaped 
leaves,  arranged  in  a  rosette.  The  flowers  are 
small,  arranged  in  dense  clusters,  and  have  five 
petals  bent  inward,  each  of  them  tipped  with  a 


GLO 

little  globule  of  waxy  matter,  whence  the  name 
of  the  genus,  which  is  closely  allied  to  Crassu- 
la.  The  several  species  are  propagated  by  cut- 
tings of  firmish  young  shoots,  that  should  be 
dried  a  day  or  two  before  putting  into  the  prop- 
agating bed.  Introduced  in  1732. 

Gloriosa.  From  glm'iomts,  glorious;  because  of 
the  magnificent  flowers.  Linn.  Hexftnnria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

A  very  handsome  genus  of  green-house  bulbs, 
of  limited  climbing  habit,  the  flowers  curiously 
shaped,  bright  yellow  or  orange  color.  They 
should  be  grown  in  pots  of  very  sandy  loam, 
and  treated  in  the  manner  recommended  for 
Gesnera,  except  that,  being  climbing  plants, 
they  will  require  to  be  supported  with  sticks 
or  a  trellis.  Natives  of  South  Africa.  Intro- 
duced in  1825. 

Glory  Pea.     See  Clianthus. 

Glossocomia.  From  glossocomos,  a  money-bag; 
referring  to  the  shape  of  the  flower.  Linn.  Pent- 
andrin-Monogyn'M.  Nat.  Ord.  Oampanulnrcci'. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  plants, 
white  or  purple  bell-shaped  flowers,  from  North- 
ern India.  They  are  increased  by  seeds  or  di- 
vision. Introduced  in  1839. 

Gloxinia.  Named  after  P.  B.  Gloxin,  a  botanist 
of  Colmar.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Gesneracecp. 

The  species  that  compose  this  splendid  genus 
are,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  natives  of 
South  America,  and  are  usually  found  in  deep 
ravines,  on  rather  high  mountain  elevations, 
and  in  damp,  much-shaded  situations.  The 
species  are  among  the  greatest  ornaments  of  our 
green-houses,  and  the  richness  of  their  foliage, 
and  their  ample,  graceful,  and  delicately-tinted 
flowers,  have  gained  for  them  a  prominent  place 
among  the  more  choice  flowering  plants.  Here, 
as  in  many  other  instances,  the  process  of  hybrid- 
izing has  been  largely  resorted  to,  and  the  re- 
sults are  most  satisfactory.  The  older  kinds, 
with  drooping  flowers,  have  mostly  given  place 
to  forms  with  the  corolla  almost  regular  and 
nearly  erect,  the  latter  peculiarity  having  this 
recommendation,  that  the  border  and  throat  of 
the  corolla,  to  which  parts  much  of  the  beauty 
of  the  flower  is  owing,  are  presented  to  the  eye. 
The  hybrids  are  greatly  improved  in  color  as  well 
as  form,  and  the  flowers  are  produced  in  greater 
abundance  than  with  the  species.  The  main 
art  in  growing  Gloxinia*  well  is  to  give  them 
a  porous  and  well-enriched  soil,  to  grow  them 
in  a  warm,  moist  atmosphere,  and  us  soon  as 
they  begin  to  flower  to  remove  them  to  a  cooler 
house,  and  afterward  dry  them  off  gradually, 
and  keep  them  free  from  moisture  till  they 
again  begin  to  grow.  To  produce  the  richest 
colors  the  glass  should  be  shaded,  or  they 
should  be  grown  where  there  is  only  a  northern 
exposure.  Gloxinias  are  readily  propagated  by 
their  leaves;  all  that  is  required  is  to  insert  the 
leaf,  about  one-half  its  length,  in  an  ordinary 
propagating  bed,  keep  the  sand  moderately  wet 
until  the  leaf  is  completely  dried  up,  then  with- 
hold water  entirely,  and  leave  the  newly-formed 
tubers  until  the  following  February,  at  which 
time  they  will  commence  to  grow,  when  they 
should  be  taken  out  and  potted.  They  will 
flower  in  one  year  after  the  cuttings  are  put  in. 
They  are  also  produced  easily  from  seed,  which 
they  ripen  abundantly.  On  account  ot  its  very 
small  size  it  should  be  sown  on  a  smooth  sur- 
face of  soil,  and  merely  covered  with  a  slight 
covering  of  moss  laid  lightly  over  it,  and  kept 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GLY 

on  until  germination  has  taken  place.  The 
plants  can  be  pricked  ont  into  small  pots  or 
shallow  boxes  when  the  leaves  are  an  inch  long; 
with  careful  attention  they  will  make  flowering 
plants  the  first  season.  In  all  the  stages  of 
growth,  whether  the  plants  are  large  or  small, 
care  should  be  taken,  in  watering,  to  avoid  wet- 
ting the  leaves,  or  to  have  the  earth  sodden 
around  them;  either  will  cause  them  to  damp 
off  and  rot.  They  require  a  temperature,  when 
growing,  never  less  than  70°.  This  plant  was 
first  introduced  in  1739. 

Glyceria.  From  ylykeros,  sweet;  alluding  to  the 
herbage.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Graminaceoi. 

An  extensive  genus  of  grasses,  mostly  aquat- 
ic. They  are  of  but  very  little  beauty  or 
interest.  A  few  of  the  species  that  grow  in 
moist  meadows,  near  the  sea-coast,  furnish  a 
pasture  that  is  relished  by  stock  of  all  kinds. 
The  species  are  common  throughout  the  North- 
ern, Eastern,  and  Western  States. 

Glycine.  From  ylykys,  sweet;  referring  to  the 
taste  of  the  roots  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Uiadelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacew. 

A  small  genus,  nearly  all  of  which  are  tender 
climbing  plants,  producing  axillary  flowers, 
singly  or  in  racemes,  white,  yellow,  or  rose; 
they  are  only  adapted  for  green-house  culture. 
There  is  one  species,  G.  soja,  that  is  a  hardy  an- 
nual, a  native  of  Japan,  that  produces  seeds  like 
small  kidney  beans,  which  the  Japanese  use  in 
large  quantities,  either  in  soup,  or  in  making  a 
sauce  called  sooja  or  soy,  this  sauce  being  used 
in  many  of  their  dishes.  The  Wistaria  was  for- 
merly incorrectly  called  Glycine. 

Glycyrrhiza.  Liquorice.  From  glykys,  sweet, 
and  rhiza,  a  root;  referring  to  the  sweet  juice  of 
the  roots  of  the  liquorice.  Linn.  Diadelphia-De- 
candria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecv. 

A.  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials, 
the  one  of  principal  interest  being  G.  glabra,  a 
native  of  Italy,  the  roots  of  which  produce  the 
Liquorice  of  commerce.  None  of  the  species  are 
cultivated  as  ornamental  plants. 

Gnaphalium.  From  gmiphalon,  soft  down;  in 
reference  to  the  woolly  covering  of  the  leaves. 
Linn.  Byngenesia-tiupeqfaa.  Nat.  Ord.  Asiera- 
cc(e. 

A  genus  known  as  Everlastings.  Many  of  the 
species  formerly  included  in  it  are  now  classed 
with  the  JMic.hrysum.  There  are  several  spe- 
cies, hardy  annuals,  very  common  in  the  Middle 
and  Southern  States,  and  are  the  only  ones 
worth  cultivating. 

Gnidia.  The  ancient  name  of  the  Laurel.  Linn. 
Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Thymdacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreens,  produc- 
ing pale  yellow  flowers.  In  habit  they  resemble 
the  Heath.  They  are  quite  pretty,  but  difficult 
of  cultivation.  They  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1768. 

Goat's  Beard.     A  popular  name  of  tipira'a  arun- 

Cll.f. 

Goat's  Rue.     See  Tephron'm. 

Godetia.  Named  by  Spach,  a  German  botanist, 
resident  in  Paris;  it  is  probably  a  Latinized 
proper  name.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Onas/raceaj. 

A  genus  of  exceedingly  handsome  and  showy 
hardy  annuals  from  California,  growing  about  a 
foot  and  a  half  high,  and  producing  numberless 
rosy-lilac  flowers.  The  seed  should  be  started 
in  the  hot-bed  in  March,  and  transplanted  into 


GON 

poor  soil  when  danger  from  frost  is  over.  They 
require  plenty  of  room.  Close  planting  will 
draw  them  up,  and  weaken  them,  and  rich  soil 
will  produce  more  leaves  than  flowers. 

Goethe  Plant.  A  Continental  name  of  Chloro- 
phytitm  >V»  r/ii ic/'< /ifi.num. 

Golden  Chain.     Cytisus  Laburnum. 

Golden  Club.     See  OronUum. 

Golden  Bod.     See  Solidago. 

Goldfussia.  Named  after  Dr.  Goldfnss,  Professor 
of  Natural  History  in  the  University  of  Bonn. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acan- 
thacea}. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
from  Silhet,  formerly  called  Ituellia  anisophylla. 
The  flowers  have  two  deciduous  bracts,  and  are 
arranged  in  a  head  or  spike,  which,  after  the 
fall  of  the  bracts,  becomes  very  loose  and  strag- 
gling. The  flowers  are  funnel-shaped,  blue  or 
purple.  The  plants  require  to  be  cut  well  back 
after  flowering.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  In- 
troduced in  1838. 

Gold  Thread.    See  Coptis. 

Gombo.     See  Htfjiscus. 

Gomphia.  Button  Flower.  From  gomphos,  a 
club;  alluding  to  the  shape  of  the  fruit.  Linn. 
Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ochnacea;. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  tender  shrubs 
from  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  The 
flowers  are  pure  bright  yellow,  borne  in  dense 
panicles.  They  require  the  warmest  place  in 
the  green-house.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Gomphrena.  Globe  Amaranth.  From  gomphos, 
a  club;  alluding  to  the  shape  of  the  flowers. 
Linn.  Peniandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Arna- 
ranthacece. 

This  is  supposed  to  be  the  Amaranth  of  the 
poets,  which,  from  the  durability  of  its  flowers, 
was  considered  to  be  the  emblem  of  immortality. 
It  seems  to  have  been  used  at  funerals  in  the 
time  of  Homer,  as  he  describes  it  as  worn  by 
the  Thessalians  at  the  funeral  of  Achilles.  The 
Gomphrenas  are  tender  annuals.  The  seeds  are 
slow  to  germinate,  and  should  be  sown  in  March 
in  a  hot-bed  or  in  seed  pans  in  the  green-house. 
The  plants  will  be  greatly  benefited  by  prick- 
ing out,  or  re-potting  two  or  three  times  before 
planting  in  the  open  border.  With  this  treat- 
ment, single  plants  can  be  made  to  produce 
several  hundred  flowers.  The  flowers  of  the 


garden  varieties  are  white,  purple,  and  striped. 
If  cut  before  fully  ripe,  and  tied  in  bunches, 
and  allowed  to  dry  in  a  rather  dark  and  airy 
room,  they  will  retain  their  colors  the  whole 
season,  making  them  desirable  for  bouquets  of 
dried  flowers.  G.  globosa,  the  best  known  spe- 
cies, is  a  native  of  'India.  Introduced  in  1714. 

Goniophlebium.  From  gonia,  an  angle,  and 
phlebia,  &  vein;  alluding  to  the  veins  of  the 
fronds.  Linn..  Oryptcxjamla-FUictti.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacecu. 

Hot-house  Ferns,  found  in  nearly  all  tropical 
countries.  A  few  are  simple-fronded  species, 
with  a  creeping,  ivy-like  habit,  and  contracted 
fertile  fronds;  but  they  have  mostly  stoutish, 
slow-creeping  rhizomes,  and  large  fronds,  often 
of  a  pendulous  habit,  and  sometimes  several 
feet  in  length.  Some  are  exceedingly  hand- 
some, and  valued  in  collections.  They  are  prop- 
agated by  division  in  spring. 

Gongora.  Named  after  a  Spanish  viceroy  of  New 
Granada.  Linn.  Gt/nandria-M»n(tndrirt.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  singular  genus  of  Orchids   from   tropical 
America.     They  are  compact  growing  and  ever- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GOO 


green, 
flower 


i,  producing  long  pendulous  racemes  of 
rers  rich  in  color  and  often  grotesque  in  ap- 
pearance. They  can  be  successfully  grown  in 
whut  is  termed  a  "cool  Orchid  house,  or  a 
green-house. 

Ooodia.  Named  after  P.  Good,  a  collector  of 
plants  in  Australia  for  the  Kew  Gardens.  Linn. 
Monaddph'm-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacea*. 

Handsome  evergreen  shrubs  from  New  Hol- 
land. They  are  all  erect,  symmetrical  plants, 
with  beautiful  foliage.  The  flowers  are  pure 
yellow,  produced  in  racemes  like  those  of  the 
Laburnum,  but  smaller.  They  require  green- 
house treatment.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  cut- 
tings. 

G-oodyera.  Named  after  J.  Goodyer,  an  early 
British  botanist.  Lynn.  Gynandria-Monandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  with  small  white 
flowers  like  those  of  Spiranthes,  but  the  spike  is 
not  spiral.  It  consists  of  very  few  species,  all 
from  the  northern  hemisphere,  and  mostly  from 
high  latitudes  or  mountain  ranges.  G.  discolor 
has  dark  green  velvety  leaves  with  a  silver  stripe 
down  the  middle,  and  is  a  very  handsome  plant. 
Requires  a  warm  green-house.  There  are  seve- 
ral hardy  species,  with  pure  white  and  green- 
ish white  flowers,  common  to  our  woods  from 
New  York  to  Wisconsin. 

Gooseberry.    See  Ribus. 

Gooseberry  Shrub.    See  Pereskia. 

Goose-foot.     See  Chenopodiitm. 

Goose-grass.     See  Galium. 

Gordonia.  Named  by  Dr.  Garden  in  honor  of 
his  old  master,  Dr.  James  Gordon,  of  Aberdeen. 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Tern- 
stromiacece. 

A  genus  of  half-hardy  deciduous  shrubs  or 
low  trees,  common  in  the  Southern  States.  G. 
lasianthus  is  popularly  known  as  Loblolly  Bay, 
and  is  common  in  swamps  near  the  coast  from 
Virginia  southward. 

Gossypium.  Cotton  Tree.  From  goz,  or  gothro, 
an  Arabic  word  signifying  a  soft  substance. 
Linn.  MtModelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Mal- 


. 

There  are  several  distinct  species  of  cotton 
plants,  and  a  great  many  varieties.  Some  are 
herbaceous  annuals,  others  shrubs  three  or  four 
feet  in  height,  and  others  attain  a  height  of 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet.  The  stems  are 
smooth  or  hairy,  leaves  either  three  or  five 
lobed,  fine  shaped,  cordate,  blunt,  or  lanceolate. 
The  flowers  are  large,  with  yellow  or  white 
petals,  and  a  purplish  center,  and  are  suc- 
ceeded by  pointed  pods,  which,  on  coming  to 
maturity,  burst,  and  display  a  profusion  of  white 
or  yellowish  down  that  forms  the  cotton  of  com- 
merce. In  the  center  of  this  down  are  contained 
the  seeds,  varying  in  number  from  ten  to  thirty 
according  to  the  species,  of  n  dark  brown  color 
and  of  a  very  oily  nature.  The  early  history  of 
the  Cotton  plant  is  involved  in  obscurity,  nor 
can  it  be  ascertained  in  what  region  of  the  elobe 
it  was  first  cultivated  and  applied  to  purposes 
^nd«m/^tlC  T*'  Herodotu8-  who  wrote  about 
450  B.  C.,  and  who  had  traveled  into  Egypt  and 
was  familiar  with  its  productions,  does  not  de- 
scribe the  Cotton  plant  as  existing  there  but 
gives  some  obscure  hints  of  such  a  plant  being  in 
use  m  India.  The  inhabitants  of  India,  savs  he 
possess  a  kind  of  plant  which,  instead  of  fruit' 
produces  wool  of  a  finer  and  better  quality  than 
that  of  sheep;  of  this  the  natives  make  their 
clothes.  When  describing  the  corselet  of  Arua- 


GOS 

sis,  he  accordingly  designated  Cotton  under  the 
name  of  tree-wool,  a  combination  of  terms  which 
the  Germans  use  for  the  same  substance  at  the 
present  day.  His  particularly  detailing  the 
linen  garments  of  the  Egyptians,  and  their  mode 
of  weaving  linen  cloth,  as  differing  from  that  of 
the  Greeks,  while  he  omits  all  mention  of  the 
manufacture  of  cotton  garments,  would  lead  us 
to  suppose  that  the  Cotton  plant  was  unknown 
to  the  Egyptians;  and  that,  if  they  possessed 
Cotton  cloth  at  all,  it  was  imported  from  India. 
Pliny,  however,  in  his  work  on  Natural  History, 
describes  the  Cotton  plant  as  a  small  shrub  grow- 
ing in  Upper  Egypt,  called  by  some  xylon,  and 
by  others  gossypium,  the  seeds  of  which  are 
surrounded  by  a  soft  downy  substance  of  a  daz- 
zling whiteness,  and  which  is  manufactured  into 
cloth  much  esteemed  by  the  Egyptian  priests. 
This  was  five  centuries  after  the  time  in  which 
Herodotus  wrote,  and  during  this  period  the 
plant  may  have  become  more  common.  From 
Pliny's  account,  it  would  not  appear  that  Cotton 
was  much  used  at  Rome,  even  in  the  first  cen- 
tury of  the  Christian  era,  nor  for  many  centuries 
afterward  was  its  use  introduced  into  Europe. 
But  in  the  ninth  century  the  Arabians,  who  were 
then  in  possession  of  Egypt,  appear  to  have 
used  Cotton  cloth  for  their  ordinary  garments ; 
for  one  of  the  first  remarks  of  two  Arabian 
travelers,  who  went  to  China  at  that  period, 
was,  that  the  Chinese,  instead  of  weaving  Cot- 
ton, as  they  and  their  countrymen  did,  chiefly 
used  silk  stuffs.  It  is  probable,  then,  that  the 
Cotton  plant  first  came  from  Persia  to  Egypt , 
whence  it  spread  into  Asia  Minor,  and  latterly 
to  the  islands  of  the  Archipelago.  In  the  time 
of  Tournefort,  who  visited  these  islands,  Milo 
was  celebrated  for  its  Cotton.  The  Cotton  now 
raised  in  small  quantities  in  the  Cyclades  pos- 
sesses that  dazzling  whiteness  which  Pliny  de- 
scribes as  the  property  of  the  Egyptian  Cotton. 
The  Cotton  plant  has  been  grown  from  an  early 
period,  in  the  West  Indies,  in  the  Southern 
States,  and  in  South  America.  Whether  any  of 
the  species  are  natives  of  this  Continent,  it  is 
difficult  to  say;  the  probability  is,  however,  that 
it  was  introduced,  soon  after  the  discovery  of 
the  West  Indies,  into  these  settlements,  from 
Smyrna.  It  should  be  stated,  however,  that 
Cotton  cloth  has  been  found  in  the  tombs  of  the 
Incas  of  Peru.  The  extensive  cultivation  of 
Cotton  in  this  country  is  of  a  recent  date.  In 
1784,  8  bags  were  sent  from  this  country  to 
England,  which  were  seized,  on  the  ground  that 
so  much  Cotton  could  not  be  produced  in  the 
United  States.  Since  the  Revolution,  the  in- 
crease of  production  has  been  steady  and  rapid. 
Of  the  species  under  cultivation,  G.  Barbadense 
is  the  one  grown  in  the  United  States,  and  of 
this  there  are  two  varieties,  the  Upland  Cotton, 
or  short  staple,  and  the  Sea  Island  Cotton,  or 
long  staple.  This  species  is  a  native  of  India, 
whence  it  was  transplanted  into  the  West  Indies, 
and  from  there  into  thQ  United  States.  G.  her- 
baceum,  the  herbaceous  Cotton  plant,  is  the  spe- 
cies cultivated  throughout  Europe  and  Asia. 
It  is  an  annual  plant,  growing  to  the  height  of 
about  twenty  inches.  The  Tree  Cotton,  G. 
arboreum,  is  a  perennial  species,  growing  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  feet  high,  and  is  considerably 
grown  in  the  African  Colonies,  but  does  not 
yield  a  very  fine  staple.  A  very  coarse  growing 
species,  G.  bombyx-ceita,  is  common  in  the  West 
Indies,  said  to  be  indigenous  there.  The  trunk 
of  this  species  is  sufficiently  large  to  hollow  out 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GOU 

for  canoes,  and  yields  a  valuable  lumber;  the 
Cotton  is  of  a  coarse,  inferior  quality.  The 
general  uses  of  this  staple  are  too  important 
and  well  known  to  require  comment.  The  seed 
has,  however,  a  value  but  little  known.  Near 
the  City  of  New  York  there  is  an  oil  mill  that 
makes  daily  several  thousand  gallons  of  oil  from 
Cotton  seed,  which  is  sent  to  Italy,  there  bottled, 
and  sent  all  over  the  world,  and  sold  as  a  very 
superior  quality  of  Olive  Oil,  for  table  use.  The 
seed  is  also  valuable  as  a  manure. 

Gouania.  Chaw  Stick.  Named  after  A.  Gouan, 
once  Professor  of  Botany  at  Montpelier.  Linn. 
Polygamia-Dicecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rkamnacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  tropical  shrubs,  contain- 
ing upward  of  twenty  species.  The  most  in- 
teresting, G.  Domingensis,  is  a  common  creeper 
in  the  West  Indies  and  Brazil.  In  Jamaica  it  is 
called  Chaw  Stick,  on  account  of  its  thin,  flexi- 
ble stems  being  chewed  as  an  agreeable  sto- 
machic, and  tooth  brushes  are  also  made  by  cut- 
ting pieces  of  Chaw  Stick  to  a  convenient  length 
and  fraying  out  the  ends ;  and  a  tooth  powder  is 
prepared  by  pulverizing  the  dried  stems.  It  is 
said  to  possess  febrifugal  properties;  and  on  ac- 
count of  its  pleasant  bitter  taste  is  commonly 
used  for  flavoring  different  cooling  beverages. 

Gourd.     See  Cucurbita. 

Govenia.  Named  after  J.  R.  Gowen,  a  distin- 
guished horticulturist  and  cross-breeder  of 
plants.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacea'. 

A  small  genus  of  interesting  terrestrial  Or- 
chids from  Mexico.  The  flowers  are  borne  on 
spikes  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high,  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  Bletia.  The  colors  are 
mostly  shades  of  yellow,  beautifully  marked 
with  crimson.  Propagation  and  culture  the 
same  as  for  Bletia. 

Grains  of  Paradise.     See  Amomum. 

Grammanth.es.  From  tjramma,  writing,  and  an- 
thos,  a  flower;  marks  like  V  being  on  the  corolla. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crassu- 
lacecn. 

Succulent  herbaceous  plants,  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Seed  sown  in  the  green- 
house in  January  will  make  very  showy  and  in- 
teresting plants  for  rock-work  during  summer. 
The  flowers  closely  resemble  those  of  Crassula, 
to  which  it  is  allied.  Introduced  in  1774. 

Grammatophyllum.  From  grammata,  letters, 
and  phyllon,  a  leaf;  referring  to  the  markings  on 
the  leaves.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidacece. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  but  few  in  num- 
ber, and  are  rarely  seen  in  collections  of  Orchids, 
because  of  the  difficulty  in  management.  Those 
who  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  flower  them 
say  that  it  is  at  the  expense  of  years  of  patience 
and  labor  that  their  rare  and  curious  flowers  are 
produced.  They  are  natives  of  Manilla.  Intro- 
duced in  1837. 

Grape.  Fi'/i.s  v'mifera.  Like  many  extensively  cul- 
tivated plants,  the  native  country  of  the  Grape  is 
unknown,  or  at  least  doubtful.  It  is  among  the 
plants  spokeu  of  in  the  Books  of  Moses,  and 
it  appears  to  have  been  cultivated  and  the  fruit 
used  then  as  at  the  present  day.  Noah  planted  a 
vineyard,  and  wine  is  mentioned  as  a  beverage 
among  the  earliest  nations  of  the  world.  The 
oldest  profane  writers  ascribe  its  introduction 
to  their  gods.  According  to  the  tradition  of  the 
Egyptians,  Osiris  first  paid  attention  to  the  Vine, 
and  instructed  other  men  in  the  manner  of 
planting  and  using  it.  The  inhabitants  of  Africa 


GRE 

ascribe  the  same  gift  to  the  ancient  Bacchus. 
Wine  was  among  the  first  oblations  to  the  Divin- 
ity. "  Melchisedek,  King  of  Salem,  brought 
forth  bread  and  wine,  and  he  was  the  priest  of 
the  Most  High  God."  Humboldt  says  the  Vine 
does  not  belong  to  Europe,  but  is  indigenous  in 
Asia  between  the  Black  Sea  and  the  Caspian,  of 
Mount  Ararat  and  of  the  Taurus.  In  the  forests 
of  Mongrelia  it  flourishes  in  great  magnificence, 
climbing  to  the  tops  of  the  highest  trees,  bearing 
bunches  of  fruit  of  delicious  flavor.  We  have  no 
authentic  account  of  the  introduction  of  the  Vine 
into  the  present  grape-growing  countries,  or  of 
the  origin  of  the  maay  varieties  now  under  cul- 
tivation. More  than  one  hundred  varieties  have 
been  introduced  into  our  graperies,  and  into  the 
Southern  States  and  California,  where  the  cli- 
mate will  permit  of  their  being  grown  in  the 

.  open  air.  The  Grapes  grown  throughout  the 
United  States  have  their  origin  in  the  species 
indigenous  to  North  America.  V.  labrusca,  the 
Fox  Grape,  common  in  swampy  grounds  from 
Maine  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  is  the  parent  of  our 
best  garden  varieties,  among  others  the  Isabella, 
which  originated  in  South  Carolina,  and  the 
Concord,  which  originated  in  Massachusetts. 
The  Catawba  had  its  parentage  in  V.  riparia,  the 
common  Frost  Grape,  or  at  least  it  is  so  accred- 
ited. The  Diana,  a  seedling  of  the  Catawba, 
was  raised  by  Mrs.  Diana  Crehore,  of  Boston. 
The  introduction  of  new  varieties,  from  seed,  of 
various  crossings,  is  being  rapidly  carried  on  by 
our  enterprising  horticulturists. 

Grape  Hyacinth.     See  Muscari. 

Grass  of  Parnassus.     See  Parnassia. 

Graptophyllum.  Caricature  Plant.  From  grapho, 
to  write,  and  phyllon,  a  leaf;  referring  to  the  mark- 
ings on  the  leaves.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  shrubs,  inhabiting  both 
hemispheres.  A  few  of  the  species  have  been 
introduced  into  the  hot-house  for  the  beauty  of 
their  variegated  foliage  and  their  racemes  of 
white  flowers.  G.  pictum  is  properly  called  the 
Caricature  Plant,  from  the  fact  that,  when  its 
leaf  is  held  up  to  the  light,  it  often  presents 
nearly  an  exact  profile  of  the  human  face.  G. 
Nortonii,  a  more  recent  introduction,  is  a  very 
distinct  and  beautiful  species,  with  rich  rose- 
colored  spots  or  markings.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings. First  introduced  in  1780. 

Great  Laurel.     See  Magnolia. 

Greek  Valerian.     See  Polemoniwn. 

Green  Brier.     See  Smilax. 

Green  Violet.    See  Tolea. 

GreviUea.  Named  after  C.  F.  Greville,  a  patron  of 
botany.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Proteacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  shrubs  and 
evergreen  trees,  natives  of  New  Holland.  The 
species  include  lofty  trees  more  than  a  hundred 
feet  high,  and  low-growing  shrubs.  G.  robusta, 
the  Silk  Oak,  is  a  magnificent  tree,  with  orange- 
colored  flowers.  G.  Forsterii  is  a  similar  species 
with  bright  scarlet  flowers,  that  are  produced 
when  the  tree  is  young.  The  foliage  of  the 
species  is  as  varied  as  the  size  of  the  plants.  On 
some  of  the  trees  it  is  needle-shaped;  others 
have  leaves  closely  resembling  those  of  the  A>-n»- 
thus.  Several  of  the  species  are  under  cultiva- 
tion in  the  green-house,  and  are  considered  ac- 
quisitions. Young  plants  are  obtained  from 
seed. 

Greyia.  Named  in  honor  of  Sir  George  Grey,  who 
was  Governor-General  of  the  Cape  Colony  at  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GRI 

time  of  its  discovery.  Linn.  Decandrui-Pentagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Sapiwt" 

i;  Sutherland!,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautilul 
and  distinct  moderate-sized  tree,  found  in  the 
mountains  about  Port  Natal.  Its  foliage  is  sim- 
ilar to  a  Pelargonium.  The  flowers  are  borne  m 
dense  axillary  racemes,  and  are  of  a  brilliant 
crimson  color,  giving  to  the  tree  a  very  hand- 
some appearance. 

Orias.  Anchovy  Pear.  From  (/ran,  to  eat ;  the 
fruit  being  eatable.  Linn.  Poli/andria  -  Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Barrtngtonhuxce. 

G.  cauliflora,  the  only  species,  is  a  tall,  un- 
branched  tree,  with  leaves  two  or  three  feet 
long,  and  bearing  large  whitish  flowers,  which 
proceed  from  the  stem.  The  fruit  has  much  the 
taste  of  the  Mango,  and  is  highly  esteemed  in 
the  West'  Indies,  where  it  is  indigenous.  The 
tree  is  largely  cultivated,  not  only  for  its  fruit, 
but  for  its  highly  ornamental  character. 

Oriffinia.  Named  after  W.  Griffin,  a  patron  of 
botany.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Amaryllidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  bulbous  plants 
from  South  America.  The  flowers  are  of  a  beau- 
tiful purple,  borne  in  an  umbel.  They  require 
green-house  treatment,  and  should  have  com- 
plete rest  during  winter.  In  March  re-pot  them, 
and  they  will  immediately  commence  growth, 
and  will  require  plenty  of  heat,  light,  air,  and 
water.  They  are  increased  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1822. 

Ground  Cherry.     See  Physalis. 

Ground  Hemlock.    See  Taxus. 

Ground  Laurel.    See  Epigcea. 

Ground  Nut.     See  Apios. 

Ground  Pine.  A  popular  name  of  Lycopodium 
dendroideum. 

Ground  Pink.    See  Phlox. 

Ground  Plum.  A  popular  name  of  the  fruit  of 
Astragalus  caryocarpus. 

Groundsel.     See  Senecio. 

Groundsel  Tree.    See  Baccharw. 

Guaiacum.  Lignum  Vitae.  The  original  name 
in  South  America.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Zygophyttacea:. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  trees  with  pretty  blue 
flowers.  G.  offirinnle  furnishes  the  well-known 
wood  Lignum  Vita;,  and  also  the  drug  known  as 
Gum  Guaiacum,  which  is  procured  by  notching 
the  trunk,  and  allowing  the  exuding  juice  to 
harden.  It  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies. 

Guava.     See  Psidium. 

Guelder  Rose.     Viburnum  opulus. 

Guernsey  Lily.     Nerine  Sarniensis. 

Guevina.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Tetmndria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Proieacece. 

G.  avfMnna,  the  only  species,  is  a  tree  of  me- 
dium size,  a  native  of  Chili  and  Peru.  The 
flowers  are  in  simple,  erect  racemes  two  to  four 
inches  long,  and  these  are  succeeded  by  round 
edible  drupes,  inclosing  almond-like  seeds, 
known  as  Chilian  nuts.  The  latter  have  an 
agreeable,  somewhat  oily  taste,  while  the 
fleshy  part  is  made  a  substitute  for  the  Pome- 
granate. 

Guinea  Corn.     See  Sorghum  vulgare. 

Guinea  Grass.     See  Sorghum  hrdapense. 

Gum  Arabic  Tree.    See  Acicia  Arabica. 

Gum  Guaiacum.    See  Guaiacum. 

Gum  Tragacanth.     See  Astragalus. 

Gustavia.    Named  after  Gustavus  III.  of  Sweden 
-Linn.   Monaddphia-Polyandria.    Nat.   Ord.  Bar- 
ringtoniacetK. 
A  genus  of  fine  evergreen  trees  and  shrubs, 


GYM 

with  large,  handsome,  glossy  leaves  and  showy 
white  flowers,  sometimes  five  or  six  inches 
across,  tinged  with  pink,  not  unlike  those  of 
some  Magnolias.  They  are  disposed  in  racemes 
or  umbels  at  the  ends  of  the  twigs.  The  fruits 
are  somewhat  fleshy  and  apple-like.  G.  gracillima 
is  a  magnificent  plant,  introduced  from  the 
United  States  of  Columbia  by  M.  Roezl.  It  has 
a  smooth,  slender,  woody  stem.  The  flowers 
grow  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  young 
plants,  and  from  the  leafless  parts  of  the  trunk 
in  the  older  ones.  They  are  solitary  or  in  pairs, 
four  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  beautiful  rose 
color,  consisting  of  eight  petals,  with  the  yellow 
incurved  staminal  tube  bearing  numerous  pur- 
ple anthers  in  a  ring  of  an  inch  or  more  across. 
This  species  was  introduced  in  1874.  Propa- 
gated by  cutting  of  well-ripened  wood. 

Gutta  Percha.     See  Isonandra. 

Guzmannia.  Named  after  A.  Guzman,  a  Spanish 
naturalist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynla.  Nat.  Ord. 
BromdiacecK. 

Green-house  perennials,  natives  of  South 
America.  G.  tricolor  is  a  pretty  species,  with 
flowers  on  a  spike,  concealed  by  the  bracts,  the 
lowermost  of  which  are  green,  while  the  others 
are  scarlet.  It  requires  ordinary  green-house 
treatment.  Propagated  by  suckers. 

Gymnema.  From  gymnos,  naked,  and  nema,  a 
filament;  in  reference  to  the  stamens.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asdepiadacecv. 

G.  ladifentm  is  the  Cow  Plant  of  Ceylon,  the 
milk  of  which  is  used  as  food  by  the  natives. 
The  species  are  green-house  evergreen  twiners, 
producing  clusters  of  yellow  flowers  from  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  They  are  allied  to  the  Ste- 
phanotis,  and  require  the  same  treatment. 

Gymnocladus.  Kentucky  Coffee  Tree.  From 
gymnos,  naked,  and  klados,  a  branch;  in  refer- 
ence to  the  soft  young  wood,  devoid  of  buds. 
Linn.  Dmcia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

G.  Canadensis,  the  only  species,  is  an  orna- 
mental, hardy,  deciduous  tree,  growing  fifty  to 
sixty  feet  high.  It  is  one  of  our  most  beautiful 
shade  trees,  and  is  planted  to  a  considerable 
extent  on  the  streets  in  Washington,  D.  C. ; 
it  is  also  valuable  for  its  hard  tough  timber. 
Common  from  New  York,  South  and  West. 

Gymnogramma.  From  gymnos,  naked,  and 
gramma,  writing;  in  reference  to  the  spore 'cases. 
Linn.  Oryptogamia-Fdices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodi- 
acece. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  Ferns,  requiring 
the  warm  green-house  to  grow  them.  In  some  of 
the  species  the  under  surface  of  the  fronds  is 

Erofusely  covered  with  a  rich  yellow  or  white 
irinose  powder,  which  gives  them  the  name  of 
Gold  or  Silver  Ferns,  so  frequently  seen  in  cul- 
tivation, on  account  of  the  beauty  of  their 
fronds.  This  genus  contains  two  of  the  very 
few  known  annual  Ferns,  G.  chwrophylla,  a  West 
Indian  plant,  and  G.  leptophylla,  which  is  found 
scattered  over  nearly  the  whole  of  the  temperate 
regions  of  the  globe. 

Gymnostachyum.  Fittonia.  From  gymnos, 
naked,  and  stachys,  a  spike.  Linn.  Diandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanlhacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  a  few  dwarf  herbaceous 
plants,  of  prostrate  habit,  with  leaves  beautiful- 
ly veined  with  white  or  red.  The  species  are 
considerably  grown  for  Wardian  cases  or  Ferner- 
ies, for  which  purposes  they  are  well  suited. 
When  well  grown  they  make  splendid  specimen 
plants  for  the  hot-house.  They  should  be  grown 
in  a  humid  atmosphere.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


09 


GYM 

Introduced  from  Brazil  in  1863.    Perhaps  better 
known  under  the  name  of  Flttonia. 

Gymnothrix.  A  genus  of  Grasses,  now  united 
with  Pennisdum. 

Gynerium.  Pampas  Grass.  From  yyne,  female, 
and  crion,  wool;  the  stigmas  being  woolly.  Linn. 
Dioetia-Diandi'M.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  Grasses.  That  which 
is  best  known  and  cultivated  is  ft.  aryenteuin, 
Pampas  Grass,  so  called  from  its  being  a  na- 
tive of  the  vast  plains  of  South  America,  called 
Pampas.  This  splendid  Grass  is  not  sufficient- 
ly hardy  at  the  North  without  a  mulching  of  dry 
leaves  or  litter  around  the  roots.  The  clumps 
can  be  taken  up  in  the  fall,  and  kept  in  any 
convenient  place  away  from  frost  during  winter. 
With  the  best  possible  care  and  culture  there 
cannot  be  produced,  such,  magnificent  plumes, 


HAL 

either  North  or  South,  as  are  grown  in  Southern 
California,  where  the  plumes  are  grown  largely 
for  Northern  and  European  markets.  This  spe- 
cies was  first  introduced  in  1848. 
Gypsophila.  From  yifpsos,  chalk,  and  phileo,  to 
love;  in  reference  to  the  soil  most  suitable  for 
them.  Linn.  Decandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cur- 
yopln//I<  i  <•"'•. 

"  This  genus  is  characterized  more  by  grace 
than  striking  beauty  of  flowers.  The  flowers 
are  small,  but  produced  in  great  numbers  in 
loose,  graceful  panicles.  They  are  plants  that 
are  easily  cultivated,  and  are  propagated  by  di- 
vision and  seeds,  the  latter  in  the  open  ground 
in  spring."  The  flowers  of  the  species  are  use- 
ful in  making  up  in  dried  bouquets,  as  they  re- 
tain their  color  during  winter  perfectly,  They 
are  also  well  adapted  ibr  rock-work. 


H. 


Habenaria.     Rein  Orchis.     From  habena,  a  rein 
or  thong;  referring  to  the  long  strap-shaped 
spur.      Linn.  (fynandria-Monandria.      Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A  well-known  and  somewhat  extensive  genus 
of  terrestrial  Orchids,  pretty  generally  distribut- 
ed. Our  native  species  have  very  curiously- 
shaped  flowers,  which  are  generally  yellow,  but 
sometimes  purple,  and  occasionally  white.  They 
grow  well  in  moist,  shady  situations.  Several 
of  the  species  are  to  be  found  in  marshy  places 
on  the  south  side  of  Long  Island. 

Habranthus.  From  habros,  delicate,  and  anthos, 
a  flower.  Linn.  Hexandtia  -  Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaryllidacect'. 

Very  handsome  South  American  bulbs,  which, 

•  like  the  rest  of  the  order,  should  have  a  decided 
season  of  rest.  They  grow  best  in  a  rich  soil 
composed  of  loam,  rotted  manure,  and  sand, 
should  be  well-drained,  and  have  plenty  of 
water  when  growing  or  flowering.  These  plants 
are  found  growing  in  dry,  gravelly  places,  and 
are  half  hardy.  They  will  winter  in  a  cold 
frame  with  slight  protection.  Introduced  in 
1821. 

Habrothamnus.  From  habros,  gay,  and  thamnos, 
a  shrub.  Linn.  Pentandr'M-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Solanacea;. 

A  genus  of  Mexican  shrubs,  closely  allied  to 
Oestrum,  and  one  of  the  gayest  productions  of 
that  country.  The  panicles  of  red  or  purple 
flowers  are  borne  in  abundance,  and  justify  the 
name  applied  to  them.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
The  species  do  well  with  the  treatment  of  Pelar- 
gonium. Introduced  in  1844. 

Hackberry.     See  Cdtis. 

Hackmatack.  A  local  name  for  Larix  Ameri- 
<•«/<//,  the  American  or  Black  Larch. 

Hacquetea.  In  honor  of  B.  Haajuct,  a  German 
botanist.  Linn.  Pvidandr'M-Diyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Apiacece. 

II.  epipactis,  the  only  species,  in  a  hardy 
herbaceous  perennial  plant,  of  very  dwarf  habit, 
having  digitate  three-lobed  leaves,  and  a  single 
umbel  of  small  yellow  flowers.  It  is  a  native  of 
the  Alps,  and,  like  most  Alpine  plants,  difficult 
to  manage  here. 


Haemanthus.  From  haima,  blood,  and  anttios, 
flower  ;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  spathe  and 
filaments  of  some  species.  Linn.  HexandriorMon-' 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidaceo'. 

A  genus  of  South  American  bulbous  plants, 
producing  large  scarlet,  orange,  and  yellow 
flowers  of  very  singular  appearance.  H.  coccinea 
is  a  beautiful  species,  and  does  well  in  the  green- 
house. It  should  be  grown  in  sandy  loam  and 
leaf  mould.  It  is  a  strong  grower,  requiring  con- 
siderable room.  After  making  its  growth  it  re- 
quires a  season  of  perfect  rest,  after  which  it 
throws  up  its  flower  stalk,  and  should  have 
plenty  of  water.  They  grow  in  fall  and  winter, 
and  rest  during  spring  and  summer.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1629. 

Haematoxylon.  Logwood.  From  haima,  blood, 
xylon,  wood  ;  Logwood  is  well-known  for  its  red 
color.  Linn.  Decandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
FabaceoK. 

H.  Campechianum,  the  well-known  Logwood  of 
commerce,  is  the  only  representative  of  this 
genus.  It  is  a  handsome  evergreen  tree,  grow- 
ing about  forty  feet  high,  with  a  trunk  about  a 
foot  and  a  half  in  diameter.  It  was  first  found 
on  the  Bay  of  Campeachy,  in  Yucatan,  whence 
its  specific  name.  It  is  also  found  in  other 
parts  of  Central  America,  and  has  been  intro- 
duced into,  and  become  naturalized  in,  many  of 
the  West  Indian  Islands.  Its  importance  con- 
sists in  its  value  as  a  dye-wood,  for  which  pur- 
pose it  forms  an  important  article  of  commerce. 

Hakea.  Named  after  Baron  Hake,  a  German 
patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Proieacea;. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evi'i-groon  shrubs, 
containing  more  than  a  hundred  species,  all 
natives  of  New  Holland.  The  flowers  of  nearly 
all  are  white,  produced  in  axillary  clusters. 
None  of  the  species  has  sufficient  beauty,  either 
in  flower  or  foliage,  to  give  it  a  place  in  ordinary 
collections. 

Halesia.  The  Snowdrop  Tree.  Named  after  Dr. 
Jf'ilt-s,  author  of  Vetjdable  Statics.  Linn.  Dodecan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Styracacea?. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  shrubs  or 
low-growing  trees.  One  of  the  species,  11. 


100 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HAM 

Mravtem,  is  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio, 
from  Virginia  westward,  usually  in  very  poor, 
rocky  soil.  It  is  a  free-flowering  shrub,  of  a 
graceful,  drooping  habit.  The  flowers  are  white, 
resembling  those  of  the  Snowdrop.  The  seeds 
are  curiously  winged.  This  species  improves 
by  cultivation,  and  thrives  well  in  a  poor  soil, 
preferring  one  near  water.  It  is  readily  in- 
creased by  layering,  or  from  seeds. 

Hamamelis.  The  Witch  Hazel.  From  hama, 
together  with,  and  mela,  fruit  ;  referring  to  the 
flowers  and  fruit  being  on  this  tree  at  the 
same  time.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
HamameKdacece. 

H.  Virginica  is  a  native  shrub,  which  will 
grow  freely  in  any  soil  that  is  not  too  rich, 
though  it  prefers  a  dry,  stony  gravel.  It  has 
the  peculiarity  of  flowering  during  winter,  be- 
ginning to  expand  its  rich,  deep  yellow  flowers 
just  as  its  leaves  are  falling  off,  and  dropping  its 
flowers  when  its  branches  begin  to  be  reclothed 
with  leaves  in  spring.  The  shrub  is  celebrated 
for  the  extract  distilled  from  its  bark  and  roots. 
Its  seeds  contain  a  quantity  of  oil,  and  are  edible. 

Hardback.     Spircea  iomerdosa. 

Harpalium.  From  Harpalyce,  daughter  of  Ly- 
curgus.  Linn.  Syngenesia-l'Yustranea.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asitracece. 

II.  rigidus,  the  only  species,  is  Helianthus  rigi- 
dus  of  Gray,  a  coarse-growing  perennial,  with 
yellow  flowers,  common  in  the  Western  States. 

Harpalyce.  After  Harpalyce,  daughter  of  Lycur- 
gns.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asiemcece. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome,  erect,  pinnate- 
leaved  bushes  from  Mexico  and  Brazil.  //. 
Braziliana  bears  handsome,  scarlet  pea-shaped 
flowers  in  a  panicle  toward  the  ends  of  the 
shoots.  The  Mexican  species  are  smooth,  and 
bear  purple  flowers.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Harebell.    See  Campanula. 

Hart's  Tongue.    See  Scolopendrium. 

Hartford  Fern.    See  Lygodium. 

Hartwegia.  Named  after  M.  Harticeg,  court"  gar- 
dener to  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  and  once  a 
collector  for  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 
i>n.  Oynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchi- 
dacece. 

A  small  genus  of  eoiphytal  Orchids,  of  but 
little  interest,  except  in  large  collections.  H. 
purpurea  is  a  very  pretty  little  plant,  witli 
spotted  foliage,  and  long,  slender  spikes  of  pur- 

Eish  pink  flowers.    It  is  an  almost   constant 
oomer,  growing  freely  on  blocks  or  cork  in  an 
ordinary  green-house.     It  is  a  native  of  Mexico. 
Introduced  in  1837.    It  is  increased  by  division 
of  plants  in  the  spring. 

Hawkweed.    See  Hieracium. 

Hawprthia.  Named  in  honor  of  A.  H.  Haworth, 
a  distinguished  English  botanist.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-Monogyiiia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

A  pretty  an!  curious  genus  of  succulents, 
that  offer  many  inducements  to  the  admirers  of 
that  class  of  plants.  They  are  commonly 
known  as  Aloes,  from  which  they  were  separat- 
ed. The  plants  are  mostly  small,  but  particu- 
larly interesting  on  account  of  their  upright 
flowers,  which  are  always  gray,  and  the  trans- 
lucent leaves  of  some  of  the  species.  The  foliage 
of  all  is  prettily  marked.  They  are  all  natives 
of  South  Africa.  First  introduced  in  1727. 
They  require  the  same  treatment  as  the  Aloe. 
They  are  readily  increased  from  suckers,  or  from 

Hawthorn.     See  Cratcegus. 


HED 
i 

Haylockia.  Named  after  Mr.  Haylock,  gardener 
to  Dr.  Herbert.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaryllidacece. 

A  small  bulb  from  Buenos  Ayres,  allied  to 
Zephyranthes;  flowers  straw  colored,  solitary.  It 
is  nearly  hardy,  the  protection  of  a  cold  frame 
only  being  needed  in  this  climate.  Propagated 
by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1829. 

Hazel  Nut.     See  Corylus. 

Heal-all.    See  Brunetta. 

Heartsease.     See  Viola  tricolor. 

Heath.     See  Erica. 

Heather.     See  Galluna. 

Hedeoma.  Mock  Pennyroyal.  From  hedeoma, 
the  Greek  name  of  Mint.  Linn.  Diandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceai. 

The  only  species  of  interest  in  this  genius  is 
K.  pulegioides,  the  common  Pennyroyal  of  our 
woods,  which  is  noticed  in  the  genus  Mentlia. 

Hedera.  The  Ivy.  The  name  appears  to  be  de- 
rived from  hedra,  a  Celtic  word,  signifying  a 
cord;  and  the  English  name,  Ivy,  is  derived 
from  iur,  a  word  in  the  same  language,  signify- 
ing green,  from  its  being  always  green.  Linn. 
Penlandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aral'iacece. 

This  well-known  plant  is  what  botanists  call 
a  rooting  climber;  that  is  to* say,  its  stems 
climb  up  trees,  walls,  sides  of  dwellings,  or  any 
other  suitable  object  which  presents  a  sufficient- 
ly rough  surface  for  their  roots  to  take  hold  of; 
as,  unless  this  is  the  case,  the  Ivy,  whenever  it 
is  rendered  heavy  by  rain  or  snow,  falls  down. 
Whenever,  therefore,  Ivy  is  wanted  to  cover 
smooth,  newly-plastered  walls,  the  Ivy  should 
be  nailed  against  them,  or  secured  with  copper 
wire.  The  Ivy  is  remarkable  for  undergoing  a 
complete  change  in  its  leaves  when  it  flowers. 
The  barren,  or  creeping  Ivy,  which  trails  along 
the  ground,  and  roots  into  it,  rarely  flowers,  and 
its  leaf  is  deeply  cut;  but  the  tree  Ivy,  or  flow- 
ering part,  rears  itself  on  high,  so  as  to  be  fully 
exposed  to  the  light  and  air,  and  the  leaves  be- 
come of  an  oval  shape.  H.  Canarlensis,  the  giant 
or  Irish  Ivy,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  though  it 
is  a  native  of  the  Canaries,  is  hardier  and  grovp 
much  faster  than  the  common  kind ;  but  the  va- 
riegated kinds  are  tender,  and  grow  much 
slower.  Ivy  requires  a  deep  and  somewhat 
light  soil,  into  which  its  roots  can  penetrate 
easily ;  and  when  grown  for  any  purpose  in  pots 
or  boxes,  it  should  be  abundantly  supplied  with 
water.  Ivy  is  useful  in  all  cases  where  a  naked 
space  is  to  be  covered  with  green  in  a  short 
space  of  time;  and  it  is  particularly  valuable  in 
town  gardens,  as  it  will  bear  the  smoke  and 
want  of  pure  air  in  cities  better  than  most 
other  plants.  It  should,  however,  in  all  close  and 
crowded  situations,  be  abundantly  supplied 
with  water,  and  occasionally  syringed  over  the 
leaves.  The  gold  and  silver  varieties  are  very 
beautiful,  especially  the  former,  when  grown 
against  the  chimney  of  a  dwelling-house  or 
green-house;  but  they,  like  nearly  all  variegated 
leaved  plants,  are  more  tender,  and  require  a 
higher  temperature  than  the  plain  green-leaved 
kinds.  Increased  freely  by  cuttings. 

Hedge  Bindweed.     See  Calysteyia. 

Hedge  Mustard.  See  Sisymbrium  offisinale  and 
JSrysimnm. 

•  Hedge  Nettle.  See  Slachys. 
Hedychium.  Garland  Flower.  From  hedy*, 
sweet,  and  chion,  snow;  in  reference  to  the 
sweet-scented,  snow-white  flowers  of  some  of 
the  species.  Linn.  Monandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Zingiberacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


101 


HED 

A  beautiful  genus,  deserving  a  place  wherever 
space  can  be  afforded  them  ia  the  hot-house. 
They  will  attain  a  height  of  from  three  to  five 
feet,  and  flower  profusely,  fully  proving  the  fit- 
ness of  the  term,  ''Garland  Flower,"  applied  to 
them.  There  are  a  large  number  of  species.mostly 
from  the  East  Indies.  They  are  propagated  by 
division  of  the  plants,  before  re-potting  in  spring, 
after  a  season  of  partial  rest.  Introduced  in 
1820. 

Hedysarum.  The  French  Honeysuckle.  From 
hedysaron,  the  name  of  a  papilionaceous  plant 
described  by  Theophrastus.  Linn.  Diadelpldi- 
Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fbbacew. 

The  many  species  are  handsome  flowering 
plants,  embracing  annuals,  biennials,  and  per- 
ennials, which  require  only  the  usual  treatment 
of  their  respective  kinds.  They  are  increased 
by  division  of  the  roots  and  by  seeds.  H.  gy- 
mnsia  remarkable  for  the  property  possessed  by 
its  leaves  of  setting  up  a  spontaneous  motion, 
independent,  as  far  as  observation  reaches,  of 
all  external  impressions.  Without  being  touched 
or  excited  by  heat,  light,  wind,  or  rain,  some- 
times a  single  leaflet,  sometimes  a  whole  leaf,  I 
oscillates  or  gyrates,  continuing  to  move  for  an 
indefinite  time,  and  ceasing  without  a  known 
cause.  The  species  are  found  throughout  Eu- 
rope, and  have  long  been  under  cultivation. 

Helenium.  Sneeze  Weed.  Named  after  the 
beautiful  Helena,  the  cause  of  the  Trojan  war. 
Linn.  Syngenefiia-Supoflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea'. 
A  small  genus  of  showy,  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  with  a  few  hardy  annuals.  The  flowers 
are  mostly  large  and  yellow,  somewhat  resem- 
bling those  of  Rudbeckia,  which  similarity  pre- 
vents their  introduction  to  the  flower  garden. 
//.  aidumnale,  the  only  native  species,  popular- 
ly known  as  Sneeze  Weed,  is  a  showy  plant, 
growing  from  two  to  three  feet  high.  It  is  com- 
mon Southward. 

Helianthemum.  Sun  Rose.  From  helios,  the 
sun,  and  anthcmon,  a  flower.  Linn.  Polyaiidria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cistaceci;. 

Low  shrubs,  generally  used  for  planting  on 
rock-work,  and  strongly  resembling  the  Cistus 
or  Rock  Rose.  As  most  of  the  species  are  rather 
tender,  they  require  protection  during  win- 
ter. For  this  reason  they  are  cither  grown  in 
pots,  which  are  placed  on  the  rock-work  among 
the  stones,  or  taken  up  and  re-potted  in  winter, 
to  be  planted  out  again  in  spring.  They  are 
generally  increased  by  seeds,  which  ripen  in 
abundance. 

Helianthus.  The  Sun  Flower.  From  helios,  the 
sun,  and  anthos,  a  flower;  in  reference  to  the 
common  but  erroneous  opinion,  that  the  flow- 
ers always  turn  their  faces  toward  the  sun. 
Linn.  Syiujenesia-Siipeiflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asleracefi'. 
An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
herbaceous  perennials.  The  annual  of  this  name, 
11.  annuus,  though  a  native  of  Peru,  is  of  the 
hardiest  of  its  kind,  as  it  only  requires  sowing 
in  the  open  border.  The  flowers  are  immense 
in  size,  averaging  a  foot  in  diameter;  color  yel- 
low with  a  dark  disk.  Immense  as  these  flowers 
are,  fashion  has  decreed  that  they  be  worn  by 
many  of  the  ladies  at  many  of  the  summer  re- 
sorts at  the  present  writing.  It  is  not,  however, 
suitable  for  any  situation,  unless  there  be  abund- 
ance of  room,  on  account  of  the  large  size  of 
its  stalks  and  leaves.  The  perennial  kinds  are 
much  smaller,  and  very  ornamental.  They  are 
quite  hardy.  Several  of  the  annual  species  are 
!  xtcnsively  grown  in  marshy  districts,  because 


HEL 

they  are  supposed  to  absorb  malaria.  //.  iubc- 
roifus  is  the  well-known  Jerasakm  Artichoke. 
There  are  a  large  number  of  species  common 
throughout  the  United  States.  California  fur- 
nishes a  species  with  very  large  double  flowers, 
one  of  the  best  under  cultivation. 

Helichrysum.  Everlasting  Flower.  From  he- 
lios, the  sun,  and  chryaon,  gold;  in  allusion  to 
the  brilliant  flowers.  Linn.  Syngenesia-L'olyga- 
mia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteraceai. 

The  genus  consists  of  annuals,  hardy  herbace- 
ous perennials,  and  evergreen  shrubs,  the  two 
latter  rarely  met  except  in  botanical  collections. 
The  common  yellow  Everlasting,  It.  l>radeatum, 
is  a  hardy  annual  that  only  requires  sow- 
ing in  the  open  border.  H.  bicolor  is  a  very 
slight  variety,  merely  differing  in  having  the 
outer  petals  tipped  with  copper  color;  but  //. 
macranthxm  has  white  flowers  tipped  with  pink, 
and  is  very  handsome.  This  species  is  a  native 
of  the  Swan  River  colony.  It  may  either  be 
sown  in  the  open  ground  in  April,  to  flower  in 
autumn,  or  in  a  hot-bed  in  February,  to  plant 
out  in  May. 

Helcia.  From  helcium,  a  horse-collar;  in  reference 
to  the  curious  formation  of  the  flowers.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchvdacerv. 

II.  san'jmnolenta,  the  only  species,  is  a  beauti- 
ful terrestrial  Orchid  from  the  Peruvian  Andes. 
Its  flowers  are  produced  in  great  profusion  on 
single  stalks  from  the  base  of  the  bulbs;  the 
sepals  and  petals  yellowish,  beautifully  marked 
with  reddish  brown;  lip  large,  white,  marked 
with  purplish  crimson.  It  requires  to  be  grown 
in  a  cool  house.  Increased  by  division. 

Heliconia.  From  Helicon,  a  hill  consecrated  to 
the  Muses;  from  its  affinity  to  tho  genus  Musa. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Musaceat. 
A  genus  of  interesting  plants  from  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America.  Their  fruit  is  eaten 
by  the  natives,  though  inferior  to  the  Banana. 
It  requires  the  same  general  treatment  as  the 
Maranta,  but  is  too  large  for  general  green-house 
cultivation.  Propagated  by  division  of  plant. 

Heliophila.  From  helios,  the  sun,  and  phileo,  to 
love;  referring  to  the  sunny  aspect  where  they 
delight  to  grow.  Linn.  Tetr adynamia,  Nat.  Ord. 
UrassicacecK. 

Beautiful  little  annual  plants,  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  generally  with  blue  flow- 
ers, and  very  long,  slender  stems.  The  seeds 
should  be  sown  on  a  hot-bed  in  February,  and 
the  plants  planted  out  in  a  warm  open  situation 
in  May. 

Heliotrope.     See  IMiotropium. 

Heliotropium.  Heliotrope.  From  helios,  the  sun, 
and  irope,  twining;  in  reference  to  the  curled  or 
twining  flower  branch.  Linn.  Triandria-Mono- 
f/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ehretiacece. 

This  genus  of  interesting  plants  consists  of 
hardy  and  tender  annuals  and  green-house 
shrubs.  Of  the  latter,  H.  Peruvianum  is  the  well- 
known  Heliotrope,  a  general  favorite  from  its 
delicious  fragrance.  It  grows  freely  in  the  open 
border.  After  the  first  of  September,  and  until 
killed  by  frost,  the  plant  is  a  complete  mass  of 
bloom.  It  is  also  largely  grown  in  the  green- 
house for  cut  flowers  in  winter.  Propagated  by 
ciittings.  Introduced  from  Peru  in  1757. 

Helipterum.  From  helios,  the  sun,  and  pteron,  a 
wing.  Linn.  Syntjenesia-l^olyjamia-Supeiflua.  Nat. 
Ord.  Aster<«'fir. 

An  extensive  genus,  separated  from  Hdichry- 
smit,  with  which  it  was  formerly  classed.  The 
species,  commonly  known  as  Everlasting  Flow- 


102 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HEL 


era,  are  tender  annuals  from  South  Atrien,  Aus- 
tralia, and  Tasmania.  The  name."  Everlasting 
Flower"  is  promiscuously  applied  to  the  plants 
of  this  genus  and  their  allies.  The  arrangement 
of  them  in  bouquets  and  floral  designs  is  an  ex- 
tensive business  in  France  and  Germany.  1  hey 
urow  freely  from  seed,  and  thrive  best  in  a  light 
dry  soil  made  tolerably  rich.  Introduced  from 
Swan  River  in  1863. 

Hellebore.     See  Hellc'iorns. 

Helleborus  Hellebore.  From  helei,,,  to  cause 
death,  and  bora,  food;  in  reference  to  its  poison- 
ous quality.  Linu.  Polyandria-Poli/gynia.  Nat. 
onl  Bomtacufaeao?. 

This  genus  consists  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, growing  best  under  the  shade  of  trees. 
The  "Christmas  Rose,"  H.  niger,  is  one  of 
the  most  interesting  plants  belonging  to  this 
genus,  on  account  of  its  flowering  in  winter  or 
very  early  in  spring,  before  almost  every  other 
flower  If  grown  in  a  frame  it  will  be  true  to  its 
name, 'and  flower  freely  during  the  Christmas 
holidays.  It  is  increased  by  division  of  the  roots. 
Introduced  from  Austria  in  1596. 

Helmia.  In  honor  of  Dr.  C.  Heim,  a  German  ec- 
clesiastic. Linn.  Dicecia-Hexandr'ui.  Nat.  Ord. 
Dioscoreaceo'. 

A  genus  of  handsome  climbers,  allied  to  the 
Dioscarea  or  Yam,  and  requiring  the  same  treat- 
ment. 

Hemerocallis.  Day  Lily.  From  hemera,  a  day, 
and  kulloa,  beauty;  alluding  to  the  beauty  and 
duration  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  He.randria-Mono- 
•lynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacea:. 

Strong  perennial  plants,  with  yellow  or  cop- 
per-colored flowers.  They  are  perfectly  hardy, 
and  thrive  best  in  a  moist,  shady  situation. 
The  more  common  sorts  are  unworthy  of  culti- 
vation, n.flm'u,  a  native  of  Siberia,  has  beau- 
tiful clear  yellow  flowers,  borne  in  clusters  on  tall 
scapes.  If  in  a  shady  border  they  remain  some 
time  in  flower.  Propagated  by  division  of  root. 

Hemionites.  From  hfinionos,  a  mule;  supposed 
to  be  barren.  Linn.  Orjfptoffftmia-flUees.  Nat. 
Ord.  Polifpodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  Ferns,  with  simple  palmate 
fronds,  natives  of  the  tropics  of  both  the  New 
and  Old  Worlds.  They  are  exceedingly  inter- 
esting plants  for  the  hot-house,  where  they  must 
be  grown.  They  are  increased  by  division.  In- 
troduced in  1798. 

Hemlock.     See  N»>u/«  and  Conium. 

Hemlock  Spruce.    See  Abies. 

Hemp.     See  <'<tnn<tl\s. 

Henbane.     See  1  lyoscyamns. 

Hen  and  Chicken  Daisy.    See  BeUis  perennis 

Hen  and  Chickens.  A  popular  name  for  one  of 
the  Houseleeks,  Semperufottm  soboljfenan. 

Hepatica.  From  hepnticos,  relating  to  the  liver; 
referring  to  the  lobed  leaves.  Linn.  Polyandria- 
Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculi n-m  . 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials, 
one  of  our  earliest  "wild  flowers,'1  and  very 
common  in  the  woods  throughout  the  Eastern 
and  Northern  States.  It  succeeds  well  in  a 
shady  border. 

Heracleum.  Cow  Parsnip.  From  herades,  a  plant 
consecrated  to  Hercules.  Linn.  Pexiandria-Di- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apiacefi:. 

A  genus  of  large,  coarse-growing,  hardy  per- 
ennials and  biennials,  bearing  lurge  umbels  of 
white  flowers.  They  are  all  too  weedy  in  ap- 
pearance for  the  flower  garden,  being  suitable 
only  for  large  masses  in  rocky  places  difficult  to 
cultivate 


HET 

Herbertia.  Named  after  Dr.  Herbert,  Dean  of 
Manchester,  a  distinguished  investigator  of  bulb- 
ous plants.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Triandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Iridacece. 

Very  pretty  speciesfrom  South  America,  nearly 
hardy,  requiring  only  the  protection  of  the  frame. 
It  does  well  grown  in  pots.  The  flowers  resem- 
ble the  Iris,  and  are  of  various  colors,  blue  and 
white  predominating.  Propagated  by  offsets. 
Introduced  in  1830. 

Herb  Bobert.     See  Geranium  Eoberiimu-n. 
Hercules'  Club.     See  Aralia  spimsa. 
Herd's  Grass.     The  New  England  name  of  Phle- 
um  pmiense. 

In  Pennsylvania  Agrostis  vulgaris  is  commonly 
called  Herd's  Grass. 
Heron's  Bill.     See  Erodium. 

Herpestis.  From  herpestes,  a  creeping  thing;  in 
reference  to  the  creeping  stems.  Linn.  Didy- 
namia-Anfjiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacea;. 
An  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials, 
chiefly  aquatics,  common  throughout  all  tropi- 
cal countries.  There  are  also  several  species 
found  in  marshy  places  in  the  Southern  and 
Western  States.  The  species  are  mostly  unin- 
teresting. H.  reflexa,  a  species  of  recent  intro- 
duction, is  a  valuable  plant  for  the  aquarium. 
Herrania.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Peniagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bj/ttneHac/KS, 

This  genus  consists  of  three  or  four  species  of 
evergreen  trees,  natives  of  South  America,  and 
one  from  Australia.  They  have  palm-like  heads, 
composed  of  large  digitate  leaves.  They  are 
very  showy,  but  too  lirge  for  general  green-house 
cultivation. 

Hesperantha.  Evening  Flower.  From  liesperos, 
the  evening,  and  anthos,  a  flower.  Linn.  Trian- 
dria-Monorjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacew. 

A  genus  of  Cape  bulbs  closely  allied  to  the 
Ixia.  The  species  are;remarkable  for  expanding 
their  sweet-scented  flowers  in  the  evening; 
hence  their  name.  The  flowers  are  mostly 
white,  sometimes  stained  on  the  outside  with 
purple  or  brown.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Cul- 
ture same  as  Ixia.  Introduced  in  1825. 
Hesperis.  Rocket.  From  hesperos,  the  evening ; 
the  Rockets  being  sweeter  toward  evening. 
Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacew. 

These  flowers,  though  very  common,  are 
rarely  well  grown,  as  they  require  a  great  deal 
of  care  to  bring  them  to  perfection.  They  are  all 
perennials;  and  as  soon  as  they  have  done  flow- 
ering they  should  be  taken  up  and  transplanted 
into  fresh  and  very  rich  soil,  which  must  be  of 
a  light  and  friable  nature.  Thus  treated,  the 
double  white  and  double  purple  varieties  of 
Hesperis  mntronalis  will  attain  extraordinary 
size,  and  will  flower  splendidly.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  division  of  roots. 

Hesperoscordum.  Literally,  the  Onion  of  the 
West ;  from  hesperos,  the  west,  nnd  skurdon,  gar- 
lic. Linn.  Ilexandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lil- 
iac«K. 

A  small  genus  of  Californian  bulbs,  allied  to 
the  Attium,  with  large  and  showy  flowers,  blue 
and  white.  They  have  a  strong  smell  of  garlic, 
that  is  a  barrier  to  their  introduction  to  the 
flower  garden. 

Heterocentron.  From  heteros,  variable,  and  ken- 
iron,  a  sharp  point.  Linn.  Octandria-Munog-ynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Melasto-macecK. 

A  genus  of  free-flowering  under-shrubs  from 
Mexico.  There  are  but  two  species,  one,  H. 
album,  with  white,  the  other,  H.  roseum,  with 
crimson-purple  flowers,  produced  in  axillary  or 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


103 


HEU 

terminal  clusters.  They  muke  very  desirable 
plants  for  winter  blooming.  Propagated  by 
cuttings. 

Heuchera.  Alum-root.  Named  after  Prvfrxmir 
Heiiclier,  a  German  botanist.  Linn.  Pentamlrin- 
Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Saxifraaacece. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, natives  of  this  country  and  Siberia.  The 
leaves  are  entire,  from  the  center  of  which  the 
dower  scape  arises  from  one  to  three  feet  high, 
with  terminal  panicles  of  greenish  or  purplish 
flowers.  The  root  of  If.  Americana  is  so  astrin- 
gent that  it  is  called  Alum-root.  Propagated  by 
division  of  the  roots  in  spring. 

Hexacentris.  From  hex,  six,  and  centron,  a  spur; 
alluding  to  two  of  its  stamens  having  one  spur 
each,  and  two  of  them  two  spurs  each.  Linn. 
Dklynamiit-Aixjios/x-i-iiiia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 
A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen 
shrubs,  of  climbing  habit,  with  dentate  leaves. 
The  flowers  are  purple  or  yellow,  produced  in 
many  flowered  terminal  or  axillary  racemes  in 
June.  They  are  natives  of  India,  and  are  rarely 
seen  in  collections.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Hibbertia.  In  honor  of  George  Hibbert,  a  distin- 
guished promoter  of  botany.  Linn.  Polyandria- 
Triyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  JJlllcnidceir. 

Green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  from  New  Hol- 
land and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  There  are 
more  than  fifty  species  included  in  this  genus. 
Most  of  them  are  small,  heath-like,  tufted 
shrubSj  or  of  a  slender  trailing  habit ;  a  few  arc 
climbing  shrubs.  Their  flowers  are  yellow, 
borne  at  the  ends  of  the  branches,  and  generally 
give  out  a  very  unpleasant  odor.  II.  dentata,  a 
climbing  species,  is  one  of  the  most  showy,  and 
grows  six  or  eight  feet  high.  II.  volubilis,  the  larg- 
est species  of  the  genus,  has  a  stiff  climbing 
stem  and  pale  yellow  flowers  two  inches  across, 
but  most  disagreeably  scented.  Propagated  from 
cuttings  of  half-ripened  shoots  in  spring.  In- 
troduced in  1823. 

Hibiscus.  Virgil's  name  for  the  Marsh-mallow. 
Linn.  Monadvlpli  ia*-]  \fyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Mal- 
vaceae. 

An  extensive  genus,  consisting  of  annuals, 
perennials,  and  hardy  and  green-house  shrubs. 
All  the  kinds  bear  very  showy  flowers,  and  de- 
serve to  be  extensively  cultivated.  //.  rosa  Si- 
rtcnsis  pleno  produces  large  double  flowers,  scarlet 
and  yellow,  or  buif,  requiring  simple  green- 
house treatment.  A  singular  freak  of  this  species 
is,  that  orange  and  crimson  flowers  are  occasion- 
ally seen  on  the  same  plant.  H.  Syriacus  (Althjea) 
is  one  of  our  most  beautiful  hardy  shrubs,  the 
more  vahiable  as  it  is  a  free  flowerer;  will  grow 
almost  anywhere,  and  propagates  freely  by  seeds, 
layers,  and  cuttings.  There  is  a  pretty  varie- 
gated leaved  variety  of  //.  Syriacus,  quite  hardy, 
introduced  by  the  late  Robert  Buist,  of  Phila- 
delphia, Penn.  The  varieties  of  this  species  are 
used  for  hedges  in  many  places  along  our  coast, 
where  the  soil  is  too  poor  for  any  other  shrub  to 
thrive.  H.  Moscfieutos  is  abundant  in  marshy 
places  along  our  coast.  The  flowers  are  a  light 
rosy  pink  color,  sometimes  nearly  white,  five  to 
six  inches  in  diameter,  borne  in  great  numbers 
on  a  scape  three  to  four  feet  high.  This  species 
improves  in  size  of  plant  and  color  of  flower  by 
removing  it  from  its  habitat  to  a  dry  situation  in 
the  border.  //.  Californicit  is  a  strong  growing  spe- 
cies, bearing  immense  pure  white  flowers,  and 
one  of  the  most  valuable  plants  of  recent  intro- 
duction. The  perennials  are  propagated  by  seeds 
or  division  of  roots.  The  annuals  are  showy  and 


HOG 

grow  readily  from  coed.  //.  esculentus,  or  Abd- 
nioxclins  rni'/il''iifi'x-  of  modern  botanists,  is  the 
Okra  of  the  gardens,  a  tender  annual  from  Central 
America  and  the  West  Indies.  In  the  latter  it  is 
known  as  Gombo,  and  is  extensively  grown  for 
the  seed  pods,  which  are  used  as  a  vegetable. 
The  unripe  pods  are  added  to  soups  to  render 
them  more  mucilaginous.  They  are  also  pickled 
like  capers,  and  make  an  excellent  salad.  Okra 
may  be  raised  by  sowing  the  seed  in  spring  as 
soon  as  the  ground  is  warm.  The  dwarf  vari- 
eties are  preferable,  being  more  productive, 
and  requiring  less  space  for  their  development. 
The  soil  should  be  rich  to  make  tender  pods. 

Hickory.     See  Oarya. 

Hieracium.  Hawkweed.  From  hierax,  a  hawk; 
being  supposed  to  sharpen  the  sight  of  birds  of 
prey.  Linn.  Syngenesia-^Equalis.  Nat.  Ord.  .4s- 
teracecK. 

A  large  genus  of  free-flowering,  handsome 
herbaceous  perennials,  quite  hardy,  and  well 
adapted  for  planting  among  rock-work,  or  near 
the  front  of  large  groups  of  mixed  plants;  the 
genus  also  contains  a  very  beautiful  annual 
suited  for  growing  in  masses;  this  is  perhaps 
better  known  by  the  English  name  of  the  genus, 
Hawkweed.  The  flowers  of  nearly  all  the  species 
are  yellow,  several  of  them  are  indigenous  and 
common,  but  notwithstanding  are  well  deserv- 
ing the  little  attention  necessary  to  keep  them 
in  the  neat  order  requisite  in  the  flower  garden. 
Most  species  are  from  Central  Europe,  and  have 
long  been  cultivated  as  garden  flowers. 

Hindsia.  Named  after  R.  _B.  Hinds,  a  zealous 
botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria  -  Manogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

Green-house  evergreen  shrubs  from  Brazil. 
Some  of  the  species  are  plants  of  great  beauty. 
H.  viulacea  bears  clusters  of  ultra-marine  flow- 
ers two  inches  long,  very  showy.  Propagated 
by  cuttings.  Introduced  In  1844. 

Hippeastrum.  Knight's  Star  Lily.  From  hippeus, 
a  knight,  and  ash-on,  a  star;  referring  to  one  of 
the  species.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  AmaryBtdacece. 

This  may,  with  justice,  be  termed  the  most 
noble  and  showy  section  of  the  family  to  which 
it  belongs.  The  flowers  are  variously  colored ; 
some  species  have  them  entirely  crimson,  while 
others  are  white,  abundantly  streaked  with  red 
or  crimson.  The  plants  require  the  same  treat- 
ment as  Amaryllis.  This  genus  was  formerly 
classed  with  the  Amaryllis,  but  was  separated 
from  it  some  years  ago  by  the  Rev.  W.  Herbert, 
who,  in  fact,  reconstructed  the  whole  family. 
See  Amaryllis,  tfprekelia,  Valfata,  etc.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  from  Lima  in 
1836. 

Hippurus.  Mare's  Tail.  From  hippus,  a  mare, 
and  oitra,  a  tail;  the  stem  resembles  a  mare's 
tail,  from  the  crowded  whorls  of  very  narrow, 
hair-like  leaves.  Linn.  Monandria-MoncHjynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Haloragacecn. 

A  very  curious  aquatic  plant,  found  sparingly 
in  ponds  and  springs  from  New  York  to  Ken- 
tucky and  northward.  Scientists  say  the  plant 
absorbs  a  large  quantity  of  inflammable  air, 
which  assists  in  purifying  the  putrid  air  of 
marshes.  It  is  a  favorite  food  of  wild  duck. 

Hoary  Pea.     See  Tephrvftin. 

Hobble-bush.     A   common  name  for  one  of  the 

Hog  Plum.     See  Spondias. 

Hog-weed.     A  vulgar  name  for  Ambroxin 


104 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HOL 


J 


Holcus.  From  helko,  to  extract;  the  original 
plant  was  supposed  to  possess  the  power  of  ex- 
tracting thorns.  Linn.  Polygamia-Mona>cia. 
Nat.Ord.  Graminacece. 

A  genus  of  grasses  that  have  soft,  woolly  herb- 
age, mostly  natives  of  Great  Britain.  They  are 
of  but  little  value.  H.  lanatus  is  common  in 
our  moist  meadows,  having  become  naturalized 
from  Europe.  It  is  popularly  known  as  Velvet 
Grass. 

Holv  Ghost  Plant.    See  Peristeria  (Ma  . 

Holly.    See  Ilex. 

Hollyhock.     See  Atthtra. 

Holy  Grass.  A  common  name  applied  to  Hier- 
ochloa,  a  genus  of  sweet-scented  grasses,  that  are 
strewn  before  the  church  doors  on  saints'  days, 
in  the  North  of  Europe. 

Holy  Rose.    See  Anctstntira. 

Holy  Thistle.    See  Carduus. 

Homalonema.  From  htmalos,  regular,  and  nema, 
a  filament.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Aracetn. 

A  small  genus  of  herbaceous  plants,  with 
heart  or  arrow-shaped  leaves,  and  flowers  re- 
sembling the  Richardia.  They  are  natives  of 
China.  //.  cordata  is  occasionally  grown  in 
green-houses,  and  requires  the  same  treatment 
as  the  Richardia.  H.  aromatica  has  an  agreeable 
aromatic  odor,  and  its  root  is  supposed  by  the  j 
natives  to  possess  medicinal  properties. 

Homeria.  Named  after  Homer,  the  distinguished 
father  of  epic  poetry.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  IridacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  pretty  flowering  bulbs  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  formerly  included 
in  the  genus  Morea.  They  succeed  well  in  the 
open  border,  but  require  the  protection  of  a 
frame  during  winter.  Propagated  by  offsets, 
that  should  be  taken  off  in  September. 

Honesty.     See  Lunaria. 

Honey  Flower.    See  'Melianthus. 

Honey  Garlic.     See  Nedaroscardum. 

Honey  Locust  and  Honey  Bean.  See  GledU- 
ttctiin. 

Honeysuckle.     See  Lonicera. 

Honey  Wort.    See  C.jrinihe. 

Hoop  Petticoat.  See  Corbularia  and  Narcissus 
bufbocodium. 

Hop.     See  Humulus. 

Hop  Hornbeam.    See  Ostryn. 

Hordeum.  Barley.  According  to  Bodaeus,  the 
name  is  derived  from  hordns,  heavy;  because 
the  bread  made  from  Barley  is  very  heavy. 
Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oramina- 
cecn. 

This  genus  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  all 
the  natural  order  to  which  it  belongs.  The  most 
useful  of  the  species  is  H.  vuigare,  the  common 
Barley,  which  see.  H.  jubatum,  Squirrel-tail 
Grass,  is  a  native  species,  and  is  common  on  the 
shores  of  the  great  lakes.  It  is  a  species  without 
any  special  interest. 

Horehound.    See  Marrubium. 

Horkelia.  Named  after  J.  Horkd,  a  German  bot- 
anist. Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord 


Hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  found  in  Cali- 
fornia m  1826.  They  are  desirable  plants  for 
the  garden,  bearing  white  flowers,  and  having 
foliage  finely  cut  like  Potentilla,  to  which  it  is 
allied.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  division. 

Horn  Poppy.     See  Glaucium. 

Horse  Balm.     See  (.kUinsonia. 

Horse  Chestnut.     See  ^Esculus. 

Horse  Mint.    See  Monarda. 


HOY 

Horse  Nettle.  A  local  name  of  Solanum  Caroli- 
en.s-e. 

Horseradish  Tree.     See  Mor'mga. 

Horseradish.  Cochlearia  armoracea.  This  plant 
is  a  native  of  the  marshy  districts  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, whence  it  was  introduced  into  our  gardens 
at  an  early  day,  and  from  the  gardens  it  has  es- 
caped into  moist,  waste  places,  in  various 
parts  of  the  country.  The  generic  name  is  de- 
rived from  cochlear,  a  spoon ;  from  the  spoon-like, 
or  concave  leaves  of  some  of  the  species.  As  a 
condiment,  the  Horseradish  is  in  general  use, 
and  is  considered  stimulating  to  the  digestive 
organs.  It  is  extensively  grown  by  the  mar- 
ket gardeners  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York, 
where  it  has  long  been  considered  one  of  the 
most  profitable  crops.  The  soil  most  conducive 
to  it  is  a  light,  rich  loam. 

Hoteia  Japonica.  See  Spircea  Japonica  and  As- 
tttbe  barbata. 

Hottonia.  Water  Violet.  Named  after  P.  Notion, 
a  Dutch  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Primulacece. 

Hardy  aquatic  or  marsh  plants.  H.  inflata  is 
common  in  pools  and  ditches  from  New  Eng- 
land southward.  H.  palusiris,  the  Water  Violet, 
is  a  singular  and  beautiful  plant,  common  in 
pools  in  many  parts  of  England.  The  leaves 
grow  wholly  under  water;  from  them  there 
arises  a  long  flower  stalk  bearing  a  pyramid  of 
blue  or  white  flowers,  which  are  disposed  in 
whorls.  It  is  a  very  interesting  plant  for  the 
aquarium. 

Houlletia.  Named  after  M.  HouM,  a  French 
gardener.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  epiphytal 
Orchids,  natives  of  Brazil.  The  genus  is  related 
to  Stanhopea,  and  requires  the  same  treatment. 

Hound's  Tongue.    See  Oynoglossum. 

Houseleek.    See  Sempervivum. 

Houstonia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  W.  Houston, 
an  English  botanist.  Linn.  Tetrandia-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Rubiacece. 

This  elegant  genus  of  small  flowering  plants 
is  found  throughout  the  Northern  and  Western 
States.  They  are  well  adapted  for  flower  bor- 
ders, rock-work,  or  shaded  beds.  They  thrive 
best  in  a  moist  situation.  The  colors  of  the 
flowers  are  white,  blue,  scarlet,  and  purple. 
Herbaceous  perennials,  popularly  known  as 
Bluets.  Propagated  by  division  of  roots. 

Hovea.  Named  after  A.  P.  Hove,  a  Polish  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Monaddphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  handsome,  blue-flowered  ever- 
green shrubs  from  New  Holland.  "  H.  Celsi  is  one 
of  the  best  known,  and  a  beautiful  green-house 
plant,  flowering,  like  most  of  the  species,  in  the 
spring.  This  plant  exhibits  the  peculiarity  of 
the  flower  buds  of  the  preceding  year  appearing 
at  the  base  of  those  expanded  during  the  present: 
a  common  condition  of  leaf  buds,  which  are  al- 
ways visible  the  season  preceding  their  expan- 
sion, but  not  frequently  so  with  flower  buds, 
which,  though  they  may  be  formed  several 
years  before  their  development  externally,  gen- 
erally remain  concealed  till  the  period  of  their 
unfolding."  The  flowers  are  pea-shaped,  axil- 
lary, on  short  peduncles.  Propagated  by  seeds. 
Introduced  in  1818. 

Hoya.  Wax  Flower.  In  honor  of  Thomas  Hoy, 
f.L.S.,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumber- 
land at  Sion  House,  England.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asdepiadacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


105 


HUG 

The  most  common  species,  II.  carnosa,  has 
curious  wax-like  flowers,  from  which  drops 
a  sweet,  honey-like  juice.  It  is  a  hot-house 
climber,  which  requires  a  light  rich  soil,  and  is 
propagated  by  cuttings,  which  require  an  aver- 
age temperature  of  not  less  than  75°  to  root 
freely.  It  is  sometimes  grown  in  green-houses, 
in  a 'warm  situation,  exposed  to  the  sun.  It 
makes  an  excellent  plant  for  a  warm  sitting- 
room,  as  it  grows  freely  without  direct  light. 
Introduced  from  Asia  in  1802. 

Huckleberry.  Whortleberry.  The  popular 
names  of  the  genus  Gaylussada,ot  which  there  are 
several  species.  G.  dumosa,  the  Dwarf  Huckle- 
berry, G.  frondosa,  the  Blue  Huckleberry,  and 
G.  resinosa,  the  Black  Huckleberry,  are  com- 
mon throughout  the  United  States,  the  latter  be- 
ing the  HucMeberry  of  the  Northern  States. 

Hugelia.  Named  after  Baron  Hwjel,  of  Vienna. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polemo- 
niacece. 

A.  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  Cali- 
fornia. The  flowers  are  blue  and  yellow.  Prop- 
agated by  seeds.  First  discovered  in  1833. 

Hurnea.  Named  after  Lady  Hume.  Linn.  Syn- 
(jemsia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

Elegant  biennial  plants,  which  should  be  sown 
on  a  slight  hot-bed  in  spring,  then  potted  off 
and  kept  in  the  open  air  during  summer, 
and  in  the  green-house  during  winter,  to  be 
finally  planted  in  the  open  border  in  May  the 
second  year.  If  the  plants  are  re-potted  three 
or  four  times  during  the  course  of  the  first  sum- 
mer, always  into  only  a  little  larger  pots,  they 
will  become  so  much  stronger  before  they  are 
finally  planted  out  as  amply  to  repay  the  addi- 
tional trouble.  H.  degans,  the  only  species, 
has  a  peculiar  but  delightful  odor.  It  was  intro- 
duced from  New  South  Wales  in  1800. 

Humulus.  The  Hop.  From  humus,  the  ground ; 
creeping  on  the  ground  if  not  supported.  Linn. 
Dioecia-Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Crmnabinacece. 

There  is  but  one  species  of  the  genus,  H.  lupu- 
lus,  the  common  garden  Hop.  It  is  indigenous 
both  in  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  has  been  un- 
der cultivation  in  Europe  from  a  very  early 
period.  It  was  well  known  by  the  Komans,  and 
is  mentioned  by  Pliny  under  the  name  of  Lupus 
salictarius.  It  was  introduced  from  Flanders 
into  England  in  1524.  Its  cultivation,  however, 
met  with  violent  opposition;  petitions  to  Parlia- 
ment were  presented  against  it,  in  which  it  was 
stigmatized  as  "  a  wicked  weed  that  would  spoil 
the  drink  and  endangerthe  people."  The  Hop, 
like  all  the  dioecious  family,  bears  its  flowers 
on  separate  plants;  the  female  plant,  therefore, 
is  alone  cultivated.  The  Hop  is  increased  by 
cuttings  from  the  most  healthy  of  the  old 
shoots;  two  buds  are  required,  one  beneath  the 
ground,  from  which  will  spring  the  roots,  and 
from  the  other  the  stnlk. 

Hungarian  Millet.     Sco  r<ii>icum. 

Huntleya.  Named  after  the  Kev.  Mr.  Huntley,  a 
zealous  collector  of  plants.  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  natives 
of  South  America.  The  genus  is  closely  related 
to  Zyr/opetftlum.  II.  violacea,  from  Demerara,  is 
a  very  handsome  species,  its  flowers  being  large 
and  of  an  intense  violet  color,  which  is  quite 
uncommon  among  Orchids.  This  species  is  also 
known  as  Bollea  violicea,  and  Pescatoria  violacea. 
They  should  all  be  grown  in  pots.  They  are 
evergreen,  and  require  but  a  short  season  of 
rest.  They  should  be  grown  in  the  shade,  and 


HYA 

never  allowed  to  become  wholly  dry.     They  are 
increased  by  division.     Introduced  in  1831. 
Huntsman's  Cup.     One  of  the  popular  names  of 
the  /Sarracenia  purpurea,  from  a  fancied  resem- 
blance. 

Hyacinthus.  The  Hyacinth.  The  name  of  this 
genus  originated  with  the  fabulists  of  antiquity. 
It  was  pretended  that  Hyacinthus,  a  beautiful 
boy,  was  th«  son  of  a  Spartan  king,  and  the  fa- 
vorite of  Apollo.  Zephyrus,  being  envious  of 
the  attachment  of  Apollo  and  Hyacinthus,  so 
turned  the  direction  of  a  quoit  which  Apollo  had 
pitched  while  at  play,  that  it  struck  the  head 
of  Hyacinthus  and  slew  him.  The  fable  con- 
cludes by  making  Apollo  transform  the  body  of 
his  favorite  into  the  flower  that  bears  his  name. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Minogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lilia- 
cece. 

This  plant,  a  native  of  the  Levant,  was  first 
introduced  into  England  in  1596,  but  it  was 
known  to  Dioscorides,  who  wrote  about  the 
time  of  Vespasian.  Gerarde,  in  his  Herbal,  pub- 
lished at  the  close  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
enumerates  four  varieties,  the  single  and  double 
blue,  the  purple,  and  the  violet.  In  that  valu- 
able old  book  on  gardening,  "  Parodist  in  Sole 
Paradisus  terrestris, "  published  by  John  Park- 
inson in  1629,  there  are  mentioned  and  de- 
scribed eight  different  varieties.  He  tells  us 
"  some  are  pure  white;  another  is  almost  white, 
but  having  a  show  of  blueness,  especially  at  the 
brims  and  bottoms  of  the  flowers ;  others  again 
are  of  a  very  faint  blush ;  some  are  of  as  deep  a 
purple  as  a  violet;  others  of  a  purple  tending  to 
redness,  and  some  of  a  paler  purple;  some  again 
are  of  a  fair  blue ;  others  more  watchet,  and  some 
so  pale  a  blue  as  if  it  were  more  white  than 
blue.  After  the  flowers  are  past,  there  rise  up 
great  three-square  heads,  bearing  round  black 
seed,  great  and  shining."  During  the  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years  that  have  passed  since  the 
above  was  penned,  there  has  been  a  steady  im- 
provement in  the  size,  form,  and  color  of  the  flow- 
ers of  this  plant.  From  the  eight  varieties  of 
1629,  more  than  four  thousand  varieties  have  been 
produced  and  catalogued,  from  which  number 
upward  of  two  hundred  varieties  are  subjects  of 
extensive  commerce.  Tho  Hyacinth  is  a  uni- 
versal favorite  in  the  most  extended  application 
of  the  word.  The  number  of  its  varieties  is  now 
fully  equal  to  that  of  any  other  florist's  flower. 
They  are  usually  grown  for  forcing  into  flower 
in  the  dull,  cheerless  months  of  winter  and  early 
spring,  when  their  delicately-colored  flowers  and 
rich  fragrance  lend  a  charm  not  otherwise  to  be 
found.  They  are  equally  desirable  for  planting  in 
beds,  or  in  the  garden  border.  For  forcing,  the 
bulbs  should  be  potted  about  the  middle  of 
September  in  five  inch  pots  in  rich,  light  earth, 
and  placed  in  a  cold  frame  or  under  a  wall, 
where  they  can  be  covered  with  wooden  shut- 
ters, or  some  similar  contrivance,  to  keep  off 
heavy  rains;  in  either  case  they  should  be  cov- 
ered a  foot  thick  with  newly-fallen  leaves,  and 
being  once  well  watered  after  potting,  they  may 
be  left  for  a  month  to  form  their  roots,  when 
the  most  forward  should  be  brought  out,  and, 
after  re-potting  into  larger  pots,  according  to  the 
apparent  strength  of  the  bulbs,  should  be 
placed  in  a  gentle  heat.  Some  care  is  necessary  s 
in  the  application  and  increase  of  this,  or  the 
flowers  will  be  abortive ;  it  should  not  exceed 
50°  for  the  first  three  weeks,  but  afterward 
may  be  increased  gradually  to  60°  or  65°,  and 
if  the  pots  are  plunged  into  bottom  heat  the 


106 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HYA 


same  careful  increase  should  be  observed,  or  the 
points  of  the  roots  will  infallibly  be  killed. 
One-third  the  depth  of  the  pot  is  fully  sufficient 
at  first,  and  if  the  heat  is  brisk  they  should  not 
be  plunged  more  than  half  way  at  any  time. 
When  the  flower  stems  have  risen  to  nearly  their 
full  height,  and  the  lower  flowers  of  the  spike 
are  beginning  to  expand,  the  plants  should  be 
removed  to  a  Tower  temperature,  usually  afforded 
by  the  green-house,  and  when  the  flowers  are 
fully  expanded,  the  plants  can  be  taken  to  the 
sitting-room  or  wherever  their 'presence  is  de- 
sired, observing  to  protect  them  from  sudden 
changes  or  cold  draughts  of  air,  and  the  water 
given  to  them  should  be  moderately  warm. 
Hyacinths  in  glasses  are  an  elegant  and  appro- 
priate ornament  to  the  drawing-room,  and  for 
this  purpose  occasion  little  trouble.  The  bulbs 
should  be  procured  and  placed  in  the  glasses  as 
early  in  the  season  as  possible,  keeping  them  in 
the  dark  until  their  roots  are  well  started,  after 
which  the  lightest  position  that  can  be  afforded 
is  the  best;  the  water  in  which  they  grow  should 
be  changed  twice  or  thrice  a  week,  and  in  severe 
weather  the  plants  must  be  removed  from  the 
window,  so  as  to  be  secure  from  frost.  For  dec- 
orating the  flower  garden,  the  bulbs  should 
be  planted  in  October  or  the  early  part  of  No- 
vember, in  light,  rich  soil,  at  a  depth  of  four 
inches  from  the  crown  of  the  bulb  to  the  sur- 
face of  the  earth.  It  may  be  necessary  to  place 
sticks  to  them  when  in  bloom,  to  prevent  them 
from  being  broken  by  the  wind,  and  this  is  all 
the  attention  they  require  till  the  foliage  is 
withered,  and  the  season  has  arrived  for  taking 
them  up,  when,  instead  of  the  usual  practice  of 
drying  them  at  once  in  the  sun,  we  would  ad- 
vise the  Dutch  method  to  be  adopted,  namely, 
to  place  them  side  by  side  on  a  sunny  spot  of 
ground,  and  cover  them  with  about  an  inch  of 
loose  earth,  to  thoroughly  ripen  by  the  subdued 
heat  imparted  to  the  earth  which  surrounds 
them.  Left  in  this  position  for  a  fortnight, 
they  will  become  dry  and  firm,  and  an  hour  or 
two  of  sunshine  will  finish  them  properly  for 
storing.  The  multiplication  and  growth  of  Hy- 
acinths for  sale  is  principally  carried  on  out  of 
doors  in  the  vicinity  of  Haarlem,  in  Holland. 
The  sandy  soil,  and  moisture  of  both  soil  and 
climate  in  that  country,  are  peculiarly  favorable 
to  the  growth  of  the  Hyacinth.  Hundreds  of 
acres  are  there  devoted  to  the  culture  of  these 
and  kindred  plants,  and  the  Haarlem  gardens 
are  a  gay  sight  from  the  early  season  of  the  year 
ill  far  on  in  the  summer.  The  process  of  mul- 
tiplication is  carried  on  by  sowing  the  seeds,  or 
by  taking  offsets  from  the  parent  bulb.  By 
seeds  new  varieties  only  are  obtained;  it  is  by 
offsets  the  already  known  and  valued  kinds 
are  increased.  The  bulbs  are  cut  crosswise  and 
sprinkled  with  sand  to  absorb  any  superfluous 
moisture  that -may  exude  from  the  incisions. 
After  a  time  they  are  planted  in  the  earth,  when 
numerous  small  bulbs  are  formed  on  the  edges 
of  these  incisions.  At  the  expiration  of  one  sea- 
son they  are  again  lifted  from  the  ground,  and 
the  numerous  small  bulbs,  still  only  partially 
developed,  are  separated  from  the  parent  root 
and  planted  out  again  and  again,  year  after  year, 
for  three  or  four  years,  before  they  become  flow- 
ering bulbs  of  fine  market  quality.  The  white 
Iloman  Hyacinth  is  largely  used  for  forcing  for 
winter  flowers  by  the  florists  of  New  York  and 
all  large  cities.  In  New  York  alone  upward  of 
five  hundred  thousand  bulbs  are  used  during 


HYM 

the  winter,  and  the  number  is  rapidly  increasing 
each  year.  The  flower  spikes  average  four  cents 
each  at  wholesale.  By  a  succession  of  plant- 
ings, beginning  in  September,  they  are  had  in 
flower  from  November  till  May,  and  even  later. 
The  method  pursued  is  similar  to  that  for  the 
Lily  of  the  Valley.  (See  Convattaria,  where  the 
method  is  described.) 

Hydrangea.  From  hydor,  water,  and  aggeion,  a 
vessel;  referring  to  the  cup  form  of  the  capsule 
or  seed-vessel.  Linn.  Decandria-Dlgynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Hydrangeaoue. 

A  genus  of  showy  shrubs,  first  introduced  into 
England  in  1790  by  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  who  sent 
H.  Hortensia  from  China,  and  since  then  a  num- 
ber of  species  have  been  sent  to  this  country 
from  Japan,  among  which  is  a  climbing  variety, 
(called  also  SchizophragnKi  Hydranyeoules,)  that 
will  adapt  itself  to  almost  any  situation.  It  is 
perfectly  hardy,  and,  clinging  like  Ivy,  will 
reach  to  the  top  of  the  highest  walls  or  trees. 
Its  beautiful  white  flowers  are  borne  in  abun- 
dance in  axillary  racemes.  The  flowers,  or  rath- 
er bracts,  of  H.  Hortensia  are  pink,  but  in  some 
soils  they  become  of  a  deep  blue.  This  change  is 
effected  artificially  by  using  iron  filings,  incor- 
porating them  in  the  soil.  A  distinct  white  vari- 
ety of  H.  Hortensia,  known  as  "Thos.  Hogg,"  is 
now  very  popular.  To  cultivate  these  plants  in 
perfection,  cuttings  should  be  taken  every  sea- 
son from  the  strongest  shoots  of  the  old  plants 
in  July  or  August;  and  after  being  struck, 
should  be  potted  in  rich  earth,  and  eneouraged 
to  grow  vigorously.  A  cold  pit  or  frame,  with 
frequent  applications  both  of  manure  and  plain 
water,  will  usually  effect  this,  and  cause  them 
to  become  thoroughly  established  and  strong 
before  the  winter.  In  this  state  they  may  either 
be  forced  in  a  gentle,  moist  heat  through  De- 
cember and  the  spring  months  to  bloom  early, 
or  kept  cool  for  the  production  of  summer 
flowers;  in  either  case,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  they  require  abundance  of  moisture  when 
in  an  active  state.  H.  paniculate  yaundiflora,  in- 
troduced a  few  years  since  from  Japan,  is  among 
the  finest  of  all  hardy  shrubs  for  the  lawn  or  the 
border.  The  flowers  are  white,  and  are  pro- 
duced in  the  greatest  abundance  in  August,  and 
remain  till  midwinter  in  a  dried  condition.  H. 
Otaksu,,  also  recently  introduced  from  Japan,  is 
of  the  habit  of  H.  Hortensia,  but  a  stronger 
grower.  H.  stelUita  prolifera  is  another  new  one. 

Hydrocotyle.  From  hydor,  water,  and  mtyle,  a 
cavity;  in  reference  to  the  plants  growing  in 
moist  situations,  and  the  leaves  being  hollowed 
like  cups.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Apiacecv. 

A  genus  of  uninteresting,  marshy  plants, 
common  throughout  the  United  States,  and 
popularly  known  as  Water  Pennywort.  There 
are  about  a  dozen  species. 

Hymenocallis.  From  hymen,  a  membrane,  and 
kalos,  beautiful;  referring  to  the  membranous 
cup  inside  of  the  flower.  Linn.  nemndria-Mono- 
rjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidaceai. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  green-house  bulbs,  pro- 
ducing large  white  flowers  similar  to  the  Pancra- 
tium, to  which  class  they  are  closely  allied. 
They  are  found  in  great  abundance  in  the 
swamps  of  Virginia  and  southward,  and  are  sent 
to  market  in  great  quantities,  and  sold  on  the 
streets  of  all  our  large  cities  as  ''Spanish  Lilies." 
They  are  considered  poor  tenants  for  the  green- 
house, as  they  do  not  pay  in  beauty  for  the  re- 
quired room  and  care. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


107 


HYM 

Hymenodium.  A  synonym  of  Acrostichum,  which 
see. 

Hymenophyllum.  Filmy-leaf  Fern.  From  hy- 
men, a  membrane,  and  phyUon,  a  leaf.  Linn. 
Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  Ferns,  mostly  n  itives 
of  Chili  and  New  Zealand,  where  they  grow  in 
moist  ravines.  The  fronds  are  variable,  some 
being  very  minute,  and  others  of  large  size; 
some3  single,  others  compound.  Several  of  the 
species  are  highly  esteemed  for  cultivation  in  the 
green-house. 

Hyoscyamus.  From  hyos,  a  hog,  and  kyamos,  a 
bean  ;  the  fruit  is  eaten  by  hogs.  Linn.  Pe/dan- 
dria-Monor/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  tiokinacecv. 

Common  Henbane,  whose  virtue  consists  in 
the  supposed  power  it  has  of  absorbing  malaria 
that  is  generated  around  filthy  habitations.  • 

Hypsricum.  St.  John's  Wort.  The  name  is  said 
to  be  derived  from  yper,  over,  and  eicon,  an  image; 
the  superior  part  of  the  flower  repr os  ants  a  figure. 
Linn.  Polyadelphm-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Hyperi- 
cacea;. 

The  pretty  yellow-flowered  shrubs  and  herba- 
ceous perennials  known  by  this  name  at  the 
present  day,  were  formerly,  in  ignorant  commu- 
nities, in  high  repute  for  driving  away  evil  spir- 
its ;  and  on  this  account  were  generally  planted 
near  dwelling-houses.  Thsy  were  also  highly 
valued  for  their  medicinal  properties,  being  be- 
lieved to  have  a  powerful  effect  in  stopping  blood 
and  healing  wounds.  All  the  kinds  will  thrive  un- 


IMA 

der  the  drip  of  trees  ;  and  they  will  grow  almost 
anywhere,  though  they  prefer  moisture  and  a 
moderate  shade  They  are  found  in  almost  all 
the  temperate  climates  of  the  world  ;  and  they 
are  propagated  by  seeds,  and  by  dividing  the 
roots. 

Hypoxis.  Star  Grass.  From  hypo,  beneath,  and 
oxys,  sharp  ;  referring  to  the  seed  pod.  Linn. 
llexandria-MoniM/yniu.  Nat.  Ord.  Ainaryllidacf<K. 
A  very  pratty  bulb,  found  in  meadows  and 
waste  places  on  Long  Island  and  .southward. 
The  flowjrs  are  bright  yellow  inside,  brownish 
outside,  and  borne  in  umbels  on  a  scape  about 
one  f  x>t  high. 

Hyssop.     See  llyssopiis. 

Hyssopus.  The  derivation  of  this  word  is  rather 
uncertain.  By  some  it  is  said  to  be  from  the  He- 
brew ezob;  others  assert  it  to  be  from  the  Arabic 
azzqf.  Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Lamiacece. 

The  garden  Hyssop  is  a  native  of  Siberia  and 
the  mountainous  parts  of  Austria.  It  was  early 
introduced  into  the  garden  in  this  country,  and 
has  escaped  in  many  places  to  the  roadsides.  It 
is  considerably  grown  as  a  medicinal  herb  ;  it  is 
not,  however,  estaemed  except  in  domestic  prac- 
tice. This  is  not  supposed  to  be  the  Hyssop 
mentioned  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  it  has  not 
been  ascertained  what  plant  is  referred  to.  As 
it  was  one  of  the  smallest  plants,  and  "  grew 
out  of  the  wall,"  some  have  conjectured  it  to  be 
one  of  the  mosses. 


I. 


Iberis.    Candytuft.    From  Iberia,  ancient  name 
of  Spain,  where  the  original  species  abounds. 
Linn.  Tetradynamia.     Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacea:. 

The  genus  consists  of  annuals,  biennials,  and 
perennials,  all  perfectly  hardy  and  of  the  easiest 
culture.  The  common  name  Candytuft  was  given 
because  they  flower  in  tufts,  and  the  first  intro- 
duced species,  1.  umbellata,  was  brought  from 
Candia.  For  early  flowering  of  the  annual  va- 
rieties, the  seed  should  be  sown  in  the  fall,  and 
slightly  protected  from  the  sun,  during  winter, 
by  leaves  or  any  convenient  dry  mulching. 
They  will  come  into  flower  in  May.  The  plants 
of  1.  cwonaria,  Rocket  Candytuft,  should  be 
thinned  out  to  one  or  two  feet  apart  each  way  ; 
then,  if  in  rich  soil,  they  will  completely  cover 
the  ground. 

Ice  Plant.     See  Mestmbfynnthcmum. 

Idesia.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Peniandria-Monorjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fiacourtiaceo!. 
I.  polycarpa,  a  representative  species  of  this 
genus,  is  a  beautiful  tree  found  in  Japan,  and 
said  to  be  perfectly  hardy  around  New  York. 
Its  leaves  are  from  si's:  to  eight  inches  broad, 
and  nearly  round.  The  leaf  stem  is  from  six  to 
twelve  inches  long,  and  bright  red.  The  flow- 
ers are  yellowish-green,  in  long  drooping  ra- 
cemes, and  very  fragrant.  The  fruit  is  about 
the  size  of  a  Cherry,  of  an  orange  color,  and 
edible. 

Ilex.  The  Holly.  Name  originally  from  the  Cel- 
tic, oc  or  ac,  signifying  a  point  ;  on  account  of 
the  prickly  leaves.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Telra<iijni-i. 
Nat.  Ord.  y 


An  extensive  genus  of  evergreen  trees  and 
shrubs,  remarkable  for  their  glossy,  prickly 
foliage,  and  scarlet  fruit,  that  remains  on  the 
shrub  during  the  winter.  They  are  well  adapt- 
ed for  the  lawn  or  for  hedges,  and  grow  best  in 
a  dry  loam.  /.  aquifolium  is  the  Holly  of  the 
English  gardens,  and  I.  opaca  is  the  Ameri- 
can Holly,  which  grows  plentifully  on  Staten 
Island.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  English 
Holly,  the  most  beautiful  of  all  evergreens,  is 
unsuited  to  our  climate,  being  in  the  Northern 
States  too  tender  to  withstand  our  winters, 
while  the  hot,  dry  summers  of  the  Southern 
States  are  equally  inj  urious  to  it. 

Illicium.  Aniseed  Tree.  From  illicio,  to  allure; 
referring  to  the  perfume.  Linn.  Polyandria- 
Hexagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Magnoliacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs  or  low-grow- 
ing  trees,  with  smooth  entire  leaves,  exhaling, 
when  bruised,  a  strong  odor  of  Aniseed.  They 
are  natives  of  the  extreme  Southern  States,  Ja- 
pan, Southern  China,  and  Asia.  /.  reliyiosum,  a 
Japanese  species,  is  a  small  tree  about  the  size 
of  a  cherry,  and  is  held  sacred  by  the  Japanese. 
The  leaves  of  this  species,  like  those  of  l.flori- 
danum,  are  said  to  possess  poisonous  properties. 
In  Alabama  the  plant  has  acquired  the  name  of 
Poison-Bay. 

Imantophyllum.  From  iman,  a  leather  thong, 
and  phyttun,  a  leaf ;  alluding  to  the  shape  and 
substance  of  the  foliage.  Linn.  Hexandrui-Mono- 
•ji.lnin.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryllidacecK. 

Those  with  authority  to  speak  of  plants  seem 
determined  that  the  only  species  of  this  genus 


103 


HENDEBSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


IMP 


shall  have  neither  name  nor  home.    Some  insist 

£&"&&»£*? 

%^{^$^™°^^ 

Imantophyllum  and  Qivta  synonymous.  That 
they  are  closely  allied  we  do  not  doubt  Hav- 
ing flowered  them  frequently,  we  find  the  flow- 
er! of  /.  minium  (the  only  species)  to  beer**, 
and  much  larger  than  Clivia,  nobihs,  the  flowers 
of  which  are  drooping  and  of  a  darker  color. 


Weed,  Jewell  Weed. 
Our  native  species  of  this  genus  are  commonly 
known  as  Touch-me-nots,  from  the  sudden 
bursting  of  the  pods  when  touched.  They  are 
interesting  annuals,  common  in  damp  grounds 
throughout  the  United  States.  The  Balsams  of 
our  ^rdens  are  described  under  Ealsamma, 
which  see. 

Imphee.     See  Sorghum. 

Indian  Bean.    See  Catalpa. 

Indian  Corn.    See  Zen. 

Indian  Cress.     See  Tropceolum. 

Indian  Cucumber  Boot.    See  Medeola. 

Indian  Currant.  The  common  name  of  the  fruit 
of  the  Symphoricarpus  vulgaris. 

Indian  Fig.    See  Opuntia. 

Indian  Grass.    See  Arundo. 

Indian  Hemp.     See  Apocynum. 

Indian  Mallow.  A  common  name  of  Abutilon 
avicenna,  a  troublesome,  worthless  weed  in 
fields  and  waste  places.  It  is  a  native  of  India, 
and  was  introduced  into  our  gardens  as  an  orna- 
mental plant,  but  is  now  naturalized,  and  a 
nuisance. 

Indian  Millet.  One  of  the  popular  names  of 
^ortjhum  vulgare,  to  which  species  belong  Broom 
Corn,  Sweet  Sorghum,  and  other  cultivated 
varieties. 

Indian  Pink.    See  Dianthus  Chinens'is. 

Indian  Pipe.  A  common  name  of  the  Monotropa 
uniflora.  See  Corpse  Plant. 

Indian  Plantain.  The  popular  name  of  the 
genus  C'tcalia,  common  in  rich,  damp  woods  in 
most  of  the  States. 

Indian  Poke.  Veratrum  viride,  or  White  Helle- 
bore. 

Indian  Bice.    See  Water  Rice. 

Indian  Shot.    See  Gamut. 

Indian  Strawberry.    See  Fragaria. 

Indian  Tobacco.    See  Lobdia  inftata. 

Indian  Turnip.    See  Ariscnmu. 

India  Bubber  Tree.    See  Ficus  dastica. 

Indigo.     See  Ind'ujofera  tindora. 

Indigofera.  From  indigo,  a  blue  dyestuff ;  a  cor- 
ruption of  Indicum,  Indian,  and  fero,  to  bear; 
most  of  the  species  produce  the  well-known  dye 
called  Indigo.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  rather  ornamental 
herbaceous  perennials,  tender  annuals,  and 
evergreen  shrubs,  grown  almost  wholly  for  the 
commercial  value  of  the  dye  they  produce. 
/.  tinctoria,  the  species  most  commonly  culti- 
vated, is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies  and  other 
parts  of  Asia,  but  it  has  been  introduced  into, 
and  become  naturalized  in,  the  Southern  States, 
and  was  formerly  extensively  cultivated,  as  was 
I.  anil,  the  West  India  Indigo,  a  stronger  grow- 
ing species,  from  both  of  which  large  quantities 
of  Indigo  were  made.  They  are  tender  shrubs, 
growing  from  four  to  six  feet  high,  with  very 


IPO 

pinnate  leaves,  and  axillary  racemes  of  pink 
and  purple  flowers.  The  shrubby  species  are 
propagated  by  cuttings,  and  the  annuals  from 

Inga.  The  South  American  name  of  I.  vera, 
adopted  by  Marcgraff.  Linn.  Polygamia-Monoscia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  ornamental  shrubs 
and  trees,  numbering  upward  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  species,  natives  of  the  warmer  parts  of 
South  America,  principally  of  Brazil  and  Guiana. 
The  flowers  are  white,  pink,  crimson,  etc.,  and 
are  borne  in  variously-shaped  spikes,  or  in 
nearly  globular  heads,  growing  singly  or  in 
clusters  from  the  angles  of  the  leaves.  /.  pul- 
cherrima,  a  native  of  Mexico,  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  the  genus.  The  foliage  is  small- 
er than  most  of  the  species,  and  is  very  orna- 
mental. The  tassel-like  flowers  are  of  a  bright 
crimson,  and  very  showy.  The  shape  of  the 
flower-heads  has  given  it  the  name  of  Bottle 
Brush.  All  the  species  are  propagated  from 
cuttings  of  young  wood  in  summer.  Intro- 
duced in  1822. 

Ink-Berry.     The  fruit  of  Ilex  (Prinos)  glabra,  an 
evergreen  shrub,  common  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 
lonopsis.    From  ion,  violet,  and  opsis,  like.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Orchulacece. 

A  small  genus  of  free-flowering ,  low-growing, 
beautiful  little  Orchids.  They  are  difficult  to 
manage,  and  are,  therefore,  seldom  seen  in  col- 
lections. 

Inula.  A  word  of  doubtful  origin,  but  said  to 
be  a  corruption  of  Hdenium.  Linn,  tyyngenesia- 
^Equalis.  Nat.  Ord.  Aslemcece. 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing  annuals  and  her- 
baceous perennials,  not  worth  growing  as 
flowering  plants.  I.  Hdenium  is  the  Elecampane, 
common  in  the  roadsides  throughout  the  States. 
Ipomoea.  Morning  Glory.  From  ips,  bindweed, 
and  homoios,  similar ;  alluding  to  the  twining 
habit  of  the  plants.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Gonvdvulacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  twining  plants,  con- 
sisting of  hardy  and  tender  annuals,  hardy 
tuberous-rooted  perennials,  and  green-house 
perennials.  They  are  remarkable  for  their 
showy  flowers  of  white,  pink,  blue,  and  purple 
colors.  1.  purpurea,  with  its  varieties,  is  the 
common  Morning  Glory  of  the  garden.  It  is  a 
native  of  South  America,  but  has  escaped  from 
cultivation  and  become  thoroughly  naturalized. 
/.  pandurata,  Man-of-the-Earth,  a  native  species, 
having  very  large  tuberous  roots,  when  well 
established  will  cover  a  very  large  space,  and 
produce  an  immense  number  of  very  large, 
pure  white  flowers.  They  remain  open  much 
longer  than  the  annual  varieties.  /.  Mexicana 
and  /.  Mexicana  alba  both  bear  white  flowers, 
though  the  seeds  of  one  are  black  and  of  the 
other  white.  There  would  seem  to  be  some  con- 
fusion here.  The  tuberous-rooted  species  are  in- 
creased by  division,  by  cuttings,  or  from  seeds. 
/.  noctiphyton  (which  is  sold  under  several  other 
names)  is  a  tropical  perennial  species,  with  im- 
mense pure  white,  sweet-scented  flowers,  and 
is  probably  identical  with  /.  Bona  Nox.  The 
flowers,  contrary  to  the  habits  of  this  splendid 
family,  open  at  night  instead  of  the  morning. 
Being  a  free  bloomer,  the  effect,  especially  on  a 
moonlight  night,  is  charming,  particularly  when 
it  is  growing  on  a  tree.  This  species  requires 
to  be  taken  in  during  winter.  Propagated  by 
cuttings  or  from  seeds.  I.  Learii,  a  tender 
perennial  species,  is  perhaps  the  most  beauti- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


IPO 

ful  and  useful  of  all  the  Ipomoeas.  It  is  j 
useful  in  the  open  air  for  rapidly  covering  [ 
an  outbuilding,  a  wall,  or  a  trellis,  and  will  j 
flower  abundantly  from  midsummer  till  fall. 
In  the  green-house  it  will  bloom  the  whole 
year,  but  it  is  well  to  cut  it  in  rather  severely  in 
September  to  keep  it  within  bounds.  The 
flowers,  which  are  large,  and  of  that  pure  sky- 
blue  so  rare  among  flowers,  are  produced  in  the 
greatest  profusion.  It  is  propagated  by  cuttings. 
We  have  tried  many  times  to  raise  it  from  im- 
ported seed,  but  have  never  found  it  to  come 
true.  /.  leptophylla  is  a  recently  introduced  hardy 
perennial  native  species,  with  an  immense  tuber- 
ous root,  of  half-climbing  habit,  and  a  desirable 
plant.  It  is  useful  for  grafting  on.  Propagated 
by  division  and  from  seed.  I.  cocdnea,  or  Star 
Ipomcea,  a  comparatively  recent  introduction, 
bears  a  profusion  of  scarlet  flowers,  and  is  a  very 
desirable  plant.  It  is  raised  from  seed.  Nearly 
all  the  Ipomceas  are  popular  plants,  especially 
with  those  who  have  an  eye  for  grace  and  beauty 
combined. 

Ipomopsis.  Standing  Cypress.  From  ipo,  to 
strike  forcibly,  andopsis,  sight;  alluding  to  the 
dazzling  color  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  PoltmoniacecK. 

I.  degans  and  /.  pictii  are  the  only  species. 
They  are  beautiful  hardy  biennials,  natives  of 
South  Carolina  and  southward.  They  grow 
from  four  to  six  feet  high,  and  are  covered  near- 
ly their  whole  length  with  brilliant  scarlet  flow- 
ers. Seed  should  be  sown  in  early  summer,  in 
a  dry,  sandy  soil,  where  the  water  will  not  stand 
in  winter;  they  will  be  greatly  benefited  with  a 
slight  mulching  of  leaves,  not  as  a  protection 
against  cold,  but  against  wet  and  sudden 
changes. 

Ipsea.     Derivation  of  name  unknown.    Linn.  Gy-   \ 
nandria-Monandria.     Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

This  genus  of  Orchids  is  represented  by  /. 
spedosa,  a  beautiful  and  rare  species  from  Cey- 
lon. The  flowers  are  clear  yellow  with  a  car- 
mine stripe  on  the  lip.  It  requires  the  same 
treatment  as  the  Bletia,  which  it  resembles  in  j 
habit.  It  was  introduced  in  1840. 

Iresine.     A  synonym  of  Achyranthes,  which  see. 

Iris.     Fleur-de-Luce.    From  iris,  the  eye;  refer- 
ring to  the  variety  and  beauty  of  the  flowers. 
Linn.   Triandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  IridacecK. 
There  are  three  distinct  kinds  of  Iris,  besides 
innumerable    species,    hybrids,  and    varieties. 
These  are,  the  fibrous-rooted  kinds,  which  grow   ' 
best  in  a  fine  sandy  loam,  and  which  increase 
rapidly  every  year  by  suckers  from  the  roots ; 
the  tuberous-rooted  kinds,  which  are  very  apt 
to  be  destroyed  by  snails,  or  to  rot  from  too 
much  wet;  and  the  bulbous  kinds,  which  should 
be  taken   up   and   replanted   every  second  or 
third  year,  as  the  new  bulbs,  which  are  formed 
every  season,  are  always  directly  under  the  old 
bulb ;  and  thus  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  the 
bulbs  descend  so  low  as  to  be  out  of  the  reach   | 
of  the  air,  and  consequently  incapable  of  vege-   j 
tation.     Thus  it  will  be  generally  found  that   j 
persons  in  the  habit  of  growing  Irises,  are  always 
complaining  of  losing  their  plants,   while  the 
real  fault  rests  with  themselves  for  not  taking 
^\p  their  bulbs  at  the  proper  time.  The  bulbous 
and  tuberous-rooted  Irises  succeed  in  any  light 
and  dry  soil.     The  splendid  Chalcedonian  Iris 
is  one  of  the  tuberous-rooted  kinds;  and  it  not   ! 
only  requires  a  dry  soil  during  winter,  but  to 
be  allowed  plenty  of  pure  air  during  the  whole   i 
period  of  its  growth,  or  it  will  be  very  apt  to  J 


ISO 

damp  off.  Among  the  species  of  late  introduc- 
tion is  /.  Kcempferii,  from  Japan.  The  plants 
are  perfectly  hardy,  and  are  very  free-flowering. 
The  flowers  are  double  and  single,  the  colors 
pure  white,  purple,  maroon,  blue,  and  many 
with  the  various  colors  marbled  with  white. 
They  grow  readily  in  almost  any  situation,  in 
full  exposure  to  sun,  or  in  partial  shade.  They 
are  increased  by  division,  or  may  be  grown  read- 
ily from  seed,  which,  if  sown  in  the  open  border, 
will  make  plants  that  will  flower  the  second 
year.  These  are  really  grand  plants,  and  worthy 
of  a  place  in  all  gardens.  That  they  do  not 
flower  until  near  midsummer,  when  the  season 
of  the  common  Iris  is  past,  will  be  an  additional 
recommendation  to  most  lovers  of  plants. 

Iron-weed.  The  popular  name  of  Vemonia  Nove- 
boracensis,  a  common  weed  in  moist  grounds  and 
along  fence  rows,  growing  from  two  to  seven 
feet  high,  and  bearing  bright  purple  flowers. 

Iron-wood.  The  popular  name  of  two  trees  that 
furnish  a  hard,  useful  timber,  the  one  Ostrya, 
which  is  also  known  as  Hop  Hornbeam,  and  the 
other  Carpinus,  the  Common  Hornbeam,  or  Iron- 
wood.  Both  are  common  in  most  of  the  States. 

Ismene.  Peruvian  Daffodil.  After  Ismene,  the 
daughter  of  (Edipus  and  Jocasta.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  bulbs  from 
Peru,  which  require  to  be  kept  perfectly  dry 
during  winter,  and  free  from  frost.  Plant  out 
in  spring  as  soon  as  the  ground  is  warm  and 
dry.  They  come  into  flower  in  June  and  July. 
Flowers  pure  white,  mostly  very  fragrant,  pro- 
duced in  an  umbel  on  a  spathe  about  two 
feet  high.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced 
in  1800. 

Isoloma.  From  isos,  equal,  and  loma,  an  edge; 
referring  to  the  edges  of  the  fronds.  Linn. 
Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea'. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  Ferns ;  but  few, 
if  any,  have  been  introduced  into  the  Fern- 
house. 

Isolepis.  From  isos,  equal,  and  lepis,  a  scale; 
alluding  to  the  regularity  of  the  scales.  Linn. 
Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cyperacea.'. 

A  small  genus  of  very  pretty,  low-growing, 
fine,  rush-like  grasses,  widely  distributed. 
Some  of  the  species  have  been  introduced  into 
our  green-houses,  and  cultivated  for  basket 
plants,  a  purpose  for  which  they  are  admirably 
adapted.  Propagated  by  division. 

Isonandra.  Gutta  Percha  Tree.  From  isos,  equal, 
and  ander,  the  male  organ,  or  stamen ;  referring 
to  an  equal  number  of  fertile  and  barren  sta- 
mens. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
SapotacetK. 

I.  gutla,  the  species  which  yields  Gutta  Percha, 
is  a  large  forest  tree,  growing  sixty  to  seventy 
feet  high,  with  a  trunk  two  or  three  feet  in 
diameter.  It  is  a  native  of  Borneo,  Ceylon,  and 
Malaya,  where  there  are  immense  forests  of  this 
and  kindred  species.  They  aro  quite  ornament- 
al trees,  but,  from  their  size,  only  valuable  for 
the  Gutta  Percha  they  produce. 

Isotropis.  From  isos,  equal,  and  Iropos,  turned; 
referring  probably  to  the  distinctly-formed 
veins  in  the  flower.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

I.  striata,  from  Swan  Kiver,  constitutes  this 
genus.  It  is  a  beautiful  little  green-house 
shrub,  with  a  soft  and  slightly  downy  stem. 
The  flowers  are  much  like  those  of  the  Choro- 
zema,  clear  orange  yellow,  with  rich,  deep  crim- 
son, forked  veins.  They  are  propagated  by 


110 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


IVY 

cuttings  of  the  young  wood.     Introduced  in 
1838. 

Ivy.     See  Hedera. 

Lxia.  From  ixia,  bird  lime;  in  reference  to  the 
clammy  juice.  Linn.  Triantlrin-Monogynut.  Nat. 
Ord.  Iridacete. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  Cape  bulbs,  with  narrow 
ensate  leaves,  and  slender,  simple,  or  slightly 
branched  stems,  bearing  spikes  of  large  showy 
flowers,  various  in  color,  and  exceedingly  attract- 
ive when  fully  expanded  by  sunshine.  These 
flowers  have  a  salver-shaped  perianth,  with  a 
slender  tube,  and  six-parted,  spreading,  equal 
limb,  three  stamens  inserted  in  the  throat,  with 
filiform  filaments  and  versatile  anthers,  and  a 
three-celled  ovary  with  numerous  ovules,  termi- 
nating in  a  filiform  style,  and  three  narrow 
linear  conduplicate  recurved  stigmas.  /.  viridi- 
flara,  which  has  large  sea-green  flowers  with 
black  markings  at  the  base  of  the  segments,  is  a 
very  singular-looking,  as  well  as  very  beautiful 
plant  There  are  many  species  and  some  varie- 
ties, and  the  greater  part  of  them  are  worthy  of 
cultivation.  They  are  half  hardy,  but  with  us 
should  be  grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house; 
about  midwinter  they  will  begin  to  show  their 
handsome  flowers  freely.  When  done  flowering 
they  should  be  dried  off  till  September  or  Octo- 
ber, which  is  the  proper  time  to  start  them 
again.  They  grow  well  in  a  light  loam  with 
the  addition  of  leaf  mould  and  sand.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  First  introduced  in  1757. 

Ixiolirion.  From  ixia,  and  leirion,  a  lily;  literally, 
Ixia-like  Lily.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  AmaryUidtic.fd'. 

A  small  genus  of  rare  and  beautiful  little 
hardy  bulbs  from  Asia  Minor.  They  have 
simple  erect  stems,  with  terminal  clusters  or 
racemes  of  sky-blue  flowers.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  offsets.  Introduced  in  1844. 

Ixora.  Named  after  Isvara,  a  Malabar  deity,  to 
whom  the  flowers  of  some  are  offered.  Linn. 
TetrandriO'Mmogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonaceo'. 


JAS 


A  genus  of  Indian  and  tropical  African  shrubs, 
with  corymbs  of  handsome  flowers  of  a  scarlet, 
•pink,  or  white  color,  and  frequently  having  an 
agreeable  fragrance.  The  history  of  Ixora  coc.- 
rinea,  the  best  known  species,  is  rather  curious. 
It  is  a  native  of  China  and  some  of  the  East 
India  islands,  where  it  is  worshiped  as  a  sacred 
plant,  and  where  it  is  said  to  form  a  small  tree 
about  six  feet  high,  rising  with  a  single  stem, 
and  having  its  head  formed  entirely  of  clusters 
of  bright  scarlet  and  yellow  flowers,  whence  it 
has  received  the  name  of  flamma  Sylrarum,  or 
the  Tree  of  Fire.  This  plant  was  first  intro- 
duced in  1690;  but  it  was  soon  lost,  and  its  ex- 
istence was  even  doubted  till  it  was  re-intro- 
duced about  a  hundred  years  afterward  by  the 
celebrated  Dr.  Fothergill.  The  Ixoras  are  really 
magnificent  plants,  and  should  be  grown  in  a 
warm  temperature.  They  are  propagated  from 
cuttings,  and  should  be  grown  in  a  sandy  loam 
and  leaf  mould.  When  re-potted,  which  should 
be  done  immediately  after  flowering,  the  plants 
will  be  benefited  by  being  plunged  into  a  mode- 
rate bottom  heat,  which  induces  them  to  root 
freely,  and  to  form  the  growth  quickly  and  with 
vigor,  thus  enabling  them  to  become  properly 
ripened  before  winter.  In  the  spring,  when  the 
flower  heads  begin  to  appear,  a  liberal  regimen 
should  be  adopted,  and  liquid  manure  occa- 
sionally applied.  At  this  time,  and,  indeed, 
throughout  the  summer,  the  foliage  should  be 
frequently  syringed,  in  order  to  keep  it  clear  of 
insects,  and  to  preserve  its  rich  green  and  glossi- 
ness. As  soon  as  the  flowers  are  expanded,  and 
onward  till  the  growth  is  complete,  the  plants 
should  be  shaded  from  powerful  light,  and 
through  the  summer  a  moderately  moist  atmos- 
phere of  about  75°  should  be  kept  about  them. 
In  winter  the  ordinary  attention  required  by 
hot-house  plants  will  suffice.  The  taste  for  hard- 
wooded  plants  is  on  the  increase.  Among  the 
best  is  the  Ixora,  which  should  be  more  gener- 
ally grown. 


J. 


Jaborosa.    From  Jaborose,  the  Arabic  for  the 
Mandrake,  an  allied  plant.    Linn.  Pentandria- 
Mmoyynia.    Nat.  Ord.  SolanacetK. 

A  small  genus  of  South  American  herbaceous 
perennials.     The  flowers    are   funnel-shaped, 
white  or  green.    None  of  the  species  has  anv 
special  attractions. 
Jack-in-the-Pulpit.     See  Arwamm. 
Jaca  or  Jack-Tree.     The  native  name  of  Ariocar- 

4'ndies  tbe  BrCad  FrUit  °f   the    East 

Jacaranda.   Its  Brazilian  name.  Linn.  Didymmia- 
Anaiospermia.     Nat.  Ord.  Bignoniana,       V 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  lofty  trees,  ever- 
greens, with  the ,  elegrit  habitof  the  fine-leaved 
tcacuis.  They  have  bluish  flowers  in  terminal 
panicles.  Their  size  prevents  their  cultivation 
in  the  green-house. 

Jacob's  Ladder.    See  Pofemonium 

Jacobaean  Lily.    See  Sprekdia. 

Jacquemontia.     Named  after   Victor  Jar^tf  ,»,.,* 


a  traveler  in  the  East  Indies.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.   Nat.  Ord.  Convolvulacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green -house  evergreen 
twiners,  intermediate  between  Ipomcea  and  Con- 
volvulus. Natives  of  Mexico  and  the  East  Indies. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1808. 

Jalap,    See  Exogonium. 

Jamaica  Pepper.     See  Pimenta  vulgaris. 

Jamestown  Weed.     See  Datura. 

Japan  Cedar.     See  Oryptomeria. 

Japan  Fern.     See  Li/gotl'mm. 

Japan  Medlar  or  Japan  Persimmon.  See 
Diospyros. 

Japan  Varnish  Tree.     See  Shus. 

Jasmine.     See  Jasminum. 

Jasminum.  Jasmine.  From  ysmyn,  the  Arabic 
name.  Linn.  Diandria  -  Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Jasminacece. 

The  delicacy  and  fragrance  of  the  flowers  of 
the  Jasmine  have  often  afforded  metaphor  and 
theme  to  the  poet.  Among  the  species  are  found 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


Ill 


JAS 

equally  desirable  subjects  for  decorating  the 
hot-house,  the  green-house,  arbors,  or  other  ob- 
jects in  the  open  air,  and  combining  in  every 
instance  freedom  and  elegance  in  the  general 
habit  of  the  plants,  with  all  that  is  desirable  in 
the  floral  embellishments.  The  hot-house  and 
green-house  species  should  be  frequently  fumi- 
gated through  the  summer,  as  they  are  ex- 
tremely liable  to  attacks  from  aphis  and  other 
insects.  The  hardy  kinds  grow  freely  in  almost 
any  situation,  and  only  require  to  be  kept 
trained  in  the  desired  form,  without,  however, 
reducing  them  to  a  rigidly  formal  outline,  to 
make  them  most  ornamental  objects  in  almost 
any  position.  Most  of  the  species  are  from  the 
East  Indies.  J.  grand'florum  is  one  of  our  best 
known  winter-flowering  plants,  and  is  largely 
used  in  cut  flower  work.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings, which  root  freely  in  a  temperature  of  70°. 
Introduced  in  1629. 

Jasione.  An  ancient  name  used  by  Theophrastus. 
Linn.  Pentandria  -  Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cam- 
jiamdacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials  and 
annuals,  mostly  natives  of  Europe  and  North 
Africa.  All  of  the  species  have  very  pretty  blue 
flowers,  though  not  of  sufficient  importance  to 
warrant  their  introduction  in  the  garden.  J. 
•niontana  is  a  pretty  annual,  common  in  the 
heathy  and  moorland  districts  of  Great  Britain. 
It  is  commonly  known  as"  Sheep's  Scabious, 
from  its  resemblance  to  the  Scabious,  and  from 
its  abundance  in  sheep-walks. 

Jatropha.  From  iatros,  physician,  and  trophe, 
food;  referring  to  its  medicinal  qualities.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacece. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  Cuba 
and  South  America,  interesting  from  the  fact  of 
the  roots  being  made  into  Cassava  bread  and 
Tapioca,  while  the  juices  of  the  plant  are  acrid 
poison.  None  of  the  species  are  valuable  as 
flowering  or  ornamental  plants.  Included  in 
this  genus  is  one  species,  J.  wrens,  common  on 
the  coast  from  Virginia  southward.  It  is  gen- 
erally known  by  its  popular  names,  Tread-Softly 
and  Spurge-Nettle. 

Jeffersonia.  Named  in  honor  of  Thomas  Jeffer- 
son. Linn.  Octandria- Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ber- 


J.  diphyUa,  the  only  species,  is  a  pretty  little 
plant,  common  in  woods  from  New  York  to  Wis- 
consin and  southward.  It  is  sometimes  called 
Rheumatism  Root,  from  its  supposed  medicinal 
properties. 

Jerusalem  Artichoke.     See  Hdianthus. 

Jerusalem  Cherry.    See  Solanum  capsicastrum. 

Jerusalem  Sage.     See  Phlomis. 

Jerusalem  Thorn.     See  Parkinsonia. 

Jewel  Weed.     See  Impatiens. 

Jimson  Weed.     See  Datura. 

Job's  Tears.     See  Coix  lachryma. 

Joe-Pye  Weed.    Trumpet  Weed.  Popular  names 
of  Eupa/orium  purpureum. 

Jointed  Charlock.     A  name  frequently  given  to 
the  Wild  Radish,  Raphanus  raphanistrum. 

Joint  Grass.     A  common  name  of  one  of  our  na- 
tive grasses,  Prt.«?/«//«//i  <lix/ichum. 

Jonesia.     Named  after  Sir  W.  Jones.     Linn.  //</>- 
fafidHa-MoHogynia,    Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecn. 

A  small  genus  of  shrubs  or  low-growing  trees 
inhabiting  the  East  Indies.  They  have  bright 
glossy  leaves,  about  a  foot  long,  made  up  of  three 
to  six  pairs  of  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  bright 
scarlet,  in  terminal  round  clusters,  resembling 
the  Ixora.  Some  of  the  Japanese  species  have 


JUN 

clusters  six  to  eight  inches  across.  They  re- 
quire to  be  grown  in  great  heat.  Propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1820. 

Jonquil.     See  Narcissus. 

Joseph's  Coat.     See  AmartmOma  tricolor. 

Jubeea.  After  Juba,  ancient  King  of  Numidia. 
Linn.  Monoida-Polyandrta.  Nat.  Ord.  PalmacecK. 
J.  spectabilis,  the  only  species,  is  the  Cognito 
Palm  of  Chili.  It  has  a  tall,  straight  trunk,, 
bearing  a  crown  of  large  pinnate  leaves,  and 
branching  spikes  of  dark  yellow,  distinct  male 
and  female  flowers,  inclosed  in  a  double  spathe. 
In  Chili,  a  sweet  syrup,  or  Palm-honey,  is  pre- 
pared by  boiling  the  sap  of  this  tree  to  the  con- 
sistency of  molasses,  and  it  forms  a  considerable 
article  of  trade,  being  much  esteemed  for  domes- 
tic use  as  sugar.  The-  sap  is  obtained  by  felling 
the  trees  and  cutting  off  the  crown  of  leaves, 
when  it  immediately  begins  to  flow,  and  con- 
tinues for  several  months,  until  the  tree  is  ex- 
hausted, providing  a  thin  slice  is  shaved  off  the 
top  every  morning.  Each  tree  yields  about  ninety 
gallons.  The  nuts,  trunks,  and  leaves  are  used 
for  various  economic  purposes.  They  require 
to  be  grown  in  great  heat.  Young  plants  are 
obtained  from  seeds. 

Judas  Tree.     See  Cercis. 

Juglans.  Walnut.  From  Jovis,  the  heathen  god, 
and  (jlans,  a  nut.  Linn.  Monoecia-Enneandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Juglandacece. 

A  well-known  genus  of  hardy,  deciduous 
trees.  J.  regia,  the  common  English  Walnut  or 
Madeira  Nut  tree,  is  a  native  of  Persia,  and  was 
introduced  into  English  gardens  in  1562.  This 
species  makes  a  beautiful  tree  for  the  lawn  as 
far  North  as  New  York,  but  it  rarely  ripens  fruit. 
There  are  several  specimens  of  this  tree  on  the 
grounds  of  Mr.  Manice,  Queens,  Long  Island, 
having  favorable  situations,  and  they  seldom 
fail  of  ripening  a  fair  crop  of  nuts.  There  is 
also  a  long  avenue  of  old  trees  of  this  Walnut  in 
West  Chester  County,  N.  Y.,  and  the  crop  seldom 
fails.  J.  cinerea  is  our  common  Butter-nut,  and 
J.  nigra  the  well-known  Black  Walnut. 

Jujube.    See  Zizyphus  Jujube. 

Juncus.  Rush,  Bog-Rush.  Linnaeus  derived 
the  name  fromjungo,  to  join;  in  allusion  to  the 
first  ropes  having  been  made  from  rushes.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Juncacece. 

The  Rush  is  a  very  extensive,  and  almost  uni- 
versally distributed  genus  of  marshy  plants. 
Some  of  the  species  are  very  troublesome  to  the 
farmer,  when  once  started  in  moist  meadows. 
The  destruction  of  the  grass  is  certain,  unless  a 
constant  warfare  is  kept  up.  Some  of  the  spe- 
cies, in  their  native  countries,  are  of  the  greatest 
value.  In  Holland,  the  Rush  is  planted  with 
great  care  on  their  sea  embankments,  to  prevent, 
by  its  roots,  the  action  of  the  tides  from  wash- 
ing away  the  earth.  When  these  Rushes  have 
attained  their  full  height,  which  is  in  summer, 
they  are  cut  down,  tied  into  bunches,  dried,  and 
taken  into  market,  where  they  are  wrought  into 
baskets  and  other  useful  articles.  In  Japan 
the  manufacture  of  Rush  matting  is  carried  to  a 
great  extent.  For  this  purpose,  J.  conqlomeratus, 
or  hard  Rush,  is  used;  and  for  their  best  floor- 
mats,  J.  eft'nsis,  or  soft  Rush,  is  employed.  These 
mats,  which  are  at  once  carpets  and  the  only 
beds  used  by  the  Japanese,  are  soft,  elastic,  and 
often  three  or  four  inches  thick.  They  are  very 
closely  plaited,  and  the  interstices  afterward 
filled  with  rice  paper.  Some  law  appears  to  reg- 
ulate the  size  of  these  mats,  for,  according  to 
Thunberg,  they  are  of  precisely  the  same  di- 


112 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


JUN 

mensions  throughout  all  parts  of  the  kingdom 
wUh  the  exception  of  those  in  the  imperial 
nalace  of  Jeddo.  The  regulation  size  is  six 
feet  by  three,  with  a  narrow  blue  or  black  bor- 
der. They  make  a  lighter  sort  of  matting  of 
the  same  material,  which  is  used  as  wmdow- 
blind«,  and  to  protect  the  transparent  paper 
which  forms  a  substitute  for  glass.  Of  some 
harder  species  they  even  make  shoes  for  their 
horses,  which  come  up  to  the  pastern  joint,  and 
cover  the  hoof.  Bags  made  of  Rushes  are  exten- 
sively used  in  the  Eastern  countries.  Sugar 
sent  from  the  Mauritius  is  always  in  bags  made 
of  Rushes,  which  are  very  strong  and  durable.  A 
very  handsome  plant  of  the  Bulrush  family  has 
been  lately  introduced  from  Japan,  with  foliage 
as  strikingly  variegated  as  Ealalut  Japonica  ze- 
brina  Like  that  plant,  the  variegation  runs 
horizontally  around  the  hollow  leaves.  The 
bands  of  bright  yellow  are  about  two  inches 
apart  delicately  shaded  into  the  green,  and  the 
whole  appearance  of  the  plant  is  one  of  unique 
beauty  It  may  prove  to  be  hardy.  It  was  in- 
troduced here  from  Japan  by  Thomas  Hogg, 
but  sent  to  England  for  distribution.  See  Scir- 
pus. 

June  Berry.    See  Amelancher. 

Juniper.    See  Juniperus. 


KAU 

Juniperus.  Juniper.  From  the  Celtic  Juniperus, 
rough.  Linn.  Dicetia-Monaddphia.  Nat.  Ord. 
PinacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  evergreen  trees  and 
shrubs,  the  more  conspicuous  of  which  are  J. 
commmiis,  the  common  Juniper,  indigenous  in 
dry,  rocky  places  in  New  Jersey  and  northward. 
The  berries  of  this  species  are  much  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  gin.  J.  Virginiana,  the  well- 
known  Red  Cedar,  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,  but  more  particularly  from  Virginia 
southward.  J.  Bermudiana,  Bermuda  Cedar, 
is  used  for  lead  pencils  as  well  as  the  Red  Cedar, 
the  latter  being  used  for  the  best. 

Justicia.  Named  after  J.  Justice,  a  celebrated 
Scotch  horticulturist.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanlhacem. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tender  annuals  and  bi- 
ennials, green-house  herbaceous  perennials, 
and  green-house  shrubs.  They  are  natives  of 
the  East  Indies,  with  a  few  in  South  America 
and  the  West  Indies.  Many  of  the  species  are 
mere  weeds.  Some  of  the  green-house  shrubs 
are  ornamental  and  desirable,  their  long  spikes 
of  red  and  purple  flowers  being  very  showy. 
They  are  easy  of  cultivation.  Propagated  by 
cuttings. 

Jute.    See  Corchoris. 


K. 


K 


adsura.    The  Japanese  name.    Linn.  Dkecia- 

Polyandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Schizandracece. 
A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen  trail- 
ing plants,  with  white  or  yellow  flowers.     Na- 
tives of  Japan.     Some  of  the  species  -are  under 
cultivation,  but  are  not  of  special  interest. 

Kaempferia.  Named  after  Karmpfer,  a  German 
naturalist.  linn.  Monandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Zingiberacece. 

A  genus  of  East  Indian  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, with  singular  tubular-shaped  flowers, 
that  appear  before  the  leaves,  from  very  short 
stems.  The  roots  of  some  of  the  species  have 
an  aromatic  fragrance,  and  are  used  medici- 
nally, and  for  perfumes. 

Kale.     See  Borecole. 

Kalanchoe.  The  Chinese  name  of  one  of  the 
species.  Linn.  Odandria-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Crassulaceo'. 

A  very  pretty  genus  of  succulent  plants,  na- 
tives of  tropical  Africa,  but  also  found  in  tropi- 
cal Asia,  at  the  Cape,  and  in  Brazil.  They  do 
well  in  a  light  sandy  loam,  and  produce  rather 
large  flowers,  usually  in  many-flowered  panicu- 
late cymes,  the  color  being  yellow,  purple,  or 
scarlet.  The  leaves  are  fleshy,  opposite,  sessile, 
or  petiolate,  entire  cremate,  or  pinnatifid.  They 
are  very  interesting  plants,  and  worthy  of  a 
place  in  the  green-house.  K.  acutifolia  has  di- 
vided bronzy  leaves,  and  altogether  is  a  beauti- 
ful plant.  Propagated  readily  from  cuttings 
placed  in  sand.  First  introduced  in  1781. 

Kalmia.  Named  after  Peter  Kalm,  a  Swedish 
botanist.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  growing  from  four 


to  ten  feet  high,  common  from  Maine  to  Georgia, 
usually  found  on  mountain  sides,  or  dry  waste 

S laces,  but  sometimes  also  along  brook  sides. 
".  latifolia,  Calico  Bush,  is  the  common  Laurel 
of  the  United  States,  and  is  certainly  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  evergreens,  whether  we  re- 
gard the  deep  verdure  of  its  foliage,  or  the 
abundance  of  its  exquisitely  elegant,  delicate 
pink,  rose,  or  nearly  white  flowers,  produced 
from  May  to  July.  It  is  generally  supposed 
that  this  shrub  cannot  be  transplanted  from  the 
woods  with  any  certainty  of  success,  but  this  is  a 
mistake.  Take  the  precaution  to  prepare  a  rich 
bed  or  border,  with  a  soil  as  nearly  like  the  one 
you  find  them  in  as  possible,  and  which  is  usually 
composed  in  a  great  measure  of  leaf  mould  ;  take 
up  plants  of  a  small  size,  being  careful  not 
to  cut  the  roots,  and  not  to  let  them  get  dry, 
and  get  them  into  the  border  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble after  taking  them  up ;  then  cut  well  back, 
and  very  few  will  fail  to  make  elegant  plants, 

'  which  will  flower  freely  the  second  year.  After 
one  removal  they  may  be  taken  up  and  shifted 
as  often  as  desirable,  with  as  little  difficulty  or 
danger  as  any  of  our  border  shrubs.  K.  angusti- 
folia,  Sheep  Laurel,  Lambkill,  is  a  dwarf-grow- 
ing, narrow-leaved  species,  with  smaller  flowers, 
but  of  a  bright  crimson  color.  The  leaves  are 
generally  supposed  to  be  poisonous  to  sheep 
and  lambs;  hence  the  two  common  names. 

Kalosantb.es.     A  synonym  of  Rochea,  which  see. 

Kansas  Gay  Feather.     See  Liatris  spicata. 

Kaulfussia.    In  honor  of  Frederic  Kaulfuss,  M.D., 
Professor  of  Botany  at  Halle.    Linn.  Syngenesia- 
tiuperflua.    Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 
A  small  genus  of  beautiful  little  hardy  annu- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


113 


KEF 

als  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers 
are  of  various  colors,  blue,  rose,  white,  and 
violet,  somewhat  resembling  an  Aster;  the  ray 
florets  curl  curiously  back  after  they  have  been 
expanded  a  short  time.  Their  beauty  is  short- 
lived, as  the  flowers  are  generally  all  faded  and 
the  seeds  ripened  before  the  end  of  July.  First 
introduced  in  1819. 

Keferstenia.  A  synonym  of  Zygopetalum  grami- 
neum. 

Kenilworth  Ivy.     See  Linarea. 

Xennedya.  Named  in  honor  of  Mr.  Kennedy,  of 
the  firm  of  Lee  and  Kennedy,  celebrated  English 
nurserymen.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  FabacfCK. 

A  genus  of  free-flowering,  evergreen  green- 
house climbers,  remarkable  for  their  beautiful 
racemes  of  pea-shaped  flowers,  which  are  of 
various  colors,  scarlet,  blue,  purple,  pink,  and 
variegated.  They  are  highly  ornamental,  and 
useful  in  the  green-house  for  cut  flowers.  They 
are  increased  readily  by  cuttings  of  short  side 
shoots,  well  hardened.  Introduced  in  1824 
from  New  Holland. 

Kentia.  In  honor  of  Lieut.-Colonel  Kent.  TAnn. 
Moncecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  PalmacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Palms,  separated  from  Areca, 
chiefly  on  account  of  the  shape  and  substance 
of  the  seed;  in  all  other  respects  they  are  ident- 
ical. K.  sapida  is  the  most  southern  known 
Palm,  being  found  in  New  Zealand  two  or  three 
degrees  further  south  than  any  representative 
of  the  order  in  either  hemisphere.  The  natives 
use  the  young  flower  spikes  as  an  article  of  food. 
K.  Canlerburyuna  is  an  exceedingly  ornamental 
plant,  useful  for  decorative  purposes.  It  is 
called  in  its  native  country  the  "  Umbrella 
Palm."  A  number  of  the  species  are  now  un- 
der cultivation.  Young  plants  are  obtained 
from  seeds. 

Kentucky  Blue  Grass.     See  Poa  pratensis. 

Kentucky  Coffee  Tree.     See  Gymnocladus. 

Kerria  Japonica.  An  old  favorite  in  the  garden, 
with  both  single  and  double  flowers,  to  which 
has  lately  been  added  a  very  pretty  variety  with 
variegated  leaves.  These  have  been  transferred 
to  the  genus  Corchorus,  which  see. 

Kidney  Bean.     See  Phaseolus  vulgaris. 

Kinnikinnik.     Common  name  of  Cornus  sericea. 

Kleinia.  Named  by  Linnaeus  in  honor  of  James 
Henry  Klein,  a  German  botanist.  Linn.  Synge- 
nesia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteraeece. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  succulent  plants 
from  Africa.  Some  are  of  upright  habit,  and 
others  trailing  or  creeping.  A  few  have  been 
introduced  into  the  green-house,  and  are  grown 
for  basket  plants.  K.  articulata,  or  Candle  Plant, 
is  very  curious  and  easily  grown.  Propagated 
by  cuttings. 

Knight's  Star  Lily.     See  IHppeastrum. 

Kniphofia.     A  synonym  of  Tritoma,  which  see. 

Kcelreuteria.  Named  after  Koelreuter,  a  celebrat- 
ed German  botanist,  the  father  of  hybridizing 
plants.  Linn.  Octandna-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Sapindacea;. 

K.  paniculata,  the  only  species,  is  a  deciduous 
shrub  or  low-growing  tree,  a  native  of  China. 
It  has  pinnate  foliage  with  an  odd  leaflet.  The 
flowers  are  yellow,  disposed  in  terminal  spread- 
ing clusters,  and  are  succeeded  by  large  blad- 


KRI 

dery  capsules,  which  render  the  tree  conspicuous 
till  late  in  autumn.  This  tree  is  hardy  in  the 
vicinity  of  New  York  and  southward. 

Kohlrabi.     See  lir(.(*nii'<i. 

Knoxia.  Named  after  Robert  Knox,  who  lived 
many  years  in  Ceylon.  Linn.  Telrandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  UinchonacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  rather  pretty,  low-growing 
green-house  evergreens.  The  flowers  are  small, 
white,  or  pink.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced from  Bengal  in  1828. 

Koniga.  Sweet  Alyssum.  In  honor  of  CiMrles 
Konig,  F.R.8.,  L.S.,  Superintendent  of  the  Nat- 
ural History  Department  of  the  British  Mu- 
seum. Linn.  Tetradynanda.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassi- 


K.  maritima  is  a  pretty  and  well-known  hardy 
annual.  K.  mariiima  major  has  flowers  nearly  as 
large  as  Candytuft.  Sow  the  seed  in  early 
spring.  It  usually  sows  itself,  coming  up  freely 
where  once  sown.  A.  maritima  plena,  a  double 
variety,  is  valuable  for  cut  flowers.  K.  maritima 
variegata  has  variegated  leaves,  and  is  a  pretty 
and  useful  plant.  A  more  recent  variety  with 
double  flowers  has  even  finer  variegation.  The 
last  three  named  are  propagated  by  cuttings,  as 
they  do  not  seed. 

Kopsia.  Named  after  Professor  Kops,  the  author 
of  a  Botanical  Dictionaiy  of  reputation.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apocyndvece. 

K  fndicosa,  the  only  species,  is  a  native  of 
Pegu,  Japan.  It  is  an  exceedingly  ornamental 
green-house  evergreen  shrub,  producing  flowers 
similar  to  the  green-house  species  of  Vinca, 
several  times  during  the  season.  The  color  is 
red  and  extremely  showy.  It  is  increased  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1818. 
Krameria.  Named  after  the  two  Kramers,  Ger- 
man botanists.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polygalacece. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs.  K.  triandra  is  remarkable  for 
its  entire,  obovate,  acuminate  leaves,  covered 
on  both  sides  with  silky  hairs.  In  Peru  an  ex- 
tract, which  is  a  mild  astringent,  is  made  from 
it.  An  infusion  of  the  roots  of  one  of  the  spe- 
cies is  blood-red,  and  largely  used  in  adulterat- 
ing port  wine.  The  species  are  natives  of 
South  America. 

Kuhnia.  Dedicated  to  Dr.  Kuhn,  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, who  brought  the  living  plant  to  Linnaeus. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-^Equaliti.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracew. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  of 
but  little  interest  except  in  botanical  collec- 
tions. K.  eupatvrioides  is  common  in  dry  soils 
from  New  Jersey  to  Wisconsin,  and  southward. 
Kunthia.  Named  after  C.  S.  Kunth,  a  Prussian 
botanist.  Linn.  Monoecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Palmacece. 

A  rare  Palm,  of  one  species  only,  allied  to  Are- 
ca. It  is  a  native  of  New  Grenada.  Propa- 
gated by  seed.  It  grows  freely  with  ordinary 
green-house  treatment. 

Krigia.     Dwarf  Dandelion.     In  honor  of  Mr.  Da- 
rn -vkl  Kreig,  a  German  botanist.     Linn.  Syngeneaia- 
^Equalis.    Nat.  Ord.  Astvrucfo: 

A  very  pretty  little  annual,  with  flowers  re- 
sembling miniature  Dandelions.  It  is  quite 
common  in  dry  grounds  from  New  York  south- 
ward. 


114 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


LAB 

Lablab.    A  genus  of  tropical  pulse,  more  usually 
included  in  Ddichos,  which  see. 

Labrador  Tea,  Ledum  latifdia.  This  is  a  shrub 
growing  from  two  to  five  feet  high,  common  in 
swamps  and  bogs,  North  and  West.  The  leaves 
were  formerly  used  as  ft  substitute  for  Tea, 
whence  the  common  name. 

Laburnum.    See  C)/lisus  Laburnum. 

Laceena.  One  of  the  names  of  Helen,  applied  be- 
cause of  the  beauty  of  the  plant.  Linn.  Gynan- 
^iri<^-^fonc^g^/n^a.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids.  L.  bicolor,  the 
original  species,  is  a  native  of  Guatemala,  and 
has  long,  pendulous  racemes  of  flowers  of  a 
greenish-yellow  color,  the  lip  marked  with 
purple  about  the  center.  They  require  a  hot- 
house, and  should  be  grown  in  flat  baskets  or 
pans,  in  leaf  mould  and  sphagnum  moss.  In- 
creased by  division  in  spring,  after  blooming. 
Introduced  in  1843. 

Lace  Bark.    See  Lagetta. 

Lace-leaved  Plant.    See  Ouvirandra. 

Lachenalia.  Named  after  M.dela  Chenal, a  botan- 
ical author.  Linn.  Htuindrla-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Liliacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  very  interesting  and 
showy  bulbous  plants  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hdpe.  L.  pendula,  L.  tricolor,  and  L.  quadricolor  are 
the  kinds  mostly  cultivated  in  the  green-house. 
They  have  long  lanceolate  leaves,  often  spotted, 
and  erect  flower  scapes  bearing  pendulous  flow- 
ers, the  yellow  color  predominating.  They 
should  be  potted  in  October,  in  light  fibrous 
soil,  and  only  moderately  watered  until  after 
flowering,  then  more  freely  until  they  show 
signs  of  ripening  off.  They  should  be  kept  in 
the  pots  dry  during  summer.  Propagated  by 
offsets.  Introduced  in  1774. 

Lachnaea.  From  lachne,  down,  referring  to  the 
downy  clothing  of  the  flower  heads.  Linn.  Oc- 
tandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Thymelacece. 

An  interesting  genus  of  green-house  ever- 
green shrubs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  all 
but  one  with  white  flowers.  The  heads  of  the 
flowers  are  usually  covered  with  fine  wool,  giv- 
ing them  a  singular  appearance.  They  are  in- 
creased by  cuttings,  and  should  be  kept  in  shade 
during  summer. 

Lachnanthes.  The  Red  Root.  From  lachne,  wool, 
and  anthos,  a  flower;  in  allusion  to  the  flowers, 
which  are  woolly.  Linn.  Triandria-Monoaunia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Hamidoraceat. 

L.  tincloria,  or  Red  Root,  is  common  in  sandy 
swamps  from  New  Jersey  southward.  The  roots 
^were  formerly  used  for  a  red  dye,  whence  the 
'popular  name.  "  L.  tindori/t,  commonly  known 
as  Paint  Root,  abounds  in  the  Southern  States, 
iind  is  said  to  have  an  important  bearing  on  the 
agriculture  of  those  States,  from  the  singular 
fact  claimed  for  it,  that  when  its  roots  are  eaten 
by  white  pigs,  it  fatally  poisons  them;  while 
black  pigs  eat  the  roots  with  impunity;  and 
hence  the  preponderance  of  black  pigs  in  the 
Southern  States.  This  extraordinary  statement 
is  made  by  Charles  Darwin,  who  gives  Dr.  Jef- 
fries Wyman  as  his  authority.  The  same  testi- 
mony has  recently  been  given  by  Dr.  P.  States- 
bury,  of  Clinch  Co.,  Geo.  —  American  ArjricuUur- 
ist,  March,  1876. 


KZEL 

Lactuca.  Lettuce.  From  lac,  milk;  referring  to 
the  milky  juice.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Jfiqualis.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asteracew. 

The  native  country  of  the  Lettuce  is  unknown ; 
and  from  what  species  the  garden  varieties  orig- 
inated is  merely  conjectural.  According  to 
Herodotus,  it  was  in  use  550  years  before  Christ; 
yet  Pliny  says  the  ancient  Romans  knew  but 
one  sort.  In  his  time  it  was  cultivated  so  as  to 
be  had  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and  even 
blanched  to  make  it  more  tender.  In  the  privy- 
purse  expenses  of  Henry  VIII.,  in  1530,  is  men- 
tion of  a  reward  to  the  gardener  of  York  Place 
for  bringing  "Lettuze"  and  Cherries  to  Hamp- 
ton Court.  Gerarde,  in  his  Herbal,  1597,  gives 
an  account  of  eight  sorts  cultivated  in  his  day. 
Parkinson,  in  1629,  says:  "There  are  so  many 
sorts,  and  so  great  diversitie  of  Lettice,  that  I 
doubt  I  shall  scarce  be  beleeved  of  a  great  many. 
For  I  doe  in  this  Chapter  reckon  up  unto  you 
eleaven  or  twelve  differing  sorts;  some  of  little 
use,  others  of  more,  being  more  common  and 
vulgar;  and  some  that  ai-e  of  excellant  use  and 
service,  which  are  more  rare,  and  require  more 
knowledge  and  care  for  the  ordering  of  them, 
as  also  for  their  time  of  spending,  as  some  in 
the  spring,  some  in  summer,  others  in  autumne, 
and  some  being  whited  for  the  winter.  For  all 
these  sorts  I  shall  not  neede  many  descriptions, 
but  only  shew  you  which  doe  cabbage,  and 
which  are  loose;  which  of  them  are  great  or 
small,  white,  greene,  or  red,  and  which  of  them 
bear  white  seeds,  and  which  of  them  blacke." 
We  cannot  quote  the  whole  chapter,  but  cannot 
omit  one  of  the  "Vertuesof  the  Lettice,"  viz.: 
"  They  all  cool  a  hot  and  fainting  stomacke." 
Loudon  says:  "  L.  sat'wa  is  well  known  as  fur- 
nishing, among  its  numerous  varieties,  the  best 
vegetable  of  the  salad  kind  grown  in  the  open 
garden.  It  is  questioned  by  some  whether  the 
greater  number  of  what  are  set  down  as  species 
in  this  genus,  are  anything  more  than  varia- 
tions of  one  type;  and,  at  all  events,  it  is  thought 
L.  virosa  is  the  parent  of  our  cultivated  sorts." 
All  writers  agree  that  the  Cos  Lettuce  comes  from 
one  of  the  Greek  islands  bearing  that  name.  It 
is  by  far  the  most  delicately  flavored  of  the  whole 
class,  though  not  well  suited  for  our  hot  sum- 
mers. The  best  kinds  at  present  for  our  climate 
are  "Silesia,"  "  Curled  India,"  and"  While  Cab- 
bage." Hundreds  of  acres  of  glass  are  devoted  to 
the  forcing  of  Lettuce  in  the  United  States. 
The  variety  used  mostly  for  that  purpose  is 
known  as  "  Boston  Market. " 

Ladies'  or  Venus's  Slipper.     See  Cypripedium. 

Ladies'  Tresses.     See  tfpiranthes. 

Lady  Slipper.     See  Balsamina. 

Ladies'  Smock.     See  Cardamine. 

Lady  Washington  Geranium.  A  variety  name 
for  one  of  the  large-flowered  or  fancy  Pelargo- 
niums, and  for  a  long  time  in  this  country  a  com- 
mon name  for  the  whole  of  that  class.  It  is  to 
some  extent  still  in  use,  though  the  variety  bear- 
ing the  name  has  long  since  been  discarded; 
consequently  it  is  improper  to  thus  continue  to 
use  a  specific  name  for  a  generic. 

Lselia.  Named  by  Lindley,  who  does  not  give 
the  derivation.  Linn.  OynondHo-JIbnonaria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


115 


LAG 

This  is  a  lovely  genus  of  plants,  most  of  tho 
species  being  compact  in  their  growth,  with 
evergreen  foliage,  resembling,  in  many  respects, 
the  genus  Cattleya,  to  which  some  of  them  are 
equal  in  the  beauty  of  their  flowers.  They  pro- 
duce their  flowers,  which  are  large,  distinct  in 
color,  and  very  handsome,  on  spikes  of  varied 
length,  from  the  top  of  their  pseudo-bulbs. 
These  plants  merit  a  place  in  every  collection, 
and  will  amply  repay  the  cultivator  for  any  cure 
they  may  require  ;  indeed,  the  Lxlias  are  among 
our  finest  Orchids,  whether  for  winter  or  sum- 
mer flowering.  —B.  8.  William*.  All  the  species 
are  natives  of  Mexico  and  South  America,  and 
were  first  introduced  in  1835. 
Lagenaria.  Bottle  Gourd.  From  kijena,  a  bot- 
tle ;  referring  to  the  shape  of  the  fruit  of  some 
species.  Linn.  Mpncetia-Monf:ideli>hia.  Nat.  Ord. 
CucurbitacefK. 

An  East  Indian  species  of  Gourd,  sometimes 
grown  on  account  of  its  curious  shape.  Like 
most  of  the  order,  the  pulp  is  poisonous.  The 
common  name  does  not  indicate  the  shape  of 
all  the  species,  some  being  pear-shaped,  some 
nearly  round,  and  others  egg-shaped.  They 
should  have  a  trellis  or  brush  to  run  upon.  Sow 
the  seed  at  the  same  time  as  Melons  and 
Squashes .  Introduced  in  1597. 
Lag^erstroemia.  In  honor  of  Magnus  Lager  strain 
of  Gottenburgh.  Linn.  Polyandrui-Monogynia . 
Nat.  Ord.  Lrfhraceoi. 

A  genus  of  handsome,  free-flowering  shrubs 
from  India.  L.  Indica  is  commonly  known  as 
Crape  Myrtle,  and  is  a  favorite  half-hardy  shrub. 
It  can  be  planted  out  in  the  border  in  spring, 
and  will  bloom  profusely  during  midsummer. 
At  the  approach  of  winter  take  it  up,  put  it  in  a 
tub  or  box,  and  keep  it  in  the  cool  part  of  the 
green-house  or  in  a  dry  cellar,  giving  but  very 
little  water.  There  are  several  varieties  of  this 
species,  haying  purple,  pink,  and  white  flowers. 
The  latter  is  rather  a  shy  bloomer,  and  is  of 
smaller  habit.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Lagetta.  Lace  Bark.  Lagetto  is  the  name  of  the 
species  at  Jamaica.  Linn.  Odandria-Jfonoijynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Thtjrndacece. 

A  genus  of  West  Indian,  tall-growing  trees,  in- 
teresting from  the  peculiar  formation  of  the  bark 
of  some  of  the  species.  The  inner  bark  of  L. 
lintearla  consists  of  numerous  concentric  layers 
of  fibers  which  are  interlaced  in  all  directions, 
mid  thus  presents  a  great  degree  of  resemblance 
to  lace,  whence  the  common  name  of  the  tree. 
Lagurus.  From  l<t jos,  a  hare,  and  oura,  a  tail  ; 
on  account  of  the  resemblance  of  its  heads.  Linn. 
Ti'i'indrki-Diijt/iiin.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacen'. 

L.  ovalus,  the  only  species,  is  a  common  weed, 
found  in  Guernsey  and  some  parts  of  Asia. 
Lalage.     Named  after  L-timjr,  a  gay,  witty  dame 
immortalized  by   Horace.      Linn.    M'jnadelpliin- 
l.>  :•  tn/lri'i.     Nat   Ord.  Etbacetu. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamontal  shrubs,  natives 
of  the  southwest  coast  of  Australia.  The  flowers 
are  either  yellow  or  mixed  orange,  violet,  or  crim- 
son, and  are  produced  in  axillary  clusters.  They 
require  the  green-house,  and  are  propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  18:50. 
Lambsrtia.  Named  in  honor  of  A  7?.  £•<//<  V/V, 
one  of  the  most  liberal  botanists  in  Europe,  and 
whose  extensive  herbarium  was  open  to  every 
man  of  science.  Linn.  TetrandrM-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Prot#*c&x. 

Very  handsome  green-house  evergreen  shrubs 
from  tropical  Australia.  The  flowers  are  mostly 
produced  in  terminal  clusters,  sometimes  sin- 


LAB 

gly,  the  prevailing  color  being  dark  red,  with 
occasionally  an  orange  tint.  Height  of  plant 
three  to  four  feet.  They  are  readily  increased 
by  cuttings,  but  must  be  grown  with  considera- 
ble care,  the  principal  caution  being  against 
over-watering  ;  any  excess  in  that  is  fatal  to  them. 
Introduced  in  1824. 

Lamb's  Lettuce  or  Corn  Salad.    See  Valeriana. 

Lambkill.     See  Kalinin. 

Lainium.     See  Dt/td  Settta. 

Lantana.  Ancient  name  for  Viburnum.  Linn. 
Didynctmia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Verbena-oea*. 
An  extensive  genus  of  ornamental,  free-flower- 
ing, tender  shrubs,  common  from  the  West  In- 
dies to  Brazil.  The  species  are  rapid  growers, 
and  most  constant  bloomers.  They  are  readily 
increased  by  cuttings,  and  will  grow  freely  in 
the  garden,  preferring  a  sunny  situation.  Many 
new  varieties  have  been  produced  from  seeds, 
but  we  do  not  think  there  has  been  much  im- 
provement on  the  species.  First  introduced 
from  the  West  Indies  in  1692. 

Lapageria.  Named  after  Josephine  Lapagcrif, 
wife  of  Napoleon  I.  Linn.  HexandrittrMonof/ynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Philesim-nr. 

L.  rosea,  and  its  white  variety,  are  unquestion- 
ably the  most  beautiful  green-house  twining 
plants  yet  introduced.  The  stems  are  round, 
branching,  and  will  grow  to  almost  any  required 
length,  with  proper  treatment.  The  flowers  are 
large,  lily  or  bell-shaped,  and  produced  on  soli- 
tary one-flowered  peduncles.  L.  rosea  has  deep 
rose-colored  flowers,  spotted  inside  with  white. 
There  has  lately  been  introduced  a  double  vari- 
ety, the  character  of  which  has  not  yet  been  es- 
tablished. They  should  be  grown  in  a  house 
with  a  low  temperature,  and  given  plenty  of  air, 
water,  and  root  room ;  the  latter  is  a  necessity. 

,  They  do  tolerably  well  grown  in  tubs,  but  are 
seldom  seen  in  pertection  except  when  turned 
into  the  border.  The  soil  should  be  largely 
composed  of  leaf  mould  and  sand.  They  are  in- 
creased either  by  layers  or  from  seeds,  the  lat- 
ter being  preferable ;  plants  from  cuttings  rarely 
succeed.  They  are  natives  of  Chili.  Introduced 
in  1847. 

Lapeyrousia.     See  Pewousia. 

Laportea.  Wood  Nettle.  A  genus  of  uninterest- 
ing native  plants,  allied  to  Urtica,  which  see. 

Lappa.     See  'Burdock. 

Larch.     See  Larix. 

Lardizabala.  In  honor  of  At.  Lardizabala  y  Uribe, 
a  Spanish  naturalist.  Linn.  Dwecia-Hexandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lirdizubalacea;. 

Half-hardy  evergreen  climbers,  natives  of 
Chili.  L.  biternata,  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
species,  has  dark,  glossy,  evergreen  foliage,  and 
drooping  spikes  of  deep  purple  flowers.  In 
Chili  a  very  tough  fiber  is  obtained  from  its 
stems  and  made  into  cordage ;  and  its  fruit,  con- 
taining a  sweet-tasted  pulp,  is  sold  in  the  mar- 
kets. This  species  would  make  a  splendid 
creeping  plant  for  covering  walls  in  the  Southern 
States,  but  would  not  be  hardy  north  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Larix.  Larch.  From  the  Celtic,  Inr,  fat;  on  ac- 
count of  the  tree  producing  plenty  of  resin. 
Linn.  .!/./,,,,'•;,<-. Monndelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pinacece. 
l.'h-'i.f  Ami  rii'«i«t,  the  only  species  in  this  coun- 
try, is  a  beautiful  deciduous  tree,  growing  to  its 
greatest  perfection  in  the  more  northern  States 
and  Canada,  where  it  attains  a  height  of  from 
eighty  to  a  hundred  feet,  with  a  diameter  of 
from  two  to  three  feet.  The  wood  of  the  Ameri- 
can sperirs  is  popularly  known  as  HoefcmafcMjfe, 


116 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


LAB 

or  American  Black  Larch,  and  is  superior  to  any 
of  the  species  of  Pine  or  Spruce  for  ship-build- 
ing, for  which  purposes  it  is  largely  employed 
in  Maine  and  the  British  Provinces.  The  trees 
are  small  and  of  but  little  value  south  of  Maine. 
Its  southern  limits  are  the  mountains  of  Vir- 
ginia. It  is  not  so  fine  an  ornamental  tree  as  L. 
Europcea,  which  is  also  a  valuable  timber-tree, 
and  worthy  of  a  place  on  the  lawn.  There  are 
a  number  of  varieties. 

Larkspur.    See  Delphi  mum. 

Larrea.  In  honor  of  John  Anthony  de  Larrea,  a 
Spanish  promoter  of  the  sciences.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Monugyniti.  Nat.  Ord.  Zyyophyllacece. 

L.  Afexicana,  the  Creosote  plant,  is  a  shrub 
growing  from  four  to  six  feet  high,  very  abun- 
dant in  some  parts  of  Mexico,  forming  a  dense 
and  almost  impassable  scrub,  particularly  on 
the  borders  of  the  Colorado  desert,  where  its 
luxuriant  growth  puts  a  stop  to  the  drifting 
sand.  Its  appearance  is  a  sure  indication  of  a 
sterile  soil,  as  nothing  will  grow  beneath  it,  and 
its  strong  Creosote  odor  is  so  repulsive  that  no 
animal  will  touch  it.  It  is  with  great  difficulty 
that  it  can  be  made  to  burn,  and  it  is  conse- 
quently useless  for  fuel. 

Lasiandra.  From  lasios,  woolly,  and  aner,  an 
anther;  alluding  to  the  hairy  stamens.  Linn. 
Dfcundria-Mon&jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Melastomacece. 

A  large  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
with  handsome  foliage,  and  producing  large  pani- 
cles of  beautiful  purple  flowers.  They  are  easily 
propagated  from  cuttings.  Introduced  from  Bio 
Janeiro  in  1836. 

Lasthenia.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Synfjenesia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  Califor- 
nia. The  flowers  are  pure  golden  yellow,  mak- 
ing a  very  pretty  border  plant.  The  seed  should 
be  sown  in  autumn  or  early  spring.  Introduced 
in  1834. 

Lastreea.  Derivation  unexplained.  Linn.  Crm- 
t'xjiimia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea:. 

An  extensive  genus  of  Polypodiaceous  Ferns, 
formerly  included  in  the  genus  Aspidinm.  They 
all  require  green-house  treatment.  Some  of  the 
newly-introduced  species  from  Australia  grow 
luiuriantly  in  the  ordinary  green-house.  Like 
all  of  the  order,  a  moist  atmosphere  is  favorable 
to  their  perfect  development. 

Latania.  Bourbon  Palm.  Laianier  is  the  name 
of  the  plant  in  the  Isle  of  Bourbon.  Linn.  Due- 
cia-jfonadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A  genus  of  fine  middle-sized  Palms,  with 
plaited,  fan-like  fronds,  with  spiny  leaf  stalks. 
L.  Borbonica  is  the  most  commonly  grown  in  our 
green-houses,  and  makes  a  very  beautiful  plant 
for  the  lawn  in  summer.  When  grown  in  tubs 
or  large  pots,  this  Palm  is  the  one  best  suited 
.and  most  largely  used  for  the  decoration  of 
hotel  verandas.  Thousands  are  now  in  use 
for  that  purpose.  Exceedingly  fine  specimens 
of  this  beautiful  Palm  are  now  growing  in  the 
Botanic  Gardens  at  Washington.  L.  rufira,  from 
Uauritms  is  a  much  smaller  plant,  and  is  re- 
markable for  its  red,  livid  leaves.  The  species 
are  propagated  by  seed,  which  grows  freely  if 
ven  a  mild  bottom  heat.  They  require  but 
little  attention  in  winter.  They  can  be  kept  in 
the  green-house  during  winter,  and  given  but 
little  water.  In  the  summer  give  them  plenty 
of__heat  and  water;  their  growth  will  be  in 


Lathyrus.    From  la,  to  add  to,  and  ihauros,  an 


LAV 

irritant;  to  increase  excitement;  the  supposed 
qualities  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacew. 

A  large  genus  of  very  beautiful,  free-flowering 
climbing  annuals  and  perennials,  found  in  the 
temperate  regions  of  both  hemispheres.  AJ.  odor- 
atus,  the  Sweet  Pea  of  our  gardens,  is  a  native 
of  Southern  Sicily,  and  was  first  introduced  into 
England  in  1701.  On  account  of  its  fragrance 
it  is  the  most  desirable  of  the  species.  There  is 
now  great  diversity  in  the  colors  of  the  different 
varieties,  some  of  late  introduction  being  the 
best  in  cultivation;  they  include  white,  purple, 
black,  scarlet,  blue-edged,  and  striped  sorts.  The 
Sweet  Pea  delights  in  a  heavy,  stiff  loam,  and 
will  not  succeed  in  a  light  soil  unless  planted 
very  deep,  say  five  inches,  and  the  earth  well 
packed  down  around  the  plants.  L.  latifolius,  of 
which  there  are  three  varieties,  producing  pur- 
ple, rose,  and  white  flowers,  are  pretty  generally 
distributed  throughout  Europe.  They  grow  from 
six  to  eight  feet  high  when  properly  trained  upon 
a  trellis;  and  if  planted  in  a  moist  soil  will  pro- 
long their  season  of  flowering  nearly  the  whole 
summer.  They  are  extensively  used  in  New 
York  and  other  large  cities  as  cut  flowers.  L. 
Migellanicus,  a  perennial  species  from  Cape 
Horn,  is  remarkable  for  the  beauty  of  its  foliage, 
as  well  as  for  its  showy  blue  flowers.  The  per- 
ennials are  propagated  by  root  division  and 
from  seed.  Seedlings  do  not  usually  get  strong 
enough  to  flower  well  before  the  third  year;  they 
will,  however,  produce  some  flowers  the  second 
year.  There  is  one  perennial  species,  L.  tuberosa, 
occasionally  met  in  Europe,  having  edible 
tubers,  which,  if  baked  or  roasted,  are  said  to  be 
great  delicacies.  The  flowers  of  this  species  are 
borne  in  clusters  on  long  peduncles;  they  are  of 
medium  size,  and  of  a  rosy-pink  color.  There 
are  several  other  species  under  cultivation. 

Lattice  Plant.    See  Ouvirandm. 

Laurel.  See  La<irus.  Also  Gnidia,  the  ancient 
name. 

Laurel  Magnolia.     See  Magnolia. 

Laurestinus.    See  Virburnum  tinus. 

Laurus.  Laurel.  From  the  Celtic  laur,  green. 
Linn.  Enneandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lauracece. 
Under  the  common  name  of  Laurel  many  dif- 
ferent plants  are  met  in  fields  and  gardens,  but 
the  Sweet  Bay,  or  Noble  Laurel,  L.  nobilis,  is  the 
only  one  which  is  properly  so  called.  It  is  a 
native  of  Southern  Europe,  and  is  a  beautiful 
evergreen  shrub  or  tree.  In  some  localities  it 
grows  to  the  height  of  fifty  to  sixty  feet,  always 
retaining  its  shrub-like  character.  Its  leaves 
have  an  agreeable  aromatic,  slightly  bitter  taste ; 
its  flowers  are  yellowish  and  inconspicuous,  and 
its  fruits  are  succulent,  and  of  the  size  of  a  small 
cherry.  The  leaves,  because  of  their  agreeable 
flavor,  are  used  in  cooking  and  in  various  con- 
fections. The  dried  figs  that  are  imported  into 
this  country  are  usually  packed  with  these 
leaves.  This  tree  is  not  hardy  enough  to  resist 
the  winters  north  of  the  Carolinas.  Propagated 
by  layers,  root  cuttings,  or  by  seed. 

Lavendula.  Lavender.  From  lavo,  to  wash,  in 
allusion  to  the  use  made  of  its  distilled  water. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnosperinia.  Nat.  Ord.  La- 
miacece. 

Mostly  undershrubs,  natives  of  the  south  of 
Europe,  but  largely  grown  in  England  and 
France  for  the  sake  of  their  perfume,  and  for 
the  oil,- on  which  this  property  depends.  The 
essential  oil  of  Lavender  is  produced  by  distil- 
lation from  the  flowers,  and  is  much  prized  for 


HENDERSON'S'  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


117 


LAV 

its  agreeable  odor.  When  dissolved  in  spirits  of 
wine,  and  mixed  with  other  perfumes,  it  forms 
the  much-appreciated  Lavender  Water.  This 
oil  is  the  essential  element  in  the  Sweet  Spirits 
of  Lavender  of  the  druggists.  L.  nni  is  the 
species  grown  for  these  extracts,  and  is  prop- 
agated by  cuttings  or  from  seed.  L.  np'ii-tt, 
another  species,  yields  the  Oil  of  Spike.  All  the 
hardy  species  are  ornamental. 

Lavatera.  Named  after  the  two  Lavaters,  Swiss 
botanists.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Malvaceae. 

An  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials, 
biennials,  and  annuals,  common  throughout 
Europe  and  Western  Asia.  They  are  mostly 
coarse-growing,  bushy  plants,  of  little  merit. 
The  annual  species  are  rather  showy,  producing 
large  purple  flowers,  suitable  only  for  back 
grounds  to  other  plants.  The  seed  need  only 
be  sown  where  wanted  to  grow. 

Lavender.     See  Lavendu!a. 

Lavender  Cotton.     See  Santolina. 

Laxmannia.  Named  after  E.  Laxmann,  a  Sibe- 
rian traveler.  Linn.  Ilexandria-Honoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LUiacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing,  green-house 
herbaceous  plants,  from  New  Holland.  The 
flowers,  in  terminal  heads  on  slender  scapes  six 
inches  high,  are  either  white  or  purple.  They 
are  increased  by  division  of  root.  Introduced 
in  1824. 

Lead  Plant.     See  Amorpha. 

Leather  Flower.  The  common  name  of  Clematis 
Viorna. 

Leatherwood.     See  Dirca. 

Ledum.  Labrador  Tea.  From  ledon,  the  Greek 
name  of  Cistus,  which  this  genus  resembles. 
Linn.  Decaiidria-Monogynki.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericaceae 
A  small  genus  of  hardy,  evergreen,  white- 
flowering  shrubs,  natives  of  British  America. 
See  Labrador  Tea. 

Leek.     See  Allium. 

Lemon.     See  Citrus. 

Lemon  Grass.  A  popular  name  of  one  of  the 
species  of  Andropogon. 

Lemonia.  Named  in  honor  of  Sir  Charles  Lemon. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Eutacea>. 
L.  spectabttis,  the  only  species,  is  a  green-house 
evergreen  shrub  from  Cuba,  producing  axillary 
clusters  of  beautiful  rose-colored  flowers  in  Sep- 
tember. They  require  but  little  care  during 
winter.  Place  them  in  the  green-house,  and 
give  but  little  water.  During  summer  they 
will  require  plenty  of  heat  and  water.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings. 

Lemon  Verbena.     See  Aloyniu. 

Leonotis.  Lion's  Ear.  From  leon,  a  lion,  and 
ous,  an  ear;  some  resemblance  in  the  flower. 
Linn.  Didynainia-Gymnospei*mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lami- 
acece. 

A  small  genus  of  annuals  and  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs.  Of  the  latter,  L.  leonurus  is 
a  magnificent  species  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  producing  brilliant  scarlet  flowers.  It 
requires  a  rough  sandy  loam,  with  plenty  of  air, 
and  during  the  summer  a  liberal  supply  of 
water,  when  it  will  not  fail  to  grow  and  flower 
finely.  It  is  propagated  by  cuttings.  The  other 
species  are  scarcely  worth  growing.  L.  cardiaca 
is  known  in  domestic  medicine  as  Motherwort. 

Leopard's  Bane.     See  Doronicum. 

Leopard  Wood.     See  Brosimum. 

Leopoldinia.  Named  after  the  late  Empress  of 
Brazil.  Linn.  Mmaecio-Hexandria,  Nat.  Orel. 

I'/lhll'    !'((!•. 


LEP 

A  small  genus  of  Brazilian  Palms,  compris- 
ing three  or  four  species,  existing  in  consider- 
able numbers  on  the  Amazon  and  Eio  Negro. 
The  trees  are  of  medium  size,  bearing  terminal, 
smooth,  pinnate  leaves,  and  having  the  upper 
part  of  their  stems  covered  with  a  copious  net- 
work of  fibers.  L.  Piassaba  is  one  of  the  Palms 
which  yield  the  Piassaba  or  Piacaba  fiber,  now 
so  extensively  employed  by  brush-makers  as  a 
substitute  for  bristles,  and  also  for  making  the 
stout  street  brooms  used  in  all  large  cities.  Two 
distinct  varieties  of  this  fiber  are  recognized  in 
commerce,  one  being  a  coarse  kind  obtained 
from  Attalea  funifera  and  imported  from  Bahia; 
and  the  other  a  finer  kind  brought  from  Para, 
the  produce  of  the  Leopoldinia,  which  is  found 
growing  in  great  abundance  on  the  extensive 
plains  between  the  Rio  Negro  and  Oronoco 
Rivers,  forming  entire  forests.  It  attains  a 
height  of  from  fifteen  to  forty  feet,  and  the 
fiber,  or  beard,  as  it  is  usually  called,  which  is 
the  envelope  of  the  young  leaves,  hangs  down 
all  round,  and  completely  covers  the  trunk  quite 
to  the  ground,  except  in  very  tall  trees,  the 
lower  part  of  whose  trunk  is  generally  bare. 
The  brushes  made  from  this  fiber  are  known  in 
trade  as  Tampico,  and  for  many  purposes  are 
considered  superior  to  those  made  from  bristles. 

Lepanthes.  From  lepos,  bark,  or  lepis,  scale,  and 
'rnthoti,  a  flo  ver;  the  plants  of  this  genus  have 
very  small  flowers,  and  grow  u£on  the  bark  of 
trees.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mono'jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Or- 
chidacecr. 

A  genus  of  the  dwarfest  of  Orchids,  with  the 
habit  of,  and  nearly  related  to,  Pleurothattis .  It 
can  only  be  grown  under  a  bell-glass,  among 
damp  moss,  in  a  cool  part  of  the  house.  Natives 
of  Mexico  and  the  West  Indies.  Propagated  by 
division.  Introduced  in  1834. 

Lepidium.  Cress  or  Peppergrass.  From  lepis,  a 
scale;  in  allusion  to  the  shape  of  the  pods, 
which  appear  like  little  scales.  Linn.  Tetrady- 
namia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bratsicacefv. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
perennials,  found  distributed  throughout  the 
temperate  regions  of  the  earth.  The  only  species 
of  interest  are  L.  sativum,  the  common  garden 
Peppergrass,  whose  nativity  is  attributed  to 
Persia;  and  L.  Piscidium,  found  in  the  Society 
and  Sandwich  Islands.  This  species,  in  com- 
mon with  many  other  plants,  possesses  prop- 
erties that  intoxicate  fish,  and  the  natives  use  it 
for  that  purpose.  When  thrown  into  the  water 
it  is  eagerly  eaten  by  the  fish,  which  are,  soon 
after  eating  it,  rendered  insensible,  and  float 
helplessly  upon  the  water,  and  are  easily  taken. 
There  are  several  native  and  naturalized  species 
common  in  this  country,  all  of  them  weeds. 

Leptosiphon.  From  leptofi,  slender,  and  siphon, 
a  tube;  alluding  to  the  tube  of  the  flower.  Linn. 
I'entandrki-Moiiotjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polenioniacea'. 
Handsome  dwarf-growing  California  annuals. 
Some  of  the  species  make  charming  bedding 
plants.  When  planted  in  masses  they  form  an 
entire  sheet  of  pure  white  or  lilac  flowers,  not 
more  than  eight  inches  from  the  surface  of  the 
soil.  They  succeed  well  in  the  open  border, 
and  by  successive  sowings  may  be  had  in  flower 
the  entire  summer  and  autumn.  They  are  flso 
well  adapted  for  growing  in  pots  to  bloom  in 
winter. 

Leptotes.     From  leptos,  slender;  referring  to  the 
leaves.     Linn.   Gynandri<t-Mon<Kjijitia.     Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidocece. 
A  small  genus  of  Brazilian  Orchids.     The  two 


118 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


LES 

species  known  are  pretty  little  epiphyt,  >,  pro- 
ducine  small  rush-like  leaves  and  lovely  white 
flowers,  having  a  blotch  of  bright  crimson  on 
the  lip.  They  are  of  easy  culture,  growing  in 
the  green-house,  either  on  cork  or  in  baskets  ot 
moss.  They  requir6  liberal  watering  during 
the  growing  season.  They  are  propagated  b# 
division.  Introduced  in  1831. 

Leschenaultia.  Named  after  M.  Leschenault,  a 
French  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogyma. 
Nat.  Ord.  Goodeniacea: 

A  small  genus  of  very  ornamental  neatn-lit 
shrubs,  with  rich  blue  or  scarlet  flowers,  pro- 
duced in  summer.    Natives  of  Australia. 

Lespedeza.  Named  in  honor  of  M.  Letpedez, 
once  Governor  of  Florida,  and  a  great  patron  of 
botany.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  genus  of  low-growing,  pea-flowering  shrubs, 
annuals  and  herbaceous  perennials,  common 
from  South  Carolina  to  Mississippi.  Some  of 
the  kinds  are  showy  when  in  flower,  but,  as  a 
class,  are  not  worth  growing. 

Lettuce.    See  Ladtica. 

Leucanthemum.  Ox-eye  Daisy.  From  leukos, 
white,  and  anthos,  a  flower;  white  flowers.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-Superjlua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea?. 

This  pernicious  weed,  L.  vulgare,  former- 
ly included  in  the  genus  Chrysanthemum,  (C. 
leucanthemum,)  is  a  native  of  Great  Britain,  but 
has  become  thoroughly  naturalized  in  many 
parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is  a  perennial, 
and  increases  rapidly  from  seed,  or  from  the 
roots.  No  matter  how  small  the  piece  of  root 
may  be  when  detached,  if  left  in  the  ground  it 
will  speedily  make  a  plant.  L.  frutescens, 
the  "Marguerite"  of  France,  although  classed 
as  a  weed,  and  a  bad  one  at  that,  has  been  used 
to  a  large  extent  for  massing  and  ribbon  lines  in 
the  vicinity  of  Paris,  and  the  flowers,  when 
forced,  are  now  used  for  winter  bouquets.  They 
are  at  the  present  writing  much  used  in  New 
York  and  other  large  cities. 

Leucadendron.  From  leukos,  white,  and  dendron, 
a  tree;  in  allusion  to  the  white  leaves.  Linn. 
Dioecia-Telrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Proteaceo:. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  evergreen 
shrubs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  are 
cultivated  for  their  silvery  foliage,  and  their 
large  terminal  clusters  of  yellow  flowers,  which 
are  produced  in  June  and  July.  They  all  grow 
freely  in  a  cool  green-house,  if  care  be  observed 
not  to  over-water  in  winter;  in  fact,  they  are  at 
all  times  impatient  of  water.  They  are  readily 
increased  by  cuttings  of  ripened  -wood.  First 
introduced  in  1774. 

Leucocorvne.  From  leukos,  white,  and  koryne, 
a  club;  because  of  the  white  sterile  anthers. 
Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUlacece. 

Half-hardy  bulbous  plants,  pretty,  and  deserv- 
ing attention.  They  may  be  cultivated  either 
in  pots  or  in  the  open  ground,  if  they  are  taken 
up  and  preserved  in  sand  through  the  winter. 
The  flowers  are  large  for  the  size  of  the  plant, 
and  are  either  white  or  lilac.  When  planted  in 
the  borders  the  bulbs  should  be  set  rather 
closely  together  to  insure  a  display.  They  are 
increased  by  offsets.  Introduced  from  Chili  in 
•  1851. 

Leucojum.  Snowflako.  From  leukos,  white,  and 
ion,  a  violet  ;  in  reference  to  the  color  of  the 
flower,  whence  the  English  name  Snowflake. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amarvl- 
lidacece. 
Hardy  bulbs,  growing  to  the  height  of  twelve 


LIA 

and  eighteen  inches,  and  producing  spikes  of 
pretty  white  flowers  like  the  Snowdrop .  They 
increase  by  offsets  from  the  bulbs.  L.  vernum, 
Spring  Snowflake,  is  one  of  our  best  early  flow- 
ering bulbs.  It  is  a  native  of  Germany  and 
Switzerland,  where  it  is  found  wild  in  the  woods 
and  other  shady  places.  It  was  introduced  in 
1596;  is  dedicated  to  St.  Agnes,  the  patron  saint 
of  young  virgins,  from  its  loveliness  and  purity ; 
and  hence  is  called  St.  Agnes's  Flower.  In 
Parkinson's  time  it  was  also  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Great  Early  Bulbous  Violet.  It  is  said  to 
have  become  naturalized  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Bridgport,  Dorsetshire,  England.  These  very 
elegant  and  delightfully  fragrant  flowers  greatly 
resemble  the  Snowdrop,  but  they  are  much 
larger,  and  are  about  a  month  later.  There  is  a 
yellowish  green  spot  on  each  petal  near  the 
point.  They  are  among  the  most  desirable  of 
early-growing  bulbs,  and  are  suitable  for  rock- 
work  or  borders.  A  sheltered  situation  shotild 
be  chosen,  and  the  soil  should  be  well  drained. 
See  Erinosma. 

Leucopogon.  From  1e>tkos,  white,  and  pogon,  a 
beard;  referring  to  the  hairs  on  the  flowers. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Jfonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ep:.icr>- 


An  extensive  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  with 
handsome  white  flowers,  produced  in  terminal 
or  axillary  spikes.  The  species  are  widely  scat- 
tered over  Australia,  Tasmania,  and  New  Zea- 
land. But  few  of  the  species  are  under  cultiva- 
tion. 

Leucostegia.  From  leukos,  white,  and  slega,  a 
covering;  the  fronds  appear  to  be  covered  with 
powder.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-FHices.  Nat.  Ord. 
1'olypodiacea'. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  Ferns,  allied  to 
Davattia,  and  requiring  the  same  treatment. 

Lewisia.  Bitter  Boot.  Named  after  Captain  M. 
Lewis,  the  American  traveler  and  companion  of 
Clark.  Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Mesembnjacece. 

L.  rediviva,  the  only  species,  is  a  succulent 
perennial,  with  a  fleshy,  tapering  root.  Its 
leaves  are  quite  succulent,  and  from  their  center 
arises  a  strong  stalk  bearing  a  solitary  rose- 
colored  flower,  surrounded  by  an  involucre  of 
five  to  seven  scales.  As  soon  as  the  flower  ap- 
pears the  leaves  begin  to  wither  and  dry  up, 
usually  lasting  only  a  few  days,  the  entire  period 
of  the  plant's  existence  above  ground  not  exceed- 
ing six  weeks.  This  exceedingly  curious  plant 
is  a  native  of  the  Upper  Oregon  Territory,  and 
its  roots,  which  are  largely  collected  by  the  In- 
dians, afford  a  wholesome  though  bitter  tasted 
food,  being  composed  almost  entirely  of  starch. 
The  specific  name,  rediviva,  was  given  to  the 
plant  in  consequence  of  the  growth  of  some 
dried  and  apparently  dead  roots,  taken  from  an 
herbarium  specimen. 

Liatris.  Derivation  of  the  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Syngenesior^Eqitalis.  Nat.  Ord.  Aateract-ce. 

This  genus  consists  of  some  twenty  species, 
all  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  common  from 
New  York  to  Kansas  and  southward.  Some  of 
the  species  are  very  ornamental  border  plants. 
They  all  produce  long  spikes  of  purple  flowers 
from  August  until  October.  L.  pycnostachya 
(Kansas  Gay  Feather)  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the 
species.  1'he  flowers  are  rosy  purple,  on  a  spike 
three  to  tour  feet  high.  They  begin  to  flower 
at  the  top  of  the  spike,  and  continue  to  open 
downward,  which  is  characteristic  of  the  species. 
They  are  increased  by  seed,  and  will  flower  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


119 


LIB 

second  year.  They  will  grow  anywhere  and 
bloom  well;  the  size  and  length  of  spike  will, 
however,  be  in  proportion  to  the  richness  of  the 
soil. 

Libertia.  Named  after  Mademoiselle  M.  A.  Lie- 
bert  de  Malmedy,  a  Belgian  lady  and  botanist. 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iri- 
dacece. 

A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs,  natives  of 
Australia,  Tasmania,  New  Zealand,  and  Chili. 
They  are  of  dwarf  habit,  with  delicate  white 
flowers,  which  are  produced  in  umbels  on  a 
scape  one  and  a  half  feet  high.  They  are  in- 
creased by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1822. 

Liebigia.  Named  after  Liebig,  the  celebrated  Ger- 
man chemist.  Linn.  Didynamia-Anfjiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Gesneracece. 

A  genus  of  hot-house  evergreen  plants,  allied 
to  jEschynanthus,  and  requiring  the  same  treat- 
ment. They  are  natives  of  the  East  Indies. 

Libonia.  Derivation  not  given.  Linn.  Diandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AcanthacecK. 

A  recently  introduced  genus  of  handsome 
flowering  plants  from  Brazil.  L.  floribunda,  the 
only  species  now  known,  is  a  small  suffruticose 
plant,  with  elliptic  oblong  leaves,  and  very 
abundant  tubular  yellow-tipped  scarlet  flowers, 
one  or  two  from  each  leaf  axil.  The  calyx  is  five 
cleft;  the  corolla  tubular,  with  an  erect  bilabi- 
ate limb;  two  stamens  affixed  to  the  middle  of 
the  tnbe,  with  two-celled  cordate-ovate  anthers, 
one  cell  inserted  higher  than  the  other;  disk 
annulate;  style  filiform,  with  a  punctate  stigma. 
The  flowers  are  drooping,  very  abundant,  and 
exceedingly  ornamental.  The  leaves  are  apt  to 
drop  if  the  plant  is  allowed  to  suffer  for  water. 
L.  1'enrhosic-nsis,  a  seedling  from  the  above,  is  in 
many  respects  a  decided  improvement.  The 
plant  is  dwarfer  and  of  denser  growth ;  the  foli- 
age is  darker,  larger,  and  more  persistent;  the 
flowers  are  even  more  abundant,  there  being 
from  four  to  six  at  the  axils  instead  of  two,  with 
more  red  and  less  yellow ;  and  they  make  their 
appearance  earlier.  These  plants  should  be 
grown  in  the  green-house,  where  they  will  flower 
from  November  till  spring.  They  are  also  ex- 
cellent sitting-room  plants,  and  worthy  of  a* 
place  in  any  collection.  They  grow  best  in  a 
moderately  rich  loam,  and  should  be  regularly 
and  abundantly  watered.  They  are  easily  raised 
from  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1864. 

Lignum  Vitae.     See  (Juaiacum. 

Ligustrum.  Privet.  From  ligare,  to  tie;  refer- 
ring to  the  use  made  of  the  flexible  shoots. 
Linn.  Diaudria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oleacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  shrubs.  L.  mdgare,  the  com- 
mon Privet,  extensively  used  for  hedges,  is  a 
native  of  nearly  all  parts  of  Europe,  and  is  prop- 
agated by  cuttings  of  young  shoots.  L.  Calif or- 
nica,  a  species  of  recent  introduction,  is  a  shrub 
remarkable  for  the  beauty  of  its  foliage.  The 
leaf  is  considerably  larger  than  that  of  the  com- 
mon Privet,  of  a  very  dark  waxy-green  on  the 
upper  surface,  and  the  under  surface  pea-green. 
The  plant  is  of  rapid  growth.  Singly,  upon  the 
lawn,  it  is  of  great  beauty,  while  its  adaptation 
for  a  hedge  is  perfect.  When  first  introduced 
its  hardiness  was  questioned;  it  has,  however, 
in  the  park  at  Garden  City,  L.  I.,  and  elsewhere, 
stood  the  past  severe  winters  without  the  slight- 
est injury.  There  arc  on  those  grounds  plants 
twelve  feet  high  and  from  ten  to  twelve  feet  in 
diameter.  This  species,  like  the  others,  is  in- 
creased readily  from  cuttings. 

Lilac.     See  Syringa  vulyaris. 


LIL 

Liliurn.  The  Lily.  From  the  Celtic  word  /;, 
signifying  whiteness;  the  lily  having  long  been 
considered  an  emblem  of  whiteness  and  purity. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiaceas. 
This  genus,  the  type  of  an  extensive  order, 
numbers  upward  of  sixty  species,  and  is  emi- 
nently distinguished  for  its  surpassing  loveli- 
ness, its  rare  combination  of  grandeur  and 
chaste  beauty.  A  remarkable  feature  in  this 
family  of  plants  is,  that  it  has  no  poor  relations. 
In  a  general  collection  of  the  species,  all  that  can 
be  imagined  desirable  and  perfect  in  floral 
forms  will  be  realized.  A  great  inducement  to 
the  cultivation  of  this  genus  is  their  ease  of  cul- 
ture, and  their  almost  perfect  hardiness,  thriv- 
ing with  all  the  vigor  of  indigenous  forms  when 
planted  in  the  flower  border.  All  of  them  de- 
light in  light  rich  soil,  such  as  is  afforded  by  a 
mixture  of  loam  and  well-rotted  manure,  and 
one  uniform  treatment  is  applicable  under  all 
circumstances  to  the  whole  of  the  species:  all 
may  be  grown  together  in  the  border,  and  re- 
main undisturbed  anumber  of  years,  frequent  re- 
movals being  injurious,  by  destroying  the  roots. 
All  the  species  thrive  best  when  planted  in  partial 
shade,  the  shrubbery  border,  or  in  large  beds  in 
an  open  grove.  Propagated  by  offsets.  When  the 
old  bulbs  have  several  small  ones  formed  around 
them,  take  them  up  in  October,  divide  them  in- 
to single  bulbs,  and  replant  the  large  flowering 
bulbs  immediately  into  fresh,  rich  earth,  where 
they  are  to  flower.  Plant  the  small  bulbs  in  a  bed 
of  the  same  kind  of  soil  by  themselves;  let  them 
remain  until  sufficiently  large  and  strong  for 
flowering,  which  should  require  but  two  years; 
then  take  them  up,  select  the  larger  bulbs,  and 
plant  them  where  they  are  to  remain,  taking  care 
to  enrich  the  earth  with  well  decomposed  ma- 
nure, the  small  ones  to  be  replanted  as  before. 
L.  candidum  should  be  taken  up  and  replanted 
in  August  or  first  part  of  September,  as  the  bulbs 
make  a  growth  in  autumn,  upon  which  in  a  great 
measure  depends  their  flowering  the  coming 
season.  In  selecting  the  situation  for  the  Lily- 
bed,  care  should  be  taken  to  have  the  dryest 
spot  possible,  where  water  is  not  liable  to  stand 
in  the  winter.  A  good  mulching  of  leaves,  coarse 
manure,  or  evergreen  boughs  will  prove  highly 
beneficial.  The  species  are  pretty  generally  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  temperate  regions  of 
the  northern  hemisphere;  a  few  only  are  found 
in  the  mountains  of  sub-tropical  Asia.  Cali- 
fornia has  furnished  several  that  are  among  the 
more  difficult  to  cultivate  kere,  because  of  the 
difference  in  the  seasons  of  growth.  Japan  has 
furnished  by  far  the  greater  number  of  really 
excellent  species,  among  which  are  L.  auratmn, 
or  Golden  Banded ;  L.  speciosum  and  its  varieties ; 
L.  Kramerii,  L.  Leichtlinii,  L.  Tigrimnn  flora  plena, 
L.  Thunbergianum  in  variety,  L.  longifloium.  L. 
candidum,  the  oldest  known  species,  comes  from 
the  Levant.  Asia  furnishes  L.  Chalcedonicum; 
Siberia  the  beautiful  little  L.  tenuifolium,  whichis 
there  grown  as  an  article  of  food.  The  United 
States  contributes  L.  superbum,  L.  Canadense,  L. 
rhUadelphicum,  L.  Catfsba.'i,  L.  Caroiinianum,  and 
L.  Columbianum,  together  with  L.  Washingtoni- 
anum,  L.  Humboldtii,  L.  parvum,  L.  Californicum, 
L.  pardalinum,  L.  Roezlii,  L.  Parryi,  and  L.  Wal- 
kerii  from  California.  Most  other  species  are 
found  scattered  throughout  Europe.  The  great 
popularity  of  this  flower  has  induced  the  growers 
and  dealers  to  sub-divide  the  species  and  mul- 
tiply varieties  to  such  an  extent  as  to  bewilder 
the  amateur  in  making  a  selection.  A  prominent 


120 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


UL 

European  house  offers  sixty  varieties  of  L.  Thun-  \ 
bergianum,  and  nearly  as  many  of  L.  lawifolmm  , 
(speaosum.)  L.  eandidum  has  eight  varieties,  L 
umbettatum  about  thirty,  any  one  of  which  would 
well  represent  the  family.  All  the  varieties  suc- 
ceed well  grown  in  pots;  but  two,  L.  eandidum 
and  L  lonmflorum,  bear  what  is  termed  forcing, 
or  are  made  to  bloom  out  of  their  natural  season. 
L.  eandidum,  or  the  white  panicled  Easter  Lily, 
is  the  species  so  extensively  forced  for  flowers 
for  Easter.  The  method  is  to  plant  the  bulbs  in 
six  inch  pots,  deep  enough  to  merely  cover  the 
bulb  any  time  from  September  1st  to  Decem- 
ber 1st,  plunging  the  pots  of  those  potted  early 
to  the  rims  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered,  warm 
spot  and  covering  up  with  leaves  as  cold  weath- 
er approaches,  so  that  they  shall  not  get  frozen 
at  any  time.  Those  that  are  potted  later,  say 
from  the  middle  of  November,  should  be  plung- 
ed in  the  same  way  either  in  the  soil  under  the 
benches  in  a  cold  green-house,  or  in  a  cold  frame. 
The  object  is  in  all  cases  to  get  them  to  fill  the 
pot  with  roots  in  a  low  temperature.  When  the 
pots  are  well  filled  with  roots,  they  may  be 
brought  into  a  higher  temperature,  say  55°  at 
night  and  10°  or  15°  higher  in  the  daytime.  If 
the  pots  are  well  filled  with  roots  they  will  come 
in  flower  from  eight  to  ten  weeks  after  being 
placed  in  the  above  temperature.  When  the 
flower  stems  begin  to  ascend,  the  plants  may  be 
liberally  supplied  with  liquid  manure  once  a 
week  or  so,  taking  care,  however,  never  to  water 
unless  the  plant  shows  indications  of  being  dry. 
The  treatment  given  above  for  L.  eandidum  will 
also  answer  for  L.  longifiomm,  the  white  Trum- 
pet Lily,  except  that  the  latter  should  first  be  put 
in  five-inch  pots  and  remain  until  well  filled 
with  roots,  or  until  the  plant  is  three  to  four  inch- 
es high;  then  shift  into  a  six-inch,  placing  the 
ball  on  the  bottom,  so  that  all,  or  nearly  all,  the 
fresh  mould  is  at  the  top.  When  the  second 
pot  is  well  filled  with  roots,  shift  as  before  into 
a  seven-inch  pot,  where  they  can  remain  until 
they  come  into  flower.  Soon  after  flowering, 
this  variety  will  show  a  disposition  to  rest,  and 
if  allowed  but  a  short  period,  and  re-potted  into 
an  eight-inch  pot  without  disturbing  the  roots, 
and  kept  in  a  cool  house,  they  will  again  come  into 
flower  in  September  and  October;  again,  after  a 
short  rest,  they  will,  without  a  change,  make  a 
new  growth  and  flower  in  the  following  spring,  by 
which  time  the  bulbs  will  have  become  so  ex- 
hausted as  to  need  planting  in  the  border  for  at 
least  two  years.  These  Lilies  may  also  be  forced 
by  placing  the  bulbs  at  once  in  the  pots  in  which 
they  are  intended  to  flower.  Large  numbers  of 
them  are  forced  for  Easter.  It  may  be  added 
here  that  the  California  Lilies  often  remain  in 
the  ground  a  whole  year  before  growing. 

Lily.     See  Lilium. 

Lily  of  the  Amazon.      Soe  Encharis. 

Lily,  Easter.     See  L.  eandidum. 

Lily,  Golden  Banded.    See  L.  auratum. 

Lily,  White  Trumpet.     See  L.  longiflorum. 

Lily  of  the  Nile.    See  Eichardia. 

Lily  of  the  Valley.     See  CoiwaUaria. 

Liniatod.es.    Name  unexplained.     Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monandria.    Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  genus  of  East  Indian  terrestrial  Orchids, 
nearly  allied  to  Onlanthe.  L.  rosea  is  a  very 
beautiful  plant.  The  flowers  are  from  pure 
white,  to  the  deepest  pink,  produced  on  a  tall 
spike,  which  proceeds  from  the  base  of  the  bulb 
after  the  foliage  has  died  away.  They  require 
the  same  treatment  as  the  Calanlhe. 


LIN 


Lime  Tree.     See  Citrus. 

Limnanth.es.  From  limne,  a  marsh,  and  anthos, 
a  flower  ;  in  allusion  to  the  habitat  of  the  plant. 
Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Tropwo- 
lacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  Cali- 
fornia. They  are  of  trailing  habit,  and  produce 
small  white,  and  yellow  and  white  flowers,  quite 
fragrant  and  neat,  but  not  showy.  They  come 
soon  into  nower  after  the  seed  is  sown,  and  a  suc- 
cession of  flowers  can  be  kept  up  by  occasional 
sowings  during  summer.  They  are  not  at  all 
particular  as  to  soil,  but  prefer  a  moist  situation. 
Limnobium.  American  Frog's  Bit.  From  lim- 
nobius,  living  in  pools.  Linn.  Dioscia-Hexac/y- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Hydrocharulacete.  A  genus 'of 
aquatic  plants,  floating  in  stagnant  water,  com- 
mon almost  everywhere. 

Limnocharis.  From  limne,  a  pool,  and  chairo,  to 
delight  in;  referring  to  their  habitat.  Linn. 
Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Butomacecc. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  aquatic  plants, 
with  yellow  flowers  and  heart-shaped  leaves. 
They  are  natives  of  Brazil.  Two  species  only 
have  been  introduced,  and  they  are  only  to  be 
found  in  rare  collections. 

Limonia.  From  limoun,  the  Arabic  name  of  the 
Citron.  Linn.  Decandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Aurantiaceoe. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs  from  the 
East  Indies,  China,  and  New  Holland.  L.  acid- 
issiina,  typical  of  the  genus,  is  a  spiny  shrub 
growing  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  and  having  pin- 
nate leaves  with  winged  stalks,  and  racemes  >f 
pure  white  flowers.  The  fruit  is  about  the  si«ifr 
of  a  damson  plum,  yellow,  with  a  red  or  purplish 
tint.  The  natives  employ  the  extremely  acid 
pulp  of  these  fruits  as  a  substitute  for  soap.  The 
fruit  is  also  used  medicinally. 
Linaria.  Toad  Flax.  From  linum,  flax;  on  ac- 
count of  the  similarity  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Di- 
dynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophularia- 
cece. 

A  very  large  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  herba- 
ceous perennials,  and  a  few  half-hardy  and 
.  tender  species.  Many  of  them  are  exceedingly 
ornamental.  L.  cymbalaria  is  the  well-known 
Kenttworth  Ivy,  or  Coliseum  Ivy,  a  valuable  trail- 
ing plant,  and  one  of  the  best  for  various  rustic 
designs.  There  is  a  very  pretty  variegated  form 
of  this  species.  L.  triornithophora,  remarkable  for 
the  resemblance  of  its  flowers  to  three  little 
birds  attached  to  the  spur.  L.  vulgaris,  com- 
monly known  as  Butter-and-Eggs,  was  intro- 
duced into  Philadelphia  as  a  garden  flower 
many  years  ago,  and  has  become  thoroughly 
naturalized,  and  a  perfect  nuisance  in  many 
parts  of  the  country.  When  once  introduced 
it  takes  almost  complete  possession  of  the  soil. 
It  produces  an  almost  innumerable  number  of 
seeds,  besides  its  rapid  increase  by  means  of  its 
numerous  spreading  roots.  The  useful  species 
are  all  readily  increased  from  seeds. 
Linden.  See  Tilia. 

Lindera.  Wild  Allspice,  Fever  Bush.  Named 
after  John  Linder,  a  Swedish  botanist.  Linn. 
DioRcia-Polygamia.  Nat.  Ord.Xawraceo?.  A  tall- 
growing  shrub,  common  in  damp  woods  from 
Virginia  southward. 

landleya.  Named  after  Professor  Lindley  by 
Humboldt  and  Kunth.  Linn.  Icosaiulria-Penta- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacecu. 

L.  mespiloides,  the  only  species,  is  an  orna- 
mental low-growing  evergreen  tree  or  shrub,  na- 
tive of  the  raountain  regions  of  Mexico.  It  has 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


121 


LIN 

simple  crenulate,  shining  leaves,  and  solitary 
large  white,  sweet-scented  flowers,  borae  on  the 
tips  of  its  branchlets. 
Lindsaea.      Named    after  M.  Lindsay,  a  distin- 

fuished  English  botanist.     Linn.    Cryptogamia- 
"ilices.     Nat.  Ord.  PolypodiacecK. 
An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  mostly 
strong  growing,  and  requiring  the  warm  green- 
house or  hot-house  to  grow  them. 
Linnaea.     Dr.  J.  F.  Gronovius,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  Linnaeus,  selected  this  little  depressed, 
early-flowering,  long-overlooked  northern  plant, 
to  transmit  the  illustrious  name  of  Linnaeus  to 
posterity.     Linn.  D'tdynamia-Angiospermia.    Nat. 
Ord.  Caprifoliacecv. 

L.  borealis,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful  lit- 
tle trailing  evergreen  plant,  with  long,  slender 
branches,  bearing  small  ovate  or  obovate  leaves, 
slightly  toothed  at  the  top,  and  sending  up  erect, 
thread-like  flower  stalks,  which  fork  near  the 
top,  and  bear  two  gracefully  drooping,  very  fra- 
grant, bell-like  flowers,  of  a  pale  pink  or  nearly 
white  color,  and  almost  half  an  inch  in  length. 
It  grows  almost  exclusively  in  woods,  in  cold, 
moist  situations,  and  is  common  from  New  Jer- 
sey northward,  and  is  widely  dispersed  over 
northern  Europe  and  Asia.  According  to  soine 
writers,  its  scent  is  so  powerful,  especially  at 
night,  that  it  may  be  discovered  at  a  considera- 
ble distance.  The  Laplanders  use  a  decoction 
of  its  flowers  as  a  remedy  in  rheumatic  com- 
plaints. 

Linum.  Flax.  From  the  Celtic  word  llin,  a 
thread ;  whence  the  Greek  linon,  and  the  Latin 
Union.  Linn.  Pentandria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Linacece. 

This  genus  contains  upward  of  fifty  species 
of  various  characters,  some  rising  to  be  small 
shrubs,  hardy  and  tender  perennials,  biennials, 
and  annuals;  all  of  them  interesting,  and 
many  very  handsome.  One  species,  L.  usitatissi- 
mum,  affords  the  well-known  and  valuable  pro- 
duct Flax.  The  tender  species  require  the  ordi- 
nary treatment  of  green-house  plants.  L.  flavum 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  yellow  flow- 
ering plants;  while  L.  grandiflorum,  an  annual,  has 
magnificent  crimson  flowers.  The  hardy  spe- 
cies delight  in  good  loamy  soil.  The  tall-grow- 
ing ones  should  be  placed  in  the  borders,  and 
the  dwarf  kinds  on  rock-work.  The  latter  are 
somewhat  impatient  of  wet  in  winter,  and  in 
consequence  are  usually  potted  in  autumn,  and 
kept  in  a  cold  frame  during  winter. 
Lion's  Ear.  See  Leonolis. 

Liparis.  From  tiparos,  unctuous;  referring  to  the 
leaves.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  and  epiphytal 
Orchids,  of  no  special  merit.  They  have  mostly 
purplish  or  greenish  flowers.  Several  of  the 
species  are  common  in  moist  woodlands  in  the 
Middle  States  and  westward. 
Lip  Fern.  See  Ckeilanthes. 

Iiiquidainbar.  From  liquidus,  liquid,  and  amlxir, 
amber;  referring  to  the  gum  called  liquid  sto- 
rax  produced  by  some  species.  Linn.  Monoscia- 
Polijartdria.  Nat.  Ord.  Altingiacea;. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  deciduous  trees.  L. 
styrac'iflua,  our  common  Sweet  Gum  Tree,  is  one 
of  our  finest  forest  treys,  and  one  deserving  moro 
general  cultivation  on  the  lawn,  and  for  a  sha  1  ; 
tree  upon  the  roadsides.  It  is  a  tall,  erect  grow- 
ing tree  of  elegant  appearance,  especially  in  au- 
tumn, when  its  beautiful  star-shaped  leaves 
change  to  a  bright  red,  quite  as  conspicuous  as 


UV 

those  of  the  Maple,  and  remain  on  the  tree  much 
longer.  This  is  the  tree  whose  rough,  triangular 
branches,  are  sold  in  the  streets  of  New  York  as 
the  "  Alligator  Plant."  These  pieces  of  stick 
are  sold  by  the  thousands  every  season  at  from 
twenty-five  to  fifty  cents  each,  to  unsophisticat- 
ed city  men,  with  about  as  much  chance  of 
growing  as  their  fence  pickets.  There  are  but 
two  other  species,  one  from  the  Levant,  and 
the  other  of  late  introduction  from  Formosa. 
They  are  increased  from  seeds. 

Liquorice.     See  Gtycyrrhiza. 

Liriodendron.  Tulip  Tree.  From  leirion,  a  lily, 
and  dendron,  a  tree;  the  flower  produced  by  this 
tree  bears  some  resemblance  to  a  Lily,  but  is 
more  like  a  Tulip.  Linn.  Polyandrici-Polygynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Magnoliacece. 

L.  tulipifem,  the  only  species,  is  one  of  our 
most  beautiful  forest  trees,  and  has  no  superior 
for  a  shade  tree  where  there  is  plenty  of  room 
for  its  perfect  development.  It  is  common  from 
Canada  to  Louisiana  in  rich  woodlands,  where 
it  sometimes  attains  a  height  of  two  hundred 
feet.  The  trunk  is  as  straight  as  an  arrow. 
Its  flowers  are  produced  in  June  in  the  great- 
est abundance.  They  are  of  the  size  and 
shape  of  Tulips,  and  very  fragrant.  Color 
greenish  white,  variegated  with  yellow  and 
orange.  There  are  two  varieties  of  the  species, 
one  of  which  furnishes  white,  the  other  yellow- 
ish lumber.  The  former  is  of  but  little  value  in 
the  mechanic  arts,  but  the  latter  is  highly  es- 
teemed for  cabinet  work,  and  is  mostly  used  for 
carriage  bodies.  Propagated  by  seed. 

Lissochilus.  From  lissos,  smooth,  and  cheilos,  a 
lip;  in  allusion  to  the  lip  of  the  flower.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids  from  Africa, 
producing  racemes  of  rather  showy  flowers  from 
the  base  of  the  pseudo-bulbs.  The  species 
are  not  very  numerous,  and  the  few  are  only 
met  in  large  collections. 

Lisianthus.  From  lysis,  the  termination  of  a 
disease,  and  anthis,  a  flower;  referring  to  its  in- 
tense bitterness  and  medicinal  properties. 
Linn.  Perdandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Genlian- 
acece. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  green-house  an- 
nuals and  evergreens,  mostly  of  little  merit  as 
flowering  plants,  the  exception  being  L.  prin- 
ceps,  an  evergreen  shrub  from  New  Grenada, 
that  has  long  hanging  flowers  of  a  rich  scarlet, 
shading  into  yellow  at  either  end,  and  having 
an  emerald  green,  five-lobed  limb.  This  species 
is  propagated  by  cuttings,  and  was  introduced 
in  1848.  L.  Eussellianus,  an  annual  or  biennial 
from  Mexico,  is  another  very  pretty  species 
with  rich  blue  flowers  shaded  with  purple. 
Propagated  by  seeds. 

Listera.  Twayblade.  Dedicated  to  Dr.  Martin 
Lister,  an  early  British  naturalist.  Linn.  Gynun- 
dria-Moiui)idria.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  bearing 
slender  spikes  of  small  green  flowers.  Of  no 
special  interest  except  in  botanical  collections. 
The  several  species  are  common  throughout  the 
United  States. 

Litobrochia.  A  commemorative  name.  Linn. 
Cryptogamia-ZUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacw. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  differ- 
ing from  Pterui  only  in  the  reticulation  of  the 
veins  of  the  fronds. 

Live-Forever.     See  Sedum. 

Liver-Leaf.  The  popular  name  of  Hepaiica  triloba, 
from  a  supposed  resemblance  of  the  leaves. 


122 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


LIV 

lave  Oak.     See'  Qucrrxs  r-'/r/is. 
Livistonia.     In  honor  of  Patrick  Murray,  of  Liv- 
istone,   near    Edinburgh.     Linn.   He.mndrki-1r>- 
<runia.    Nat.  Ord.  Palmacefe. 

A  eenus  of  very  interesting  Palms,  inhabiting 
the  Upper  Assam,  Southern  China,  the  Indian 
Archipelago,  and  Australia.  Two  of  the  species; 
attain  a  height  of  from  ninety  to  one  hundred 
feet.  The  remaining  species  rarely  exceed  I 
thirty  or  forty  feet  in  height.  L.  Australts,  also 
called  Corypha  Australia,  is  one  of  the  few  Palms 
found  in  Australia,  and  is  principaUy  found  j 
along  the  coast.  It  is  the  tallest  of  the  species.  ; 
Its  unexpanded  leaves,  prepared  by  being  scald- 
ed and  then  dried  in  the  shade,  are  used  for 
making  hats,  while  the  younger  and  more  ten- 
der leaves  are  eaten  like  cabbages.  In  Assam 
the  leaves  of  L.  Jenkinsiann  are  used  for  making 
the  peculiar  umbrella  hats  worn  in  that  coun- 
try. Several  of  the  species  are  under  cultiva- 
tion, particularly  L.  Australia,  which  is  largely 
grown  for  decorative  purposes  in  all  large  cities 
in  the  United  States.  Young  plants  are  ob- 
tained from  seed.  Introduced  in  1846. 
Llavea.  In  honor  of  M.  La  Have,  the  discoverer 
of  the  only  known  species.  Linn.  Cryptogamia- 
Fdices.  Nat.  Ord.  PolypodlacecK. 

L.  cordifdla,  the  only  species,  is  a  very  inter- 
esting Fern,  found  in  the  higher  elevations  of  ! 
Mexico.    It  requires  the  same  treatment  as  most 
green-house  Ferns. 

Loasa.  Meaning  unknown;  probably  a  com- 
memorative name.  Linn.  Polyadelphia-Polyan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Loasacece. 

A  genus  of  very  curious  climbing  or  creeping 
plants,  of  annual  or  biennial  duration,  having 
yellow,  white,  or  scarlet  flowers.  The  seed  should 
t>e  sown  in  March  on  a  gentle  heat,  and  after 
being  gradually  hardened  the  plants  may  be 
removed  to  the  borders  of  the  flower-garden. 
The  leaves  of  all  the  species  have  more  or  less 
of  the  irritating  qualities  of  the  common  Sting- 
ing Nettle.  They  are  all  natives  of  Chili,  and 
were  introduced  in  1822. 

Lobelia.  Named  in  honor  of  Matthew  Label,  au- 
thor of  various  botanical  works.  He  was  a  na- 
tive of  Lille,  became  physician  and  botanist  to 
James  L,  and  died  in  London  in  1816.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Afonoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lobeliacece. 

An  extensive  and  varied  group  of  interesting 
plants.  The  genus  consists  of  over  eighty 
species,  many  of  which  are  highly  ornamental 
and  useful  in  the  garden  and  in  the  green- 
house. L.  erinus  and  its  varieties  are  trailers, 
and  remarkable  for  their  profusion  of  beautiful 
blue  flowers.  They  are  usually  treated  as  an- 
nuals, and  grown  from  seed,  but  succeed  grown 
from  cuttings.  This  species  was  introduced 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1752,  and  from 
it  have  sprung  numerous  varieties,  running 
through  all  shades  of  blue,  rose,  lilac,  etc.  A 
very  pretty  double  blue  variety  was  originated 
in  1870.  L.  Oirdinalis,  Cardinal  Flower,  a  native 
species,  common  throughout  the  States,  is  one 
of  the  most  brilliant  flowers  in  cultivation. 
Though  usually  found  in  moist  places,  it  will 
grow  well  in  the  border,  and  is  one  of  our  best 
plants  to  grow  on  the  shady  side  of  the  house. 
L.  syphilitica,  another  species  common  to  our 
waste  places,  has  beautiful  blue  flowers.  L. 
inflatu,  (Indian  Tobacco,)  an  annual  species, 
common  in  the  Northern  States,  is  perhaps  the 
best  known  of  the  whole  family,  because  of  the 
medicinal  properties  it  was  formerly  supposed 
to  possess.  It  is  still  largely  used  in  medicine, 


LOL 

but  is  not  now  considered  a  specific  for  every 
disease  that  flesh  and  blood  are  heirs  to. 
Loblolly  Bay.     See  Gordonia. 
Lobster-Leaved  Cactus.     See  EpiphyUum. 
Loco.     See  Astragalus. 
Locust  Tree.     See  liobinia. 

Lodoicea.  Named  after  Laodice,  the  daughter  of 
Priamus  and  Hecuba.  Linn.  Dmcia-Polyandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

L.  Seychellarum,  the  only  species  of  this  genus, 
is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  the  order.  It 
is  found  only  on  the  islands  Praslin  and  Curi- 
ense  of  the  Seychelles  group.  This  Palm  has  a 
nearly  cylindrical  trunk,  scarcely  exceeding  a 
foot  in  diameter,  grows  to  the  height  of  one  hun- 
dred feet,  and  bears  a  crown  of  fan-shaped 
leaves,  some  of  which  are  upward  of  twenty  i'eet 
long  and  twelve  feet  wide.  Many  marvelous 
stories  are  told  of  this  tree,  its  fruit,  and  its 
uses.  "We  give  the  description  and  history  of 
this  Palm,  which  is  far  more  wonderful  than 
fiction,  in  the  language  of  Thomas  Moore, 
F.L.S.,  as  related  in  the  "Treasury  of  Botany:" 
"  This  magnificent  Palm  requires  a  great  length 
of  time  to  arrive  at  maturity.  The  shortest 
period  before  it  puts  forth  its  flower-buds  is 
thirty  years,  and  a  hundred  years  elapse  before 
it  attains  its  full  growth.  From  the  age  of  fif- 
teen to  twenty-five  years  it  is  in  its  greatest 
beauty,  the  leaves  at  this  period  being  much 
larger  than  they  are  subsequently.  The  stem 
grows  quite  upright,  straight  as  an  iron  pillar, 
and  in  the  male  trees  frequently  attains  a  hun- 
dred feet  in  height,  the  females  being  shorter. 
At  the  age  of  thirty  it  first  puts  forth  its  blos- 
soms, the  males  forming  enormous  catkins  about 
three  feet  in  length  and  three  inches  in  diam- 
eter, while  the  females  are  set  on  a  strong  zig- 
zag stalk,  from  which  hang  four  or  five,  or 
sometimes  as  many  as  eleven  nuts,  averaging 
about  forty  pounds  weight  each.  From  the 
time  of  flowering  to  the  maturation  of  the  fruit, 
a  period  of  nearly  ten  years  elapses,  the  full 
size,  however,  being  attained  in  about  four 
years,  at  which  time  it  is  soft  and  full  of  a  semi- 
transparent,  jelly-like  substance.  The  arrange- 
ments provided  by  nature  for  the  roots  of  this 
tree  are  of  a  most  peculiar  kind.  The  base  of 
the  stem  is  rounded,  and  fits  into  a  natural 
bowl  or  socket  about  two  and  a  half  feet  in 
diameter  and  eighteen  inches  in  depth  ;  this 
bowl  ia  pierced  with  hundreds  of  small  oval 
holes  about  the  size  of  a  thimble,  with  hollow 
tubes  corresponding  on  the  outside,  through 
which  the  roots  penetrate  the  ground  on  all 
sides,  never,  however,  becoming  attached  to  the 
bowl,  their  partial  elasticity  affording  an  al- 
most imperceptible  but  very  necessary  '  play '  to 
the  parent  stem  when  struggling  against  the 
force  of  violent  gales.  This  bowl  is  of  the  same 
substance  as  the  shell  of  the  nut,  only  much 
thicker.  It  rots  very  slowly,  for  it  has  been 
found  quite  perfect  and  entire  in  every  respect 
sixty  years  after  the  tree  has  been  cut  down." 
Logwood.  See  Hcematoxylon. 

i  Loiseleuria.  Alpine  Azalea.  Named  for  Lnise- 
leur  Delongchamps,  a  French  botanist.  Linn.  Pent- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericaceae. 

L.  procumbens,  the  only  species,  is  a  trailing 
evergreen  shrub  with  small  elliptical  leaves,  and 
terminal  clusters  of  small  rose-colored  or  white 
flowers.  It  is  found  on  the  summits  of  the 
White  Mountains  in  New  Hampshire,  in  the 
most  rocky  situations. 
;  Lolium.  See  Daniel. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


123 


LOM 

Lomaria.  From  loma,  an  edge;  referring  to  the* 
position  of  the  spore  or  seed  cases  on  the  leaves. 
Linn.  Cryptotjami't-FiUcex.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodia- 
cece. 

An  extensive  and  interesting  genus  of  Ferns, 
including  hardy  green-house  and  hot-house  spe- 
cies. They  occur  in  most  parts  of  the  world, 
and  comprise  examples  with  simple  pinnatifid 
and  pinnate  fronds,  while  one  species,  L.  Fra- 
seri,  has  a  slender,  tree-like  stem,  and  bipin- 
natifid  fronds,  but  it  is  quite  exceptional  in 
the  genus.  L.  Gibbii,  a  dwarf  species,  is  large- 
ly grown  for  decoration.  For  culture  see  Bkch- 
H  tun,  to  which  it  is  allied.  Propagated  by  spores. 

Lomatia.  From  loma,  an  edge;  referring  to  the 
winged  edge  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  Tetranaria- Mu- 
iiogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Proteacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  South  American  and  Austra- 
lian evergreen  shrubs  or  small  trees.  They 
have  simple  pinnate  or  bipinnate  leaves  of  a 
leathery  texture.  A  few  of  the  species  are  grown 
in  collections  of  plants,  with  variegated  or  orna- 
mental foliage.  They  require  ordinary  green- 
house treatment.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Lombardy  Poplar.     See  Pop&ug, 

Long  Moss.     See  TUlandsio. 

Lonicera.  Honeysuckle.  Named  after  Adam  Lo- 
nicer,  a  German  botanist,  who  died  in  1596.  Linn. 
Perian&iOrMonogyiaa.  Nat.  Ord.  Oaprtfotiacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  climbing  and  upright 
shrubs,  inhabiting  both  the  Eastern  and  Western 
Hemispheres,  and  much  cultivated  for  the  sake  of 
ornament  and  the  fragrance  of  their  flowers.  L. 
tifmpwcireits,  Trumpet  Honeysuckle,  a  handsome 
climbing  species  with  sub-evergreen  foliage  and 
scarlet  flowers,  is  a  native  species,  common 
from  New  York  to  Florida,  and  one  of  the  most 
ornamental.  L.  Japonica,  var.  Hallli,  from  Japan, 
is  one  of  the  best  of  the  climbers,  and  L.  brachy- 
poda  variegato,  also  from  Japan,  is  prized  for  the 
beauty  of  its  variegated  foliage.  L.  Tartarica, 
Tartarian  Honeysuckle,  makes  an  ornamental 
shrub,  growing  from  six  to  eight  feet  high,  of 
compact  habit,  and  is  profusely  covered  with 
flowers  in  May,  and  with  orange-colored  berries 
during  summer.  All  the  species  are  worthy  of 
cultivation,  and  are  readily  increased  by  layers, 
cuttings,  or  from  seed. 

Loosestrife.     See  Lysimachiu. 

London  Pride.     See  Saseifrttgn. 

Long-tailed  Ornithogalum.     See  Orntihogatum. 

Lopezia.  Named  in  honor  of  J.  Lopez,  a  Spanish 
botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Moiiogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Onagracece. 

This  is  a  genus  of  very  handsome  plants,  dis- 
tinguished by  having  two  filaments,  of  which 
one  bears  an  anther,  and  the  other  is  petal-like 
and  abortive.  Tha  seed  vessel  is  four-valved, 
four-celled,  and  many  seeded.  The  species  are 
all  natives  of  Mexico,  bearing  alternate,  rarely 
opposite  toothed  leaves,  and  terminal  racemes  of 
small  purple  or  red  flowers.  The  biennials  are 
green-house  plants.  The  seeds  of  the  annuals 
may  be  sown  early  in  a  hot -bed  or  in  the  green- 
house, and  transplanted  when  they  have  made 
a  couple  of  leaves.  They  make  very  pretty  stand- 
ards when  trained  and  pinched  during  the 
summer.  On  the  approach  of  cold  weather  they 
should  be  brought  into  the  green-house,  where 
they  will  flower  handsomely  during  the  winter. 
L.  degans  is  one  of  the  best.  They  may  be 
grown  from  cuttings  as  well  as  from  seed.  First 
introduced  in  1792. 

Lophosperrnuni.  From  lophos,  a  crest,  and  spernia, 
;i  seed ;  the  seeds  are  furnished  with  a  crested 


LUF 

wing.  Linn.  Di<lynainia-<jrif>n/x}?;pt'i-mia.  Nat.  Ord. 
ScrophulariacecK. 

Handsome  green-house  climbers,  bearing  nu- 
merous large  rosy-purple  flowers.  They  are  also 
adapted  for  the  open  air,  and  flower  well  when 
trained  against  a  wall  or  fence  having  a  south 
aspect  in  the  flower  garden,  delighting  in  an  airy 
position,  with  rich  earth  to  grow  in.  Seed  is 
also  produced  plentifully  in  such  positions;  and 
when  this  is  secured,  it  saves  the  trouble  of  pre- 
serving plants  through  the  winter,  as ,  if  it  is  sown 
early  in  March,  on  heat,  and  brought  forward  in 
pots,  the  young  plants  bloom  quite  as  soon,  and 
are  generally  more  vigorous  than  those  which 
have  been  kept  from  the  preceding  year.  L. 
scandens,  the  species  best  known,  is  a  native  of 
Mexico,  and  was  introduced  in  1M34. 

Lotus.  From  lotos  of  Theophrastus;  the  true  Lo- 
tus is  Zizyphus  Lotus.  Linn.  Diadelphia.-Deca.ndr ia. 
Nat.  Ord'.  Fal>«.;;,: 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
herbaceous  perennials,  a  few  of  which  are  orna- 
mental, and  are  sometimes  cultivated  in  the  bor- 
ders. Several  of  the  species  are  forage  plants. 
Lotus  Jacobeus,  a  green-house  plant,  has  flowers 
nearer  black  than  almost  any  known  flower. 
They  are  all  increased  from  seeds. 

Lousewort.  One  of  the  vulgar  names  of  Peilic- 
ularis  Canadensis  ;  also  called  Wood  Betony. 

Love  Apple.  A  name  used  in  England  for  the 
Tomato,  and  formerly  here. 

Love-in-a-Mist.     See  Nigdla. 

Love-lies-Bleeding.     See  Amaranthus  caudatus. 

Lucerne.     See  Medicago. 

Luculia.  Lueidi  Swa  is  the  name  given  to  the 
tree  by  the  Nepalese.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
ijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CinchonacecK. 

The  two  species  forming  the  genus  are  among 
the  finest  winter-flowering  plants  we  possess,  as, 
when  well  grown,  they  become  covered  with 
large  heads  of  lovely  pink  flowers.  The  plants 
should  be  placed  when  young  into  large  pots, 
well  drained,  and  filled  with  fibrous  loam.  The 
encouragement  of  a  slight  bottom  heat  and  a 
rather  elevated  humid  atmosphere  will  induce 
them  to  grow  with  vigor.  It  is  best,  in  this 
early  stage  of  their  development,  to  stop  the 
shoots  once  or  twice,  so  as  to  form  handsome 
specimens,  and  when  the  growth  is  nearly  com- 
plete, they  should  be  removed  to  the  green- 
house to  mature  it  and  form  their  flowers,  which 
are  usually  unfolded  about  the  end  of  autumn, 
and  with  a  little  care  may  be  preserved  for  a 
long  period.  L.  gratissima  is  the  best  known 
species,  and  should  find  a  place  in  every  col- 
lection. It  bears  numerous  cymes  of  reddish- 
pink  flowers,  which  are  very  fragrant.  There 
are  few  more  beautiful  plants  than  this  when  in 
bloom,  and  it  should  be  more  generally  grown. 
It  does  well  in  a  loamy  soil,  to  which  leaf  mould 
and  sand  have  been  added.  Natives  of  Nepal. 
Introduced  in  1823.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Luddemannia.  Complimentary  to  M.  Litddemann. 
Linn.  Vynandria-Monandria.  Nat,  Ord.  Orchida- 
cecK. 

L.  Pescatorei,  the  only  species,  was  formerly 
called  Cycnochcs  Pescatorei.  It  is  a  native  of 
South  America.  The  flower  spike  is  pendulous, 
very  long,  producing  thirty  to  forty  buff-yellow 
flowers,  brown  inside,  with  the  sepals  and  lip 
bright  yellow.  This  species  should  be  grown 
in  a  basket  in  moss.  It  is  increased  by  division. 

Luffa.       From  louff,   the    Arabic    name.      Linn. 
Moncecia-PentaHdria.    Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacecr. 
A  curious   genus  of  Gourds,  not  often  culti- 


124 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


LUN 

vated  because  of  their  offensive  odor.  They  are 
ornamental  climbers,  covering  and  adorning  the 
trunks  of  the  Palm  trees  in  India.  When  ripe, 
the  inside  of  the  fruit  is  closely  netted  and 
fibrous,  and  is  used  for  scouring  cooking  uten- 
sils. Hence,  some  of  the  species  are  called 
Spanqe  Gourds  and  Dish-rw  Plants. 
Lunaria.  Moonwort,  Honesty.  From  tuna,  the 
moon  ;  referring  to  the  shape  of  the  seed-ves- 
sels. Linn.  Tetradynamta.  w-*  n~l  »—-"- 


Nat.  Ord.  Brassica- 


Of  this  old  garden  plant  there  are  but  two  spe- 
cies, one  a  hardy  biennial,  L.  biennis,  with  blue 
and  white,  and  white  flowers,  and  interesting 
for  their  large  oval,  silvery  seed  pouches,  which 
are  quite  ornamental,  and  are  much  used  in  bou- 
quets of  dried  Ferns  and  Grasses,  as  they  last  a 
long  time  if  kept  dry.  The  seed  of  this  species 
should  be  sown  in  early  summer  for  flowering 
the  next  year.  It  is  a  native  of  Germany,  and 
is  mentioned  by  the  earliest  botanical  writers. 
The  other  species  is  a  hardy  herbaceous  peren- 
nial of  but  little  merit. 

Lupine.     See  Lnpinus. 

Lupinus.  Lupine.  From  lupus,  a  wolf;  devas- 
tates land  as  a  wolf  does  the  fold;  literally,  de- 
stroyer. Linn.  Moitaddpkia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  genus  of  herbaceous  annuals  and  peren- 
nials, which  contain  some  of  our  most  beautiful 
border  flowers;  yellow,  blue,  white,  and  pink 
Lupines  are  among  the  oldest  border  annuals. 
L.  nanus  is  n  beautiful  little  annual,  with  dark 
blue  flowers,  a  native  of  California,  and  requires 
the  usual  treatment  of  Californian  annuals.  L. 
mutabilis  and  L.  Orulkskankii  are  splendid 
plants,  growing  to  the  height  of  four  or  five 
feet,  and  branching  like  miniature  trees  ;  L. 
polyphyllus  and  its  varieties  are  perennials,  and 
they  are  splendid  and  vigorous-growing  plants, 
with  spikes  of  flowers  from  one  foot  to  eighteen 
inches  in  length ;  L.  Nootkatensis  is  a  handsome 
dwarf  perennial,  and  L.  arboreus,  when  trained 
against  a  wall,  will  attain  six  feet  in  height,  and 
in  sheltered  situations  it  will  grow  with  equal 
vigor  when  trained  as  a  bush  tied  to  a  stake;  L. 
latifolius  is  a  perennial  from  California,  with 
very  long  spikes  of  blue  flowers. 

Luzula.  From  the  Gramen  Luzulw  of  Bauhin,  the 
Glow-worm  Grass.  Linn.  Baundrta-Mmogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  tfcjMOGAEB. 

A  genus  of  herbaceous  perennial  plants  allied 
to  the  Rushes.  They  are  of  but  little  beauty. 
They  are  common  throughout  the  United  States. 
From  their  being  usually  found  in  dry  grounds 
and  woods,  they  are  commonly  known  by  the 
name  Woodrush. 

Lycaste.  Named  after  a  beautiful  woman  of  Si- 
cily. Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

Very  handsome  epiphytes  of  the  pseudo-bulb- 
ous class.  They  grow  with  freedom  when  pot- 
ted in  a  well-drained  mixture  of  leaf-mould, 
sphagnum,  and  rotten  wood,  interspersed  with 
which  should  be  a  considerable  number  of  small 
pieces  of  charcoal  or  potsherds.  Being  natives 
of  the  Western  Hemisphere,  the  species  do  not 
require  a  very  high  temperature,  that  of  an  or- 
dinary green-house  being  fully  sufficient ;  neither 
do  they  require  so  decided  a  rest  as  some  other 
individuals  of  the  order,  but  should  be  freely 
supplied  with  both  water  and  air  when  growing. 
There  are  about  twenty-five  species  in  this 
genus,  all  natives  of  Central  and  South  America 
First  introduced  in  1828. 


LYG 

Lychnis.  From  lyclims,  a  lamp;  referring  to  the 
brilliancy  of  the  flowers  of  some  of  the  species. 
Linn.  Decandria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oaryo- 
phylkicecK. 

A  group  of  very  ornamental  herbaceous 
plants,  quite  hardy,  and  deserving  a  place  in 
every  garden.  The  species  vary  in  character 
very  much,  some  of  them  attaining  a  height  of 
three  or  four  feet,  as  in  the  case  of  the  common 
Scarlet  Lychnis,  (L.  Ohalcedonica, )  an  old  garden 
favorite  from  Russia,  valuable  because  there  are 
so  few  flowers  of  that  color  among  our  hardy 
herbaceous  plants.  There  is  a  fine  double  va- 
riety of  this  species,  also  a  single  white.  L. 
Haayeana  is  also  fine.  Many  others  are  low -grow- 
ing, not  more  than  six  inches  in  height.  L. 
fjmndiflora  and  L.  fulgens  are  very  handsome, 
and  the  very  pretty  L.  ccdi-rosea  should  be  in- 
cluded in  the  list  of  annuals  for  every  garden. 
L.  Senna;,  introduced  from  Japan  in  1865,  is 
beautifully  striped  white  and  crimson.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings  or  seeds. 

Lycium.  Box  Thorn.  From  lycion,  a  name  given 
"by  Dioscorides  to  a  thorny  shrub,  and  applied 
to  the  genus  because  of  its  containing  some 
thorny  shrubs.  Linn.  Pentandria- Monogyniu. 
Nat.  Ord.  SolanacecK. 

There  are  numerous  species  in  this  genus,  all 
hardy  or  green-house  shrubs,  mostly  of  little 
value  as  ornamental  plants.  L.  barbantm  is  a 
plant  of  rapid  growth,  green  foliage,  and  small 
lilac  flowers.  It  is  a  climber,  and  was  grown 
considerably  in  England  to  cover  trellises  and 
arbors.  It  is  commonly  called  Tea  Plant,  and 
its  leaves  were  recommended  as  a  substitute  for 
tea;  the  advice,  however,  was  but  little  heeded. 
L.  Carolinianum,  a  handsome  shrub,  is  common 
in  the  swamps  from  Carolina  to  Florida.  L. 
vulgare,  a  native  of  Europe,  and  an  escape  from 
our  gardens  into  the  hedge-rows  and  waste 
places  in  some  of  the  States,  is  popularly  known 
as  Matrimony  Vine. 

Lycopersicum.     See  Tomato. 

Lycopodium.  Club  Moss.  From  lykos,  a  wolf, 
andpons,  a  foot;  the  roots  having  a  resemblance 
to  that  animal's  paw.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Lycopo- 
dinea.  Nat.  Ord.  Lycopodiacece, 

An  extensive  genus  of  neat  little  evergreen, 
moss-like  herbaceous  plants,  some  of  which  are 
found  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  Several  of  the 
species  are  common  in  the  green-house,  and 
are  exceedingly  ornamental  and  useful  in  fill- 
ing Ferneries,  Wardian  Cases,  and  the  various 
devices  in  rustic  work.  L.  detisum,  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  that  has  been  introduced  into 
the  green-house,  is  a  native  of  New  Holland,  in- 
troduced in  1820.  L.  dendroideum,  remarkable 
for  its  tree-like  appearance,  is  largely  employed 
in  making  "Christmas  greens,"  and  in  bouquet 
work  by  the  florists.  It  is  very  common  in 
swampy  places,  particularly  in  New  England. 
The  spores  of  the  common  Club  Moss  are  very 
inflammable,  and  are  used  on  the  stage  to  pro- 
duce artificial  lightning.  See  SelagindUi. 

Lycoris.  The  name  of  a  woman  in  Roman  his- 
tory. Linn.  Ilexandrla-Monogynla.  Nat.  Ord. 
Aniaryttidacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  bulbs  from  China, 
producing  several  showy  flowers,  in  an  umbel, 
on  a  slender  scape  from  twelve  to  eighteen 
inches  high,  the  color  being  yellow  or  light 
straw,  and  pink.  They  are  allied  to  the  Valloto, 
and  require  the  same  treatment.  Introduced  in 
1758. 

Lygodictyon.      From   Lygodiwn  and  dictyon,   a 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


125 


LYG 

net;  its  net-like  veins  distinguishing  it  from 
L  lytdium.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Potypodiacece. 

L.  Fursteri,  a  climbing  Fern,  common  in  the 
South  Sea  Islands,  constitutes  this  genus.  It 
is  almost  identical  with  the  genus  Lygodium.  It 
is  also  known  as  Uydroglosswm. 
Lygodixim.  Climbing  Fern.  From  lyr/odes,  flex- 
ible ;  in  allusion  to  the  twining  habit  of  the 
plants.  Linn.  Cryptogamia  -  Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Polypodiacece. 

A.  genus  of  climbing  Ferns,  mostly  of  an  or- 
namental character,  and  widely  dispersed  over 
the  warmer  parts  of  the  earth.  L.  scandens,  in- 
troduced from  Japan  in  1830,  is  a  favorite  in  the 
green-house,  and  is  well  adapted  to  house  cul- 
ture, as  it  requires  but  little  light,  and  is  not 
injured  by  "furnace  heat'  or  gas,  so  fatal  to 
most  plants  introdxiced  into  tj^  drawing-room. 
It  is,  moreover,  a  rapid  grower.  With  a  little 
management  this  plant  can  be  made  to  complete 
its  growth  during  the  summer,  and  it  may  then 
be  placed  in  a  cool  room  in  the  house  or  in  the 
hall,  where  it  will  remain  an  object  of  beauty 
till  spring,  when  it  may  be  cut  down  for  a  new 
growth.  There  is  reason  to  suppose  that  L. 
scandens  is  hardy,  even  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York.  It  is  increased  by  spores  or  root  division. 
L.  palmatuw,  the  only  native  species,  is  found 
in  Connecticut,  Massachusetts,  Virginia,  and 
Kentucky,  It  is  pressed  and  sold  in  large 


MAG 

lor  decoration,  and  is  known  in 
the  trade  as  the  Hartford  Fern.  Many  attempts 
to  cultivate  this  species  have  been  made,  but  few, 
if  any,  have  been  successful.  A  few  plants,  how- 
ever, are  growing  in  a  garden  at  Man  Chester,  Conn. 

Lysimachla.     Loosestrife.      From  lysis,  dissolu- 
tion,    and   miclie,    strife  ;    supposed    soothing 
Sualities.      Linn.    Pentundrla-Monoijynia.      Nat. 
rd.  Primulacecv. 

Hardy  herbaceous  perennials  of  the  easiest 
culture.  L.  mimmularia,  Moneywort,  is  a  well- 
known  evergreen  trailer,  a  native  of  Great  Brit- 
ain. If  kept  in  a  pot  of  moist  soil  and  suspend- 
ed, it  will  produce  shoots  of  two  or  three  feet  in 
length,  which  hang  down  on  every  side.  L. 
nummularia  aurea  is  a  golden-leaved  variety  of 
great  beauty,  now  much  used  as  a  drooping 
plant.  L.  verticillaia  is  an  upright-growing  plant, 
with  an  abundance  of  showy  yellow  flowers 
suitable  for  &  large  border.  They  all  grow  read- 
ily from  seed  or  from  cuttings. 

Lythrum.  From  It^thron,  black  blood;  the  pre- 
vailing purple  color  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Dode- 
candria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lythracece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  herbaceous  per- 
ennials. Several  of  this  latter  species  are  com- 
mon in  marshes  and  wet  plac3S  throughout  the 
Middle  and  Western  States.  The  flowers  pro- 
duced in  the  gardens  are  finer  than  those  grow- 
ing wild.  They  flower  freely  in  the  autumn 
months.  Propagated  by  division. 


M. 


Mace.      The  envelope  which  surrounds  Nut- 
megs.    See  Myristica. 

Madura.  Osage  Orange.  Named  after  William 
Muclure,  a  North  American  geologist.  Linn. 
Monoecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Moracea'. 

A  genus  of  handsome,  low-growing  trees,  gen- 
erally attaining  the  height  of  thirty  feet.  There 
are  but  three  species  included  in  the  genus,  two 
of  which  are  common  in  the  West  Indies,  and 
not  hardy  here,  excepting  in  the  extreme  South- 
ern States.  M.  aurantiaca,  the  Osage  Orange,  is 
a  native  of  the  Southwestern  States,  and  forms 
a  spreading  tree  from  thirty  to  sixty  feet  high, 
but  is  easily  kept  dwarf  by  cutting  back,  and  is 
extensively  used  as  a  hedge  plant  in  the  West- 
ern States,  for  which  purpose,  its  rapid  growth, 
together  with  its  strong  spines,  renders  it  suita- 
ble. The  wood  is  bright  yellow  and  very  elas- 
tic. It  is  called  Bow-wood,  from  its  being  used 
by  the  Indians  for  making  bows.  Young  plants 
are  grown  from  seed,  which,  if  sown  in  good 
soil,  will  make  very  strong  plants  for  the  hedge- 
rows in  two  years.  Many  prefer  setting  them 
one  year  from  seed.  This  species  is  hardy  in 
the  vicinity  of  New  York,  and  is  used  for  hedges 
and  on  the  lawn. 

Macropiper.  The  word  signifies  large  pepper. 
Linn.  Diandria-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Piptracea: 

M.  methi/sticum,  formerly  called  Piper  metliysli- 
cum,  furnishes  the  root  called  Ava  by  the  Poly- 
nesians. It  has  narcotic  properties,  and  is  em- 
ployed medicinally,  but  is  chiefly  remarkable  for 
the  value  attached  to  it  as  a  narcotic  and  stimu- 
lant beverage,  of  which  the  natives  partake  be- 
fore they  commence  any  important  business  or 


religious  rites.  It  is  used  by  chewing  the  root 
and  extracting  the  juice,  and  has  a  calming 
rather  than  an  intoxicating  effect.  Europeans 
distil  the  juice,  and  use  it  as  a  beverage  in  mod- 
erate quantities.  By  the  more  respectable  of  the 
population  it  is  considered  a  filthy  preparation, 
and  is  not  indulged  in. 

Macrozamia.  From  makros,  long,  and  zamia. 
Linn.  Dicecia-Icosandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Cycadaceee. 

This  interesting  genus  is  formed  from  a  few 
species  of  Zamia,  and  contains  some  of  the  most 
beautiful  plants  under  cultivation,  for  decorative 
purposes.  M.  plumosa,  plume-like,  is  one  of  the 
most  distinct  and  beautiful.  M.  corattipes  is  an- 
other rare  species.  There  are  several  species  un- 
der cultivation.  They  are  all  natives  of  Austra- 
lia. For  culture  see  Zamia. 

Madder.     See  Rubia. 

Madeira  Nut.     See  Juglans. 

Madeira  Vine.    See  Boussingauttia  baselloides. 

Madia.  Madi  is  the  name  of  the  original  spe- 
cies (M.  saliva)  in  Chili.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Super- 
flua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracev. 

A  small  genus  of  coarse-growing,  hardy  annu- 
als, with  bright  yellow  and  white  flowers,  natives 
of  Chili  and  Northern  California.  They  grow 
freely  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation.  The 
seeds  should  be  sown  in  the  spring  as  soon  as 
the  ground  is  in  readiness  and  the  weather  suf- 
ficiently warm  Introduced  in  1831. 

Magic  Tree.     See  Gintwi. 

Magnolia.  Named  after  Pierre  Magnol,  Profes- 
sor of  Medicine  at  Montpellier;  he  died  in  1715. 
Linn.  Polyandria-Polygynia.  Nat. Ord.  Magnolia- 


126 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


,  MAG 


A  magnificent  genus  of  ornamental  tr< « •*  and 
shrubs,  thus  far  found  only  in  the  United  States, 
China,  and  Japan.  It  is  composed  of  ever- 
•Tcen  and  deciduous  hardy  and  half-hardy 
trees  and  shrubs.  The  flowers  are  white,  pur- 
ple or  greenish  white,  and  are  remarkable  for 
their  fragrance.  M.  •'••"llnn«ta  (Cucumber  Tree) 
grows  from  thirty  to  fifty  feet  high,  and  is  com- 
mon in  moist  woods  from  New  York  to  Ohio  and 
southward.  M.  ijlanca  ^Small  or  Laurel  Magno- 
lia, Sweet  Bay)  is  a  low-growing  deciduous 
tree,  in  some  localities  called  Swamp  Sassafras. 
It  is  also  known  by  the  name  of  Beaver  Tree, 
because  the  roots  are  eaten  by  beavers,  which 
animals  also  make  use  of  the  wood  in  construct- 
ing their  huts  or  nests.  This  species  is  common 
in  swamps  in  New  Jersey  and  southward.  The 
flowers  are  single,  produced  on  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  greenish  white,  and  delightfully  fra- 
grant. They  are  collected  and  Hold  in  the  mar- 
kets and  streets  of  New  York  in  large  quantities. 
]f.  cordata  is  the  Yellow  Cucumber  Tree  of  Geor- 
gia, M.  orandijirira  (Great  Laurel)  is  justly  en- 
titled to  its  sp'ecific  name,  as  it  is  one  of  the 
most  noble  and  beautiful  of  American  evergreen 
trees,  remarkable  for  the  majesty  of  its  form, 
the  magnificence  of  its  foliage,  and  the  beauty 
of  its  flowers.  This  is  a  large  tree,  growing  from 
sixty  to  one  hundred  feet  high;  the  foliage  is 
thick,  brilliant  on  the  upper  surface,  and  rusty 
colored  underneath;  the  flowers  are  pure  white, 
six  to  eight  inches  across,  and  very  fragrant. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  Carolinas  and  westward,  but 
not  hardy  north  of  Washington.  There  is  one 
specimen  in  Philadelphia,  well  protected,  that 
blooms  annually.  M.  inacrophyUa  is  a  compara- 
tively rare  species,  being  only  occasionally  met 
in  the  woods  from  Florida  to  Tennessee.  It 
rarely  attains  a  height  of  sixty  feet.  It  is  a  de- 
ciduous tree  of  perfect  form,  with  leaves  from 
fine  and  a  half  to  three  feet  long,  clustered  at  the 
summit  of  the  branches.  The  flowers  are  pure 
white,  with  a  purple  spot  at  the  base  of  the 
petals,  and  are  from  eight  to  twelve  inches  in 
width,  and  deliciously  fragrant.  This  species 
is  not  considered  sufficiently  hardy  to  withstand 
the  severity  of  our  winters.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  it  has  such  a  reputation,  as  it  is  in  a  great 
measare  unjust.  It  might  not  succeed  in  the 
more  exposed  situations,  but  there  is  scarcely  a 
fine  suburban  place  around  New  York  that  has 
not  some  sheltered,  cosy  corner  in  which  this 
noble  tree  would  not  delight  to  grow.  There  is 
upon  the  Manice  estate  at  Queens,  Long  Island, 
r.  tree  of  this  species  that  was  planted  more 
than  fifty  years  ago,  and  is  now  fifty  or  more 
feet  high,  with  a  boll  a  foot  in  diameter.  There 
is  upon  this  tree  every  year  hundreds  of  flowers, 
and  it  is  no  less  conspicuous  in  autumn,  with 
its  large  heads  of  bright  scarlet  fruit.  It  also 
does  well  up  the  Hudson  River.  Young  trees 
are  easily  produced  from  seed.  As  soon  as 
the  seed  is  ripe,  it  should  be  gathered,  and  kept 
in  common  brown  sugar  during  the  winter,  and 
sown  in  early  spring.  M.  conspicuft,  or  M.  Yulan, 
is  a  native  of  China,  where  it  attains  a  height  of 
forty  or  fifty  feet.  It  is  perfectly  hardy  in  this 
latitude,  and  remarkable  for  the  great  number 
of  white  flowers  produced  in  spring,  before  the 
leaves  are  developed.  M.  purpurea,  a  Japanese 
species,  has  deciduous  leaves,  like  the  former, 
and  is  in  all  respects  similar,  except  that  the 
flowers  are  purple  outside  and  white  within. 
These  two  species  contrast  finely  when  planted 
together  upon  the  lawn.  M.  fuscata,  a  green- 


MAM 

house  evergreen  from  China,  is  a  low-growing 
shrub,  with  small  glossy  leaves,  and  dull  purple 
flowers  of  exquisite  fragrance.  There  are  many 
other  species  and  varieties,  but  those  described 
are  the  best  representatives. 

Mahernia.  An  anfc/rum  of  Hertnarmia,  an  allied 
genus.  Linn.  MonaddphfarPentandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Byttneriacece. 

A  genus  of  neat  little  green-house  shrubs, 
growing  about  two  feet  high,  and  remarkable  for 
the  profusion  of  their  fragrant  yellow,  or  red 
and  yellow  flowers.  M.  odoratt,  the  yellow,  is 
the  best  known.  They  are  easily  grown  in  the 
green-house  with  ordinary  treatment.  All  the 
species  are  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and 
were  introduced  early  in  the  present  century. 
They  are  increased  by  cuttings. 

Mahogany  Tree^    See  Sirietenia. 

Maiden  Hair  Iwn.     See  Adiantum. 

Maiden  Hair  Tree.     See  Srdisburia. 

Maize.     See  Zea. 

Malcolmia.  Named  after  W.  Malcolm,  a  celebrat- 
ed nurseryman.  Linn.  Tetmdynamia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Brassicacece. 

A  genus  of  herbaceous  plants,  mostly  annuals. 
The  species  are  chiefly  natives  of  the  south  of 
Europe,  and  produce  white  or  purple  flowers 
disposed  in  racemes.  Most  of  the  species  are 
but  little  grown.  .17.  niaritima  is  the  well-known 
Virginian  Stock  of  our  gardens.  They  all  grow 
from  seed  sown  in  spring. 

Mallow.    See  Malm. 

Malope.  From  nudos,  soft  or  tender;  referring 
to  tne  texture  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  M>nudclphia- 

a.     Nat.  Ord.  Malvaceae. 

Annual  plants  with  very  handsome  flowers. 
M.  trijida,  of  which  there  are  two  kinds,  one  with 
crimson  and  the  other  with  white  flowers,  is 
rather  dwarf ;  but  M.  grandiflora  will  grow  four  or 
five  feet  high  in  a  good  soil  and  an  open  situation, 
bearing  very  large  and  showy  brilliant  crimson 
flowers.  All  the  kinds  are  quite  hardy,  and  only 
require  sowing  in  April  or  May  in  the  open 
border,  and  thinning  out  and  transplanting, 
when  the  young  plants  are  three  or  four  inches 
high.  Natives  of  North  Africa.  Introduced  m 
1808. 

Malva.  Mallow.  From  inalacho,  to  soften;  refer- 
ring to  their  emollient  qualities.  Linn.  Mona- 
delpkia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Mali-acece. 

This  is  a  group  of  plants  remarkable  for  then- 
large,  showy  flowers  ;  but  the  coarseness  of  the 
leaves  and  loose  manner  of  growing  deprive  the 
genus  of  much  of  the  interest  it  would  otherwise 
have.  The  genus  consists  of  tender,  half-hardy, 
and  hardy  perennials  and  annuals,  all  of  the 
easiest  culture,  according  to  their  respective 
kinds.  M.  moschata,  the  Musk-Mallow,  derives 
its  name  from  the  peculiar  musky  odor  given  off 
by  all  parts  of  the  plant  when  kept  in  a  confined 
situation,  particularly  in  dry  weather;  but  it  is 
seldom  powerful  enough  to  be  smelt  in  the  open 
air.  This  species  is  a  hardy  herbaceous  peren- 
nial, common  in  waste  places  in  Great  Britain. 
^[.  ratundffolia  has  become  naturalized  until  it  is 
quite  a  nuisance  in  our  gardens  and  yards. 

Malvaviscus.     See  Achania. 

Mammee  Tree.     See  Maminea. 

Mammee  Apple.    See  Jfammea. 

Mammea.  Mammee  Tree.  Niamey  is  the  native 
name.  Linn.  Polyandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Gusiacea:. 

M.  Americanst,  a  native  of  the  West  Indies, 
produces  the  Mammee  Apple,  or  South  Ameri- 
can Apricot,  which  is  very  much  valusd  in 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


127 


MAM 

tropical  countries.  It  often  attains  the  size  of  a 
(Child's  head,  and  is  of  a  yellow  color.  The  outer 
rind  and  the  pulp  which  immediately  surrounds 
the  seeds  are  very  bitter,  but  the  intermediate  is 
sweet  and  aromatic,  and  is  eaten  cut  into  slices 
and  steeped  in  wine,  or  made  into  preserves  of 
various  kinds. 

Mammillaria.  From  mamma,  the  nipple;  in  al- 
lusion to  the  small  tubercles.  Linn.  Icosandrla- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gadacece. 

Succulent  plants,  with  almost  globular  stems 
covered  with  prickles,  but  without  leaves,  the 
flowers  growing  out  of  the  stem  without  any 
stalk.  These  plants  are  natives  of  the  high  table- 
land of  Mexico,  where  they  are  subject  to  very 
few  variations  of  temperature,  aiid  they  should, 
therefore,  be  kept  in  green-house  heat  all  the 
year.  They  are  also  found  in  Texas  and  Color- 
ado. In  their  native  country  they  grow  in  rich 
loam,  and  therefore  require  a  better  soil  than 
the  different  kinds  of  Cereus  and  Echinocac- 
tus,  which  grow  among  calcareous  rocks,  in 
the  mould  formed  by  the  deposition  of  vege- 
table matter  in  the  fissures.  By  attending 
to  these  particulars  the  Mammillarias  may 
be  easily  grown  in  any  situation  where  they 
can  be  kept  free  from  frost.  When  kept  in 
a  room,  they  should  be  allowed  as  much  air  as 
possible,  and  the  dust  which  lodges  among  their 
spines  should  be  frequently  blown  off  with  a 
small  pair  of  bellows  or  the  breath.  There  are 
nearly  one  hundred  species  in  this  genus,  and 
nearly  all  confined  to  Mexico  and  South  Amer- 
ica. Propagated  by  offsets  or  by  seeds.  First 
introduced  from  Peru  in  1799. 

Mammoth  Trees  of  California.     See  Sequoia. 

Mandarin  Orange.     See  Citrus  nobilis. 

Mandevilla.  Named  after  //.  J.  Mandevitte,  an 
English  minister  at  Buenos  Ayres,  and  a  botani- 
cal collector.  Linn.  Pentamlria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Apocynacece. 

M.  suaveolens,  the  only  species,  is  a  native  of 
South  America,  and  is  a  desirable  climber  for 
the  green-house,  as  it  is  a  rapid  grower,  and 
produces  clusters  of  very  sweet-scented  white 
flowers  during  the  summer.  It  should  be  al- 
lowed to  rest  during  winter.  It  is  propagated 
by  cuttings  of  the  small,  stiff  side  shoots,  taken 
off  close  to  the  old  wood.  Introduced  in  1837. 

Mandrake.  See  Podophyllum,  Mandragora,  and 
ifaborosa. 

Manettia.  In  honor  of  Xavier  Manetti,  prefect  of 
the  Botanic  Garden  at  Florence,  and  author  of 
"Regnum  Vegetabile,"  1756.  Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

An  elegant  family  of  green-house  climbers, 
suitable  for  training  over  a  wire  trellis  attached 
to  the  pots  in  which  the  plants  grow.  The  spe- 
cies delight  in  a  moderately  warm  and  moist  at- 
mosphere when  they  are  growing,  and  in  the 
case  of  having  tuberous  roots,  like  M.  glabra  or 
M.  cordata,  are  all  the  better  for  a  decided  drying 
through  the  winter.  The  other  species,  from 
having  only  fibrous  roots,  will  not  bear  a  reduc- 
tion to  the  same  extent.  M.  bicolor  is  a  winter- 
flowering  plant.  It  should  be  grown  freely 
through  the  summer,  and  afterward  be  placed 
in  a  dry,  warm  position  to  induce  it  to  flower 
freely,  and  to  preserve  its  foliage  from  mildew, 
to  which  it  is  very  subject.  The  flowers  of  this 
species  are  yellow  and  crimson;  those  of  the 
others  are  scarlet,  except  M.  Lygistum,  which  has 
pink  blossoms.  All  the  species  do  well  here 
planted  out  during  summer,  keeping  up  a  con- 
tinuous bloom.  Propagated  by  cuttings,  either 


MAN 

of  the  roots  or  shoots.     Introduced  from  South 
America  in  1806. 

Mangel  Wurzel.     Beta  vulgaris  macrorhua. 

Mangifera.  Mango  Tree.  From  mango,  the  Hin- 
doo name  of  the  fruit,  and  fero,  to  bear.  Linn. 
Polygamia-MonoKcia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anacardiacea;. 

M.  Indica  grows  abundantly  in  India,  where 
numerous  varieties  are  cultivated.  It  is  also 
grown  in  Brazil  and  the  Mauritius  for  the  fruit, 
which  is  highly  esteemed  for  its  grateful  acidity 
and  sweet  perfume.  In  the  tropics  it  is  the 
principal  fruit  eaten.  The  tree  grows  about 
twenty  feet  high,  and  the  fruit  is  produced  in 
terminal  clusters. 

Manglesia.  Named  after  Captain  Mangle.*,  and  his 
brother,  Robert  Mangle,'!,  distinguished  patrons 
of  botany.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Proteacea>. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  green-house  shrubs 
from  Swan  River.  with  very  small  flowers  of 
little  beauty.  It  is  grown  only  for  its  beautiful 
foliage. 

Mangosteen.     See  Oarcinia. 

Mango  Tree.     See  Mangifera. 

Mangrove.     See  Rhizophora. 

Manicaria.  From  manica,  a  glove,  referring  to 
the  spathe  rolled  around  the  inflorescence  or 
flower  stem.  Linn.  Monceda-Enneandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Palmaceoi. 

A  noble  genus  of  Palms  inhabiting  the  tidal 
swamps  of  the  Lower  Amazon  River.  M.  saceifera, 
the  only  species,  has  immense  leaves,  unlike 
any  others  of  the  order,  which  are  more  or  less 
pinnated  or  fan-shaped  ;  these,  on  the  contrary, 
are  entire,  frequently  growing  thirty  feet  long 
and  from  three  to  four  in  width  ;  and  being  of  a 
stiff  habit,  stand  erect  upon  the  summit  of  the 
stout,  crooked  stem,  which  usually  attains  the 
height  of  fifteen  or  twenty  feet.  The  Indians 
call  the  Palm  Bussu,  and  its  immense  leaves  are 
invaluable  to  them  for  thatching  their  huts.  The 
fibrous  spathes  are  also  converted  into  useful 
bags  and  caps  by  simply  cutting  round  them 
near  the  bottom,  and  pulling  them  off  entire, 
and  afterward  stretching  them  open  as  wide  as 
possible  without  tearing;  they  also  supply  a 
coarse,  but  strong  kind  of  cloth.  On  account  of 
its  immense  size  this  interesting  species  is  rare- 
ly met  in  collections.  Propagated  by  seeds. 

Man-of-the-Earth.     See  Ipomcea. 

Manihot.  Its  Brazilian  name.  Linn.  Moncecia- 
Heptandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacece. 

A  genus  of  South  American  shrubs,  largely 
cultivated  for  their  roots,  which  yield  the  Tapi- 
oca of  commerce,  which  is  extracted  from  the 
bitter  variety,  the  roots  of  which  are  a  virulent 
poison.  The  poisonous  juices  are  expelled  by 
pressure  in  the  preparation.  One  of  the  species 
has  sweet,  wholesome  roots,  that  are  used  as 
vegetables. 

Manna.     See  Alliagi,  Ornus,  and  Tamarix. 

Manna  Ash.     See  Ornus. 

Mantisia.  Opera  Girls.  Named  after  the  insect 
Mantis,  to  which  the  flowers  have  been  com- 
pared. Linn.  Monamlria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


Hot-house  herbaceous  evergreens  from  the 
East  Indies.  One  of  the  species  has  long  been 
grown  in  some  countries  for  the  singularity  and 
beauty  of  its  flowers,  which  present  some  ap- 
pearance of  a  ballet  dancer,  hence  the  popular 
name,  Dancing  Girls,  applied  to  the  plant.  The 
filament  and  anther,  with  its  wing-like  margins, 
represent  the  head  and  neck  of  the  lady,  the 
long  inner  segments  of  the  corolla  represent  the 


128 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


MAP 

arms,  while  the  labellum  corresponds  to  the 
dress.  The  flowers  are  purple  and  yellow. 
Propagated  bv  root  division.  Introduced  in 
1808 

Maple.     See  Acer. 

Maranta.  Arrowroot.  Named  after  B.  Maranti, 
an  Italian  botanist.  Linn.Monandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Marantao  "  . 

A  genus  of  tropical  herbaceous  plants,  pretty 
extensively  disseminated  from  the  West  to  the 
East  Indies.    Some  of  the  species  are  among 
the  finest  ornamental  leaved  plants  in  cultiva- 
tion.    M.  zebrina  has  leaves  two  feet  long  and   i 
six  inches  wide,  of  a  rich   deep  green,  beauti-  ! 
fully  shaded  with  a  purplish  green,  and  has  a  j 
soft  appearance,  resembling  the  finest  velvet,   j 
It  is  a  native  of  Brazil,  and  was  introduced  in 
1815.  Many  other  well-known  species  are  equally 
ornamental,  and  occupy  a  prominent  position 
in  choice  collections.     Several  of  the  species  are 
cultivated  in  the  East  and  West  Indies  for  the 
starch  that  is  contained  in  their  tubers,  which  is 
very  nutritive,  and  is  commercially  known  as  ] 
Arrowroot.     The  term  Arrowroot  is  said  to  be   ! 
derived  from  the  fact  that  the  native  Indians   ! 
used  the  roots  of  these  plants  as  an  application   I 
to  wounds  inflicted  by  poisoned  arrows.     The   j 
green-house  kinds  are  of  easy  culture,  heat  and  i 
water  being  the  main  requirements  while  grow-   | 
ing;  they  should  also  be  shaded  from  the  sun.    j 
We  have  found  it  an  excellent  and  economical   : 
plan  to  grow  them  during  the  summer  months   j 
in  between  large  foliaged  plants,  such  as  Palms, 
which  gives  them  the  necessary  conditions  of 
shade  and  moisture.   Increased  by  division.   See 
Calathea,  to  which  many  Marantas  have  been 
transferred. 

Marattia.  Named  after  J.  F.  Maratti,  an  Italian 
botanist.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord. 
PolypodiactfE. 

Coarse-growing  Ferns,  of  but  little  merit  in  a 
collection.  They  require  a  hot-house.  They 
are  natives  of  South  America,  aud  the  Eastern 
and  Pacific  Islands.  Propagated  by  spores. 

Marcgravia.     In  honor  of  George  Marcgram,  a  | 
German  who  published  a  Natural  History  of 
Brazil  in  1718.   Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Marcgratnacea;. 

M.  umbellata,  one  of  the  best  known  species,  is 
a  sub-parasitical  creeping  shrub.  At  first  it  is 
radicant,  like  some  Ferns;  but  as  it  advances 
the  stem  becomes  shrubby,  adhering  still  by  its 
fibers  to  the  trunk  of  some  tree,  to  the  top  of 
which  it  frequently  runs,  at  length  dividing 
into  loose  pendulous  branches,  commonly  ter- 
minating with  umbels  of  white  flowers.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  cool  wooded  mountains  of  Jamaica. 
It  appears  in  such  a  variety  of  forms  that  it  has 
been  mistaken  for  different  plants  in  the  differ- 
ent stages  of  its  growth.  The  genus  is  remark- 
able for  the  transformation  of  its  smaller  leaves 
into  hollow,  tubular  bodies,  resembling  the 
pitchers  of  some  other  plants.  It  succeeds  well 
in  the  green-house, and  is  propagated  by  cuttings 

Mare's  Tail.    See  SfeprCj 

Marianthus.  From  Marian,  Mary,  and  anthos,  a 
flower;  dedicated  to  the  Virgin  Mary.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogunia.  Nat.  Ord.  PUtisporacea>. 
A  small  genus  of  green-house  deciduous  climb- 
ers, natives  of  Australia.  One  species  has  pretty 
pale  blue,  spotted  flowers,  but  it  is  seldom  cul- 
tivated. Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced 

Marica.  From  maraino,  to  flag;  referring  to  the 
ephemeral  nature  of  the  flowers,  which  last 


MAK 

hardly  a  day.     Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.    Nat. 
Ord.  Irldacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  fibrous-rooted  plants,  with 
very  beautiful,  but  transient  flowers,  somewhat 
resembling  the  ligridla.  They  all  grow  freely, 
and  are  increased  by  division,  or  from  seed. 
They  require  the  protection  of  the  green-house 
while  at  rest  during  winter.  They  are  natives 
of  Central  and  South  America,  and  were  first 
brought  into  notice  in  1782. 

Marigold.     See  Calendula  and  Tagetes. 

Marjoram.     See  Origanum. 

Marking  Nut  Tree.     See  Semecarpits. 

Marrubium.  Horehound.  From  marrdb,  a  He- 
brew word  signifying  a  bitter  juice;  in  allusion 
to  the  extreme  bitterness  of  the  plants.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Gyrnnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacff. 
M.  vulgare  is  the  common  Horehound  of  our 
gardens.  The  plant  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but 
has  become  naturalized,  and  is  as  familiar  as 
an  indigenous  plant  in  the  United  States.  Of 
the  several  species,  this  is  the  only  one  valued, 
and  this  only  for  its  tonic  properties. 

Marshallia.  Named  for  Humphrey  Marshall,  of 
Pennsylvania,  author  of  Arbuytrum  Americanum, 
one  of  the  earliest  works  on  the  trees  and  shrubs 
of  this  country.  Linn.  Syngenesia-^Equalis.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asferacece. 

A  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials,  common  to 
Virginia  and  southward.  The  leaves  are  alter- 
nate, entire,  and  glabrous;  flower  scape  about 
one  foot  high,  with  a  single  terminal  head  of 
purple  or  rose  flowers,  resembling  those  of  the 
Scabious. 

Marsh  Mallow.     See  AJOuea. 

Marsh  Marigold.     See  Galtha. 

Marsh  Rosemary.     See <  Statice. 

Marsilea.  Linnaeus  dedicated  this  genus  to  the 
Count  L.  F.  Marsigli,  founder  of  the  Academy  of 
Sciences,  Bologna.  Linn.  Oryptogamia-Musci.  Nat. 
Ord.  MarsileacecK. 

A  genus  of  curious,  low-growing  aquatics, 
inhabiting  Brazil,  Australia,  Africa,  and  the 
south  of  Europe.  They  are  termed  pseudo- 
ferns,  and  are  very  interesting  plants  for  the 
aquarium. 

Martinezia.  In  honor  of  Balthassar  Martinez,  a 
Spanish  naturalist.  Linn.  Moncetia-Hemndria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A  small  genus  of  Palms,  mostly  of  dwarf 
habit,  natives  of  Central  America.  A  few  of  the 
species  are  under  cultivation  for  decorative  pur- 


Martynia.  Named  after  Dr.  Marlyn,  once  Pro- 
fessor of  Botany  at  Cambridge,  England ;  he  died 
in  1768.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Pedaliacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  annuals, 
growing  from  two  to  three  feet  high,  branching, 
with  heart-shaped  leaves,  the  whole  being  cov- 
ered with  clammy  hairs.  Some  of  the  species 
are  quite  ornamental,  but  too  coarse-growing 
for  a  handsome  border  plant.  M.  proboscidcn  is 
indigenous  to  southern  Illinois  and  southward, 
but  is  most  common  on  the  banks  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. It  is  grown  in  the  garden  for  the  young 
seed  pods,  which  are  used  to  some  extent  for  pick- 
ling. They  require  to  be  placed  three  feet  apart 
each  way;  at  that  distance,  in  rich  soil,  the 
plants  will  completely  cover  the  ground.  Seed 
should  be  sown  where  it  is  to  grow  in  April  and 
May. 

Maruta.  The  generic  name  of  May-weed.  See  also 
Colula. 

Marvel  of  Peru.     See  Mirabilis. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


129 


MAS 

Masdevallia.  Named  after  J.  Mnsdevall,  a  Span- 
ish botanist.  Linn.  Gynandrla-Monandrht.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids  from 
South  America.  The  flowers  are  remarkable 
for  their  singularity,  and  also  for  their  beauty. 
They  require  to  be  grown  in  a  lower  tempera- 
ture than  most  Orchids,  and  are  increased  by 
division.  First  introduced  in  1835. 

Massonia.  Named  after  F.  Masson,  a  botanical 
traveler  in  South  Africa.  Linn.  .lfexandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord,  LiliacecK. 

A  genus  of  small  Cape  bulbs.  The  leaves  are 
commonly  two  in  number,  lying  flat  on  the 
ground.  The  flowers  are  in  an  umbel-like  head, 
nearly  sessile,  between  the  leaves.  The  flowers 
are  sword-shaped,  usually  white,  and  of  little 
beauty.  They  are  increased  by  offsets.  They 
may  be  wintered  in  a  frame  or  kept  in  sand  in 
the  green-house.  Introduced  in  1791. 

Mathiola.  Stock-Gilliflower.  Named  after  P. 
Mathioli,  an  Italian  botanist.  Linn.  Tetradyna- 
mia.  Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

In  this  genus  we  have  the  well-known  Stock 
in  all  its  multifarious  varieties.  These,  for  the 
purposes  of  culture,  are  classed  in  two  divisions : 
the  biennial  kinds,  as  the  Brompton,  Queen, 
etc.,  and  the  annual  or  Ten-Week  Stocks.  The 
former  require  to  be  sown  the  season  previous 
to  that  in  which  they  are  wanted  to  flower. 
They  do  best  when  sown  in  May  or  June  in  the 
open  air,  allowing  them  to  grow  up  strong,  and 
when  about  two  inches  high  they  should  be  pot- 
ted singly  in  small  pots.  This  is  for  the  pur- 
pose of  protecting  them  through  the  winter,  as 
in  very  severe  weather,  or  a  long  continuance 
of  wet,  they  perish ;  but  being  potted  and 
put  in  a  frame  they  are  perfectly  safe,  as 
they  become  harder  and  better  ripened,  and 
in  the  succeeding  spring  may  be  placed  where 
they  are  to  bloom.  The  seeds  of  Ten- Week 
.Stocks  should  be  sown  in  a  hot-bed  or  green- 
house in  February  or  March.  As  soon  as  the 
plants  have  completed  their  second  leaves, 
prick  out  into  shallow  boxes,  and  in  three  or  four 
weeks  they  will  be  ready  to  pot  in  thumb  pots, 
and  the  plants  will  be  sufficiently  large  for 
transplanting  by  the  end  of  the  following  April. 
Much  attention  is  paid  to  the  saving  of  this 
seed  on  the  Continent,  and  as  many  as  twelve 
distinct  colors  may  now  be  selected;  a  great 
many  more  are  advertised,  but  they  are  indis- 
tinct, and  we  think  it  preferable  to  have  a  few 
decided  and  brilliant  colors  than  a  multitude  of 
indefinite  shades,  several  of  which  are  nearly 
duplicates  of  each  other.  The  colors  run  through 
nil  the  shades  of  crimson,  lilac,  rose,  white,  etc. 
There  are  no  true  scarlets,  though  some  cata- 
logues continue  yearly  to  offer  such  colors.  One 
of  the  first  requisites  to  insure  good  double 
Stocks  is  to  put  the  ground  intended  for  them 
in  the  very  best  possible  condition.  It  is  a  great 
mistake,  and  but  too  common,  to  suppose  that 
the  soil  for  flowers  need  not  be  rich;  for  we  are 
of  opinion,  from  observation,  that,  to  a  great 
extent,  the  double  state  is  only  brought  about 
by  excess  of  vigor,  and  if  this  condition  is  lost 
by  planting  in  impoverished  ground,  it  is  only 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  flowers  will  de- 
generate to  their  normal  condition.  Another 
common  error  deserves  notice,  respecting  the 
choice  of  plants  to  bear  seed.  It  is  very  gene- 
rally supposed  that,  to  insure  seed  which  will 
produce  double  flowers  in  the  following  season, 
it  is  necessary  that  the  seed-bearing  plants 


MAU 

stand  in  close  proximity  to  others  which  have 
their  flowers  double,  because  it  is  supposed  the 
single  flowers  are  impregnated  with  the  pollen 
of  the  double  ones;  but  to  prove  the  fallacy  of 
this  supposition  it  is  only  necessary  carefully  to 
examine  the  latter,  and  they  will  be  found  alto- 
gether devoid  of  the  organs  bearing  pollen. 
The  great  secret  in  the  production  of  seed  likely 
to  bring  double  flowers  is,  we  believe,  to  impart 
extraordinary  vigor  to  the  single  plants  which 
are  to  bear  it,  and  every  means  available  should 
be  resorted  to  for  this  end.  There  is  no  good 
reason  why  as  good  seed  should  not  be  grown 
in  some  portions  of  the  United  States  as  in  any 
part  of  the  world.  In  fact,  the  finest  Stocks  we 
have  ever  sesn  grown  were  from  seed  saved  in 
the  western  part  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and 
that  from  Stocks  that  had  been  grown  a  number 
of  years  in  order  to  fairly  test  the  question  as 
to  whether  that  as  well  as  other  seeds  cannot  be 
produced  as  well  here  as  in  Germany ;  and  the 
question  is  settled,  that  one  of  our  large  dealers 
grows  and  saves  his  own  seed,  and  that  which 
gives  the  greatest  satisfaction  to  his  customers. 
To  save  seed  let  the  largest  pods  from  the 
strongest  plants  be  selected,  and  the  seed  placed 
in  good  ground,  and  there  will  be  no  lack  of 
double  flowers.  The  Intermediate  Stock  is  an  ex- 
cellent kind  to  grow  in  pots  for  early  spring 
decoration.  The  seed  should  be  sown  about 
midsummer  for  this  purpose,  and  the  young 
plants,  after  being  potted,  should  be  brought  up 
as  robust  as  possible;  keeping  them  in  frames 
through  the  winter  until  they  are  in  bloom, 
when  they  tend  to  make  the  green-house  gay  in 
March,  and  in  April  may  be  turned  into  the 
flower  garden,  whore  they  continue  to  bloom 
for  a  length  of  time.  Double  varieties  may  be 
perpetuated  by  striking  the  side  shoots  at  mid- 
summer, under  a  hand-glass,  as  is  practiced 
with  pinks,  but  this  trouble  is  hardly  necessary 
if  the  foregoing  directions  are  observed.  There 
are  several  other  species  included  in  the  genus, 
only  one  of  which,  however,  is  often  seen  be- 
yond the  precincts  of  the  purely  botanical  col- 
lection; this  one  is  the  Mathiola  tristis,  or  Night- 
smelling  Stock.  It  is  a  curious  looking  plant, 
with  narrow,  glaucous  foliage,  and  small,  lurid 
colored  flowers,  emitting  an  agreeable  fragrance 
in  the  evening,  and  on  this  account  is  yet  pre- 
served along  Vith  its  more  gay  associates.  It 
requires  to  be  grown  in  the  green-house,  with 
the  ordinary  management  of  plants  belonging 
to  this  structure,  and  is  readily  increased  by 
cuttings.  M.  annua,  is  the  original  of  all  the 
varieties  of  the  Ten-Week  Stocks,  and  M.  Grceca 
of  the  wall-leaved  or  smooth-leaved  Annual 
Stock;  both  of  which  are  natives  of  the  south 
of  Europe,  and  were  favorably  mentioned  as 
•'flowers  for  the  garden  for  pleasure"  by  Park- 
inson in  1629. 

Matricaria.  Wild  Chamomile.  From  matrix,  the 
womb.  Linn.  t>yngenesia-Digyni.a.  Nat.  Ord.  As- 
teracea;.  A  common  weed. 

Matrimony  Vine.     See  Lycium. 

Maurandya.  Named  after  Professor  Maurandy, 
of  Carthagena.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Serophutariaoecs. 

A  handsome  genus  of  tender  climbing  peren- 
nial plants  from  Mexico.  The  colors  are  violet, 
pink,  purple,  and  white.  All  the  species  are 
profuse  bloomers,  and  may  be  treated  as  annu- 
als. The  seed  should  bo  sown  in  February 
or  March,  in  a  hot-bed  or  in  the  green-house, 
and  pricked  out  into  shallow  boxes,  and  then 


130 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MAU 

into  small  pots,  and  grown  on  until  it  is  time 
to  plant  out  tender  annuals.  They  are  admira- 
ble for  any  sunny  situation  where  a  delicate 
climbing  plant  is  required.  They  commence  to 
flower  in  August,  and  continue  until  after  there 
has  been  six  to  eight  degrees  of  frost.  By  tak- 
ing the  roots  up  in  the  fall,  potting,  and  plac- 
ing them  in  a  cool  green-house  or  warm  cel- 
lar, they  can  be  planted  out  again  in  spring, 
and  will  come  into  flower  much  earlier  than 
plants  grown  from  seed.  There  are  two  erect 
growing  species  from  California  that  we  have  not 
yet  had  an  opportunity  to  test.  The  genus  is, 
allied  to  Antirrhinum,  to  which  the  flowers  have 
a  great  resemblance.  The  Maurandya  is  also 
propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1796. 

Mauritia.  Named  after  Prince  Maurice  of  Nas- 
sau. Linn.  Dicecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Pal- 
macecK. 

A  genus  of  Palms  peculiar  to  tropical  South 
America.  They  grow  to  an  immense  size,  some 
species  attaining  the  height  of  a  hundred  or  a 
hundred  and  fifty  feet.  They  bear  a  crown  of 
enormous  fan-shaped  leaves,  from  among  which 
the  pendulous  flower-spikes  are  produced.  The 
species  are  abundant  on  the  banks  of  the  Ama- 
zon, Rio  Negro,  and  Orinoco  Rivers.  They 
usually  occupy  swampy  tracts  of  ground,  which 
are  at  times  completely  inundated,  and  present 
the  appearance  of  forests  rising  out  of  the  water. 

Mawseed.     See  Papaver  swnniferum. 

Maxillaria.  From  maxilla?,  the  jaws  of  an  insect, 
referring  to  a  resemblance  of  the  columns  and 
labellum.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids.  Many 
of  the  species  are  very  beautiful,  and  of  delicious 
fragrance;  others,  on  account  of  their  small 
flowers,  are  not  worthy  of  cultivation.  Some  of 
them  have  their  flowers  hanging  down  from  the 
roots,  and  are  grown  in  baskets  of  moss  or  on 
pieces  of  cork,  or  hung  by  wires  to  the  rafters 
of  the  Orchid  house.  All  of  them  are  adapted 
to  the  cool  house. 

Maximiliana.  Named  after  Prince  Maximilian. 
Linn.Polygamia-Moncecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 
M.  regia,  the  only  known  species,  is  an  immense 
growing  Palm  of  the  Amazon.  Its  trunk  often 
exceeds  a  hundred  feet  in  height,  and  is  crown- 
ed with  leaves  from  thirty  to  fifty  feet  long,  and 
its  woody  spathes,  when  open,  frequently  meas- 
ure as  much  as  five  or  six  feet  in  length,  by 
about  two  feet  in  width,  tapering  to  a  long 
point  or  beak.  These  spathes  are  so  hard  that, 
when  filled  with  water,  they  will  stand  the  fire, 
and  are  sometimes  used  by  the  Indians  as  cook- 
ing utensils,  but  more  frequently  as  baskets  for 
carrying  their  stores. 

May  Apple.     See  PodophyUum. 

May  Flower.    See  Epigaia. 

May  Weed.  The  popular  name  of  the  genus 
Hondo. 

Meadow  Beauty.    See  Ehexia. 

Meadow  Grass.     See  Poa  pratensis. 

Meadow  Rue.     See  Thalidrum. 

Meadow  Saffron.     See  Colchicum. 

Meadow  Sweet.     See  Spiraea. 

Meconopsis.  From  mekon,  the  poppy,  and  opsis, 
like.  Z&m.  Polyandria-Monogynia,  Nat.  Ord 
Papaveracea:. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials 
common  in  Wales,  where  it  is  known  as  Welsh 
Poppy.  It  is  a  showy  plant,  growing  about  one 
loot  high,  with  bright  green  pinnate,  hairy 
leaves,  slender  stems,  and  large  terminal,  re- 


MEL 

markably  short-lived  flowers,  which  droop 
-while  in  bud,  and  are  a  delicate  sulphur  yellow 
color.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  by  division. 

Medeola.  Indian  Cucumber  Root.  Named  after 
Medea,  the  sorceress.  Linn.  He.mndria-Triyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Trilliacece. 

M.  Virg'mica,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  her- 
baceous perennial,  common  from  Virginia 
southward.  It  has  a  creeping,  tuberous  root, 
tasting  like  a  Cucumber,  from  which  the  plant 
derives  its  local  name,  Indian  Cucumber.  It 
has  an  erect,  simple  stem,  with  sessile  leaves 
produced  in  whorls,  with  a  terminal  umbel  of 
small  greenish-yellow  flowers. 

Medicago.  Jledick.  From  mediko,  a  name  given 
by  Dioscorides  to  a  Median  Grass.  Linn.  Diadel- 
phia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  weedy-looking  plants,  with  yellow 
pea-flowers,  which  are  generally  single  or  in 
small  clusters.  The  seed-pods  of  many  of  the 
species  are  very  curious,  some  resembling  snails, 
others  hedgehogs,  and  others  bee-hives.  They 
were  formerly  found  in  seedsmen's  catalogues 
tinder  these  various  names,  and  recommended 
to  garnish  dishes  of  meats,  etc.  They  are  now 
seldom  met,  as  the  plants  to  which  they  belong 
are  found  not  worth  growing.  M.  saliva  is  the 
well-known  Alfalfa,  or  Lucerne,  now  extensively 
used  in  California  and  many  other  parts  of  the 
world  as  a  forage  crop.  It  is  particularly  fitted, 
from  its  deep-rooting  properties,  for  dry,  barren 
soils.  In  some  sections  of  California  five  crops 
are  cut  annually,  and  at  this  writing  it  is  con- 
sidered the  most  valuable  forage  crop  of  the 
State. 

Medick.     See  Medicago. 

Medinilla.  Named  after  J.  de  Medinilla  y  Pineda, 
Governor  of  the  Marianne  Islands.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Melastomacece. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  evergreen  shrub- 
by plants,  with  large  fleshy  leaves,  and  large 
panicles  of  white  or  rose-colored  flowers.  The 
species  generally  met  in  our  green-houses  is  M. 
magnified,  a  plant  that  truly' deserves  the  name. 
Its  enemy  in  the  green-house  is  the  mealy  bug, 
which  is  very  sure  to  find  it.  It  requires  con- 
siderable heat  to  grow  it  in  perfection.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1848. 

Medlar.    See  M espilus. 

Megaclinium.  From  megas,  large,  and  kline,  a 
bed  ;  referring  to  the  axis  or  rachis  on  which 
the  flowers  are  borne.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monan- 
dria. Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids  of  tropical 
Western  Africa,  remarkable  for  the  curious  flat- 
tened, sword-shaped  flower  stalks,  upon  which 
the  curious  little  flowers  are  seated  in  a  straight 
row  along  the  middle  on  both  sides.  The  flow- 
ers are  of  a  greenish  or  yellowish  brown,  spotted 
more  or  less  with  purple.  Some  of  them  have  a 
fancied  resemblance  to  little  frogs  or  toads, 
whence  one  species  has  been  named  M.  bufo. 
They  are  seldom  met  except  in  large  collections. 

Melaleuca.  From  melas,  black,  and  leukos,  white; 
referring  to  the  colors  of  the  old  and  young 
bark.  Linn.  Polyadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Myrtacece. 

The  genus  consists  of  evergreen  trees  and 
shrubs,  natives  of  Australia  and  the  Islands  of 
the  Indian  Ocean.  They  have  alternate  flat  or 
cylindrical  leaves,  and  yellowish,  purple,  or 
crimson  flowers,  produced  in  axillary  clusters. 
M.  cajeputi  is  one  of  the  more  important  species, 
the  leaves  of  which,  after  fermentation,  are  dis- 
tilled for  the  purpose  of  yielding  the  well- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


131 


MEL 

known  Cajeput  Oil,  which  is  green,  and  has  a 
powerful  aromatic  odor,  and  is  highly  valued  as 
a  preservative  of  all  preparations  of  natural  his- 
tory. The  leaves  of  this  species  are  used  as  a 
tonic,  and  the  bark  in  used  as  oakum  and  for 
thatching  houses.  Numerous  species  are  grown 
as  green-house  plants,  on  account  of  the  simplic- 
ity of  their  foliage  and  the  beauty  of  their 
clustered  flowers.  M.  major  is  an  old  green- 
house plant,  the  leaves  of  which  have  a  peculiar 
odor,  which  ha^  given  it  tha  name  of  "  Pease 
Meal  Plant." 

Melanthium.  From  melos,  black,  and  anthos,  a 
flower;  referring  to  the  dusky  flowers.  Linn. 
lLe.mndria-Tri(jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Melanthacece. 

A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs,  requiring 
the  protection  of  the  green-house  or  pit  dur- 
ing winter.  The  flowers  are  white,  yellow,  or 
pink,  and  some  with  nearly  black  flowers.  All 
have  very  much  the  appearance  of  small  Ixias. 
They  grow  in  a  light  soil,  and  flower  in  early  sum- 
mer. They  are  increased  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1797. 

Melianthus.  Honey  Flower.  From  mel,  honey, 
and  anthos,  a  flower;  the  tubes  contain  a  copious 
supply  of  honey-like  juice.  Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monotjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Zygophyttacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental  shrubs  or  small 
trees  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  producing 
axillary  or  terminal  clusters  of  purple  flowers, 
from  which  the  natives  obtain  honey  for  food 
by  shaking  the  branches.  They  are  rarely,  if 
ever,  introduced  into  the  green-house,  and  it  is 
difficult  to  make  them  flower. 
Melilotus.  Sweet  Clover.  From  mdi,  honey, 
and  lotus,  the  honey  lotus.  Linn.  Diadelphia- 
Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Falxtcece. 

This  genus  consists  of  about  twenty  species, 
mostly  belonging  to  Southern  and  Central  Eu- 
rope and  Western  Asia.  Some  of  the  species  are 
grown  in  their  native  countries  as  forage  plants. 
M.  qfficirialis,  with  yellow  flowers,  and  M.  alba, 
with  white  flowers,  are  common  on  the  roadsides 
in  the  United  States,  having  become  naturalized 
from  Europe. 

Melissa.  Balm.  From  mdissa,  a  bee;  literally,  a 
bee-flower.  Linn.  Didynamia-  Gymnospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Lamiacea;. 

Hardy  herbaceous  perennials.  Tho  different 
species  are  widely  diffused,  being  found  through- 
out Europe,  Middle  Asia,  and  by  naturalization 
in  the  United  States.  M.  Romans  has  varieties 
having  leaves  finely  marked  with  yellow  and 
white,  known  as  Golden  and  Silver  Balm.  Both 
are  delightfully  fragrant.  They  are  all  hardy 
perennials,  and  are  propagated  by  cuttings  and 
by  dividing  the  roots. 

Melocactus.  Melon  Thistle.  From  melos,  a 
melon,  and  cactus  ;  in  allusion  to  the  appearance 
of  the  plants.  Linn.  Icosandria-Mbivxjynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cactacece. 

A  sectional  genus  of  Cactus,  differing  from 
Echinocactus  in  having  the  flowers  produced  on 
a  head  or  cushion  covered  with  dense,  woolly, 
and  bristly  hairs,  called  atomentosum,  while 
those  of  the  Echinocactus  issue  from  tho  bare 
ribs  or  angles.  M.  communis,  tho  Turk's  Cap 
Cactus,  so  called  from  the  flowering  portion  on 
the  top  of  tha  plant  being  of  a  cylindrical  form 
and  red  color,  liko  a  fez  cap,  is  a  fair  represent- 
ative of  this  class.  In  South  America  and  in 
many  of  the  West  Indian  Islands  it  is  very  com- 
mon, covering  large  tracts  of  barren  soil.  Not- 
withstanding the  arid  places  in  which  they 
grow,  they  contain  a  considerable  quantity  of 


MEN 

moisture,  and  the  mules  resort  to  them  when 
hard  pressed  for  water,  carefully  removing  the 
spines  with  their  fore-feet  previous  to  quench- 
ing their  thirst  with  the  juice. 

Melon.     See  (Jucumis. 

Melon  Thistle.     See  Mdocadus. 

Menispermum.  Moon-seed.  From  mene,  the 
moon,  and  xpmtut,  a  seed;  the  fruit  is  kidney 
or  half  -moon  shaped;  whence  the  English  naiu  a 
Moon-seed.  Linn.  Diascm-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  small  genus  of  handsome  climbing  shrubs, 
natives  of  the  Northern  States  and  Europe,  with 
curiously-shaped  leaves,  racemes  of  yellowish  or 
greenish-white  flowers,  and  red  or  black  berries, 
which  have  somewhat  of  an  intoxicating  quality. 
M.  CoLnadense,  which  is  the  commonest  species, 
is  a  hardy,  free-growing  climber,  admirably 
adapted  for  covering  a  wall  or  arbor  in  a  very 
short  time,  and  in  a  very  ornamental  manner. 
It  is  well  deserving  of  general  cultivation,  and 
yet  it  is  comparatively  little  known,  perhaps  on 
account  of  the  modest  color  of  its  elegant  little 
drooping  racemes  of  flowers,  which  are  gen- 
erally hidden  from  common  observers  by  the 
leaves.  It  looks  very  well  on  a  lawn  trained  up 
a  single  pole,  and  with  the  extremity  of  its 
branches  left  to  spread  themselves  to  the  wind 
at  pleasure.  It  also  looks  very  well  trained  to 
form  a  pillar,  or  to  a  frame  with  an  umbrella-top, 
etc.  Propagated  by  cuttings,  or  from  seed  sown 
in  spring. 

Mentha.  Mint.  The  Latin  version  of  the  Greek 
name  Minlha,  borne  by  the  daughter  of  Cocytus, 
who,  according  to  the  poets,  was  metamorphosed 
into  a  Mint  plant  by  Proserpine  in  a  fit  of  jeal- 
ousy. Linn.  Dldynainia-  Gymnositermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Lamiacece. 

A  well-known  genus  of  useful  herbs.  The  spe- 
cies are  pretty  generally  distributed  throughout 
the  cooler  parts  of  the  world,  but  most  common 
throughout  Europe.  They  have,  through  natu- 
ralization, become  quite  common  in  many  parts 
of  the  United  States.  M.  pipertia,  is  the  well- 
known  Peppermint.  It  is  extensively  culti- 
vated in  Wayne  County,  N.  Y.,  for  the  sake  of 
its  volatile  oil,  which  is  procured  by  distilling 
its  leaves.  M.  viridis,  or  Spearmint,  is  the  plant 
that  is  used  for  culinary  purposes  under  the 
name  of  Mint.  This  species  is  extensively  forced 
or  forwarded  under  glass,  and  thousands  of 
dollars'  worth  of  it  are  sold  in  the  winter  and 
of  New  York.  M. 

is  the  trua  Pennyroyal,  a  native  of 
Great  Britain,  like  tho  preceding  species.  (The 
plant  known  as  Pennyroyal  of  our  woods  is  an 
annual,  lledeomv,  pul&jioides,  American  Penny- 
royal. )  The  species  are  abundantly  propagated 
by  suckers,  division,  or  cuttings,  md  but  rarely 
produce  perfect  seed.  The  only  difficulty  in 
their  cultivation  in  the  private  garden  is  in  keep- 
ing them  within  bounds.  M.  citrata  is  the  spe- 
cies from  which  the  Oil  of  Bergaiuot  is  extracted, 
a  native  of  Europe. 

Mentzelia.  Named  in  honor  of  C.  Mentzd,  a  Ger- 
man botanist.  Linn.  Icosandria-Jfonogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LtHisui-,'  r. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  perennials, 
mostly  with  large  white,  showy  flowers;  com- 
mon on  the  western  plains.  M.  o#>icrtit-'i.s,  a  low- 
branching  plant  from  six  to  ten  inches  high, 
with  white  polished  stems,  and  deeply  cut, 
lance-shaped  leaves,  is  found  abundantly  on  the 
arid,  sandy  plains  of  Oregon  and  California.  It 
produces  oily  seeds  that  the  Indians  pound  up 


132 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MEN 

and  make  into  cake,  which  forms  part  of  their 
food      They  are  all  easily  raised  from  seed. 

Menyanthes.  Buck  Bean.  From  m-n,  a  month, 
and  antlios,  a  flower;  the  time  of  duration.  Linn. 
Penta»<lria~Mon<»w>ua.  Nat.  Ord.  Gentianacea^ 

The  European  kinds  have  white  flowers,  but 
gome  of  the  exotic  species,  now  called  ViUarsM, 
which  are  natives  of  Australia  and  the  Cape,  are 
very  handsome,  with  very  showy  yellow  flow- 
ers They  are  all  marsh  plants,  and  should  be 
sown  or  planted  in  the  mud  or  soft  ground  left 
by  the  water.  Some  of  the  kinds  are  only  halt- 
hardy.  M.  trifoliata,  an  escape  from  Europe,  is 
common  in  moist  places  from  New  England 
north  and  westward.  It  produces  racemes  of 
very  pretty  white  or  slightly  reddish  flowers, 
about  one  foot  high. 

Menzesia  Named  after  A.  Menzies,  surgeon  and 
naturalist  to  the  expedition  under  Vancouver. 

'  Linn  Octandria-Monogyida.  Nat.  Ord.  Ericacea;. 
The  several  species  that  constitute  this  genus 
are  small,  handsome,  heath-like  shrubs,  natives 
of  the  North  American  coast.  The  flowers  are 
larger  and  more  globular  than  the  common 
Heath,  and  much  handsomer;  they  are  terminal, 
cither  singly  or  in  clusters.  Propagated  by 
layers  in  autumn,  or  by  cuttings.  Introduced 
in  1810. 

Merendera.  A  name  given  to  Colchicum  by  the 
Spaniards,  and  applied  to  this  genus  because  of 
its  affinity.  Linn.  Hexandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Mdanthacew. 

M.  Caucasica,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  bulb 
with  purple  flowers,  from  the  Caucasus.  It 
grows  freely  in  the  garden  with  the  same  treat- 
ment as  is  given  to  other  hardy  bulbs.  It  is 
usually  classed  with  Bulbocodium.  Propagated 
by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1823. 

Mermaid  Weed.  The  popular  name  of  the 
genus  Proserpinaca,  a  common  plant  in  sandy 
swamps  near  the  coast. 

Mesembryanthemum.  Fig  Marigold,  Ice  Plant. 
From  meseinbria,  midday,  and  anthemon,  a 
flower;  referring  to  the  flowers  opening  better 
on  sunny  days.  Linn.  Icosandria-Dipentagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Mesembryacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  nearly  four  hundred 
species,  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  of 
which  have  been  introduced  and  highly  recom- 
mended for  the  flower  garden.  They  are  very 
succulent,  and  grow  in  hot,  sandy  plains,  the 
genus  being  almost  entirely  confined  to  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Their  leaves  are  very 
variable  in  form,  but  almost  always  of  a  thick, 
fleshy  texture;  the  flowers,  which  embrace  all 
shades  of  orange,  crimson,  pink,  white,  etc.,  are 
most  of  them  very  beautiful,  the  petals  of  bril- 
liant colors  and  of  a  lasting  nature,  with  a  hand- 
some center.  They  only  expand  in  the  sun- 
shine, and  are  well  adapted  for  a  hot  situation, 
one  in  which  but  little  else  would  thrive  well. 
M.  '•riislaUinum,  a  native  of  the  Canary  Islands 
and  Greece,  as  well  as  of  the  Capo  of  Good  Hope, 
is  the  common  Ice  Plant  of  our  gardens,  so 
called  in  consequence  of  every  part  of  the  leaf 
and  stalk  being  covered  with  small  watery  pus- 
tules, which  glisten  in  the  sun  like  fragments 
of  ice.  Large  quantities  of  the  plant  are  collect- 
ed in  the  Canaries  and  burned,  the  ashes  being 
sent  to  Spain  for  the  use  of  glassmakers.  The 
English  name  of  Fig  Marigold  is  applied  to  M. 
edule,  the  fruit  of  which  is  shaped  like  a  fig,  and 
which  is  eaten  by  the  Hottentots;  and  to  the 
flower,  which  resembles  that  of  the  Marigold  in 
shape,  and  sometimes  in  color.  M.  c&rdifolium 


MIC 

variegatum,  a  variety  of  late  introduction,  is  re- 
markable for  the  distinct  variegation  of  its  leaves, 
white  and  green.  It  is  a  free-growing  plant,  well 
adapted  for  rockeries,  vases,  or  edgings  to  beds 
or  ribbon  borders.  This  variety  is  increased  by 
cuttings,  as  the  variegation  is  not  constant  in 
plants  grown  from  seed.  All  the  species  are 
easily  increased  by  cuttings. 

Mesospinidium.  From  mesas,  medium-sized, 
and  spinidi'im,  a  bird.  Linn.  Gtjnundria-Monan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  beautiful  little  Orchids  from 
the  Andes  of  Peru,  nearly  allied  to  Odonioylos- 
sum.  M.  sanguineum  is  one  of  the  most  showy 
species,  and  interesting  on  account  of  its  nod- 
ding racemes  of  rosy  flowers.  The  species  are 
rarely  seen  in  collections.  They  may  be  grown 
in  a  cool  house,  and  must  be  sparingly  watered. 
They  are  increased  by  division.  Introduced  in 
1867. 

Mespilus.  Medlar.  From  mesos,  half,  and 
pilos,  a  ball;  referring  to  the  shape  of  the  fruit 
of  the  Medlar.  Linn.  Icosandria-D'ipentagynin. 
Nat.  Ord.  Pomacece. 

A  genus  of  low-growing,  hardy  deciduous 
trees,  common  to  Europe.  They  are  ornament- 
al, and  produce  an  edible  fruit  of  but  little 
value.  They  are  grown  in  shrubberies,  like  the 
Hawthorn,  which  they  resemble. 

Mesua.  Named  after  Mesue,  the  father  and  son, 
two  celebrated  Arabian  physicians  and  botan- 
ists, who  resided  at  Damascus,  and  flourished  in 
the  eighth  and  ninth  centuries.  Linn.  Mona- 
delphia-Dodecandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Clusiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tender  evergreen  trees  from 
tropical  Asia,  remarkable  for  their  beautiful  foli- 
age, and  large,  pure  white  axillary  flowers,  which 
are  highly  fragrant.  The  flowers  are  sold  in  all 
the  Indian  bazaars,  both  fresh  and  dried,  under 
the  name  of  Nagkesur,  being  held  in  high  esteem 
on  account  of  their  fragrance. 

Metrosideros.  From  meira,  heart-wood,  and  side- 
ros,  iron;  referring  to  the  hardness  of  the  wood. 
Linn.  Icosaniria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Myrta- 
cece. 

A  genus  of  lofty  trees,  climbers,  and  shrubs, 
natives  of  New  Zealand.  M.  robusta  is  a  tall 
tree,  with  a  stout,  erect  trunk,  and  a  branching 
head  of  myrtle-like  foliage,  and  showy  scarlet 
or  crimson  flowers.  The  wood  of  this  species 
is  very  valuable  for  ship  timber.  M.  tomentosd  is 
called  the  Fire  Tree  by  the  colonists,  on  account 
of  its  brilliant  flowers.  One  or  two  species  ar  j 
under  cultivation  in  green-houses,  where  their 
bright  scarlet  flowers  are  very  effective.  Prop- 
agated from  cuttings  of  the  young  wood.  In- 
troduced in  1787. 

Mexican  Tea.     See  Chenopodium. 

Mexican  Thistle.     See  Erythroltena. 

Mexican  Tiger  Flower.    See  Tigridia  pavonia. 

Mezereon.    See  Daphne  Mezereon. 

Michauxia.  Named  after  A.  Michaiu,  a  French 
botanist.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Campanulacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  biennials  chiefly  found  in 
the  Levant.  They  are  allied  to  the  Campanulas, 
but  inferior  in  merit.  They  are  of  easy  culture. 
Propagated  by  seeds.  Introduced  in  1787. 

Michelia.  Named  after  P.  A.  Micheli,  a  famous 
Florentine  botanist,  who  died  in  1757.  Linn. 
Polyandi-ia-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Mignoliace:>;. 

A  lofty  evergreen  tree,  native  of  India  and  the 
islands  of  the  Eastern  Archipelago.  M.  Cham- 
pica,,  the  only  known  species,  is  cultivated 
in  India  for  the  powerful  fragrance  of  its  flow- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


133 


MID 

ers,  which  is  said  to  be  so  strong  that  bees  sel- 
dom if  ever  alight  on  them.  The  tree  is  sacred 
to  Vishnu,  and  is  therefore  an  object  of  super- 
stitious regard  on  the  part  of  the  Hindoos,  who 
adorn  their  dark  hair  with  the  rich  orange-col- 
ored flowers.  It  has  seldom  been  introduced  into 
the  green-house,  and  where  tried  it  has  not 
proved  an  acquisition. 

Midshipman's  Butter.     See  Persea. 

Mignonette,  livseda  odnrata.  This  well-known 
plant  is  generally  treated  as  an  annual,  and 
sown  every  year  as  such ;  but  it  is,  in  fact,  a 
shrub,  and  if  preserved  carefully  through  the 
winter,  in  two  or  three  years  its  stem  will  be- 
come quite  woody.  In  this  state  it  is  called  the 
Tree  Mignonette,  and  is  supposed  by  many  to 
be  a  different  species.  It  is  a  native  of  Bur- 
bary,  and  grows  wild  on  the  sandy  shore  of  Al- 
giers. The  name  Mignonette,  which  is  French 
for  "the  little  darling,"  is  supposed  to  have 
been  given  to  it  on  account  of  its  seeds  having 
been  first  sent  to  England  from  Paris.  It  is 
rather  singular,  however,  that  it  should  be 
known  by  a  French  name  in  England,  while  in 
France  and  Germany  it  is  called  by  its  Latin 
name  of  Reseda.  Mignonetto  should  always  be 
sown  in  light,  sandy  soil,  if  possible  ;  as,  when 
grown  in  a  rich  loam,  it  loses  its  fragrance. 

^•With  a  little  management,  it  may  be  contrived 
to  have  Mignonette  in  flower  every  month  dur- 
ing the  year  without  the  aid  of  a  regular  gar- 
dener. In  order  that  the  plants  may  flower  in 
winter,  the  seed  should  bo  sown  in  the  open 
border  in  July;  or,  if  it  bo  more  convenient, 
the  seeds  may  be  sown  in  pots  in  that  month, 
placing  the  pots  in  any  situation  where  they 
will  have  abundance  of  light  and  air.  In  Sep- 
tember the  plants  should  be  put  in  the  pots  in 
which  they  are  to  flower,  and  only  a  sufficient 
number  left  in  each  to  make  tho  pots  look  full 
without  tho  plants  being  so  crowded  as  to  occa- 
sion them  to  be  drawn  up.  This  number  must, 
of  course,  vary  according  to  the  size  of  the  pot; 
but  it  should  never  exceed  eight,  or  be  less 
than  three.  The  pots  should  then  be  taken  into 
the  house,  and  placed  in  any  convenient  situa- 
tion in  a  room  without  a  fire,  till  they  have 
formed  their  flower-buds,  which  will  be  the 
latter  end  of  October,  when  they  should  be 
removed  to  a  window  in  a  room  whero  tho  tem- 
perature does  not  exceed  50°  at  night,  when 
they  will  throw  out  an  abundance  of  branches, 
and  will  continue  flowering  beautifully  during 
November,  December,  and  January ;  and,  if  they 
are  regularly  watered  every  day,  till  the  follow- 
ing March.  The  seeds  of  tho  plants  which  are  to 
come  into  flower  in  March  to  succeed  them, 
should  bo  sown  in  pots  at  the  latter  end  of  Au- 
gust, and  the  pots  may  be  placed  in  a  spare  bed- 
room, or  in  any  place  safe  from  frost,  where  they 
will  have  plenty  of  light,  and  can  have  air  occa- 
sionally. Early  in  November  they  should  be 
thinned  out,  so  as  to  leave  only  six  or  eight  plants 
in  a  pot.  When  it  is  wished  to  obtain  a  plant  of 
Tree  Mignonette,  a  healthy,  vigorous  plant  of 
Mignonetto  sown  in  a  pot  in  April  should  bo  se- 
lected, and  the  flower-bud  i  should  bo  taken  off 
as  fast  as  they  appear.  In  autumn  all  the  lower 
side-shoots  should  be  cut  off,  so  as  to  shape  tho 
plant  into  a  miniature  tree,  and  it  should  bo 
transplanted  into  a  larger  pot,  with  fresh  soil, 
formed  of  turfy  loam  broken  small.  It  should 
then  be  removed  to  a  green-house  or  warm 
room,  and  by  being  regularly  watered  every 
day,  and  kept  tolerably  warm,  it  will  remain  in 


MIL 

a  growing  state  all  the  winter,  and  by  spring  its 
stem  will  begin  to  appear  woody.  It  should  be 
treated  in  the  same  manner  the  following  year, 
all  the  side  branches  being  cut  off  as  they  ap- 
pear, except  those  that  are  to  form  the  head  of 
the  tree;  and  by  the  third  spring  it  will  have 
bark  on  its  trunk,  and  be  completely  a  shrub. 
It  may  now  be  suffered  to  bloom,  and  its  flowers 
will  continue  to  be  produced  every  summer  for 
a  great  many  years  in  succession.  Mignonette 
does  best  in  a  cool  climate,  our  summers  some- 
times being  too  warm  to  grow  it  in  perfection; 
but  for  fall  flowering  nothing  can  surpass  its 
luxuriance,  beauty,  or  fragrance.  For  this  pur- 
pose, sow  the  seed  in  July  or  early  in  August, 
in  a  well-prepared  bed  of  deep  rich  soil.  It  is 
of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  seeds  of  Mig- 
nonette, when  sown  in  the  hot  months,  should 
be  well  firmed.  Our  plan  is  to  sow  in  drills  two 
or  three  inches  deep  and  eighteen  inches  apart. 
After  sowing  the  seed  it  is  carefully  and  regu- 
larly trodden  down  with  the  foot,  and  then 
raked  lengthwise  of  the  rows  to  make  the  ground 
level.  In  this  way  the  seed  will  germinate  in 
the  hottest  or  dryest  weather,  while  it  is  almost 
certain  to  fail  if  left  loose.  Thin  the  plants  out 
to  six  inches  apart  each  way,  and  from  the  first 
of  September  until  quite  cold  weather  there 
will  be  a  profusion  of  flowers. 

Mikania.  Climbing  Hempweed.  Named  after 
Joseph  Mikan,  Professor  of  Botany  at  Prague. 
Linn.  Synrienesi/i-^qufdis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracecn. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  twining 
plants,  allied  to  Eupatorium.  M.  scandens,  com- 
mon from  Long  Island  to  Kentucky  and  south- 
ward, is  a  perennial,  with  axillary  clusters  of 
flesh-colored  flowers.  M.  violacen,  a  tender 
species  with  dark  velvet-like  foliage,  is  now 
much  used  as  a  drooping  plant  for  baskets,  vases, 
etc.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Milla.  Named  after  J.  Mitta,  a  gardener  to  tho 
Spanish  Court.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Liliacea;. 

A  genus  with  fleshy  fibrous  roots,  frequently 
miscallel  bulb*.  They  ara  chiefly  natives  of 
Mexico,  and  grow  freely  in  the  open  border, 
producing  white  flowers,  in  pairs,  on  a  slender 
scape  about  one  foot  high.  They  arc  increased 
by  division.  Introduced  in  1826. 

Milfoil.     See  Achillea. 

Milium.     Millet  Grass. 

Milk  Tree.     See  Brosimum. 

Milkweed.     See  Asclepias  and  Euphorbia. 

Milkwort.     See  Polyijala. 

Milk  Veitch.     See  Astragalus. 

Millet  Grass.     The  common  nruae  of  Jf//iKM. 

Miltonia.  Named  after  the  Earl  tttzujittinin.  Linn. 
(fi/n<tiidri<i-M<iH<i<i[inia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orclii- 

This  small  genus  stands  conspicuously  prom- 
inent, even  in  the  magnificent  order  to  whicli 
it  belongs,  on  account  of  the  number  and  beauty 
of  its  flowers.  Nor  are  they  at  all  difficult  of 
management,  requiring  only  to  be  treated  in  the 
manner  recommended  for  Brassia,  or  Cattleya; 
and  when  grown  into  a  tolerably  good  speci- 
men, nothing  can  exceed  the  grandeur  of  3f. 
^H'rtnliUi.'i  (a-  .)/.  <•  iiidldn,  the  large  size-  and  deli- 
cate white  of  the  sepals  and  petals,  contrasted 
with  the  rich  crimson  marking  of  tho  expansive 
lip  of  the  former,  when  seen  in  ana^quantity, 
fully  equal  the  most  showy  of  tho  order.  Either 
or  both  of  the  above  should  always  bo  included 
in  every  collection  of  Orchids.  The  genus  con- 
sists of  about  a  dozen  species,  all  natives  of  Bra- 
zil. Introduced  in  1840. 


134 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


Mimosa.  Sensitive  Plant.  From  mimos,  a  mimic; 
referring  to  the  irritability  of  the  lem 
imitating  animal  sensibility.    .Linn.  Potygamta- 
M.^n-cia.     Nat.Ord.  Rtki<;.<: 

To  this  genus  belongs  the  Sensitive  Plant,  ot 
which  there  may  be  said  to  be  three  species,  the 
leaves  of  all  of  which  shrink  to  the  touch,  viz. : 
M.  sensitiva,  a  native  of  Brazil,  growing  two  to 
three  feet  high,  with  pal 3  ball-like  pink  flowers;  j 
M.  i-'tdicn,  a  native  of  Brazil,  growing  two  to  three 
feet  high,  with  pink  flowers;  and  M.  vista,  a 
native  of  the  East  Indies,  growing  about  two 
feet  high,  with  pale  yellow  flowers.  M.  pudica  is 
the  true  Sensitive  Plant,  and  the  one  that  is 
usually  grown.  It  is  cultivated  as  an  annual, 
and  should  be  raised  on  a  hot-bed  or  in  the 
grean-house  in  spring,  with  the  tender  annu- 
als ;  and  cither  kept  in  pots  throughout  the 
summer,  or  turned  out  into  the  open  border 
about  the  end  of  May.  Many  species  formerly 
included  under  the  genus  Mimosa  are  now  re- 
moved to  Acacia;  the  principal  distinction  be- 
tween the  genera  being  that  Mimosa  has  a  joint- 
ed seed-pod,  which  Acacia  has  not.  Several 
other  genera  have  also  been  formed  out  of  Mi- 
mosa. Some  of  the  kinds  are  hot-house  plants; 
others  thrive  in  a  green-house;  and  M.  margi- 
nata,  Dec.,  the  M.  prostrata  of  the  nurseries,  is 
sufficiently  hardy  to  stand  the  winter  at  the 
South.  They  are  propagated  by  cuttings ;  the 
annuals  by  seeds.  A  singular  fact  in  connection 
with  the  Mimosa  pudica  is  said  to  be,  that  if  chlo- 
roform be  applied  to  the  plant,  its  sensitiveness 
is  suspended  until  the  effects  of  the  anaesthetic 
have  passed  off. 

Mimulus.  Monkey  Flower.  From  mimo,  an  ape 
or  actor;  in  reference  to  the  ringent  or  gaping 
mouth  of  the  flower.  Linn.  D'iJdynamia-Ajujio- 
sptrmia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacew. 

This  genus  is  among  the  most  ornamental  of 
our  hardy  and  half-hardy  herbaceous  plants. 
Two  species  have  broken  out  into  numberless 
varieties:  these  are  M.  cardinalis  and  M.  luteus, 
and   the   former   especially  seems  capable  of 
bringing  a  great  deal  of  variety  to  the  aid  of 
the  flower-gardener.   Both  of  these,  and  M.  mos- 
chatus,  or  Musk  Plant,  as  it  ia  called,  are  valu- 
able aids  in  that  department,  and  are  very  gen- 
erally grown  for  the  purpose,  being  very  prolific   ' 
of  flowers.     They  are  easil  y  propagated  by  seeds,    j 
cuttings,  or  division  of  the  roots.    All  the  spe-   j 
cieg  are  natives  of  this  country,  mostly  of  Lower 
California,  excepting  M.  Intea,  which  is  a  native   I 
of  Chili,  and  was  introduced  in  1826. 

Mint.     See  M;.tl,;. 

Mirabilis.    Marvel  of  Peru.    From  mirabilis,  won-   I 
derful,  an  everything  was  at  first  considered  that   I 
was  sent  from  South  America  to  Great  Britain. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monog'jnia.     Nat.  Ord.  Nuctanu- 
metes. 

The  varieties  of  31.  Jalapn,  or  Marvel  of  Peru, 
are  valuable  ornaments  of  the  borders  of  the 
flower  garden.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in 
May  where  they  are  to  grow,  or  they  may  bo 
sown  for  early  blooming  in  a  hot-bed  and  trans- 
planted in  May  along  with  Dahlias  and  such 
plants.  Their  after  treatment  closely  resembles 
that  of  the  former;  they  should  be  staked  and 
tied  in  the  same  way,  and  on  the  approach  of 
winVr  their  large  bulbous  roots  should  be  taken 
up  and  stored  away  in  dry  sand  until  the  follow- 
ing spring,  when  in  April  they  may  be  forwarded 
on  a  moderate  hot-bed,  and  again  in  May  bo 
planted  into  the  borders  of  the  flower  garden,  or 
they  may  be  planted  at  once  in  the  border  as 


MOH 

soon  as  danger  from  frost  is  past.  The  whole  of 
the  genus  are  of  one  character,  and  may  be 
treated  alike.  Plants  from  the  old  roots  will 
come  into  flower  much  earlier  than  if  grown 
from  seed.  The  colors  of  the  Marvel  of  Peru 
are  various,  one  being  pure  white  and  very  fra- 
grant, while  others  are  beautifully  as  well  as  cu- 
riously striped.  Gerarde  first  notices  this  genus 
in  1596. 

Mirbelia.  Named  after  C.  F.  B.  Mirbel  a  physi- 
ological botanist  of  Paris.  Linn.  JDecandria-Mo- 
nogynia,.  Nat.  Ord.  FabucecK. 

This  genus  consists  of  eight  or  nine  species  of 
Australian  shrubs,  with  handsome  yellow,  pur- 
ple, or  bluish  flowers.  A  few  of  the  species  are 
occasionally  met  in  the  more  rare  collections  of 
green-house  plants.  They  are  evergreens,  and 
produce  their  flowers  in  July.  Propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1823. 

Missouri  Currant.     See  Hikes. 

Mist  Flower.     See  C'onodinum. 

Mist  Tree.     See  lihus  cotinus. 

Mistletoe.     See  Viscum  album. 

Mitchella.  Partridge  Berry  Named  in  honor 
of  Dr.  John  Mitchell,  an  early  correspondent  of 
Linnaeus,  and  an  excellent  botanist,  who  resided 
in  Virginia.  Linn.  Teirandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cinchonacece. 

M.  repens,  the  only  species,  is  a  low,  creeping 
evergreen,  widely  distributed  throughout  the 
United  States  and  Canada  in  dry  woods.  The 
flowers  are  white  and  fragrant,  the  fruit  is  scar- 
let and  edible,  but  nearly  tasteless,  and  remains 
on  during  the  winter.  The  Partridge  is  very 
fond  of  it,  whence  the  local  name. 

Mitraria.  From  mitra,  a  initer  ;  referring  to  the 
seed-pod.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Gesneracece. 

M.  coccinea,  the  sole  representative  of  this  ge- 
nus, is  a  low-growing  shrubby  plant,  native  of 
the  island  of  Chiloe.  Its  leaves  are  small,  oppo- 
site, or  sometimes  trifoliate.  The  flowers  are 
solitary,  and  of  a  bright  scarlet  color.  It  is  a 
very  beautiful  plant  for  the  green-house,  or  for 
planting  out  during  the  summer.  Propagated 
by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1848. 

Moccasin,  Flower.  The  popular  name  of  our  na- 
tive Oypripediums,  from  the  fancied  resemblance 
of  the  flower  to  a  moccasin  or  slipper. 

Mock  Orange  Flower.     See  PhUadelphus. 

Mock  Orange.    See  Cacurbita. 

Modecca.  The  East  Indian  name.  Linn.  Dioeda- 
Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Papciyacece. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  climbing  shrubs  resem- 
bling Passion  Flowers,  natives  of  tropical  Asia 
and  Africa.  The  flowers  are  small  and  greenish 
white.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Modiola.  From  modiolus,  the  nave  of  a  wheel; 
referring  to  the  formation  of  the  seed-vessel. 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Malva- 
ceoe. 

A  genus  of  annuals  and  herbaceous  perennials 
allied  to  the  Mallow.  They  are  mostly  uninter- 
esting plants,  with  a  low,  creeping  habit,  and 
purple  or  crimson  flowers.  Natives  of  the 
Southern  States  and  Brazil. 

Mohria.  Named  after  M.  Mohr,  a  German  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Cryptogamia-l'ilices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacece. 

A  genus  of  South  African  Ferns,  consisting  of 
but  one  species,  M.  thurifraya,  a  beautiful  Fern, 
with  the  general  appearance  of  iroodsi*  obtusa. 
It  makes  a  splendid  specimen  plant,  and  maybe 
grown  in  a  cool  green-house.  Propagated  by 
seed. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


135 


MOL 

Moldavian  Balm.     See  Dracocepkalum. 

Moltkia.  Named  after  Count  Gadske  Moltke,  a 
Danish  noble.  Linn.  Pentandrior'Mfmogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  BorayhKH-nr. 

M.  ccerulea,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  her- 
baceous perennial,  with  beautiful  blue  flowers. 
It  is  a  native  of  Persia,  and  grows  freely  with 
ordinary  garden  culture.  Propagated  by  seeds 
or  root  division.  Introduced  in  1829. 

Momordica.  Balsam  Pear,  Balsam  Apple.  From 
mnrdeo,  to  bite ;  the  seeds  have  the  appearance  of 
being  bitten.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monadelphia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Cuatrbitacece. 

A  small  genus  of  annual  and  perennial  climb- 
ing herbaceous  plants,  with  coarse  leaves  and 
inconspicuous  flowers,  either  white  or  yellow. 
M.  charanlia,  an  East  Indian  species,  is  the  Bal- 
sam Pear  of  our  gardens.  It  has  bright  orange 
yellow,  pear-shaped  fruit,  from  four  to  six  inches 
long,  and  covered  all  over  with  little  wart-like 
protuberances.  When  ripe  the  fruit  splits  open 
and  turns  back,  and  its  bright  red  seeds  give  it 
a  showy  appearance.  M.  balsamina,  Balsam  Ap- 

S'.e,  is  in  all  respects  the  same,  excepting  that 
e  fruit  is  smaller  and  nearly  round.     They 
grow  best  in  a  light  rich  soil,  with  a  sunny  as- 

Ct,  and  should  be  trained  over  a  trellis  or  on 
sh.    Seed  should  be  sown  early  in  spring. 
Monarda.     Horse  Mint.     Named  after  M.  Monar- 
dez,  a  physician  of  Seville.     Linn.  Diandria-Mo- 
notjynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  com- 
mon from  Pennsylvania  to  Wisconsin.    They  are 
mostly  coarse-growing,  and  of  but  little  beauty. 
M.  didyma,  Oswego  Tea,  has  bright  red,  showy 
flowers,  and  is  sometimes  cultivated  under  the 
name  of  Bee  Balm. 
Moneywort.     See  Lysimachia. 
Monkey  Flower.     See  Mhmtlus. 
Monkey  Puzzler.     See  Araucaria  imbricata. 
Monk's  Hood.     See  Aconitnm. 
Monochcetum.  A  synonym  of  Heterocentron,  which 

see. 

Monogramma.  From  monos,  one,  and  gramma,  a 
writing;  referring  to  the  spore  or  seed-cases. 
Linn.  Oryptoyamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodia- 
cecK. 

A  small  genus  of  very  small  Ferns  from  the 
West  indies,  requiring  a  warm  green-house. 
Monolopia.     From  monolopus,  a  single  covering; 
referring  to  the  flower  covering.     Linn.  Synyene- 
sia-Superftua.     Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

California  woolly  annuals,  allied  to  Chrysan- 
themum. There  are  but  two  species:  one,  M. 
major,  with  yellow  flowers,  is  rather  showy;  the 
other  is  a  mere  weed. 

Monopsis.  From  monos,  one,  and  opsis,  a  face; 
the  flowers  are  regular,  not  bilabiate.  Linn. 
Penfandria-Monotjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LobeliacecK. 

This  little  annual  deserves  far  more  attention 
than  it  has  hitherto  received.  It  bears  a  resem- 
blance to  the  well-known  Lobelia  yracilis,  except 
that  its  flowers  are  round,  the  segments  being 
equal  instead  of  bilabiate,  as  in  Lobelia.  The 
Monopsis  requires  the  treatment  usual  for  the 
other  plant  mentioned,  and  in  the  same  situa- 
tions has  a  much  better  effect,  its  flowers  being 
of  the  same  color,  but  from  their  form  are  more 
showy.  It  is  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and 
at  present  is  seldom  seen.  Introduced  in  1812. 
Monotropa.  The  generic  name  of  the  //<•/«/« 

Pipe  or  CWp.se  Plant. 

Monsonia.   Named  after  Lady  Ann  J/o//x«//.    Linn. 
MMOddphia-Dodeecmdria.    Nat.  Ord.  Grcrax 
A  genus  of  very  beautiful  herbaceous  plants, 


MOR 

nearly  allied  to  the  Geraniums,  but  with  much 
larger  flowers.  They  are  now  rarely  seen,  but 
well  de 


in  1774. 

Monstera.     Name  not  explained.     Linn.  Heptan- 
dria-Monoyynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Orontacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  stove  epiphytes,  former- 
ly known  as  Dracontium.  Several  of  the  species 
are  cultivated  in  collections  of  plants  with 
ornamental  foliage.  M.  deliciosa,  a  Mexican  spe- 
cies, has  a  succulent  fruit,  with  a  luscious  pine- 
apple flavor.  It  is  better  known  among  us  as 
Philodendron  pertusum.  Most  of  the  species  have 
holes  in  their  leaves  at  irregular  intervals,  the 
natural  causes  of  which  are  not  at  all  under- 
stood. Propagated  by  cuttings  and  seeds. 
Montbrettia.  In  honor  of  M.  Monibret.  Linn. 
Monodelphia-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  small  genus  of  bulbs  with  yellow  flowers, 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.     They  have  the 
general  appearance  and  habit  of  the  Ixia.     Un- 
less protected  by  a  frame  during  winter  they 
must  be  kept  in  the  green-house.    Propagated 
by  offsets.     Introduced  in  1825. 
Moonseed.     See  Menispermum. 
Moon-Flower.   A  popular  name  of  Ipomcea  Bona- 

nox. 

Moonwort.     See  Botrychium  and  Lunaria. 
Moose  Horn  Fern.     See  Platycerium  ^Ethiopica. 
Moose-wood.     See  Dirca. 

Morsea.  Named  after  R.  Moore,  an  English  bot- 
anist. Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Iridacece. 

Bulbous  plants  with  very  handsome  flowers, 
nearly  allied  to  Ixia,  from  which  genus  they 
have  been  removed.  They  are  generally  grown 
in  pots.  When  they  have  done  flowering,  they 
should  be  kept  dry  till  they  begin  to  grow  in 
spring.  When  planted  in  the  open  ground 
they  should  be  protected  from  frost  and  heavy 
rains.  Natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1758. 
Morenia.  In  honor  of  M.  Moreno.  Linn.  Dicecia- 
Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  hot-house  Palms  from  Peru, 
requiring  the  same  treatment  as  the  Chamce- 
dorea. 

Mprina.  Named  after  L.  Morin,  a  French  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Diandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Dip- 
sacacecv. 

A.  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials. 
M.  lonyifolia,  a  native  of  the  mountains  of  the 
north  of  India,  is  a  showy  plant,  growing  two  or 
three  feet  high,  and  flowering  freely  from  July 
until  October.  Its  habit  of  growth  resembles 
the  Acanthus ;  the  flowers  resemble  those  of  the 
Verbena,  only  they  are  larger,  and  produced  in 
whorls  around  the  stem.  The  general  appear- 
ance of  the  plant  is  weedy. 

Moringa.  Horse-radish  Tree.  From  moringo, 
the  Indian  name.  Linn.  Decandria-Monoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Moringm-fr. 

The  three  species  that  compose  this  genus  are 
green -house  evergreens  from  North  Africa, 
Western  Asia,  and  the  East  Indies.  The  root  of 
one  of  the  species,  M.  pterygospermia,  is  pungent 
and  stimulant,  and  is  used  by  the  natives  for 
Horse-radish.  The  fruit  of  this  species  is  called 
Ben  Nuts,  from  which  is  extracted  a  fluid  oil 
called  Oil  of  Ben,  used  by  watchmakers. 
Mormodes.  From  mormo,  a  goblin ;  referring  to 
the  strange  appearance  of  the  flowers.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 


136 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


MOB 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  with  dark 
purple,  curiously-shaped  flowers,  from  Mexico. 
They  are  rarely  met  under  cultivation,  and  when 
grown  it  is  more  for  their  singularity  than  their 

Morna.  Named  after  Morna,  one  of  Ossian's 
heroines.  Linn.  Syngenesia-^Equalis.  Nat.  Ord. 

This  is  a  small  genus  of  beautiful  half-hardy 
annuals,  with  yellow  and  white  everlasting 
dowers,  'allied  to  Hetichrynum.  They  are  from 
Swan  River.  Introduced  in  1835.  They  should 
be  started  in  a  hot-bed,  and  planted  out  in  May. 

Morning  Glory.     See  Omvdvulus. 

Morus.  Mulberry.  From  inor,  the  Celtic  for 
black;  referring  to  the  color  of  the  fruit.  Linn. 
Moncecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Mcracea>. 

The  species  of  the  Mulberry  grow  from  ten  to 
forty  feet  high,  and  are  more  celebrated  as  af- 
fording leaves  upon  which  the  Silk-worm  feeds 
than  for  their  fruit,  which  is,  however,  of  a  very 
grateful  quality.  M.  rubra,  the  Red  Mulberry, 
is  very  common  throughout  the  United  States, 
and  produces  the  best  fruit  of  any  of  the  species. 
Charles  Downing  raised  a  seedling  from  M.  alba 
multicaidis,  which  is  called  "  Everbearing,  "  and 
justly  so,  as  it  ripens  its  fruit  earlier  than  any 
of  the  species,  and  keeps  in  bearing  later.  M. 
nigra,  the  Black  Mulberry,  is  the  species  that  was 
formerly  cultivated  for  its  fruit,  and  was  an  ob- 
ject of  much  attention  at  a  very  early  period  in 
the  western  parts  of  Asia  and  Europe.  The 
care  bestowed  upon  it  must  have  been  solely 
on  account  of  its  fruit;  for  the  knowledge  of  the 
mode  of  rearing  silk-worms  was  confined  to  the 
people  of  central  and  southern  Asia  till  the 
sixth  century.  It  is  mentioned  in  the  Psalms 
that  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty  destroyed  the 
"Mulberry  trees  with  frost,"  and  this  must 
have  been  recorded  as  a  remarkable  instance  of 
the  Divine  displeasure;  for  the  Mulberry  is  uni- 
versally known  not  to  put  forth  its  buds  and 
leaves  till  the  season  is  so  far  advanced  that,  in 
the  ordinary  course  of  events,  all  dangers  from 
frost  are  past.  We  also  read  in  the  Bible  that 
"David  came  upon  the  Philistines,  and  smote 
them  over  against  the  Mulberry  trees."  This 
species  is  found  wild  in  the  chains  of  the  Cau- 
casus and  adjoining  mountains,  and  also  in 
Persia  and  Asia  Minor.  M.  alba,  the  White 
Mulberry,  is  a  native  of  China,  and,  with  its 
varieties,  is  cultivated  for  food  for  the  Silk- 
worm. Of  all  the  varieties,  M.  alba  multicaulis 
is  considered  the  best,  and  is  the  most  grown  in 
silk-producing  countries.  It  was  this  variety 
that  created  such  a  mania  in  the  United  States 
about  forty  years  ago,  when  it  was  asserted  that 
silk  was  soon  to  take  the  place  of  cotton,  and 
that  in  p.ll  the  Middle  States  it  could  be  profit- 
ably produced.  It  is  now  largely  grown  in  Cali- 
fornia for  raising  the  Silk-worm. 

Mpscharia.  From  moschos,  musk;  a  musk-smell- 
ing plant.  Linn.  Syrujenes'ui-jEpMilis.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  half-hardy  annual  from  Chili,  interesting 
only  for  the  fragrance  of  the  plant;  the  flowers 
are  white,  but  of  little  merit. 

Moss  Campion.  One  of  the  popular  names  of 
.  which  see. 

Moss  Pink.     See  Phlox  subidata. 

Mother  of  Thousands.     See  Cymbakiria. 

Motherwort.  Leonwrim,  an  utterly  worthless 
weed,  common  in  neglected  and  waste  places. 

Mountain  Ash.     See  Pynts  auaiparia. 

Mountain  Cowslip.     See  Primula. 


MUS 

Mountain  Fringe.     See  Adlumia. 

Mountain  Mahoe.     See  ParUldm. 

Mouse-ear  C.hickweed.     See  Cemslium. 

Mucuna.  Cow  Itch.  The  Brazilian  name.  Linn. 
Diadetphia-Decandna.  Nat.  Ord.  Faiin,-,,i'. 

The  plants  of  this  genus  are  well  known  to 
travelers  in  tropical  countries  from  the  exceed- 
ingly annoying  character  of  their  seed-pods, 
which  are  thickly  covered  with  stinging  hairs, 
easily  detached  by  the  slightest  shake,  and 
causing  great  irritation  if  they  happen  to  fall 
upon  exposed  parts  of  the  body. 

Mukia.  Derivation  unknown.  Linn.  Monosda- 
Decagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CuciirbitacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Oucurbitacecr,  nearly  allied  to 
Bryonia.  They  are  confined  to  the  tropics  of 
the  old  world.  M.  scabrella  is  widely  diffused. 
It  is  an  annual  scabrous  climbing  herb,  with 
entire  or  lobed  leaves,  small  yellow  flowers,  and 
greenish  fruit,  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  which 
is  yellow  or  reddish  when  ripe. 

Mulberry.     See  Morus. 

Mullein.    See  Verbascum. 

Murraya.  Named  after  Professor  Murray,  editor 
of  Linnceus's  works.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Aurantiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hot-house  evergreen  trees 
from  India,  Java,  and  China,  producing  showy 
white  flowers,  which  are  very  fragrant. 

Murucuya.  The  name  of  the  species  in  Brazil. 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Passi- 
floracea?. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  climbers,  with 
showy  scarlet  or  purple  flowers.  The  genus 
was  formerly  included  in  Passifiora,  and  should 
in  all  respects  be  treated  the  same.  Natives  of 
Brazil. 

Musa.  Plantain  Tree,  Banana  Tree.  Altered 
from  maux,  the  Egyptian  name,  in  honor  of 
Antonius  Musa.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogy?iia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Musacect:. 

The  representative  species  of  this  interesting 
and  useful  genus  are  M.  paradisiaca,  the  Plan- 
tain, and  M.  sapienttim,  the  Banana.  The  latter 
has  its  stems  marked  with  purple  spots,  and  its 
fruits  are  shorter  and  rounder  than  those  of  the 
Plantain,  and  are  red  and  yellow  in  color,  but 
otherwise  the  two  plants  are  little  different  one 
from  the  other.  The  fruit  of  the  Plantain  is 
smaller  and  angular,  and  yellow  in  color.  "  They 
have  been  cultivated  from  the  most  remote  times 
in  tropical  climates,  in  sub-tropical  Asia,  Amer- 
ica, Africa,  and  the  islands  of  the  Atlantic  and  Pa- 
cific Oceans,  for  the  sake  of  their  fruits,  which  they 
produce  in  enormous  quantities,  with  very  little 
attention.  There  are  several  varieties,  the  fruits 
of  which  differ  in  color  and  taste.  The  starch  in 
the  unripe  fruit  becomes  converted,  as  it  ripens, 
into  mucilage  and  sugar.  They  are  highly  nu- 
tritious, and  serve  as  the  staple  food  of  a  large 
number  of  the  human  race.  Though  less  nutri- 
tious than  wheat  or  potatoes,  yet  the  space  oc- 
cupied by  their  culture  and  the  care  required 
are  so  very  much  less,  that  Huruboldt  has  cal- 
culated the  produce  of  Bananas  compared  to 
that  of  Wheat  as  133  to  1,  and  to  that  of  Potatoes 
as  44  to  1.  Plantain  meal  is  obtained  by  pow- 
dering the  dried  fruit.  It  is  very  nutritious,  as 
it  contains  not  only  starch,  but  proteine  or  flesh- 
forming  material.  The  fruits  of  the  Plantain 
are  stated  by  chemists  to  be  most  nearly  allied 
in  composition  and  nutritive  qualities  to  the  Po- 
tato, and  the  Plantain  meal  to  Rice.  The  natives 
in  many  parts  of  India  live  almost  entirely  on 
Plantains,  and  the  stems,  laden  with  fruit,  are 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


137 


MUS 

made  use  of  at  wedding  festivities,  in  token  of 

Slenty."  The  Banana  is  not  known  in  an  uncul- 
vated  state.  The  wildest  tribes  in  South 
America,  who  depend  upon  this  fruit  for  sub- 
sistence, propagate  the  plant  by  suckers.  Eight 
or  nine  months  after  the  sucker  has  been 
planted,  the  BaJiana  begins  to  form  its  clusters, 
and  the  fruit  is  ready  for  picking  in  two  or 
three  months  thereafter.  When  the  stalk  is  cut, 
the  fruit  of  which  has  ripened,  a  sprout  is  put 
forth,  which  again  bears  fruit  in  three  months. 
The  whole  labor  of  cultivation  that  is  required 
for  a  plantation  of  Bananas,  is  to  cut  the  stalks 
laden  with  ripe  fruit,  and  to  give  the  plants  a 
slight  nourishment  once  or  twice  a  year  by  dig- 
ging round  the  roots.  The  yield  per  acre,  with 
the  little  or  no  care  bestowed,  is  between  fifty 
and  sixty  tons  of  ripe  fruit.  The  Banana  is  of- 
ten cultivated  in  the  green-house.  M.  Cavendishu 
is  the  best  for  this  purpose;  it  is  a  dwarf  species, 
from  China,  rarely  growing  more  than  six  feet 
high,  and  is  exceedingly  ornamental.  In  a 
warm  house  it  ripens  its  fruit  to  perfection,  and 
the  flavor  is  far  superior  to  that  which  is  found 
in  our  markets,  which  is  picked  quite  green,  and 
ripened  in  holds  of  vessels  or  in  fruit  stores. 
M.  Abyssinlm  has  foliage  of  magnificent  pro- 
portions, and  is  sometimes  grown  on  the  lawn 
as  an  ornamental  plant.  It  is  of  recent  intro- 
duction. 

Muscari.  Grape  Hyacinth.  From  moschos,  musk ; 
the  smell  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
gynifi.  Nat.  Ord.  L'dificea',. 

A  small  genus  of  bulbous  plants,  with  small 
white  or  blue  globular  flowers,  in  racemes,  at 
the  end  of  a  simple  stalk.  They  only  require 
planting  where  they  can  remain  for  many  years 
without  transplanting.  They  are  natives  of 
middle  Europe  and  the  Mediterranean  region. 
They  have  become  naturalized  in  many  parts  of 
the  United  States.  On  the  east  end  of  Long  Is- 
land some  fields  are  literally  blue  with  the 
flowers  in  early  spring.  From  their  peculiar 
fragrance,  the  plant  is  often  called  "  Baby's 
Breath." 

Mushroom.  Agaricus  campestris.  See  Agaricus. 
The  great  interest  now  being  taken  in  Mush- 
room culture  in  the  United  States  has  induced 
us  to  treat  the  subject  as  fully  as  the  limits  of 
our  space  will  permit.  Mushrooms  may  be  grown 
either  in  a  house  specially  erected  for  the  pur- 
pose, in  cellars,  out-houses,  sheds,  under  green- 
house stages,  tables,  or,  as  in  France  and  other 
parts  of  the  world,  in  caves  or  other  subterrane- 
ous places,  as  light  is  not  necessary  to  their 
growth.  There  is  a  peculiar  interest  in  Mush- 
room culture  to  the  amateur  or  beginner,  from 
the  fact  that,  while  in  all  other  cultivated  plants 
we  have  something  tangible  to  start  with — 
either  plants,  seeds,  or  roots — we  have  neither 
here,  as  far  as  the  naked  eye  can  see;  for  the 
white  mouldy  substance  called  spawn  is  not 
easily  imagined  to  be  either,  though  we  know, 
by  the  use  of  the  microscope,  that  tho  germs  or 
spores  are  to  be  found  in  countless  numbers  on 
the  "gills"  of  the  fully-developed  Mushroom, 
and  these,  without  doubt,  when  falling  in  a  con- 
genial "  noil,"  form  the  spawn  which  we  plant  to 
develop  the  Mushroom.  But  an  extended  bo- 
tanical or  physiological  inquiry  is  not  necessary 
to  the  subject  of  culture.  As  there  is  no  neces- 
sity for  light  in  Mushroom  culture,  the  usual 
method  of  growing  them,  where  them  is  a  green- 
house, is  to  use  the  sheds  used  for  potting, 
packing,  or  for  covering  tho  boiler  pits ;  and  the 


MUS 

portion  of  them  used  for  Mushroom  growing  is 
generally  four  feet  from  the  back  wall,  starting 
on  the  floor  of  the  shed  with  the  first  bed,  the 
additional  beds  being  formed  of  shelving  of  the 
same  width,  and  from  twelve  to  fifteen  inches 
deep,  raised  one  above  another  to  the  top  of  the 
wall,  like  steamboat  sleeping-berths.  Of  course, 
if  the  shed  is  used  for  growing  Mushrooms  ex- 
clusively, these  beds  will  be  formed  in  the  mid- 
dle and  front  of  the  •shed,  leaving  say  three  feet 
walks  between  each  tier  of  Mushroom  beds;  for 
example,  if  the  shed  is  eleven  feet  wide,  it  will 
give  two  Mushroom  beds  four  feet  wide  on  each 
side,  with  a  three  feet  walk  in  the  center;  or  if 
twenty-two  feet  wide,  the  beds  for  Mushrooms 
should  be  four  feet  wide  at  front  and  rear,  with 
an  eight  feet  bed  in  the  center,  and  three  feefc 
walks  all  around,  the  eight  feet  bed  being  ac- 
cessible from  the  walks  on  either  side.  When  a 
Mushroom  bed  is  made  under  the  green-house 
bench,  the  bench  must  be  made  of  slate  or  other 
material,  to  prevent  the  water  getting  through, 
otherwise  Mushrooms  could  not  well  be  raised 
under  it.  The  bed  must  also  be  formed  under 
such  benches  as  have  no  pipe  or  flues  tinder 
them,  as  the  heat  from  such  near  to  the  bed 
would  be  hurtful.  Where  there  is  a  superfluity 
of  cellar-room,  there  is  no  better  place  to  raise 
Mushrooms,  as  the  cool  moisture  of  the  atmos- 
phere and  the  uniform  temperature  of  the  cellar 
is  more  congenial  to  the  growth  of  this  vegeta- 
ble than  structures  above  ground.  The  beds 
may  be  formed  of  the  size  and  depth  above  re- 
commended; or,  where  portable  Mushroom  beds 
are  wanted,  boxes  may  be  used  of  the  requisite 
depth  and  of  convenient  size.  The  temperature 
of  the  apartment  where  Mushrooms  are  to  be 
grown  during  the  winter  months  should  range 
from  55°  to  65°,  and,  consequently,  it  would  be 
useless  to  attempt  to  grow  the  crop  in  the  win- 
ter months  unless  artificial  means  were  used  to 
keep  the  temperature  to  that  height;  for  though 
the  manure  in  the  beds  were  up  to  80°  when  first 
made,  it  would  only  partially  raise  the  tempera- 
ture of  an  unheated  building  in  winter.  Proba- 
bly the  best  time  to  begin  making  the  beds  for  a 
crop  wanted  in  winter  is  during  August  and 
September,  as  at  that  season  the  temperature  is 
high  enough  to  cause  the  spawn  to  germinate 
freely,  so  that  the  first  beds  made  in  August  will 
give  the  first  crop  during  December;  those  in 
September,  in  January  or  February;  and  so  on. 
The  following  plan,  given  in  our  work,  "  Gar- 
dening for  Profit,"  has  been  extensively  prac- 
ticed for  the  past  fifteen  years,  with  rare  in- 
stances of  failure,  even  by  those  who  never  be- 
fore attempted  the  culture  of  the  Mushroom  : 
"Let  fresh  horse  droppings  be  procured  from 
the  stables  each  day,  in  quantity  not  less,  per- 
haps, than  a  good  barrowful.  To  every  barrow  - 
load  of  droppings  add  about  the  same  weight 
(which  will  be  a  little  less  than  one-third  in  bulk) 
of  fresh  loam  from  a  pasture,  or  sod  land  of  any 
kind,  in  fact,  that  has  not  been  manured;  the 
danger  of  old  manured  soil  being,  that  it  may 
contain  spurious  fungi.  Let  the  droppings  and 
soil  be  mixed  together  day  by  day  as  the  drop- 
pings can  bo  procured.  If  they  can  be  had  all 
at  once  in  quantity  enough,'  so  much  tho  better. 
Let  the  heap  be  turned  every  day,  so  that  it  is 
not  allowed  to  heat  violently,  until  you  have  got 
enough  to  form  the  bed  of  the  dimensions  re- 
quired. Be  careful  that  you  keep  it  under  cover, 
so  that  it  cannot  possibly  get  wet.  Now,  from 
the  prepared  heap  of  droppings  and  soil,  spread 


138 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MUS 

over  the  bed  a  thin  layer;  pound  this  firmly 
down  with  a  brick,  and  so  on  till  it  reaches  a 
depth  of  eight  inches.  Be  careful  that  it  is  not 
more  nor  less  than  eight  inches;  more  will  cause 
the  mass  to  heat  too  violently,  while  less  is  hard- 
lv  enough.  Into  this  bed  plunge  a  thermome- 
ter- in  a  day  or  two  the  bed  will  heat  so  that  it 
will  run  up  to  100°  or  over;  and  as  soon  as  it  de- 
clines to  90°,  take  a  dibble,  or  sharp  stick,  and 
make  holes  three  or  four  inches  deep  all  over 
the  bed  at  twelve  inches  each  way;  into  each 
hole  put  a  piece  of  spawn  about  the  size  of  a 
hen's  egg,  covering  up  the  hole  again  with  the 
compost,  so  that  it  will  present  the  same  level, 
firm  surface  as  before  the  spawn  was  put  in.  Let 
it  remain  in  this  condition  for  about  ten  or 
twelve  days,  by  which  time  the  spawn  will  have 
•run'  through  the  whole  bed.  Now  spread 
evenly  over  the  surface  of  the  bed  nearly  two 
inches  of  fresh  loam;  firm  it  down  moderately 
with  the  back  of  a  spade,  and  cover  up  the  bed 
with  three  or^four  inches  of  hay  or  straw.  This 
completes  the  whole  operation  of  '  planting  the 
crop.'  Nothing  now  remains  to  be  done  but  to 
attend  to  the  proper  degrees  of  heat  and  moist- 
ure. If  yon  can  control  the  means  of  heating, 
so  that  the  place  can  be  kept  uniformly  at  a  tem- 
perature of  60°,  all  the  better;  if  not,  it  may 
range  from  40°  to  60°.  It  should  never  get  be- 
low 40°,  else  the  bed  will  become  cold  and  de- 
lay the  crop  until  too  late  in  the  season  to  be 
profitable.  Unless  the  air  of  the  house  has  been 
unusually  dry,  the  Mushrooms  will  appear  be- 
fore any  water  is  required;  but  examination 
should  be  made,  and  if  the  surface  of  the  bed 
appears  dry,  a  gentle  sprinkling  of  water,  heat- 
ed to  about  100°,  must  be  given.  With  this 
treatment,  beginning  in  August,  our  first  crop 
is  ready  for  use  in  December;  while  beginning 
in  September,  the  crop  should  be  ready  in  Jan- 
uary and  February.  The  Mushrooms  do  not 
come  up  all  at  once,  but  from  three  to  four 
weeks  will  be  needed  to  get  off  the  first  crop. 
After  this,  a  slight  dressing  of  fresh  soil  about 
half  an  inch  in  depth  is  spread  over  the  bed, 
and  again  beaten  down  with  the  spade;  this  is 
gently  watered  with  tepid  water  when  dry,  and 
a  second  crop  of  Mushrooms  (often  better  than 
the  first)  is  gathered  in  March  or  April.  To  show 
how  a  simple  oversight  in  our  operations  may 
defeat  the  whole  work,  I  will  state  that  in  my 
first  attempt  at  Mushroom  growing  I  labored  for 
two  years  without  being  able  to  produce  a  single 
Mushroom.  In  my  apprentice  days  I  had  known 
no  such  word  as  fail  in  so  simple  a  matter;  but 
here,  on  my  first  attempt,  on  my  own  responsi- 
bility, I  was  met  by  total  failure.  Every  author- 
1  ity  was  consulted,  all  the  various  methods  tried, 
but  with  no  better  success.  In  all  such  cases 
something  must  be  blamed,  and  I  pronounced 
the  spawn  worthless;  but  this  could  not  well 
be,  as  a  friend  had  abundant  crops  growing 
from  spawn  received  from  the  same  source. 
Driven  into  a  corner  by  this  information,  I  made 
another  exploration  of  my  '  authorities ,'  and  was 
fortunate  to  find  in  one  of  them  a  single  sen- 
tence that  at  once  showed  where  my  error  had 
been;  it  was  to  'be  careful  to  delay  the  cover- 
ing with  mould  until  ten  or  twelve  days  after 
the  bed  had  been  spawned.'  Now,  in  all  the 
different  methods  I  had  tried,  I  had  in  each  in- 
variably put  in  the  spawn,  and  at  once  put  on 
the  two-inch  covering  of  soil,  which  had  the  ef- 
fect to  shut  down  the  steam,  thereby  raising  the 
temperature  in  the  bed  to  a  degree  that  de- 


MUS 

stroyed  the  spawn,  and  consequently  defeated 
my  whole  operations.  My  excuse  for  this  di- 
gression is  to  show  the  importance  of  what 
might  otherwise  bethought  unnecessary  details. 
Although  spawn  is  procurable  at  cheap  rates  in 
all  horticultural  stores,  yet  .to  such  as  desire  to 
make  it  themselves,  I  give  the  following  brief 
directions :  Take  equal  portions  of  horse  drop- 
pings, cow  dung,  and  fresh  loam,  and  mix  the 
whole  thoroughly  together,  as  you  would  make 
mortar;  then  form  it  into  cakes  about  the  size 
of  large  bricks;  place  these  on  edge,  under 
cover,  until  they  become  half  dry;  then  insert 
into  each  a  piece  of  spawn  half  an  inch  or  so 
square,  and  let  the  bricks  remain  until  they  are 
quite  dry;  then  spread  about  eight  inches  of 
horse  dung  over  the  floor  of  the  shed,  on  which 
build  the  bricks  in  a  pile  three  feet  wide  by 
three  feet  high,  keeping  the  side  in  which  the 
spawn  has  been  put  uppermost;  then  cover 
them  over  with  sufficient  stable  manure,  so  as 
to  give  a  gentle  heat,  not  exceeding  100°, 
through  the  whole.  In  two  or  three  weeks  the 
spawn  will  have  spread  itself  through  the  whole 
mass  of  each  brick:  they  are  then  removed  to  a 
dry  place,  and  will  retain  their  vital  properties 
for  many  years.  There  is  not  the  least  question 
that  the  cultivation  of  Mushrooms  for  market, 
forced  in  the  manner  detailed,  will  give  a  larger 
profit  for  the  labor  and  capital  invested  than 
that  from  any  other  vegetable.  The  supply  has 
never  yet  been  half  enough,  and  sellers  have 
had  prices  pretty  much  as  they  pleased.  I  know 
of  no  house  that  has  been  especially  erected  for 
the  purpose,  and  the  markets  have  been  sup- 
plied from  beds  formed  in  out-of-the-way  cor- 
ners, giving  only  an  uncertain  and  irregular 
supply,  very  discouraging  to  buyers.  I  have  no 
doubt  whatever  that  Mushroom  houses,  roughly 
built,  but  exclusively  devoted  to  that  purpose, 
would,  in  the  vicinity  of  any  of  our  large  cities, 
pay  a  profit  of  fifty  per  cent,  per  annum  on  the 
cost  of  construction."  The  following  method, 
written  by  S.  Henshaw,  of  New  Brighton,  Staten 
Island,  we  can,  with  great  confidence,  recom- 
mend, as  Mr.  Henshaw  has  long  been  known 
as  the  most  successful  Mushroom  grower  in  the 
vicinity  of  New  York.  His  plan,  which  we  be- 
lieve is  entirely  novel  with  him,  of  covering  the 
beds  with  green  sods,  is  of  great  importance, 
and  we  believe  this  is  the  first  time  this  natural 
and  common  sense  method  has  been  given  to 
the  public.  Mr.  Henshaw  writes  as  follows: 
"Mushrooms  are  rapidly  becoming  a  favorite 
article  of  food,  and,  so  far  as  I  know,  the  demand 
for  them,  in  winter  has  never  been  supplied,  that 
is,  in  a  fresh  state;  of  course  they  can  always  be 
had  canned,  but  these  are  a  very  poor  substitute 
when  one  has  become  accustomed  to  cat  them 
fresh.  Physicians  tell  us  they  are  the  nearest 
approach  to  animal  food  of  any  vegetable,  being 
rich  in  phosphates  and  ammonia,  and,  as  brain 
food,  superior  to  fish.  Formerly,  any  out-of-the- 
way  place  was  thought  good  enough  to  grow 
them  in,  and  in  the  seedsman's  catalogues  in- 
structions were  given  for  growing  them,  often 
only  copied  from  European  catalogues,  recom- 
mending the  use  of  cold  sheds,  barns,  etc.,  for 
use  in  winter.  This  method  is  all  good  enough 
in  a  milder  climate  than  ours;  but  around  New 
York,  in  winter,  it  could  only  result  in  failure. 
We  have  grown  them  in  all  sorts  of  places,  and, 
from  experience,  find  that  all  the  labor  is  thrown 
away,  for  winter  forcing,  if  the  temperature  is 
anywhere  below  50°.  Until  lately  my  only  place 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


139 


MUS 

was  a  cellar  under  a  green-bouse,  but  in  build- 
ing houses  for  Ferns  and  Orchids,  provision  was 
made  to  cover  in  and  put  a  hot  water  pipe 
through  a  shed,  on  the  ground  floor,  about  fifty 
feet  long  by  eight  feet  wide,  without  any  shelves; 
this,  so  far,  answers  the  purpose  admirably.  At 
other  places  there  is  n  growing  interest  mani- 
fested in  their  cultur?.  I  do  not  find  it  nec- 
essary to  exclude  all  the  light,  but  only  the  rays 
of  the  sun.  In  this  house  there  are  three  sashes, 
five  feet  long  by  two  feet  wide,  put  on  the  wooden 
roof  at  equal  distances  apart,  which  give  light 
enough  for  working  at  all  times.  There  are  not 
often  more  than  two  kinds  sold  around  New 
York;  these  are  the  Agaricus  campfstris  and  the 
small  white  Clmmpignon,  the  latter  being  a  favor- 
ite with  the  French  people;  but  at  some  of  the 
fashionable  restaurants  several  kinds  are  cooked, 
and  served  to  customers  as  a  great  delicacy.  The 
common  '•  Puff  Ball "  that  comes  un  all  over  the 
country  in  autumn  is  excellent  eating,  when 
taken  in  its  young  state,  sliced,  and  fried  like 
the  Egg  Plant,  or  broiled  like  the  ordinary 
Mushroom.  The  Spaniards  eat  several  kinds 
that  we  have  always  thought  to  be  poisonous, 
and  the  Russians  cook  a  still  greater  number  of 
Fungi ;  but  no  doubt  the  high  seasoning  some- 
what neutralizes  their  poisonous  qualities,  and 
makes  them  safe  to  eat  under  their  mode  of 
preparing  them  for  the  table.  Every  year 
we  hear  of  some  cases  of  poisoning  by  eat- 
ing Toadstools,  gathered  by  mistake  for  Mush- 
rooms; so  it  is  best  not  to  risk  eating  any 
that  are  not  known  to  be  genuine  Mushrooms. 
In  my  own  practice  I  do  not  find  it  necessary  to 
have  fresh  droppings  from  the  stable,  as  is  so  often 
recommended  by  some  growers.  When  we  get 
in  our  supply  of  horse  manure  in  the  autumn, 
about  the  last  of  October,  or  the  beginning  of 
November,  I  take  care  to  have  the  finest  portion 
of  it  carted  to  an  open  shed,  where  there  is  suf- 
ficient room  to  pile  it  in  a  loose  heap,  so  as 
to  be  turned  as  often  as  the  heat  becomes  vio- 
lent. This  will  not  be  so  often  as  once  a  day; 
but  care  is  taken  that  it  does  not  burn.  If  it  is 
fresh  horse  manure,  it  will  take  nearly  a  month 
before  it  is  sufficiently  fermented  to  get  rid  of 
the  offensive  smell,  and  prevent  the  danger  of 
burning  when  it  is  made  into  a  compact  bed.  I 
am  not  at  all  particular  to  shake  out  all  the  litter 
and  straws,  as  I  find  the  spawn  runs  much  bet- 
ter and  quicker  than  when  made  of  nothing  but 
droppings.  I  never  mix  r.ny  soil  with  the  ma- 
nure, either  when  turning  it  over  to  ferment  or 
in  making  the  beds.  Of  course  it  takes  a  little 
longer  to  prepare  it  than  it  would  if  soil  were 
mixed  with  it,  but  the  after  results  are  much 
more  satisfactory,  the  crops  are  better,  and  for 
a  longer  period,  than  I  have  seen  where  soil  was 
mixed  with  the  beds.  In  making  the  beds  I 
have  a  layer  of  manure  spread  about  four  inches 
thick,  which  is  all  trodden  down  as  firm  as  pos- 
sible; and  then  another  layer  of  the  same  thick- 
ness, with  another  treading,  or  beating,  and  so 
on,  till  the  bed  is  from  twelve  to  fifteen  inches 
deap.  I  then  put  in  trial  sticks,  which  are 
pointed  sticks  about  eighteen  inches  long, 
driven  into  the  bed  about  four  feet  apart;  and 
these  are  examined  occasionally  in  order  to  know 
when  the  bed  is  of  the  right  temperature  for 
putting  in  the  spawn.  If  the  bed  does  not  be- 
gin to  ferment  within  a  week  from  the  time  of 
making,  it  is  covered  with  hay  or  leaves;  but 
this  is  not  often  necessary,  for,  as  a  rule,  the 
heat  is  very  violent,  and  if  there  is  any  danger 


MUS 

of  burning,  that  is,  if  it  becomes  white,  or  'fire- 
fangcd,'  I  make  a  few  holes  in  the  bed  to  let  out 
the  steam.  Usually,  however,  in  about  ten  days 
the  bed  will  be  cool  enough  to  spawn,  or  about 
blood  heat,  (98a.)  In  spawning  the  bed,  I  pre- 
fer what  is  called  flake  spawn,  which  is  pro- 
duced by  breaking  up  the  brick  spawn  into 
pieces  about  two  inches  square,  and  mixing 
them  in  a  heap  of  manure  that  is  fermenting 
gently.  After  laying  in  this  heap  about  three 
weeks  it  will  be  found  one  mass  of  spawn,  and 
just  in  the  right  condition  for  running  vigor- 
ously all  through  the  bed  in  a  very  short  time. 
The  quality  of  the  spawn  may  be  very  easily 
detected  by  the  Mushroom-like  smell  ;  there 
is  nothing  else  smells  like  it,  and  after  hav- 
ing once  become  acquainted  with  its  peculiar 
odor,  when  in  a  state  of  activity,  it  is  never 
forgotten,  and  I  should  have  no  hesitation  in 
picking  out  good  spawn  in  the  dark.  When 
spawning  the  bed  I  lift  up  the  droppings  in 
the  bed  about  four  inches  deep,  and  put  in 
a  handful  of  the  flake  spawn  about  one  foot 
apart  all  over  the  bed.  After  this  I  beat  it  all 
down  as  hard  as  possible.  If  brick  spawn  is 
used,  I  make  holes  about  four  inches  deep,  and 
nine  inches  apart,  and  put  in  pieces  about  the 
size  of  an  egg,  beating  all  well  down  as  before. 
When  the  spawn  used  is  in  a  state  of  activity, 
as  it  is  when  flake  spawn  is  used,  the  appear- 
ance of  the  crop  is  from  two  to  three  weeks  ear- 
lier than  when  brick  spawn  is  used.  If  the 
material  of  the  bed  has  been  properly  prepared, 
there  is  not  much  danger  of  overheating  after 
this  time;fbut  it  is  best  to  be  on  the  safe  side, 
and  defer  putting  soil  on  the  bed  until  after  the 
spawn  has  begun  to  spread,  which  may  be 
known  by  lifting  up  a  portion,  and  examining 
it.  If  it  has  begun  to  run,  the  manure  will  be 
found  full  of  very  fine  white  threads,  and  it 
will  have  that  peculiar  Mushroom-like  smell 
spoken  of  above.  Now  comes,  in  my  opinion, 
a  very  important  part  of  the  preparation  for  a 
crop  of  Mushrooms,  and  that  is  covering  thi 
bed  with  soil.  Formerly  I  was  very  particular 
to  have  the  soil  finely  sifted,  and  spread  evenly 
over  the  bed  about  one  inch  deep.  In  a  great 
measure  this 
the  bed  firm, 

if  the  surface  of  the  bed  once  gets  dry,  all  the 
small  ones  wither,  or,  as  the  old  gardeners  say, 
'  fog  off.  '  Of  late  years  I  have  practiced  what  has 
proved  to  be  a  much  more  reliable  way  of  cover- 
ing the  bed,  which  consists  in  putting  on  fresh 
grass  sods  cut  about  two  inches  thick;  these  are 
liid  all  over  the  bed,  grass  side  down,  and  trod- 
den or  beaten  down  as  firmly  as  possible.  With 
this  covering,  I  have  never  known  the  small 
Mushrooms  to  wither  before  coming  to  matur- 
ity. Another  advantage  over  the  old  plan  is, 
the  bed  continues  bearing  longer,  the  Mush- 
rooms are  larger,  and  come  through  the  sods  in 
a  healthy,  vigorous  way  that  is  pleasant  to  look 
upon.  In  gathering  the  crop  from  a  bed  cov- 
ered with  sods,  the  largest  can  be  twisted  from 
a  cluster  without  disturbing  the  small  ones, 
which  was  often  a  great  loss  by  the  old  plan. 
After  the  bed  begins  to  bear  I  never  use  any 
covering,  such  as  hay,  or  similar  material,  for, 
if  the  placa  is  not  absolutely  dark,  the  small 
blades  of  grass  grow  through  the  sods,  and 
form  a  sort  of  mulch,  and  the  Mushrooms,  as 
they  peep  through  the  grass,  appear  much  more 
natural  and  cleanly  than  when  covered  with 
rubbish;  besides,  in  many  cases  the  covering  is 


. 

this  plan  defeats  the  object  of  making 
rm,  and  when  the  Mushrooms  appear, 


140 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MUS 

only  a  harboring  place  for  vermin,  such  as 
slugs,  wood-lice,  etc.,  which  are  all  great  ene- 
mies to  the  crop,  and  will  devour  both  the 
Mushrooms  and  the  spawn,  if  they  can  get  at  it. 
Some  growers  put  covering  on  their  beds  to 
keep  the  surface  moist;  but  this  can  be  eftectu- 
ally  done  bv  sprinkling  the  sides  of  tho  house, 
the  surface  of  the  beds,  and  paths,  if  there  are 
any;  but  I  do  not  have  any  paths  in  the  Mush- 
room house.  The  beds  are  made  to  cover  all  the 
floor,  and  there  are  no  beds  on  shelves,  as  was 
formerly  the  case;  the  work,  in  the  former  case, 
is  so  much  more  easily  done;  the  beds  can  be 
made  firmer;  and  if  any  enemies  make  their  ap- 
pearance, it  is  much  easier  to  get  rid  of  them 
when  all  the  surface  can  be  seen  at  once.  In 
watering  tho  beds  I  use  warm  water;  that  is, 
water  about  95°.  It  is  used  either  for  watering 
the  beds  or  for  sprinkling.  The  vapor  arising 
from  warm  water  is  very  congenial  to  the  growth 
of  the  Mushroom.  At  night  I  frequently  pour 
water  on  the  hot -water  pipes  in  order  to  imitate 
a  fog  in  autumn.  When  a  bed  is  in  bearing  the 
surface  is  never  allowed  to  get  dry;  and  when 
the  bed  shows  signs  of  exhaustion  I  give  a  dose 
of  liquid  manure,  previously  warmed,  about 
once  a  week.  The  drainage  from  the  manure 
heap  is  found  to  be  the  best;  but  if  that  cannot 
be  had,  a  weak  solution  of  guano  will  do,  say 
one  pound  to  twenty-five  gallons  of  water. 
Sometimes,  if  an  old  bed  has  almost  ceased  to 
bear,  I  have  started  it  afresh  by  making  holes  in 
the  surface,  and  pouring  in  a  very  liberal  quan- 
tity of  liquid  manure,  which,  with,  another  sod 
on  top,  will  almost  make  a  new  bed  of  it.  It 
sometimes  happens,  after  all  the  trouble  of  pre- 
paring the  material,  making,  and  spawning  the 
bed,  etc.,  that  a  spurious  fungi  will  take  posses- 
sion of  the  bed,  and  bear  a  wonderful  crop  of 
toadstools  in  about  three  weeks  after  the  bed  is 
made ;  and  as  a  natural  consequence  the  seeds- 
man who  sold  the  spawn  is  blamed,  and  the  vic- 
tim feels  very  much  as  if  he  had  been  swindled 
out  of  his  money,  time,  and  trouble.  I  have 
had  the  same  disappointment  when  the  beds 
have  been  spawned  with  bricks  of  my  own 
make,  which  have  produced  excellent  crops 
when  used  in  other  beds,  so  that  I  know  it 
could  not  have  been  the  fault  of  the  spawn.  I 
have  always  found,  however,  that  if  the  spores 
of  other  fnngi  than  the  edible  Mushroom  are  in 
the  manure  or  the  soil,  it  is  always  first  to  pro- 
duce a  crop;  so  I  am  never  in  a  hurry  to  disturb 
a  bed  if  covered  with  toadstools,  for  their  crop 
is  of  short  duration,  seldom  lasting  more  than  a 
week,  and  after  that  the  real  Mushroom  fre- 
quently makes  its  appearance,  apparently  none 
the  worse  for  the  previous  intrusion .  If,  how- 
ever, after  waiting  a  reasonable  time  for  some 
sign  of  a  crop,  and  nons  appears,  and  there  is 
no  evidence  of  the  spawn  being  in  an  active 
state,  it  is  best  to  take  out  the  material,  and 
start  afresh.  The  manure,  sods,  etc.,  make  an 
excellent  compost  for  potting,  if  exposed  to  the 
weather  for  a  short  time  to  destroy  any  of  tho 
spores  that  might  be  in  it.  There  is  that  much 
time,  of  course,  lost;  but  Mushrooms  are  some- 
times very  capricious  as  to  their  choice  of  local- 
ity, and  with  the  best  of  attention  often  refuse 
to  grow  satisfactorily;  at  other  times,  with  the 
least  attention  they  sometimes  produce  tho  best 
crops.  I  do  not  attempt  to  grow  them  after  the 
end  of  May,  for  after  that  time  the  temperature 
gets  warm  enough  to  develop  the  small  fly  that 
lays  its  eggs  in  the  stem  of  the  Mushroom,  and 


MUS 

in  an  incredibly  short  time  these  arc  hatched, 
and  burrow  through  the  whole  Mushroom, 
which  renders  it  unfit  for  tho  table.  I  do  not 
suppose  they  would  do  any  harm  if  eaten  in 
that  state,  but  people  prefer  their  animal  and 
vegetable  food  kept  separate.  As  before  stated, 
I  have  no  path  in  the  Mushroom  house.  The 
beds  are  made  only  on  the  floor,  which  is  noth- 
ing but  earth,  and  I  prefer  that  to  either  bricks 
or  wood,  provided  it  is  drained,  so  that  no  water 
can  lodge  in  any  part.  This  plan  makes  it  nec- 
essary to  walk  on  the  beds  to  gather  the  crop, 
as  well  as  to  water  and  syringe  the  walls,  pipe's, 
etc.,  but  I  never  saw  any  harm  done  by  it;  and 
frequently,  where  the  surface  is  trodden  down 
the  hardest,  there  the  best  clusters  push  their 
way  through.  There  is  a  door  at  each  end  for 
removing  the  old  beds  and  bringing  in  fresh 
material,  so  that  all  this  can  be  done  without 
disturbing  the  beds  that  are  at  work.  Often ,  in 
removing  an  old  bed,  I  find  Borne  of  the  best 
spawn  at  the  bottom,  and  if  I  have  not  got  a 
good  supply,  this  is  packed  in  barrels,  alter- 
nately with  a  little  fresh  manure,  the  whole 
pressed  down  tight,  and  put  in  n  cellar  or  some 
dry  place  until  wanted;  but  neither  this  nor  the 
flake  spawn  will  keep  as  long  as  that  made  into 
bricks.  In  regard  to  temperature,  I  have  had 
the  best  success  when  it  has  been  kopt  from 
60°  to  65°.  If  it  is  kept  higher  tho  Mushrooms 
come  much  smaller,  and  the  beds  are  sooner  ex- 
hausted; and  if  kept  lower  than  50°  the  Mush- 
rooms arc  very  slow  to  grow,  and  are  not  tender 
in  cooking.  Mushrooms  can  bo  propagated  by 
taking  the  overgrown  clusters,  drying  them,  and, 
when  wanted,  burying  them  in  a  small  heap  of 
gently  fermenting  manure,  tho  same  as  recom- 
mended for  flake  spawn.  Some  years  ago  a 
cluster  of  Mushrooms  came  up  in  ono  of  tho 
beds,  which  were  quite  different  from  the  rest 
of  the  crop,  being  larger,  heavier,  and  irregular 
in  shape,  and  of  higher  flavor.  Wishing  to  per- 
petuate this  variety,  I  allowed  them  to  develop, 
and  before  the  spores  began  to  fall  from  the 
gills,  spread  some  thin  white  paper  underneath, 
which  was  soon  covered  with  spores,  and  looked 
as  if  covered  with  soot.  When  the  clusters  had 
withered  I  took  the  paper,  old  Mushrooms,  etc., 
and  covered  them  with  warm  manure ;  in  a  few 
weeks  I  had  a  quantity  of  good  spawn  of  the 
same  variety,  which  can  be  used  ta  spawn  beds 
in  future.  This  new  variety  of  Mushroom, 
which  might  be  called  A.  campestris  truinmtheria, 
is  three-angled,  somewhat  resembling  tho  old 
Continental  military  hat.  It  is  found  to  be 
much  finer  flavored  than  the  common  Mush- 
room, and  is  in  every  respect  worthy  of  general 
cultivation.  There  has  none  of  it  thus  far  been 
put  in  the  market." 

Musk-Flower.     See  Mimulus  moschatus. 

Musk  Mallow.     See  Malva. 

Muskmelon.     Oucumis  melo.     See  Cucumis. 

The  cultivation  of  the  Muskmelon  was  carried 
on  at  a  very  remote  period.  It  is  said  to  be  a 
native  of  the  central  part  of  Asia,  and  to 
have  been  brought  into  Europe  from  Persia; 
but  the  date  of  its  first  culture  is  so  remote 
that  there  is  no  certain  knowledge  on  the 
subject.  It  appears  to  have  been  brought 
into  Italy  early  in  the  first  century,  if  not  be- 
fore, as  it  is  mentioned  by  Pliny,  who  died  from 
suffocation  caused  by  the  great  eruption  of  Ve- 
suvius in  A.  D.  79.  In  his  works  he  describes 
the  methods  by  which  Melons  wero  grown  or 
forced,  so  as  to  be  obtained  for  the  Emperor 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HUB 

Tiberius  at  all  times  of  the  year.  Of  the  Melon 
there  are  many  varieties.  Of  the  various  d 
of  Melons,  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  is  the  Can- 
taloup, which,  according  to  M.  Jacquin,  deri\< 
its  name  from  Cantalouppi.  a  seat  belonging  t> 
the  Pope,  near  Kome,  where  this  sort,  brought 
from  Armenia  by  the  missionaries,  was  first  cul- 
tivated. The  flesh  of  this,  with  its  varieties,  is 
yellowish  or  pink.  The  Nutmeg  and  Citron  va- 
rieties, which  are  the  more  common  in  our 
markets,  are  supposed  to  be  the  African  or 
Egyptian  Melons  of  the  early  writers.  The 
Melons  of  Persia  have  long  borne  a  high  charac- 
ter, and  differ  materially  from  the  varieties 
commonly  cultivated.  They  are  extremely  rich 
and  sweet,  and  instead  of  the  thick  rind  of  the 
common  melons,  they  have  a  very  thin  and  del- 
icate skin,  which  makes  a  fruit  of  the  same  ap- 
parent size  contain  nearly  twice  as  much  edible 
flesh.  From  this  peculiarity  they  are  difficult 
to  handle  and  ship;  and  they  are  likewise  more 
difficult  of  culture,  requiring  a  long,  warm  sea- 
son to  ripen  to  perfection.  The  most  popular 
Melon  of  the  New  York  markets  is  the  "  Hacken- 
sack, "  a  green-fleshed,  finely  netted  variety,  cul- 
tivated in  immense  quantities  in  the  vicinity 
of  Hackensack,  N.  J. 

Musquash  Hoot.  One  ot  the  popular  names  of 
Cicuta  metadata. 

Musseenda.  The  Cingalese  name  of  one  of  the  spe- 
cies. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Cinchonacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  evergreen  shrubs. 
M.  frondosa  is  a  very  pretty  species,  with  ter- 
minal clusters  of  yellow  flowers,  which  are  sur- 
rounded by  bracts  of  pure  white,  which  give  it 
a  very  singular  appearance.  The  leaves  of  some 
of  the  species  are  esteemed  for  their  medicinal 
properties.  They  are  natives  of  the  East  Indies. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1814. 

Mustard  Tree  of  Scripture.     See  Salvadora  Per- 

Mustard.     See  Sinapis. 

Mutisia.  Named  after  C.  Mutis,  a  South  Ameri- 
can botanist.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Superftua.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asltraceae. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental  green-house 
climbing  plants,  natives  of  South  America, 
chiefly  confined  to  the  Andes  of  the  West,  and 
especially  of  Chili.  The  flowers  are  produced 
in  terminal  heads  or  clusters,  and  are  mostly  of 
a  pink,  purple,  or  yellow  color.  They  require 
a  warm  place  in  the  green-house.  Propagated 
by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1832. 

Myosotis.  Forget-me-not.  From  mys,  a  mouse, 
and  otos,  an  ear;  resemblance  of  the  leaves. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Boragin- 
acecK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  annuals  and 
perennials,  comprising  numerous  European, 
Northern  Asiatic,  and  one  or  two  native  species. 
The  lovely  blue  Forget-me-not  is  a  member  of 
this  genus,  and  a  general  favorite.  The  herba- 
ceous species  succeed  best  in  moist  places,  but 
all  may  be  grown  in  pots,  provided  they  are 
kept  well  watered.  They  are  usually  grown,  how- 
ever, in  cold  frames  like  Pansies.  A  recent  in- 
troduction from  the  Azores  ( M.  Azoricum)  bears 
large,  handsome  flowers.  It  is  the  only  tender 
one  of  the  genus.  The  whole  are  readily  prop- 
agated, either  by  division  or  by  seed. 

Myrica.  Bayberry,  Wax  Myrtle,  Sweet  Gale. 
From  myrio,  to  flow;  found  on  the  banks  of 
rivers.  Linn.  Dioecia-Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  M\j- 
ricaceai. 


MYK 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  and  hardy 
shrubs.  The  former  are  not  much  grown.  Of 
the  latter,  M.  cerifera  is  a  shrub  common  to  New 
York  and  the  Atlantic  coast,  growing  four  to 
eight  feet  high.  The  foliage  has  a  pleasant 
fragrance,  and  is  used  to  a  large  extent,  in  mixing 
with  flowers  used  in  summer  bouquets.  In  New 
England  the  wax  which  invests  the  berries  is 
collected  in  considerable  quantities.  It  is  ob- 
tained by  boiling  the  berries  in  water,  when 
the  wax  melts  and  rises  to  the  surface.  Under 
the  name  of  Bayberry  Tallow  it  is  often  used  to 
make  candles,  either  alone  or  mixed  with  tal- 
low; it  is  also  employed  in  soap-making. 

My  ricaria.  From  murike,  the  Greek  name  of  the 
Tamarisk.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Octandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Tamaricacece. 

Of  the  several  species  that  are  included  in  this 
genus,  M.  Germanica  is  the  only  one  of  special 
interest.  It  is  a  hardy  evergreen  shrub  from 
six  to  eight  feet  high,  with  very  narrow,  flat 
leaves,  and  long  spikes  of  delicate  pink  flowers. 
It  is  indigenous  throughout  most  parts  of  Eu- 
rope and  the  Caucasus.  It  is  of  easy  culture, 
and  very  ornamental.  Propagated  by  cuttings 
of  young  shoots,  either  in  spring  or  autumn. 

Myriophyllum.  Water  Milfoil.  From  myrios,  a 
myriad,  and  phyllon,  a  leaf;  division  of  the  leaves. 
Linn.  Monoecia-Pdyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Haloraga- 
cece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  aquatic  plants, 
allied  to  Hippuris.  The  several  species  are 
common  in  ponds  and  ditches  throughout  the 
United  States.  M.  spicatum  makes  a  desirable 
plant  for  the  aquarium. 

Myristica.  Nutmeg.  From  myristikos,  sweet- 
smelling.  Linn.  Dwecia-Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord. 
MyristicacecK. 

M.  moschata,  a  beautiful  branching  tree,  grow- 
ing about  thirty  feet  high,  produces  the  Mace  and 
Nutmegs  of  commerce.  It  is  principally  grown 
in  the  Banda  Isles,  though  common  in  Java  and 
the  Molucca  Islands.  The  male  and  female  flow- 
ers are  on  different  trees.  The  flowers  of  both 
are  small,  white,  bell-shaped,  and  without  any 
calyx ;  the  embryo  fruit  appearing  at  the  bottom 
of  the  female  flower  in  the  form  of  a  little  red- 
dish knob.  The  female  flowers  grow  on  slender 
peduncles,  two  or  three  together,  but  it  is  rare 
that  more  than  one  flower  in  each  bunch  comes 
to  maturity  and  produces  fruit ;  this  resembles 
in  size  a  small  peach,  but  it  is  rather  more 
pointed  at  both  ends.  The  outer  coat  is  about 
half  an  inch  thick  when  ripe,  at  which  time  it 
bursts  at  the  side  and  discloses  the  spices. 
These  are,  the  Mace,  having  the  appearance  of  a 
leafy  net-work  of  a  fine  red  color,  which  seems 
the  brighter  by  being  contrasted  with  the  shin- 
ing black  of  the  shell  that  it  surrounds.  This 
is  laid  to  dry  in  the  shade  for  a  short  time ;  but 
if  dried  too  much,  a  great  part  of  its  flavor  is 
lost  by  evaporation.  On  the  other  hand,  if 
packed  too  moist,  it  either  ferments  or  breeds 
worms.  The  Nutineg  is  contained  in  a  shell 
somewhat  harder  than  that  of  the  filbert,  and 
could  not,  in  the  state  in  which  it  is  gathered, 
be  broken  without  injuring  the  nut.  On  that 
account  the  nuts  are  successively  dried  in  the 
sun,  and  then  by  fire  heat,  till  the  kernel  shrinks 
so  much  as  to  rattle  in  the  shell,  which  is  then 
easily  broken,  and  the  nutmeg  released.  After 
this  process  they  are  several  times  soaked  in  sea- 
water  and  lime,  and  then  laid  in  a  heap,  where 
they  heat  and  get  rid  of  their  superfluous  moist- 
ure by  evaporation.  This  process  is  pursued  to 


142 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MYB 

preserve  the  substance  of  the  nut,  as  well  as  to 
destroy  its  vegetative  power.  When  perfectly 
cured  they  are  packed  in  dry  slacked  lime,  and 
sent  to  market. 

Mvrospermum.  From  myron,  myrrh,  an  aromatic 
bidsiuu,  and  sperma,  a  seed;  the  seeds  yield  a 
strong-smelling  resin.  Linn.  Decandria-Monoyy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

This  is  the  genus  which  produces  the  .Balsam 
of  Tolu  and  the  Balsam  of  Peru,  used  in  per- 
fumery and  in  the  preparation  of  lozenges. 
They  are  all  from  South  America,  and  mainly 
interesting  for  the  drugs  they  furnish. 

Myrsiphyllum.  Suiilax.  From  myrs'me,  a  myrtle, 
and  pli</ll<»i,  a  leaf;  resemblance  of  the  leaves. 
Linn,  llexamlria- TrlgijnM.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacecK. 

M.  tuparagoUks,  the  well-known  Smilaxof  the 
florist,  is  a  native  of  various  parts  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope.  It  was  first  introduced  into  Eng- 
land in  1702,  but  was  soon  discarded.  It  was 
again  introduced  by  Mr.  Cooper  about  1861,  who 
sent  it  to  Kew,  where  it  flowered,  and  from 
whence  it  was  disseminated.  It  is  now  one  of 
the  essentials  of  a  florist's  stock;  in  fact,  it  is  of 
greater  importance  than  any  flower,  if  we  ex- 
cept the  Rose.  It  is  of  easy  culture,  as  may  be 
inferred  from  the  fact  that  it  is  treated  in  about 
as  many  different  ways  as  there  are  growers. 
Sow  the  seed  in  the  green-house  in  boxes  of  light 
rich  soil  in  January  or  early  in  February.  As 
soon  as  the  plants  are  three  inches  high,  prick 
them  out  first  into  shallow  boxes,  and  again  in- 
to thumb-pots  when  established,  and  grow  on  in 
any  convenient  place,  even  partially  under 
benches,  where  little  else  would  grow.  When 
required  shift  into  a  three-inch  pot,  and  grow 
on  until  about  the  first  of  August,  and  then  plant 
out  in  the  bed  where  they  are  to  grow,  at  about 
six  inches  from  plant  to  plant,  and  twelve  inches 
between  the  rows.  This  is  about  the  right  dis- 
tance when  strings  of  six  or  nine  feet  are  used  to 
train  on ;  if  higher,  the  strings  may  be  set  farther 
apart.  By  the  first  of  January  following  it  will 
have  made  a  growth  of  eight  or  ten  feet,  and  be 
ready  for  cutting.  A  second  growth  will  at  once 
commence,  and  a  crop  secured  by  March  or 
April.  When  the  second  crop  has  been  cut, 
give  it  a  partial  rest,  clean  the  bed  off,  enrich 
with  a  light  top  dressing,  and  put  up  the  strings 
for  the  next  year's  growth,  which  will  commence 
in  August  or  September.  When  growing  freely 
it  may  be  liberally  supplied  with  manure  water 


NAN 


once  a  week  and  syringed  once  a  day.  This  treat- 
ment never  fails  of  giving  at  least  two  good  cut- 
tings a  year;  and  with  a  succession  of  plantings 
a  supply  can  be  had  at  all  times  of  the  year.  The 
strings  used  should  be  of  a  green  color,  so  that 
in  festooning  they  may  not  be  seen.  Although  a 
second  crop  is  often  taken  after  the  last  cutting 
in  April,  we  prefer  to  use  the  space  in  spring  for 
other  purposes,  and  plant  the  young  plants  of 
Smilax  each  year,  beginning  the  first  planting 
in  August,  as  above  mentioned.  From  August 
to  October  a  light  shading  should  be  used  on 
the  glass.  We  find  nothing  better  than  naphtha 
mixed  with  a  little  white  lead,  so  as  to  give  it 
the  color  of  thin  milk.  This  shading  can  be  put 
on  with  a  syringe  in  a  few  minutes.  It  costs 
only  twenty-five  cents  for  each  thousand  square 
feet  of  glass,  and  we  consider  it  the  best  shading 
for  all  green-house  operations.  One  important 
caution  in  growing  Smilax  must  be  given;  it  will 
not  stand  tobacco  nor  any  other  kind  of  smoke 
or  gas,  the  leaves  quickly  getting  yellow.  If  in- 
fested by  the  Aphis  (Green  Fly)  tobacco  must 
be  used  in  the  liquid  state,  by  steeping  the  stems 
till  of  the  color  of  strong  tea.  When  other  plants 
require  to  be  fumigated  in  the  same  house  with 
Smilax,  to  save  the  Smilax  from  injury,  it  should 
be  first  freely  syringed,  as  the  smoke  will  then 
not  hurt  the  leaves.  The  same  plan  should  be 
used  with  Heliotrope,  or  any  other  plant  the 
leaves  of  which  are  susceptible  to  injury  from 
fumigation. 
Myrtle.  See  Myrtus. 

Myrtus.  Myrtle.  From  myron,  signifying  per- 
fume. Linn.  Icosandria-Monocjynui.  Nat.  Ord. 
Myrtacece. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  evergreen  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  Europe,  Asia,  South  America,  and  some 
of  them  of  New  Holland.  The  common  Myrtle, 
M.  communis,  of  which  there  are  eight  or  ten 
very  distinct  varieties,  is  too  well  known  to  re- 
quire any  description.  It  is  not  surpassed  in 
beauty  of  foliage  by  any  exotic  shrub,  and  the 
flowers  are  of  a  pure  white,  and,  like  the  leaves, 
fragrant.  The  fragrance  arises  from  an  oil  which 
is  secreted  in  little  cells,  which  appear  as  dots 
when  the  leaves  are  held  up  to  the  light.  The 
handsomest  varieties  of  the  common  Myrtle  are 
the  Roman,  or  broad-leaved,  the  broad-leaved 
Dutch,  the  narrow-leaved,  and  the  double-flow- 
ered. They  are  propagated  "with  facility  by  cut- 
tings of  the  young  wood, 


"YTffigelia.    Derivation  of  name  unknown.    Linn. 

11     Jcosandria-Dipentagynia.      Nat.   Ord.    Oesner- 
acece. 

This  genus  was  formerly  included  with  Ges- 
nera,  of  which  the  type  is  the  well-known  G. 
ztbrina.  They  are  deciduous  green-house  plants, 
natives  of  Mexico.  The  leaves  are  oval-shaped, 
of  a  green  color,  and  have  a  velvety  appearance, 
being  thickly  covered  with  short  crimson  hairs, 
which  give  them  a  rich  velvet- like  hue.  They 
have  erect  racemes  of  large,  showy  flowers, 
mostly  bright  scarlet.  Propagated  and  culti- 
vated the  same  at;  recommended  for  Gesnera. 

Nagkesur.    See  Mesw. 


Nandina.  From  Nandin,  the  Japanese  name. 
Linn.  Hexandrw-Diqynid.  Nat.  Ord.  Berberidacew. 
A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
with  terminal  panicles  of  white  flowers.  It  is  a 
native  of  China  and  Japan,  where  it  is  exten- 
sively grown  in  gardens.  It  is  propagated  by 
cuttings  of  well-ripened  wood.  Introduced  in 
1804. 

Nanod.es.     From  nanodes,  a  pigmy.    Linn.  Gynan- 
drla-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Orckidacecn. 

N.  discolor,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  curious 
Orchid  from  the  West  Indies  and  Brazil,  with 
leaves  and  flowers  very  much  alike.  The  plant, 
which  is  only  an  inch  or  two  high,  has  pale 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


143 


NAP 

glaucous  foliage  and  purple  fringed  flowers.  It 
is  exceedingly  rare,  but  not  particularly  beauti- 
ful. It  should  be  grown  on  a  block  or  cork,  in 
a  oool  house. 

Napoleona.  Named  in  honor  of  the  Emperor 
Napoleon.  Linn.  Polyandries  Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Myrtacece. 

A  very  singular  genus  of  shrubs,  natives  of 
western  tropical  Africa,  whose  place  in  the  nat- 
ural system  is  a  contested  point  among  botan- 
ists. "Among  the  most  remarkable  plants  that 
have  hitherto  been  discovered  ranks  this  rare 
species.  It  forms  a  bush  about  as  large  as  a 
Camellia ;  and  some  idea  of  the  structure  of  its 
flowers  may  be  formed  when  we  state  that  the 
species  has  been  referred  to  the  natural  order 
Passifloracea:  by  some  botanists,  and  to  Cacw-M- 
taceai  by  others.  The  propagation  of  this  plant 
may  be  effected  by  cuttings,  and  in  other  re- 
spects its  treatment  should  resemble  that  of 
Gardenia." — Paxton. 

Narcissus.  Name  of  a  youth  said  to  have  been 
changed  into  this  flower.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 

In  this  genus  we  have  a  long  list  of  estab- 
lished favorites,  remarkable  alike  for  the  ele- 
gance, fragrance,  and  precocity  of  their  flowers. 
In  one  respect  the  species  are  all  alike:  they  de- 
light in  rich  soil  made  porous  with  plenty  of 
sand  and  well-rotted  manure.  All  of  them  are  also 
quite  hardy,  and  from  the  early  period  at  which 
their  flowers  are  produced,  they  are  of  the  ut- 
most consequence  to  the  flower  gardener.  Sev- 
eral of  the  species  are  found  to  bear  forcing 
well,  and  for  this  purpose  have  become  a  staple 
article  in  the  Dutch  florists'  trade,  and  several 
varieties  have  been  originated  by  them,  suited, 
by  the  selection  of  their  parentage,  to  bear  this 
trying  course  of  treatment.  Of  those  commonly 
grown  for  forcing,  we  prefer  the  following: 
Buzelman  Major,  SoleU  d'Or,  Grande  Primo,  and 
Grande  Monarque ;  these,  with  the  double  Roman 
and  others,  should  be  potted  in  September  in  a 
mixture  of  equal  parts  of  fresh  loam,  rotted 
manure,  and  leaf  mould,  with  half  of  either  quan- 
tity of  sand.  In  potting,  the  neck  of  the  bulb 
should  be  kept  above  the  surface  of  the  soil, 
that  the  roots  may  have  so  much  more  space  in 
the  pot;  and  when  the  potting  is  completed 
they  should  be  placed  together,  either  in  a  cold 
frame  or  in  some  convenient  place,  so  that  they 
may  be  covered  a  foot  thick  with  fresh  leaves. 
These  exclude  light  and  prevent  frost  from  get- 
ting to  the  roots,  both  essential  to  a  speedy 
excitement  into  growth.  After  about  a  month 
or  six  weeks  it  will  be  found  that  some  of  them 
are  growing,  and  these  may  be  taken  into  gentle 
heat  to  bring  on  their  flowers;  and  if  re-potted 
when  the  first  two  leaves  have  grown  a  few 
inches,  the  flowers  will  be  considerably  larger; 
but  before  any  plant  is  taken  from  the  bed  of 
leaves,  be  sure  that  it  has  made  a  good  stock  of 
healthy  roots,  or  it  will  be  spoiled  by  the  forcing 
process.  Narcissi  do  not  require  a  powerful 
heat  to  bring  out  their  flowers,  (55°  will  do  it 
better  than  any  other, )  and  the  supply  of  water 
should  be  at  once  sufficient,  but  by  no  means 
excessive.  When  grown  in  the  open  borders, 
the  bulbs  should  be  planted  in  October,  in 
newly-dug  and  well-manured  ground,  at  a  depth 
of  three  inches,  reckoning  from  the  top  oi  the 
bulb  to  the  surface  of  the  soil.  This  will  not  be 
too  much  for  any,  except,  perhaps,  the  Jonquils, 
which,  from  having  smaller  bulbs,  may  bo 
placed  an  inch  nigher  to  the  top.  At  this  depth, 


NAS 

and  with  plenty  of  mannre  about  them,  water 
will  not  be  required,  but  they  will  grow  strong 
and  flower  finely.  When  planted  in  beds,  and 
it  becomes  necessary  to  remove  them  to  make 
room  for  other  plants,  it  should  be  done  as  soon 
as  their  beauty  is  past.  As  the  bulbs  are  by  no 
means  mature  at  this  time,  they  should  be  "  laid 
in  "  in  some  slightly  shaded  place  until  the  foli- 
age is  quite  withered,  when  they  may  be  taken 
up,  dried,  and  stored  away  until  wanted  for  the 
next  planting  season.  Most  of  the  species  are 
from  the  south  of  Europe,  and  are  propagated 
by  offsets.  They  were  among  the  earliest  culti- 
vated garden  flowers.  The  Paper  Narcissus,  JV. 
papyraceus,  is  now,  perhaps,  more  extensively 
forced  than  either  of  the  above  mentioned.  It  is 
grown  in  immense  quantities  by  the  florists  of 
New  York  and  other  large  cities,  and,  next  to  the 
Koman  Hyacinth,  is  the  bulb  most  extensively 
grown  for  this  purpose.  When  grown  on  a  large 
scale  it  is  planted  in  boxes  of  soil  four  inches 
deep  at  a  distance  of  three  to  four  inches  apart, 
and  treated  as  recommended  above,  'ihis,  like 
nearly  all  other  bulbs,  is  of  no  value  after  being 
forced,  and  the  roots  may  be  thrown  away. 

Nasonia.  From  naso,  a  nose;  in  allusion  to  the 
column.  Linn.  Q-ynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacecK. 

N.  punctata,  the  only  species  that  constitutes 
this  genus,  is  a  very  beautiful  little  epiphytal 
Orchid.  It  is  a  native  of  Peru.  It  is  a  dwarf- 
growing  plant,  with  small  green  alternate 
leaves.  Flowers  large,  cinnabar-red,  with  center 
of  lip  yellow,  produced  from  the  axils  of  the 
leaves  on  a  short  scape. 

Nasturtium.  Water  Cress.  From  nasus,  the 
nose,  and  tortns,  tormented;  referring  to  the 
hot,  acrid  smell.  Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat. 
Ord.  BrassicacecK. 

This  genus  consists  principally  of  dwarf,  un- 
interesting, weedy-looking  plants.  N.  officinale 
is  the  well-known  Water  Cress,  a  native  of  Great 
Britain.  It  has  become  naturalized  here,  and  is 
common  near  springs  or  open,  running  water- 
courses. The  name  of  this  genus  is  commonly 
misapplied  to  1\-opa!olwn.  The  culture  of  Water 
Cress  is  still  comparatively  little  known  in  the 
United  States,  and  as  the  subject  was  very  fully 
treated  incur  vegetable  work,  "Gardening  for 
Profit,"  in  1874,  we  here  quote  from  that  work 
at  length,  believing  that  little  else  is  needed  for 
a  full  understanding  of  its  cultivation.  "This 
is  a  well-known  hardy  perennial  aquatic  plant, 
growing  abundantly  along  the  margins  of  run- 
ning streams,  ditches,  and  ponds,  and  sold  in 
immense  quantities  in  our  markets  in  spring. 
Where  it  does  not  grow  naturally,  it  is  easily  in- 
troduced by  planting  along  the  margins  of 
ponds  or  streams,  where  it  quickly  increases, 
both  by  spreading  of  the  root  and  by  seeding. 
Many  a  farmer,  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York, 
realizes  more  profit  from  the  Water  Cresses  cut 
from  the  margin  of  a  brook  running  through, 
his  farm,  in  two  or  three  weeks  in  spring,  than 
from  his  whole  year's  hard  labor  in  growing 
Corn,  Hay,  or  Potatoes.  Water  Cress  can  be 
best  cultivated  in  places  where  the  streams  run. 
through  a  level  tract.  Supposing  the  stream  to 
be  a  foot  deep  on  an  average  and  six  or  eight  feet 
wide,  running  through  a  meadow,  a  good  plan 
for  cultivation  is  to  make  excavations  laterally, 
say  in  beds  five  feet  wide,  (with  alleys  between 
five  feet,)  to  a  depth  of  about  eight  inches,  ordeep 
enough  to  be  flooded  by  the  stream  when  it  is 
of  average  height,  or,  when  shallow,  by  damming 


1M 


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NAV 

it  np  so  as  to  flood  the  beds.  The  advantage 
of  having  the  beds  excavated  at  right  angles  to 
the  stream  rather  than  parallel  with  it  is,  that 
in  the  event  of  freshets  the  crop  is  less  liable  to 
be  washed  away.  The  length  and  number  of 
the  beds  excavated  must,  of  course,  be  deter- 
mined by  circumstances.  Water  Cress  seeds 
germinate  freely  in  earth  when  kept  saturated; 
hence  the  beds,  when  properly  leveled  and  pul- 
verized by  digging  and  raking,  should  be  slight- 
ly flooded  (enough  to  saturate  the  soil  only 
when  the  feeds  germinate;)  for,  of  course,  if  the 
beds  were  filled  up  with  water  the  seeds  would 
be  washed  off.  After  the  seedlings  have  started 
so  as  to  show  green,  the  water  may  be  gradually 
let  on  as  they  develop.  Probably  the  best  time 
of  sowing  the  seed  would  be,  for  the  latitude 
of  New  York,  about  the  middle  of  August. 
When  Water  Cress  is  found  growing  naturally, 
the  beds  can  be  made  by  setting  the  plants  six 
or  twelve  inches  apart  each  way.  When  the  cul- 
tivation is  once  fairly  begun  there  is  no  diffi- 
culty about  forming  new  beds,  as  few  plants 
grow  more  rapidly  when  proper  conditions  are 
present.  If  the  crop  is  planted  or  the  seed  sown 
by  the  middle  of  August,  it  will  have  spread  all 
over  the  beds  by  November.  The  streams  being 
full  in  autumn,  the  beds  will  be  fully  flooded, 
so  as  to  protect  the  plants  during  winter.  It  is 
always  found  wild  growing  best  in  clear,  shal- 
low, slowly-running  water  with  a  sandy  or  grav- 
elly bottom ;  and  as  Nature  is  always  the  surest 
guide  to  successful  cultivation,  the  nearer  she 
can  be  imitated  the  better  the  success.  I  find  it 
is  one  of  the  plants  the  culture  of  which  is  not 
very  easy  to  give  by  writing,  as  so  much  must 
be  determined  by  the  circumstances  of  locality. 
"Wherever  a  suitable  stream  is  at  command  the 
experiment  of  growing  Water  Cress  is  worth 
trial,  especially  when  we  know  that  it,  in  many 
cases,  pays  for  a  given  area  six  or  eight  times 
more  than  any  other  vegetable  cultivated,  pro- 
vided it  can  be  sold  in  the  markets  of  New  York 
or  Philadelphia.  It  is  usually  sold  in  baskets 
containing  about  three  quarts,  which  sell,  when 
first  in  market,  at  one  dollar  each;  and  two 
hundred  or  three  hundred  such  are  carried  in 
an  ordinary  wagon,  so  that  from  a  single  load  of 
this  simple  vegetable,  two  hundred  to  three 
hundred  dollars  are  realized.  The  Water  Cress 
has  a  particularly  pleasant  pungent  taste,  agree- 
able to  most  people  in  early  spring.  It  is  said, 
that  when  Sir  Joseph  Banks  first  arrived  in 
England  after  his  voyage  around  the  world 
among  the  first  things  he  asked  for  were  Water 
Cresses,  well  knowing  their  value  as  a  purifier 
of  the  blood;  and  that  he  afterward  presented 
one  of  the  largest  Water  Cress  growers  for  the 
London  market  a  Banksian  Medal,  for  energy 
shown  in  the  business,  believing  that,  while  he 
had  benefited  himself,  he  had  benefited  the 
community.  I  have  no  doubt  whatever,  that  in 
situations  where  irrigation  could  be  used  at 
pleasure,  and  regular  plantations  made  as  for 
Cranberries,  if  grown  in  this  way,  (judging 
from  the  enormous  price  they  sell  at,  picked  up 
as  they  are  in  the  present  hap-hazard  way,)  at 
present  prices,  an  acre  would  sell  for  four  thous- 
and or  five  thousand  dollars." 
Mayarrettia.  Derivation  of  name  unknown. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pole- 
moniacew. 

Mostly  coarse  hardy  annuals,  with  blue  flow- 
ers, from  California.  They  are  allied  to  Ipomo- 
*w,  and  should  have  the  same  treatment 


NEL 

Navelwort.     See  Cotyledon. 

Neapolitan  Violet.  See  Viola  odorata  pallida 
plena. 

Necklace  Tree.     See  Onnosia. 

Nectarine.  Persica  terw.  The  Nectarine  is  al- 
most identical  with  the  Peach,  and  both  owe 
their  origin  to  one  and  the  same  parent,  Amyg- 
dalus  Persica.  Most  botanists  consider  them  the 
same  species;  the  only  difference  between  the 
two  being  in  the  skin,  the  Nectarine  having  a 
smooth  and  the  Peach  a  downy  one.  Their 
identity  has  often  been  confirmed  by  fruit  of 
both  sorts  being  produced  not  only  on  the  same 
tree,  but  on  the  same  stem;  and  instances  are 
recorded  of  the  same  occurring  in  one  fruit,  one 
side  of  which  was  downy  like  the  Peach,  the 
other  smooth  like  the  Nectarine;  and  the  Boston 
Nectarine  was  a  seedling  from  a  Peach  stone. 
The  French  have  always  considered  them  the 
same,  and  designate  them  as  smo6th  and  downy 
Peaches.  From  the  ravages  of  the  insect  known 
as  the  Curculio,  the  Nectarine  is  rarely  grown 
to  perfection  in  the  open  air  in  the  United 
States.  For  their  history  see  Peach. 

Nectaroscordum.  Honey  Garlic.  From  nectar, 
honey,  and  skorodon,  garlic;  referring  to  honey- 
pores  in  the  flower  of  this  onion-like  plant. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryl- 
lidacece. 

This  genus  of  b.ulbs  is  allied  to  the  Allium,  and 
was  formerly  called  Allium  siculum.  It  is  a  very 
curious,  hardy  bulb,  throwing  up  a  flower  scape 
three  to  four  feet  high,  quite  slender,  with  a 
cluster  of  long,  pendulous,  green  or  purplish 
flowers.  It  grows  freely  in  a  light  soil,  and 
flowers  in  June.  Introduced  from  Sicily  in 
1832.  It  is  increased  by  offsets. 

Negundo.  Box  Elder,  Ash-leaved  Maple.  Deri- 
vation of  name  unknown.  Linn.  Dlcecia-Pen- 
tandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Aceraceiv. 

A  genus  of  hardy  native  deciduous  trees, 
allied  to  the  Maple.  N.  fraxmifolium  is  com- 
mon in  Pennsylvania,  and  South  and  West.  N. 
folia  var  legato,  a  variety,  is  one  of  the  handsom- 
est variegated  trees  under  cultivation  in  Eng- 
land, but  is  rarely  seen  in  the  dry  climate  of  the 
United  States  in  perfection,  though  a  native. 
The  leaves  are  beautifully  marked  white  and 
green,  and  it  is  a  plant  of  rapid  and  vigorous 
growth.  There  are  several  variations,  but  none 
so  good  as  the  above.  They  are  all  natives  of 
the  United  States. 

Nelumbium.  Nelumbo,  Sacred  Bean.  From  ne- 
lumbo,  the  Cingalese  name  of  N.  speciosum.  Linn. 
Polyandria-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Nelwnbiacece. 

This  genus  contains  several  beautiful  species, 
which  are  aquatic  plants,  growing  in  ponds  and 
slow-running  streams.  N.  speciosum  is  the  Sa- 
cred Bean  or  Sacred  Lotus  of  India.  It  is  a  na- 
tive of  both  the  East  and  West  Indies,  China, 
Japan,  Persia,  and  Asiatic  Russia.  According  to 
Thunberg,  it  is  esteemed  a  sacred  plant  in  Japan, 
and  pleising  to  their  deities,  the  images  of  their 
idols  being  often  represented  as  sitting  on  its  large 
leaves.  The  worship  of  the  Lotus  was  com- 
mon with  the  ancient  Egyptians;  it  is  not  now, 
however,  to  be  met  with  on  the  Nile.  Herodotus 
described  the  plant  with  tolerable  accuracy, 
comparing  the  receptacle  of  the  flower  to  a  wasp's 
nest.  Sculptured  representations  of  it  abound 
among  the  ruins  of  Egyptian  temples,  and  many 
other  circumstances  prove  the  veneration  paid 
to  this  plant  by  the  votaries  of  Isis.  The  Chi- 
nese have  several  varieties,  the  more  beautiful 
being  the  rose-colored  flowering  one.  They 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


145 


NEL 

have  always  held  it  in  sacred  regard.  That  char- 
acter has  not,  however,  limited  it  to  merely  or- 
namental purposes,  for  the  rcots  are  not  only 
served  up  in  summer  with  ice,  but  they  are  also 
laid  up  with  salt  and  vinegar  for  the  winter. 
The  leaves  are  covered  with  a  fine  microscopic 
down,  which,  by  retaining  a  film  of  air  over  the 
upper  surface,  prevents  it  from  being  wetted 
when  water  is  poured  on  it,  the  water  rolling 
off  in  drops;  this  has  a  very  pretty  appearance, 
the  drops  of  water  looking  like  drops  of  mol- 
ten silver.  The  Hindoos  have  a  proverb  founded 
on  this  peculiarity  of  the  leaves,  to  the  effect 
that  the  good  and  virtuous  man  is  not  enslaved 
by  passion  nor  polluted  by  vice ;  for  though  he 
may  be  immersed  in  the  waters  of  temptation, 
yet,  like  a  lotus  leaf,  he  will  rise  uninjured  by 
them.  N.  luteum  (  Yellow  Nelumbo  or  Water  Chin- 
quapin) is  a  very  beautiful  species,  with  yellow 
flowers  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  diameter,  com- 
mon in  the  Western  and  Southern  States.  It 
has  been  introduced  into  the  Delaware  near 
Philadelphia,  and  also  in  some  parts  of  New 
Jersey  and  Connecticut.  It  may  be  grown  in  a 
large  tub,  or  in  a  tank,  in  the  same  manner  in 
which  the  white  Pond  Lily  is  often  grown. 
Nelumbo.  See  Nelumbium. 

Nem.atanth.u8.  From  nema,  a  thread,  and  anthos, 
a  flower;  in  allusion  to  the  pendant,  thread-like 
peduncles  on  which  the  flowers  are  suspended. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ges- 
neracecK. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  trailing 
plants,  with  large  scarlet  flowers,  singly,  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  It  requires  a  warm,  humid 
atmosphere,  in  which  it  is  a  rapid  grower.  It 
is  a  native  of  Brazil.  Introduced  in  1841. 
Nemesia.  Name  of  a  plant  in  Dioscorides. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Anyiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scro- 
phnlariaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing  annuals  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  have  opposite  or 
whorled  leaves,  and  terminal  racemes  of  white 
and  purplish  tinted  flowers.  They  are  of  but 
little  interest. 

Nemophila.  From  nemos,  a  grove,  and  phileo,  to 
love;  the  plants  delight  in  a  shady  situation. 
Linn.  Petandrla-Monoijynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Hydrophyl- 
lacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  hardy  annuals 
from  California.  N.  insignis  is  a  beautiful  bor- 
der plant,  with  lovely  blue  flowers.  It  should 
be  grown  in  a  moist,  partly  shaded  situation. 
The  seed  should  be  sown  very  early  in  spring. 
The  Nemophilas  make  fine  pot  plants  for  flow- 
ering in  the  green-house  in  winter;  and  for  this 
purpose  the  seed  should  be  sown  early  in  the 
fall,  and  the  plants  kept  rather  cool  in  winter. 
Neottia.  From  neottia,  a  bird's-nest;  referring  to 
the  interlacing  of  the  numerous  roots.  Linn. 
(j-yn'in'li'ln-Miin'iiidria.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  green-house  terrestrial 
Orchids,  of  but  little  interest  and  rarely  culti- 
vated. 

Neottopteris.  From  neottia,  a  bird's  nest,  and 
pteris,  a  fern;  founded  on  the  Bird's  Nest  or 
Spleenwort  Fern.  Linn.  Cryptogainia-Filices. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polj/podiacece* 

A  genus  of  rather  interesting  Ferns,  from  New 
Zealand  and  the  East  Indies,  rarely  seen  under 
cultivation. 

.Nepenthes.  Pitcher  Plant.  From  nepenthes, 
grief-assuaging;  its  supposed  medicinal  quality. 
Linn.  Diwcia-Monadelplda.  Nat.  Ord.  Xepentha- 


NEP 

Among  the  many  curious  forms  which  abound 
in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  perhaps  few  arrest 
more  general  attention  than  do  the  members  of 
this  genus.  The  extraordinary  appendage  to 
the  apex  of  each  leaf  has  obtained  for  it  the  ap- 
propriate appellation  of  the  Pitcher  Plant.  Con- 
nected with  the  point  of  the  leaf,  by  means  of  a 
long,  pendant,  strap-like  ligament,  hangs  a  hol- 
low tube,  sometimes  of  the  color  and  consistence 
of  the  leaf,  shaped  much  in  the  manner  of  some 
antique  vase,  which  will  hold  from  half  a  pint  to 
near  a  quart  of  water,  and  extending  over  the 
mouth  of  which  is  what  may  be  readily  likened 
to  a  lid,  the  whole  hanging  loosely  by  the  strap 
before  mentioned,  and  appear  only  as  though 
provided  by  a  beneficent  Providence  to  catch 
and  preserve  the  dews  of  heaven  for  the  supply 
of  the  animal  population  of  the  sultry  clime 
from  which  it  is  obtained.  In  cultivation,  the 
species  require  very  similar  treatment  to  what 
is  usual  for  East  Indian  Orchids.  They  are  of 
an  upright,  slender  habit,  requiring  some  sup- 
port to  their  flexile  branches ;  and  for  this  pur- 
pose light  iron  rods  should  be  fixed  to  the  pot 
or  basket  in  which  they  are  grown,  and  circular 
hoops  afford  the  easiest  means  of  fastening  the 
leaves  and  pitchers  in  their  respective  places. 
Leaf  mould,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  decaying 
Sphagnum  moss,  appears  the  most  proper  me- 
dium for  their  roots,  and  with  a  damp  atmos- 
phere of  about  80°  in  summer  they  grow  vigor- 
ously. The  necessary  reduction  of  heat  and 
moisture  in  winter  must  be  observed  with  these 
as  with  all  other  plants.  The  most  common  of 
the  species  is  N.  distillatoria,  but  a  recent  intro- 
duction (N.  ampullacea )  is  one  of  the  finest,  its 
pitchers  being  nearly  twice  the  size  of  those  of 
the  first  named.  N.  Loddiyes'd  is  also  a  new  ar».d 
very  fine  species.  N.  Rajflesiana,  of  late  intro- 
duction, is  another  very  curious  and  handsome 
species.  Like  many  others,  it  has  two  kinds  of 
pitchers,  those  on  the  lower  leaves  being  blad- 
der-shaped, with  two  fringed  wings  in  front, 
about  four  inches  long  by  two  wide,  and  beauti- 
fully spotted  with  rich  brown ;  while  those  on 
the  upper  leaves  are  less  beautifully  colored,  a 
good  deal  longer,  and  funnel-shaped,  narrowing 
gradually  to  the  base,  where  they  gracefully 
curve  upward.  Quite  a  number  of  remarkably 
beautiful  hybrids  have  been  introduced  within 
a  few  years  from  seeds.  The  genus  is  distrib- 
uted throughout  Borneo,  Sumatra,  and  the  ad- 
jacent islands  of  the  Indian  Archipelago.  In- 
crease is  had  by  separating  the  offsets  produced 
near  the  base  of  the  stems  of  the  old  plants;  these 
should  b3  taken  off  and  potted  at  once,  in  the 
manner  of  mature  specimens,  and  if  allowed  the 
warmest  part  of  the  house,  or  a  brisk  bottom 
heat,  soon  establish  themselves.  To  believers 
in  the  Darwinian  theory  of  insect-eating  plants, 
the  Pitcher  Plants  offer  a  good  argument.  In 
nearly  all  the  varieties  a  fluid  is  found  at  the 
bottom  of  the  "pitchers"  that  seems  to  attract, 
and  at  the  same  time  poison,  ants  that  flock  to 
it  in  immense  numbers,  sometimes  a  thousand 
being  found  in  a  single  "  pitcher."  Mr.  William 
Smith,  Superintendent  of  the  Botanic  Gardens, 
Washington,  D.  C.,  holds  to  the  belief  that  the 
fluid  intoxicates  the  insects.  First  introduced 
in  1820. 

Nepeta.  Catnip,  Cat  Mint.  From  Nepet,  a  town 
in  Tuscany.  Linn.  Didynamia-Oymnospermia.. 
Nat.  Ord.  LamiaceoK. 

An    extensive    genus    of   hardy    herbaceous 
plants,     properly    classed    with     troublesome 


146 


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NEP 

weeds.  N.  catara,  the  -well-known  Catnip, 
which  is  regarded  as  n  useful  herb,  and  N.  gle- 
choma,  (Ground  Ivy,)  have  become  naturalized 
throughout  most  of  the  States,  until  they  have 
become  more  troublesome  than  useful.  The 
former  is  now  being  grown  in  rough  waste  places 
for  Bee-food,  for  which  it  is  said  to  be  valua- 

Nephelium.  An  ancient  name  for  Burdock;  ap- 
plied in  reference  to  the  similarity  of  the  heads 
of  the  flowers  and  seeds.  Linn.  Odandria-JIono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapindacece. 

A  small  genus  of  fruit-bearing  trees  from 
China  and  the  East  Indies.  The  best  variety 
has  fruit  nearly  round,  about  one  inch  and  a 
half  in  diameter,  with  a  thin,  brittle  shell  of  a 
red  color,  which  is  quite  warty.  When  fresh, 
they  are  filled  with  a  white,  almost  transparent, 
sweet,  jelly-like  pulp;  after  they  have  been 
gathered  some  time,  the  fruit  shrivels  and  turns 
black,  and  then  bears  some  resemblance  to 
Prunes.  The  Chinese  are  very  fond  of  these 
fruits,  and  consume  large  quantities  of  them, 
both  green  and  in  the  dried  state,  preserved. 

Nephrolepis.  From  nephros,  a  kidney,  and  lep'is, 
a  scale;  referring  to  the  covering  of  the  seed  or 
spore-cases.  Linn.  Cryplogamia-FUices.  Nat. 
Ord.  1'oli/podiacece. 

A  considerable  genus  of  very  handsome  tropi- 
cal Ferns.  N.  tvherosa  is  by  far  the  finest  of  the 
family,  and  the  one  best  adapted  for  the  ordi- 
nary green-house.  It  has  no  equal  for  the  sit- 
ting room  or  conservatory,  being  a  rapid  grower, 
of  graceful  habit,  and  not  liable  to  be  injured 
by  sudden  changes  of  temperature.  It  is  rapidly 
increased  by  division  or  by  spores. 

Nerine.  Guernsey  Lily.  Named  after  Nerine, 
daughter  of  Nerius.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 

Showy  bulbous  plants,  the  type  of  which  is 
the  Guernsey  Lily,  and  which  are  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  China,  and  Japan.  The 
Guernsey  Lily  is  a  native  of  Japan,  and  the  rea- 
son why  it  has  obtained  its  English  name  is  said 
to  be,  that  a  ship  laden  with  these  bulbs  and 
other  plants  from  China  was  wrecked  on  the 
coast  of  Guernsey;  and  that  the  bulbs  being 
washed  on  shore,  took  root  in  the  sandy  soil  of 
the  beach,  and  flourished  there  so  remarkably 
as  to  be  supposed  to  be  natives  of  the  island. 
Whether  this  story  be  true  or  not,  it  is  quite  cer- 
tain that  for  nearly  two  hundred  years  these 
bulbs  have  been  cultivated  in  Guernsey  with 
the  greatest  success,  growing  freely  in  the  open 
air,  and  producing  abundance  of  offsets  every 
year,  from  which  the  market  is  supplied.  The 
bulbs  are  generally  planted  in  spring,  in  pots  of 
very  sandy  loam,  and  placed  in  some  window 
or  other  situation  where  they  will  have  plenty 
of  light.  They  flower  in  September  and  October ; 
and  as  soon  as  they  have  flowered  the  bulbs  are 
generally  thrown  away,  as  they  are  said  never 
to  flower  well  the  second  year.  This  is.  how- 
ever, entirely  the  fault  of  the  grower,  as,  if  they 
were  planted  in  a  well-drained,  sunny  border  in 
the  open  ground,  and  allowed  to  mature  their 
new  bulbs  every  year  by  the  agency  of  the 
leaves,  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  would  live  as 
long  as  any  of  the  kinds  of  Narcissi,  and  flower 
as  freely.  The  true  Guernsey  Lily  is  N.  sarnien- 
sis. 

Nerium.     Oleander.    From  neros,   moist;  refer- 
ring to  their  native  places  of  growth.     Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Apocynac,ea>. 
Nerium  oleander  and  its  varieties  are  old  and 


NIC 

valued  inhabitants  of  our  green-houses;  their 
large  and  handsome  flowers,  either  double  or 
single,  pink  or  white,  produced  in  the  early 
part  of  the  vernal  season,  have  made  them  gene- 
ral favorites,  and  a  late  addition  promises  to  give 
an  additional  impetus  to  their  culture;  this  is  a 
striped  variety,  with  marks  exactly  like  those  of 
the  Carnation.  It  is  of  French  origin,  and  is 
called  N.  tangle.  Undoubtedly  it  is  a  variety  of 
N.  oleander,  and  requires  just  the  same  kind  of 
treatment,  viz.,  to  be  grown  in  leaf  mould  and 
loam,  well  watered,  and  kept  rather  warm  while 
growing,  and  to  be  moderately  rested  in 
winter.  The  Oleander  may  be  kept  in  a  cool 
cellar  during  the  winter,  and  grown  out  of  doors 
in  the  summer,  where  it  will  flower  freely.  Not- 
withstanding the  beauty  of  the  Oleander,  it  is 
one  of  the  most  virulent  of  vegetable  poisons. 
It  is  common  in  the  south  of  Europe.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings  of  well-ripened  wood. 

Nertera.  A  genus  of  Cinchonacece.  A.  depressa, 
the  only  known  species,  a  native  of  the  southern 
part  of  South  America,  is  a  creeping  herbaceous 
plant,  with  oval,  fleshy  leaves  that  are  dense- 
ly matted,  flowers  very  small  and  white.  The 
plant  is  conspicuous  for  its  orange  scarlet  ber- 
ries, that  contrast  strongly  with  its  bright  green 
foliage.  Propagated  by  cuttings,  seeds,  or  divi- 
sion. 

Nettle.     See  Uriica. 

Nettle  Tree.    See  Celtis. 

New  Jersey  Tea.     See  Ceariothus. 

New  Jersey  Tea.     See  Lycium. 

New  Zealand  Flax.     See  Phormium. 

New  Zealand  Spinach.  Tetragonia  expansa. 
This  is  grown  as  a  substitute  for  summer  Spin- 
ach, being  of  a  delicate  flavor,  and  continues 
available  the  whole  summer.  This  species  is 
found  in  Tasmania,  Australia,  Norfolk  Island, 
and  on  both  sides  of  South  America,  as  well  as 
in  New  Zealand  and  Japan.  It  is  a  half-hardy 
annual  under  cultivation,  and  was  introduced 
into  England  from  New  Zealand  in  1772  by  Sir 
Joseph  Banks,  on  his  return  from  accompanying 
Captain  Cook  on  his  first  voyage  around  the 
world,  and  by  the  English  seedsmen  dissemi- 
nated. 

New  Zealand  Flax.     See  Phormium  ienax. 

Nicptiana.  Tobacco.  Named  in  honor  of  John 
Nicot,  of  Nismes,  ambassador  from  the  King  of 
France  to  Portugal,  who  procured  the  first  seeds 
from  a  Dutchman,  who  had  them  from  Florida. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sola- 


Of  this  extensive  genus  of  annuals  and  per- 
ennials, the  best  known  and  most  generally 
cultivated  is  N.  tabacum,  and  its  varieties.  There 
are,  however,  several  other  species  largely  culti- 
vated, particularly  in  Mexico,  Central  America, 
and  the  West  Indies.  The  specific  name,  tabacum, 
according  to  Humboldt,  is  derived  from  the 
Haytian  word  for  the  pipe  in  which  the  herb  is 
smoked,  and  which  has  been  transferred  from 
the  instrument  to  the  plant.  N.  repanda  is 
largely  grown  in  the  West  Indies,  and  furnishes 
the  material  for  the  celebrated  Havana  cigars. 
"  Smoking  is  a  custom  of  very  great  antiquity  in 
both  hemispheres,  although,  previous  to  the 
discovery  of  America,  it  was  not  common 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  Old  World,  and 
the  substances  sraAked  were  either  Hemp  or  such 
herbs  as  Coltsfoot.  But  when  Columbus  and 
his  followers  landed  in  Cuba  in  1492,  they  dis- 
covered the  far-famed  Tobacco  in  common  use 
among  the  natives;  and  subsequent  explorers 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


147 


NIE 

found  it  was  spread  over  the  whole  continent  of 
America,  where  it  had  been  cultivated  from 
time  immemorial.  The  pleasantly  soothing  ef- 
fects of  this  new  herb  were  so  enticing  that  it 
soon  found  patrons  among  the  adventurers,  and 
in  an  almost  incredibly  short  time  after  their  re- 
turn to  Spain,  tobacco-smoking  began  to  be 
practiced  in  Europe;  but  it  did  not  gain  much 
ground  among  the  nations  of  the  North  until 
the  famous  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  and  his  compan- 
ions introduced  the  custom  into  England  in 
1586.  At  first  it  met  with  the  most  violent  op- 
position; kings  prohibited  it;  popes  fulminated 
bulls  against  it;  and  sultans  sentenced  smokers 
to  the  most  cruel  kinds  of  death.  Persecution, 
however,  only  helped  to  spread  it.  In  spite  of 
all  penalties,  the  custom  rapidly  progressed,  un- 
til, at  the  present  day,  it  may  be  said  to  be  almost 
universally  practiced  by  both  civilized  and  un- 
civilized man." 

Nierembergia.  In  honor  of  John  Eusebius  Nie- 
rembertj,  a  Spanish  Jesuit,  author  of  a  History  of 
Nature,  Antwerp,  1635.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monc- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  SolanacecK. 

A  very  interesting  genus  of  annuals  and  green- 
house herbaceous  perennials,  natives  of  Central 
and  South  America.  These  interesting  little 
plants  well  deserve  attention.  N.  jUicaulis  and 
N.  yracUis  are  among  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
class  of  plants  adapted  for  embellishing  the 
flower  garden  in  summer,  or  "  turning  out,"  as 
it  is  termed.  A  few  specimens  of  either,  in  a 
tolerably  good  situation,  will  keep  up  a  display 
from  June  till  cut  off  by  the  autumnal  frosts; 
nor  are  the  other  species,  N.  aristata  and  N.  ca- 
lycina,  deficient  in  beauty,  though  not  so  well 
adapted  for  this  purpose,  because  of  their  more 
extended  habit.  N.  rivularis,  more  recently  in- 
troduced, is  one  of  the  best,  bearing  white  flow- 
ers with  a  pale  yellow  center.  It  is  a  low- 
growing  plant,  and  is  in  flower  from  June  till 
fall  in  the  open  border.  This  species  is  much 
used  in  cemetery  decoration.  Cuttings  should  bo 
taken  about  midsummer,  and  struck  in  a  cold 
frame,  potting  them  off  when  well  rooted,  and 

S  reserving  them  through  the  winter  on  a  dry, 
ght  shelf  of  the  green-house.  By  a  little 
judicious  management  in  autumn,  such  as 
re-potting  a  tolerably  good  plant  about  the  mid- 
dle of  September,  and  encouraging  it  to  grow, 
flowers  may  be  had  through  a  great  part  of  the 
winter.  Cuttings  may  also  be  put  in  during  the 
winter  in  the  green-house,  which  will  make  fine 
plants  for  the  border  in  the  spring. 

Nigella.  Love-in  -a-Mist,  or  Devil-in-the-Bush. 
From  nisjer,  black;  the  color  of  the  seeds.  Linn. 
Polyandria-Pentagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rammculacea>. 
Annual  plants,  with  showy  flowers,  which  are, 
however,  almost  hidden  by  their  leafy  involu- 
cres. N.  Hiapanica  is  the  handsomest  species. 
They  only  require  sowing  in  March  or  April  in 
the  open  border;  or  they  may  be  sown  in 
autumn,  as  they  will  stand  the  winter  without 
protection,  and  will  thus  be  ready  to  flower  early 
in  summer.  They  are  mostly  natives  of  the 
south  of  Europe,  and  have  long  been  in  cult'va- 
tion. 

Night  Blooming  Cereus.     See  Cereus. 

Night  Blooming  Jasmine.     See  Oestrum. 

Nightshade.    See  Oolanum, 

Niphaea.  From  niphos,  snow;  in  allusion  to  its 
pure  white  flowers.  Linn.  Dulyncm  'a-.lmjiosper- 
miii.  Nut.  Ord. 


A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials,  with  pure  white  flowers.     The  genus 


NUY 

is  allied  to  AcMmenes ;  it  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment, and  is  increased  in  the  same  manner.  In- 
troduced from  New  Granada  and  Guatemala  in 
1841. 

Niphobolus.  From  niphobolos,  covered  with 
snow;  referring  to  the  white  covering  of  the 
spore  cases.  Linn.  Oryplofjamia-Filices.  Nat. 
Ord.  Potypodtacece. 

A  genus  of  Ferns  found  in  the  East  Indies, 
Australia,  and  Africa.  They  were  separated 
from  Polypodium,  to  which  they  bear  a  close  re- 
semblance. Some  of  the  species  are  very  beau- 
tiful, and  well  adapted  for  the  Fern- case.  They 
may  be  grown  in  a  warm  and  sunny  house,  but 
must  be  sparingly  watered.  Propagated  by 
spores. 

Nitraria.  From  nitrum,  niter;  first  found  by 
Schreber  near  the  niter  works  in  Siberia.  Linn. 
Dodecandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Malpiyhwxce. 
Low  shrubs  with  white  flowers,  which  are  very 
hardy,  and  will  groV  well  in  situations  exposed 
to  the  sea.  In  gardens,  the  ground  in  which 
they  grow  should  be  occasionally  watered  with 
water  in  which  saltpetre  has  been  dissolved. 

Noisettia.  Named  after  L.  C.  Noisette,  a  French 
nurseryman.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  ViolacecK. 

N.  longifolia,  the  only  species,  is  a  green-house 
evergreen  shrub,  introduced  from  Cayenne  in 
1824.  The  flowers  are  cream  color,  produced  in 
large  clusters.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Nolana.  From  nola,  a  little  bell ;  the  form  of  the 
flowers.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Nolanacece. 

Trailing  annual  plants,  with  pretty  blue  flow- 
ers, that  only  require  sowing  in  early  spring  in 
the  open  border.     N.  atriplicifolta,  the  handsom- 
est species,  strongly  resembles  Convolvulus  minor. 
'  Natives  of  Chili  and  Peru.    Introduced  in  1825. 

Norway  Spruce.    See  Pinus  excelsa. 

Nothochlaena.  From  nothos,  spurious,  and  c/ifcti- 
na,  a  cloak;  some  of  the  species  appear  to  have 
an  involucre.  Linn.  Utyployamia-FUices.  'Nat. 
Ord.  Polypodiacecu. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  Ferns 
found  in  almost  every  tropical  and  sub-tropical 
country.  It  is  related  to  Polypodium,  differing 
only  in  the  sort.  Several  of  the  species  have  been 
introduced  into  the  Fern-house,  and  among 
them,  N.  argcnten,  a  fine  Silver  Fern,  and  N. 
flavens,  a  very  beautiful  miniature  Golden  Fern. 
Propagated  by  spores. 

Nuphar  Yellow  Water  Lily.  From  naufar,  the 
Arabic  for  Water  Lily.  Linn.  Polyandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Nymphacecv. 

The  several  species  included  in  the  genns  are 
common  in  ponds  and  stagnant  water  in  the 
Middle,  Northern,  and  Western  States,  and  are 
known  as  Yellow  Water  Lilies. 

Nut  Grass.     See  C'yperus. 

Nutmeg.     See  Hyristica. 

Nutmeg  Geranium.     See  Pelargonium. 

Nuttallia.  Named  in  honor  of  Professor  Nuiall  of 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  an  eminent  botanist.  Linn. 
Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Malvacea'. 

A  genus  of  very  pretty  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  with  racemes  of  white,  pink,  or  purple 
flowers.  They  are  natives  of  the  Southern 
States  and  California.  They  would,  in  this  lat- 
itude, require  a  slight  protection  during  winter. 
They  are  increased  by  seeds  or  division. 

Nux  Vomica.     See  Strychnos. 

Nuytsia.  Fire  Tree.  Named  after  T.  Nuyts,  a 
Dutch  navigator.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Loranthacece. 


148 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


NYC 

A  eenus  of  verv  handsome  shrubs  or  small 
trees  from  Swan  River,  Australia,  remarkable  as 
being  the  only  one  in  this  order  of  parasites  that 
crows  on  the  ground.     From  its  abundance  ot 
brilliant  orange-colored  flowers,  the   colonists 
call  it  the  Flame-tree  or  Tree  of  Fire. 
Nyctanthes.    Sad    Tree.     From    nyctos,  night,   j 
and  dttlhtM,  a  flower ;    the  flowers  open  in  the   i 
evening.     Linn.  Diandria-Monoyynia.    Nat.  Ord. 

''''"'"  -u       v 

The  only  species  is  a  free-flowering  shrub  or 
small  tree,  native  of  India.  The  flowers  open 
only  in  the  evening,  and  drop  before  morning.  | 
Their  fragrance  perfumes  the  air  at  night.  The 
flowers  are  gathered  in  the  morning,  and  worn 
as  necklaces,  and  in  the  hair,  by  the  native  wo- 
men. As  it  loses  its  brightness  during  the  day 
it  has  received  its  specific  name,  X.  arbor  tristis, 
or  Sad  Tree. 

Nycterinia.     From    nyderinos,    nocturnal;    the 
flowers  being  fragrant  during  the  evening.  Linn.    , 
]>i<ly>M>nia-Angiospermia.     Nat.   Ord.    Scrophula-   j 
riacece. 

A  genus  of  half-hardy  annuals,  perennials,  or 
tinder-shrubs,  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
A  few  of  the  species  have  been  under  cultiva- 
tion, but  they  are  chiefly  plants  of  little  interest. 

Nymphsea.     Water  Lily.     From  nymphe,  a  water 
nymph.    Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


This  genus  consists  of  beautiful  water  plants 
found  in  lakes,  ponds,  and  rivers  in  almost  all   j 
parts  of  the  world.   N.  odorata  is  the  double  white   I 
Water  Lily  or  Pond  Lily  so  common  and  well-   j 
known  throughout  the  Eastern  and  Southern 
States.     Of  this  species  there  are  several  varie- 
ties, mostly  having  pure  white  flowers,  remark- 
able for  their  fragrance.   There  is,  on  the  Island 
of  Nan  tucket,  also  near  Barnstable,  Mass.,  a  va- 
riety with  pinkish  flowers,  and  rarely  with  bright 
pink-red  flowers.     They  are  exceedingly  beau- 
tiful, and  valued  highly  for  their  rarity.     The 
cultivation  of  all  our  native  species  in  tubs  on 
the  lawn,  or  wherever  desired,  is  attended  with 


OCY 

but  little  difficulty.  The  roots  should  be  ob- 
tained from  their  native  habitat  as  early  in  spring 
as  possible,  or  at  least  before  they  have  made 
much  growth.  Take  any  tub  or  cask,  say  eigh- 
teen inches  in  depth,  put  in  good  rich  loam  or 
muck  to  the  depth  of  six  or  eight  inches,  in  which 
plant  the  roots,  barely  covering  them,  and  fill  the 
cask  with  water,  replenishing  it  as  it  loses  by 
evaporation.  In  winter  empty  the  water  and  re- 
move to  a  cold  cellar,  or  protect  from  hard  freez- 
ing by  a  covering  of  leaves.  This  is  all  the  care 
and  trouble  required  to  produce  flowers  almost 
as  fine  as  are  found  in  their  natural  homes.  Ar- 
tificial ponds  can  be  made  upon  the  lawn  with 
biit  little  expense,  in  which  the  Nymp.haea  may 
be  grown  with  less  trouble  even  than  in  tubs. 
Dig  out  a  basin-shaped  pond  of  any  desired  size, 
to  the  depth  of  two  and  a  half  feet  in  the  center, 
cement  in  the  same  manner  as  for  a  cistern,  put 
in  some  earth,  and  plant  the  same  as  in  a  tub. 
Cover  over  with  boards  upon  the  approach  of 
cold  weather,  and  then  cover  all  with  leaves  or 
coarse  litter  sufficient  to  protect  the  cement  from 
frost.  This  will  not  only  furnish  beautiful  aqua- 
tic flowers,  but  will  attract  thousands  of  birds, 
particularly  robins,  daily  for  their  baths.  The 
Water  Lily,  when  expanded,  towards  evening  has 
the  peculiarity  of  enticing  myriads  of  insects  to 
light  on  its  petals,  the  petals  gradually  close  as 
evening  falls,  and  the  insects  are  imprisoned. 
Nyssa.  Tupelo,  Pepperidge,  Sour  Gum.  From 
Nyssa,  a  water  nymph;  because  of  the  habitat 
of  the  species.  Linn.  Polygamfa-Dioecia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Alanr/iacece. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  low-growing  trees,  com- 
mon in  moist  woodlands  and  low  grounds 
throughout  the  United  States.  The  wood  is 
very  tough  and  difficult  to  split,  and  on  that  ac- 
count it  is  valued  for  hubs  of  carriage  wheels, 
hatter's  blocks,  and  similar  work.  Tho  foliage 
of  this  genus  is  remarkable  for  its  fine  glossy 
verdure  during  summer,  and  its  rich  crimson 
tints  in  autumn,  when  it  is  one  of  the  brightest 
ornaments  of  the  forest. 


o. 


/\ak.     The  popular  name  for  the  trees  of  the 

\J     genus  tyiercus,  which  see. 

Oat.     See  A  < 

Oak-leaved.  Geranium.    See  Pelargonium. 

Obeliscaria.  From  obelisk™,  obelisk,  in  allusion 
to  the  elevated  disk  of  the  flower.  Linn.  >>//>»/<- 
nesin-Poli/'iitinifi-Fritstratiiii.  Nat.  Ord.  Asterac&i'. 
A  small  genus  of  half-hardy,  showy  peren- 
nials, common  in  Texas.  They  too  closely  re- 
semble their  allied  species,  the  Rudbeckui,  to  be- 
come favorites  in  the  garden. 

Oberonia.    Derivation  of  name  unknown.    Linn. 
Qynnn«r't<i-M,m'i,,<lria.     Nat.  Ord.  Orrhidacecr,. 

A  genus  of  Orchids,  all  epiphytal,  having  ter- 
minal spikes  of  minute  flowers,  of  but  little  in- 
terest except  to  botanists.  In  reference  to  the 
genus  Dr.  Lindley  says:  "  The  resemblance  to 
insects  and  other  animal  forms,  which  have 
been  perceived  in  the  Orchidaceous  plants  of 
Europe,  and  which  have  given  rise  to  such 
names  as  Fly  Orchis,  etc.,  may  bo  traced  so 


plainly  in  the  genus  Oberonia,  in  every  species, 
that  it  alone  would  furnish  a  magazine  of  new 
ideas  for  the  grotesque  pencil  of  a  German  ad- 
mirer of  the  wild  and  preternatural.  If  the 
Brahmins  had  been  botanists,  one  might  fancy 
they  took  their  doctrine  of  metempsychosis 
from  these  productions."  They  are  chiefly  na- 
tives of  India  and  Africa. 

Ochroma.  Cork-wood.  From  ochros,  pale;  refer- 
ring to  the  flowers.  Linn.  Monadelphfa-Pentagy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Stercidiacece. 

0.  iM'jopns,  a  tree  growing  from  thirty  to  fifty 
feet  high,  is  common  in  the  West  Indies  and 
Central  America,  and  known  as  Cork-wood, 
where  it  is  employed  as  a  substitute  for  cork 
for  stopping  bottles,  and  it  is  also  extensively 
used  for  making  rafts,  floats  for  fishing  nets, 
and  other  purposes  where  light  wood  is  required. 

Ocymum.  Basil.  From  oz<>,  smell;  alluding  to 
the  powerful  scent  of  the  plants.  Linn.  Didyna- 
mia-Gymuoiiperinia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacecu. 


HENDkERSON'8    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTo. 


149 


ODO 

A  somewhat  extensive  genns  of  fragrant  and 
aromatic  plants,  mostly  natives  of  India.  The 
most  important  of  them  are  0.  basiiicum,  the 
Sweet  or  Common  .Basil,  a  tender  annual,  intro- 
duced from  India  in  1548,  and  0 .  minimum,  the 
Dwarf  or  Bush  Basil,  a  native  of  Chili ,  and  in- 
troduced in  1573.  The  leaves  of  both  species 
have  a  strong  aromatic  smell,  and  arc  much  used 
in  seasoning  soups  and  various  other  djshes. 
Odontoglossum.  From  rxlons,  a  tooth,  and  rjlossa, 
a  tongue;  tooth-like  processes  on  the  lip  or  la- 
bellum.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacfce. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids, 
found  principally  in  the  cool  mountain  regions 
of  Mexico,  Peru,  New  Grenada,  and  Venezuela. 
Very  many  of  the  species  have  been  introduced 
into  the  green-house,  and  are  greatly  prized  by 
cultivators  for  their  magnificent  flowers,  which 
are  remarkable  both  for  their  size  and  the  beauty 
of  their  colors.  Many  of  the  species  have  pure 
white  flowers,  variously  spotted;  some  have  a 
powerful  odor  of  violets.  With  but  few  excep- 
tions, they  require  to  be  grown  in  a  moderately 
cool  house.  Propagated  by  division. 
GSnocarpus.  From  oinos,  wine,  and  karpos,  a 
fruit;  yields  palm  wine  and  oil.  Linn. Moncecia- 
Hexanaria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacea?. 

An  exclusively  South  American  genus  of  lofty 
Palms,  consisting  of  several  species,  some  of 
which  yield  largo  quantities  of  sweet-tasted  oil, 
which  is  excellent  for  cooking,  and  is  much  used 
for  burning  in  lamps. 

(Enothera.  Evening  Primrose.  From  oinos,  wine, 
and  tlt.era,  imbibing;  the  roots  of  (E.  biennis  were 
formerly  taken  after  meals  as  incentives  to  wine- 
drinking.  Linn.  Odandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Onagracecn. 

A  genus  of  annual,  biennial,  and   perennial 
plants,  many  of  which  are  common  throughout 
the  United    States,  and  others  are   natives  of 
South    America    and    the    Eastern    Continent. 
Some  of  the  species  are  ornamental,  and  would 
find  favor  in  most  gardens,  but  for  the  fact  of 
their  being  natives.     Some  of  the  annuals  arc 
truly  magnificent,  producing  flowers  nearly  six 
inches  in  diameter.     Some  of  the  species   are 
grown  in  the  garden,  and  many  more  might  be. 
First  introduced  into  Europe  in  1629. 
Oil  of  Ben.     See  Morinf/fi. 
Oil  of  Bergamot..    See  MentJia  citrata. 
Oil  Palm.     See  E'ceis. 
Oil  of  Origanum.     See  Origanum. 
Okra.     See  Hibiscus  escidentus. 
Old  Man's  Beard.     Sao  Geropogon. 
Old  Witch  Grass.     See  Panicum  capttlare. 
Olea.     Olive.     From  daia,  olive.     Linn.  Diandria- 
Monoqynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Oleacsce. 

The  tree  that  produces  the  Olives  and  Olive 
Oil  of  commerce  is  a  low-branching  evergreen, 
growing  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  high.  The 
leaves  bear  some  resemblance  to  those  of  the 
Willow,  only  they  are  softer  and  more  delicate. 
The  flowers  are  as  delicate  as  the  leaves,  and  are 
produced  in  small  axillary  bunches,  from  wood 
of  the  former  year,  and  appear  from  June  until 
August.  At  first  they  are  of  a  pale  yellow;  but 
when  they  expand  their  four  petals,  the  insides 
are  white,  and  only  the  center  of  the  flower  yel- 
low. The  matured  wood  of  the  Olive  in  hard 
and  compact,  though  rather  brittle;  its  color  is 
reddish,  and  it  takes  a  fine  gloss;  on  which  ac- 
count the  ancients  carved  it  into  statues  of  the 
gods,  and  the  moderns  make  it  into  snuff-boxes, 
and  various  trinkets,  tht-t  find  a  ready  sale  to 


ONC 

travelers  in  Eastern  lands.     An  observing  vis- 
itor to  the  Holy  Land   from   New  York  says : 
"  There  is  annually  more  olive-wood  sold  from 
the  Mount  of  Olives  to  pilgrims  than  ever  grew 
there."    The  Wild  Olive  is  found  indigenous  in 
Syria,  ,Greecc,   and  Africa,   and  on  the  lower 
slopes  of  the  Atlas.     The  cultivated  one  grows 
spontaneously  in  many  parts  of  Syria,  and  is 
extensively  cultivated  in  the  south  of  France, 
Italy,  and  Spain,  and  has  been,  from  all  the  ac- 
counts we  can  gather,  from  the  earliest  periods 
of  the  earth's  history.     The  young  Olive  bears 
its  fruit  at  two  years  old;  in  six  years  it  pays 
the  expense  of  cultivation;  after  that  period,  in 
good  years,  the  produce  is  the  surest  source  of 
wealth  to  the  farmer.    A  common  saying  in  Italy 
is,  if  you  wish  to  leave  a  lasting  inheritance  to 
your  children's  children,  plant  an  Olive.    Be- 
sides its  use  for  the  production  of  oil,  the  unripe 
fruit  is  used  as  a  pickle.     For  this  purpose  they 
are  steeped  in  an  alkaline  solution,  to  extract 
apart  of  the  bitter  flavor;  they  are  next  washed 
in  pure  water,  and  afterward  preserved  in  salt 
and  water,  to  which  fennel,  or  some  aromatic,  is 
sometimes  added.     The  O.fragrans  is  a  native 
of  China,  and  is  highly  odoriferous,  both  in  the 
foliage  and  flowers,  and  on  this  account  is  much 
esteemed  by  the  Chinese,  who  use  the  leaves  to 
adulterate  and  flavor  tea.     It  is  also  a  favorite 
green-house  plant.     It  is  readily  increased  in 
spring  by  cuttings  of  well-ripened  wood.     0. 
Americana,  a  native  species,  common  from  North 
Carolina  to  Florida,  is  an  evergreen  shrub  or 
small  tree,  producing  axillary  racemes  or  pani- 
cles of  small  white  fragrant  flowers,  and  a  bitter, 
astringent  fruit  about  the  size  of  a  pea. 
Oleander.    See  Cerium. 
Olive.     See  Oka. 
Olive  Wood.     See  E'wodendron. 
Olfersia.     Named  after  Olfers,  a  German  botanist. 
Linn.    Cryptogam'M-F  dices.      Nat.  Ord.  Polypodi- 
acecK. 

A  genus  of  hot-house  Ferns  common  in  the 
West  Indies,  South  America,  and  occasionally  in 
the  East  Indies.  There  are  many  species,  but 
few  of  which  are  under  cultivation. 
Omphalobium.  From  omphnlox,  the  navel,  and 
lobofi,  a  pod.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Confiraceir. 

'A  small  genus  of  tropical  trees  that  furnish 
the  beautiful  Zebra  Wood  of  the  cabinet-makers. 
The  species  are  mostly  confined  to  Africa  and 
India. 

Omphalodes.  Venus's  Navelwort.  From  ompha- 
los, the  navel,  and  eiJo.v,  like ;  the  fruit  resembles 
the  navel.  Linn.  Pentandria-Munogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  BoraginacecK. 

An  interesting  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
perennials.  They  are  natives  of  Southern  Eu- 
rope, Asia  Minor,  and  the  Caucasxis.  0.  linifolia 
is  a  common  border  annual,  known  as  Venus's 
Xai-eluiort.  The  flowers  are  white,  tinged  with 
blue.  0.  verna  is  a  charming,  low-growing 
perennial,  with  creeping  shoots,  heart-shaped 
leaves,  and  brilliant  blue  flowers,  like  the  For- 
get-me-not; sometimes,  from  its  habit,  called 
Ui-eeping  Forget-me-not.  It  is  propagated  by  di- 
vision. 

Oncidium.  From  ogkos,  a  tumor;  the  plants  be- 
longing to  this  genus  have  warts,  tumors,  or 
other  excrescences  at  the  base  of  the  labellum. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchida- 
cea>. 

This  is  perhaps  the  most  extensive  and  varied 
genus  in  the  order  to  which  it  belongs.  Some 


150 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ONI 

of  its  species  have  extremely  large  pseudo-bulbs, 
others  have  the  pseudo-bulbs  very  small;  another 
portion  are  entirely  destitute  of  these,  and  have 
instead  thick,  leathery  leaves,  which  again  vary 
in  size  from  two  feet  long  and  nearly  half  as 
much  in  breadth,  to  scarcely  six  inches  m  their 
greatest  measurement;  a  third  group  are  dis- 
tin^uished  by  their  rounded,  rush-like  leaves, 
about  the  thickness  of  a  little  finger,  and  from 
two  to  four  feet  in  length.  Besides  this,  quite 
as  much  disparity  exists  in  the  size  and  color  of 
the  flowers,  and  in  the  length  of  the  flower- 
spike,  which,  in  some  species,  will  attain  an 
extent  of  twenty  feet,  while  in  others  it  is  not 
more  than  three  or  four  inches;  yet  every  indi- 
vidual is  beautiful  and  worthy  a  place  wherever 
Orchidacese  are  grown.  0.  papilio,  the  Butter- 
fly Orchid,  is  certainly  as  much  like  a  butterfly 
as  it  is  possible  to  imagine  a  flower  to  be,  and 
as  it  is  borne  on  a  long,  slender  stem,  which 
quivers  with  every  breeze,  it  forms  no  bad  rep- 
resentation of  a  beautiful  insect  fluttering  over 
the  neighboring  flowers.  0.  altissimum  has  a 
spike  of  flowers  which  is  sometimes  ten  or 
twelve  feet  in  length.  They  are  all  natives  of 
South  America,  Mexico,  and  the  West  Indies, 
and  as  they  will  thrive  in  a  lower  temperature 
than  the  Dendrobiums,  and  some  other  Orchids, 
they  are  very  suitable  for  a  small  hot-house.  It 
is  better  to  cultivate  all  the  larger  growing  kinds 
in  pots  or  pans,  and  to  place  them  in  rather 
large  ones,  that  they  may  not  require  frequent 
shifting,  which,  each  time  it  is  performed,  in- 
flicts a  serious  check  upon  the  plants,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  unavoidable  breaking  of  the  roots. 
The  soil  for  them  should  be  leaf  mould  and 
sphagnum,  thoroughly  mixed,  but  not  broken 
finely;  this,  with  abundant  drainage,  a  brisk, 
moist  temperature  in  the  growing  peason,  shade 
from  strong  light,  a  careful  preservation  from 
insects  and  dirt,  and  a  moderate  rest  in  winter, 
will  not  fail  to  form  healthy  flowering  speci- 
mens in  a  short  time.  The  smaller  species  may 
be  placed  on  cork  or  in  baskets. 

Onion  Lily.     See  Ornithogalum  caudatum. 

Onion.  Allium  cepa.  The  Onion  has  been  known 
and  cultivated  as  an  article  of  food  from  the  very 
earliest  period.  Its  native  country  is  unknown, 
but  it  is  believed  to  have  originated  in  the  East. 
In  the  sacred  writings  we  find  it  mentioned  as 
one  of  the  things  for  which  the  Israelites  longed 
when  in  the  wilderness,  and  complained  to 
Moses  because  they  were  deprived  of  their  Leeks, 
Onions,  and  Garlic,  of  which,  said  the  mur- 
murers,  "  We  remember  we  did  eat  in  Egypt 
freely."  To  show  how  much  it  was  esteemed  by 
the  ancient  Egyptians,  we  need  only  mention 
that  Herodotus  says  in  his  time  (450  B.C.)  there 
was  an  inscription  on  the  Great  Pyramid,  stating 
that  a  sum  amounting  to  1,600  talents  had  been 
paid  for  Onions,  Radishes,  and  Garlic,  which 
had  been  consumed  by  the  workmen  during 
the  progress  of  its  erection.  Even  at  the  pres- 
ent duv,  the  people  of  Western  Asia,  as  well  as 
the  inhabitants  of  cold  countries,  are  all  large 
consumers  of  Onions,  which,  for  culinary  pur- 
poses, are  more  universally  cultivated  than  al- 
most any  other  vegetable.  The  garden  varieties 
that  have  been  introduced  are  very  numerous, 
and  their  origin  about  as  difiicult  to  trace  as  the 
species.  The  justly  celebrated  Bermuda  Onion 
of  our  markets  is  grown  from  seed  annually 
imported  from  the  south  of  Europe.  On- 
ions are  also  most  extensively  grown  in  the 
United  States,  one  seed  firm  alono  soiling 


ONO 

twenty  tons  of  the  seed  annually.  The  varieties 
grown  are  the  red,  white,  and  yellow-skinned, 
among  which  are  numerous  varieties,  the  favor- 
ite kinds  being  known  as  Yellow  Danvers, 
White  Globe,  Red  Globe,  Wethersfield  Red, 
White  Portugal.  Beginners  growing  the  Onion 
for  market  had  better  consult  works  specially 
devoted  to  Onion  culture,  or  works  specially  on 
Market  Gardening,  but  for  private  use  we  will 
briefly  detail  the  methods.  For  the  earliest 
crop  the  "  sets  "  or  small  bulbs  should  be  planted 
as  early  in  spring  as  the  ground  is  dry  enough 
to  work,  in  beds  four  or  five  feet  wide,  and  in 
rows  nine  inches  apart,  with  two  or  three  inches 
between  the  sets  or  bulblets,  pressing  these 
down  about  an  inch  or  so  into  the  soil.  Grown 
in  this  way,  the  Onions  are  usually  used  in  the 
green  state.  For  the  main  crop  the  seed  proper 
is  thinly  sown  in  drills,  two  or  three  inches 
deep,  the  rows  at  the  same  distance  apart  as  for 
the  sets.  To  insure  quick  and  safe  germination 
after  sowing  the  seed,  the  drills  should  be  trod 
along  evenly  with  the  foot,  and  then  raked  level. 
This  plan  of  treading  in  seeds  with  the  feet  we 
invariably  practice,  particularly  if  the  soil  be  dry. 
If  not  done,  our  hot,  dry  atmosphere  penetrates 
the  loose  soil,  partially  drying  up  the  seed, 
which  always  impedes  germination,  and  often 
destroys  the  crop  completely.  The  omission  of 
practicing  the  firming  of  the  soil  over  seeds, 
either  by  the  feet,  roller,  or  in  any  other  manner 
that  will  accomplish  the  purpose,  is  the  loss  of 
many  millions  annually,  not  only  to  the  garden, 
but  to  the  farm.  The  importance  of  this  sub- 
ject is  our  excuse  for  the  digression.  In  ten  to 
twelve  days  after  sowing,  the  Onion  seed  will 
have  started  sufficiently  to  show  the  rows.  The 
ground  should  then  be  lightly  hoed,  so  as  to  de- 
stroy the  weeds  which  germinate,  many  of  them 
simultaneously  with  the  Onion  seed.  In  the 
seed  rows,  where  the  hoe  cannot  be  used, 
the  soil  should  be  stirred  with  the  fingers,  other- 
wise weeds  would  quickly  grow  up  and  choke 
the  crop.  When  about  three  or  four  inches 
high  the  Onions  should  be  thinned  out  to  two 
or  three  inches  apart.  Kept  entirely  clear  from 
weeds,  the  crop  is  ripened  off  in  June,  Julv,  or 
August,  according  to  the  latitude  in  which  it  is 
grown.  It  is  a  curious  fact,  however,  that 
Onions  do  not  ripen  their  bulbs  later  than 
August;  consequently,  though  they  will  grow 
well  enough  if  sown  late  in  the  season,  yet,  if 
wanted  to  ripen  so  as  to  keep  during  winter, 
they  must  be  sown  in  the  first  sowing  of  seeds 
in  the  spring. 

Onoclea.  From  onos,  a  vessel,  and  Jdeio,  to  in- 
close; referring  to  the  apparent  capsules.  Linn, 
Cryptogamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  native  Ferns,  common 
in  moist  places  throughout  the  States.  One  of 
the  species  is  called  the  Sensitive  Fern,  for  what 
reason  we  cannot  say,  the  plant  certainly  having 
no  claim  to  such  a  distinction. 

Ononis.  Best-harrow.  From  onos,  an  ass,  and 
onemi,  to  delight;  the  ass  delights  to  browse  on 
the  herbage.  Linn.  Honadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  small  herbaceous 
plants,  common  to  Europe.  A  few  species  are 
tender  annuals  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
They  have  white,  pink,  or  yellow  flowers,  some 
of  them  very  pretty,  but  best  suited  to  rough, 
waste  places.  They  are  easily  grown  from  seed, 
and  will  adapt  themselves  to  any  place  given 
them. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


151 


ONO 

Onopordon.  Cotton  Thistle,  Scotch  Thistle. 
From  onos,  an  ass,  and  perdo,  to  destroy;  refer- 
ring to  the  supposed  effects  on  the  ass.  Linn. 
Syngenesia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracea;. 

0.  acanthiiim,  the  supposed  Scotch  Thistle,  is 
a  native  of  Europe,  but  has  become  naturalized 
in  many  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  grows 
from  six  to  eight  feet  high,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  showy  of  the  Thistle  family.  According  to 
common  tradition,  the  Danes  or  Norsemen, 
while  invading  Scotland,  came  upon  the  Scots 
unperceived  at  midnight,  and  halting  while 
their  spies  were  thrown  forward  to  discover  the 
undefended  points  of  their  enemy's  camp,  one 
of  them  chancing  to  tread  upon  a  Thistle  of  this 
species,  uttered  a  loud  cry  of  pain,  which 
roused  the  Scots  to  their  danger,  who  at  once 
attacked  and  repelled  the  invaders,  gaining  a 
complete' victory;  and  henceforth  they  adopted 
the  Thistle  as  the  national  emblem.  In  1540 
James  V.  instituted  an  order  of  knighthood 
called  the  Order  of  the  Thistle. 
Onychium.  From  onyx,  a  claw;  shape  of  the  lobes 
of  the  fronds.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat. 
Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  elegant  Ferns  found  in 
Japan,  Africa,  Australia,  and  the  East  Indies.  A 
few  of  the  species  are  under  cultivation,  and 
among  them  0.  Japoiiica,  a  delicate,  funnel-like 
Fern,  fragile,  fairy-like,  yet  one  that  succeeds 
well  with  the  most  ordinary  green-house  treat- 
ment. It  requires  deep  shade.  Propagated 
from  seed.  Introduced  in  1864. 
Opera  Girls.  See  Mantisia. 

Ophelia.  From  opheleia,  serviceable ;  plants  use- 
ful in  medicine.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Gentianacece. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  one  species,  a 
pretty  little  annual,  with  starry  pink  flowers, 
allied  to  the  Gentian.  Seeds  should  be  sown 
early  in  the  hot-bed  or  in  the  green-house,  and 
planted  out  as  soon  as  the  border  is  ready  for 
tender  plants.  It  is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies. 
Introduced  in  1836. 

Ophiopogon.  From  ophis,  a  serpent,  and  pogon, 
a  beard.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
LiliacefK. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials  from 
China  and  Japan,  having  racemes  of  white,  yel- 
low, or  purple  flowers,  on  one-sided  racemes. 
The  genus  is  allied  to  Convallaria.  None  of  the 
species  possess  great  beauty. 

Ophrys.  From  ophrys,  eyebrows  ;  referring  to 
the  fringe  of  the  inner  sepals.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Mona>tdria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  chiefly 
natives  of  England.  They  are  exceedingly  dif- 
ficult to  manage,  but  produce  their  flowers, 
which  are  of  rare  beauty,  freely  in  early  sum- 
mer, in  fields  and  dry  pastures.  0.  apifera 
looks  as  though  a  bee  were  buried  in  the  flower; 
another,  0.  arunifera,  has  the  lip  in  the  form  of 
a  spider;  and  in  a  third,  0.  muscifera,  the  whole 
flower  resembles  a  fly. 
Opium.  See  Papaver  somniferum. 
Oporanthus.  Frem  apora,  autumn,  and  anthos,  a 
flower.  Linn.  llexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Amaryllidacece. 

A  hardy,  free-flowering  bulb  from  the  south 
of  Europe.  The  flowers  bear  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  the  Yellow  Crocus,  for  which,  indeed, 
if  it  flowered  at  the  same  season,  it  might  easily 
be  mistaken.  It  is  very  ornamental,  and  should 
be  planted  in  beds  with  the  Colchicum,  as  they 
flower  at  the  same  season,  and  contrast  finely 


OPU 

in  color.  It  grows  freely  in  a  light  soil,  but 
should  have  a  slight  protection  in  winter  to  per- 
fect the  bulbs.  It  generally  comes  into  flower 
with  our  first  frosts,  the  leaves  remaining  green 
during  the  winter.  This  bulb  was  formerly 
classed  as  Amaryllis  luteu,  and  none  but  the  keen 
eye  of  the  botanist  can  see  any  difference. 
Opuntia.  Prickly  Pear,  Indian  Fig.  A  Latin 
name,  of  which  the  derivation  is  not  applicable 
to  the  species  now  placed  under  it.  Linn.  Ico- 
sandria-AIonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cactacece. 

There  are  upward  of  a  hundred  and  fifty  species 
of  the  Opuntia  or  Prickly  Pear,  all  of  which  are 
natives  of  this  continent.  They  are  found  chiefly 
in  Mexico,  California,  Peru,  Brazil,  the  West 
Indies,  and  a  few  in  the  United  States.  The 
plants,  when  old,  are  hard  and  woody,  but  the 
new  growth  remains  succulent  or  fleshy  for  some 
time.  Some  species  grow  erect  and  tree-like, 
while  others  are  procumbent  or  creep  on  the 
ground,  and  nearly  all  have  spines.  The  up- 
right growers  sometimes  reach  a  height  of  ten 
feet  or  more,  and  one  kind  even  twenty  feet. 
Some  of  them  ( 0.  Tuna,  for  example, )  hrfve  been 
introduced  into  Southern  Europe,  Africa,  and 
other  places,  where  they  are  cultivated  for  the 
sake  of  obtaining  Cochineal.  The  flowers  (ex- 
cept in  Nopalea  are  generally  a  dull  reddish 
orange.  The  fruit  is  pear-shaped,  two  or  three 
inches  long,  and  of  a  bright  carmine  color  when 
ripe.  The  fruit  is  edible,  and  has  a  pleasant 
sub-acid  flavor,  being  considered  cooling  and 
refreshing,  and  is  much  used  in  the  West  Indies 
and  other  places.  The  juice  is  sometimes  used 
as  a  water  color,  and  also  for  coloring  candies. 
In  Mexico  the  plant  is  used  for  hedges  as  well 
as  for  the  Cochineal  insect,  and  from  the  fruit 
is  prepared  a  beverage  called  Colinche.  Writers 
tell  us  that  in  Algeria  the  French  make  from 
the  old  wood  a  number  of  ornamental  articles, 
such  as  flower  trays,  fancy  baskets,  etc.,  and 
even  veneering.  The  Opuntia,  it  will  be  seen, 
is  a  plant  of  considerable  commercial  value. 
Botanists  have  taken  three  species  from  Opuntia, 
to  which  they  have  given  the  generic  name 
Nopalea ;  the  reason  of  which  may  not  be  appa- 
rent to  the  common  observer.  In  the  new  genus 
the  flowers  have  erect  petals,  which  are  drawn 
together  at  the  top  instead  of  being  expanded, 
as  they  are  in  Opuntia;  the  stamens  are  longer 
than  the  corolla,  but  shorter  than  the  style.  The 
stems  are  round,  or  nearly  so,  with  jointed, 
fleshy,  flat  branches;  but,  unlike  Opuntia,  the 
tubercles  upon  the  branches  are  not  always 
armed  with  spines.  The  flowers,  instead  of  be- 
ing yellow  or  orange,  like  Opuntia,  are  reddish  or 
crimson.  Taking  the  characteristics  all  together, 
we  ought  to  be  able  to  distinguish  the  one  from 
the  other,  and  yet  not  be  satisfied  with  the  sep- 
aration. In  view  of  the  commercial  value  of  the 
product,  we  shall  next  allude  somewhat  briefly 
to  the  Nopalea  ( Opuntia)  as  connected  with  the 
cultivation  of  the  Cochineal  insect,  Coccus  Cacti. 
There  are  two  species  grown  chiefly  for  this  pur- 
pose, the  Napolea  cochinillifera  and  N.  Tuna.  The 
first  grows  about  eight  feet  high,  and  its  branch- 
es give  it  a  tree-like  appearance.  The  stem  and 
older  branches  ar,e  nearly  round  and  grayish  in 
color,  but  the  younger  growth  is  flat  and  deep 
green  in  color.  The  joints  are  from  six  to  twelve 
inches  long,  oblong  in  form,  mostly  without 
spines,  but  having,  when  young,  a  growth  of 
fleshy  leaves,  which  soon  drop  off,  leaving  a  scar 
and  a  tuft  of  short  wool  and  bristles.  Though 
the  name  cochinillifera,  or  cochineal  bearing,  has 


152 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


OBA 

been  given  to  this  particular  species,  it  is  not 
the  only  one  upon  which  this  insect  feeds,  for 
in  Mexico  X.  Tuna  is  even  more  largely  grown 
for  the  same  purpose.  Nopaleries  is  the  name 
given  to  plantations  for  rearing  the  Cochineal 
Eond  The  male  only  is  winged,  and  somewhat 
resembles  the  Aphis,  and  the  two  are  not  very 
distantly  related  to  each  other  ;  both  feed  in  the 
same  way,  drawing  the  juices  of  the  plant  through 
a  proboscis.  It  is  the  female,  however,  which 
yields  the  highly-prized  dye.  A  plantation  will 
sometimes  contain  from  fifty  to  sixty  thousand 
plants.  The  plants  are  grown  in  rows,  but  are 
not  allowed  to  grow  to  their  natural  height  for 
convenience  in  handling.  In  the  month  of  Au- 
gust the  female  insects  are  placed  on  the  plants, 
and  in  about  four  months  thereafter  the  first 
crop  is  fit  to  be  gathered,  and  another  prepared 
for,  three  being  taken  in  the  course  of  the  year. 
When  fully  grown  the  insects  are  brushed  off 
and  dried  in  ovens,  when  they  are  ready  for  sale. 
The  value  of  this  industry  is  such  that  the 
Prickly  Pear  has  been  placed  on  the  coat  of  arms 
of  the  Mexican  Republic.  Though  Mexico  is  the 
native  place  of  the  Cochineal,  it  is  now  largely 
grown  in  New  Grenada  and  the  Canary  Islands, 
and  to  a  less  extent  in  some  parts  of  Southern 
Europe  and  Africa.  The  annual  produce 
amounts  to  thousands  of  tons,  the  usual  price 
being  about  two  thousand  dollars  per  ton,  which 
gives  us  an  idea  pf  the  value  of  the  industry. 
There  are  many  interesting  facts  connected  with 
the  Coccus  family,  as  regards  both  their  natural 
history  and  their  commercial  value,  which  we 
must  pass  over,  simply  remarking  that  it  is  to  a 
member  of  this  family  that  we  are  indebted  for 
some  of  the  best  shell  and  other  lacs.  It  may 
be  said  of  them,  as  it  cannot  be  said  of  most 
insects,  that  they  make  some  amends  for  the 
injury  they  do  to  plants.  Of  our  native  species 
of  Prickly  Pear,  0.  vulgaris  is  the  common 
Prickly  Pear  of  New  York  and  some  of  the 
Eastern  States.  It  is  very  hardy  and  te- 
nacious of  life,  growing  among  the  rocks  where 
there  is  scarcely  sufficient  soil  to  cover  the  roots. 
Its  flowers  are  bright  yellow,  very  handsome, 
and  produced  freely.  There  are  other  Ameri- 
can species  which  produce  larger  and  even  hand- 
somer flowers  than  0.  vulgaris.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  this  order  take  precedence  in  the  green- 
house, on  account  of  their  rarity,  and,  in  some 
instances,  more  showy  flowers. 
Orache  or  Mountain  Spinach.  See  Atriplex. 
Orange.  See  Citrus. 

Orchis.  From  orchis,  testiculate;  referring  to  the 
two  oblong,  bulb-like  roots  of  many  of  the  spe- 
cies. Linn.  Gynandria-^lcmofjynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacetK. 

A  dwarf  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  mostly 
unpretending,  yet  beautiful  little  plants.  They 
are  common  in  England  and  throughout  most 
of  Europe,  0.  masvula  and  0.  macnluta  being 
among  the  most  beautiful  and  interesting 
plants  of  the  British  woods.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  a  few  species,  they  are  perfectly  hardy, 
and  can  be  grown  in  the  outside  border,  or  in 
pots,  forced  like  the  Hyacinth.  They  do  not 
like  being  moved  from  their  native  homes,  but 
are  easily  produced  from  seed,  which,  if  sown 
in  a  frame  of  light  turfy  loam,  will  make  flower- 
ing plants  in  three  years.  0.  spectabUis  (Showy 
Orchis)  is  common  in  rich  woods  throughout 
the  Northern,  Eastern,  and  Western  States. 
This  species  does  well  under  cultivation.  Prop- 
agated by  division. 


ORN 

Oreodoxa.  From  oreos,  a  mountain,  and  doxa, 
glory;  alluding  to  the  lofty  stature  of  some  of 
the  species.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monadelphia.  Nat. 
Ord.  PahnacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  very  tall-growing  and  hand- 
some Palms,  inhabiting  the  West  Indies  and 
tropical  America.  Some  of  the  species  are  among 
the  most  graceful  of  Palms.  1).  retjia,  the 
Royal  Palm,  is  a  favorite  cultivated  species,  and 
is  largely  used  in  the  decoration  of  rooms. 
0.  oleracece,  the  West  Indian  Cabbage  Palm, 
sometimes  attains  a  height  of  one  hundred  and 
seventy  feet,  with  a  very  small  trunk,  perfectly 
straight  and  cylindrical.  The  heart  of  the  young 
leaves  is  cooked  like  Cabbage,  and  the  pith  af- 
fords Sago.  Oil  in  considerable  quantities  is 
obtained  from  the  fruit.  Young  plants  are  ob- 
tained from  seed. 

Oricola.     See  Primula, 

Origanum.  Marjoram.  From  oros,  a  mountain, 
and  ganos,  joy;  referring  to  the  natural  places 
of  growth.  Linn.  Didynamia-Grymnospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Lamiacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy  herbaceous 
plants  and  shrubs,  natives  of  Europe  and  North- 
ern India.  0.  vidgare,  the  Wild  Marjoram,  com- 
mon throughout  Europe,  and  naturalized  in  this 
country,  furnishes  the  Oil  of  Origanum,  which 
is  an  acrid  stimulant.  0.  onites  and  0.  majorana 
are  inchided  in  the  Pot  or  Seasoning  Herbs,  un- 
der the  name  of  Marjoram.  They  are  natives  of 
Sicily  and  Portugal  respectively.  There  are  a 
few  ornamental  species  sometimes  grown  as 
house  plants,  the  more  common  of  which  is 
0.  sipyleum,  a  native  of  the  Lavant,  and  popular- 
ly known  as  Hop  Plant.  It  is  of  easy  culture, 
and  is  propagated  by  cuttings. 

Ormosia.  Bead  Tree.  From  ormos,  a  necklace; 
in  allusion  to  this  use  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  De- 
candria-MoncHiynla.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental  tropical  trees, 
natives  of  Guiana  and  the  West  Indies.  They 
are  all  too  large  for  introduction  into  the  green- 
house. 0  drtsycarna  is  the  West  Indian  Bead 
Tree,  or  Necklace  Tree,  the  seeds  of  which,  like 
those  of  0.  coccinea,  a  native  of  Guiana  and  Bra- 
zil, are  nearly  round,  beautifully  polished,  and 
of  a  bright  scarlet  color,  with  a  black  spot  at  one 
end,  resembling  beads,  for  which  they  are  sub- 
stituted, being  made  into  bracelets,  necklaces, 
or  mounted  in  silver  for  studs  or  buttons.  The 
seeds  are  picked  up  on  the  seacoast  in  various 
places,  at  very  great  distances  from  where  they 
grow,  having  been  carried  by  strong  oceanic 
currents.  They  are  usually  mixed  in  with  small 
shells,  and  sold  as  "  Sea  Beans,"  the  common 
error  being  that  they  are  the  fruit  of  some  sea 
plant. 

Ornithidium.  From  ornis,  a  bird,  and  eidos,  like; 
the  upper  lip  of  the  stigma  is  beak-like.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea*. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  little  Orchids,  but 
not  of  sufficient  beauty  or  interest  to  warrant 
their  introduction  into  the  Orchid  house.  They 
are  regarded  as  weeds  among  air  plants. 

Ornithogalum.  Star  of  Bethlehem.  From  ornis, 
a  bird,  and  gala,  milk.  Linn.Hexandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  L'diacece. 

A  rather  large  genus  of  bulbous  plants,  the 
species  of  which  are  natives  of  Southern  Europe, 
Western  Asia,  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Several  of  the  species  are  hardy,  and  grow  so 
freely  as  to  become  a  nuisance;  this  is  particu- 
larly so  with  0.  untbellntum,  the  pretty  little  Star 
of  Bethlehem,  that  has  escaped  in  many  places 


HENDEESON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


153 


ORN 

from  the  gardens  into  the  meadows,  and  taken 
almost  complete  possession,  and  become  very 
troublesome.  0.  cuudatam,  a  tender  species  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  has  very  large,  watery- 
looking  bulbs;  the  leaves  are  broad  and  very 
long,  and  they  wither  and  shrivel  up  at  the  tip, 
so  as  to  have  a  round,  tail-like  appearance; 
whence  their  common  name,  Long-tailed  Orni- 
thogalum.  This  species  is  sometimes  called 
Onion  Lily,  and  is  a  favorite  with  the  Chinese, 
who  grow  it  in  dishes  filled  with  water  and 
gravel.  Its  tenacity  of  life  is  most  remarkable,  as 
it  will  grow  anywhere  and  under  almost  any  cir- 
cumstances, in  water  or  hung  up  against  a  wall 
in  a  dry  room,  in  rich  earth  or  poor,  indoors  or 
out,  and,  with  slight  protection,  will  endure  our 
winters.  Its  flower  scape  is  from  two  to  four 
feet  in  length,  and  it  keeps  in  bloom  for  several 
months.  There  is  but  little  beauty  in  the  flow- 
ers of  most  of  the  species.  There  are  some, 
however,  that  have  long  been  grown  in  the 
green-house,  and  are  still  esteemed.  All  the 
species  are  increased  by  offsets. 

Ornus.  Flowering  Ash.  From  oreinos,  ancient 
name  of  the  Ash ;  applied  on  account  of  the  re- 
semblance and  aflinity.  Linn.  Diarulria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Oleacecv. 

Hardy,  white-flowered,  deciduous  trees.  The 
genus  includes  about  a  dozen  species,  all  inter- 
esting on  account  of  their  clustered  panicles  of 
pure  white  flowers,  borne  at  the  extremities  of 
the  branches.  In  Sicily  several  of  the  species 
are  extensively  grown  under  the  name  of  Manna 
Ash,  the  trees  yielding  the  saccharine  substance 
commercially  known  as  Manna,  the  properties 
of  which  are  purgative  instead  of  nourishing ; 
consequently  it  could  not  have  been  the  Manna 
that  sustained  the  Hebrews  in  the  wilderness, 
although  it  is  the  only  substance  known  by  that 
name  at  the  present  day. 

Orontium.  Golden  Club.  Derivation  of  name 
obscure.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrontiacecK. 

This  genus  consists  of  two  species  of  aquatic 
plants.  0.  aquaticniii,  is  common  in  ponds  from 
Maine  to  Florida,  near  the  coast.  0.  Japonicum, 
a  native  of  Japan  and  the  East  Indies,  has 
leaves  like  Lily  of  the  Valley,  green  on  the  up- 
per side,  and  covered  with  very  minute  hairs, 
so  that  they  look  like  fine  velvet.  These  leaves 
are  readily  eaten  by  cattle  and  swine  in  spring. 
The  seeds  are  boiled  and  eaten  like  Pease  by 
the  natives.  This  species  makes  a  beautiful 
plant  for  the  aquarium. 

Orobus.  Bitter  Veitch.  From  oro,  to  excitq.  and 
bous,  an  ox;  nourishing  food.  Linn.  Dladdphia- 
Decanlria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials. A  well-known  type  is  O.  vernus.  Mod- 
ern botanists  now  include  it  with  Lathyrus. 

Osage  Orange.     See  Madura. 

Osbeckia.  Named  after  Peter  Osbeck,  a  Swedish 
naturalist.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Meiastomaeeeit. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  and  decidu- 
ous shrubs  and  herbs,  natives  of  tropical  Asia, 
Africa,  and  the  adjoining  islands.  The  flowers 
are  small,  of  rose,  purple,  or  violet,  borne  in 
terminal  racemes.  The  plants  are  rarely  met, 
excepting  in  large  collections. 

Osier.     See  Salix  vimiivilis. 

Osmorhlza.     Sweet  Cicely.      From  osme,  scent, 
and  rliiza,  a  root;  roots  sweet  scented.     Linn. 
Pentandrin-Dii/i/nifi.     Nat.  Ord.  Apinrxr. 
A  small  genus  of  uninteresting  herbaceous  per- 


OXA 

cnnials.   They  are  common  in  rich,  moist  woods, 
and  popularly  known  as  Sweet  Cicely. 

Osmunda.  Flowering  Fern.  From  Osmunda,  one 
of  the  names  of  Thor,  a  Celtic  deity.  Linn.  Oryp- 
toijaniki-Fiices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacea;. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  Ferns,  found  widely 
distributed  throughout  the  temperate  regions  of 
both  hemispheres.  A  well-known  species  is  0. 
regalifi,  or  Royal  Fern.  There  are  several  species 
common  in  swamps  and  wet  places  through- 
out the  United  States.  Most  of  them  bear  trans- 
planting well,  and  make  beautiful  plants  for  & 
shady  border. 

Ostrya.  Hop  Hornbeam,  Iron  Wood.  From 
ostryos,  a  scale;  scaly  catkins.  Linn.  Monoecia- 
Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Corylacea;. 

O.  Virginica,  the  only  native  species,  is  a  tree 
of  moderate  size,  remarkable  for  the  extreme 
hardness  of  its  wood.  It  is  of  slow  growth, 
forms  a  compact  top,  with  small  green  leaves. 
The  furrows  of  its  bark  are  extremely  fine,  by 
which  it  is  readily  distinguished. 

Oswego  Tea.    See  Moneavta. 

Othonna.  Ragwort.  From  othone,  linen  ;  refer- 
ring to  the  soft,  downy  clothing  of  the  original 
plant.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Necessaria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asteracece. 

An  extensive  genus,  the  species  of  which  are 
mostly  coarse-growing  green-house  or  frame  an- 
nuals, perennials,  and  low  shrubs.  With  but 
few  exceptions  the  flowers  ara  yellow.  They  are 
natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  the  Afri- 
can shores  of  the  Mediterranean.  But  few  of  the 
species  merit  a  place  in  the  garden.  0.  crassi- 
folia,  one  of  the  Cape  species,  is  a  handsome  and 
showy  plant,  of  a  trailing  habit,  with  singularly 
glaucous  and  fleshy  leaves,  and  handsome  yellow 
flowers,  opening  only  in  the  sunlight.  It  is  par- 
ticularly well  adapted  for  planting  under  shrubs, 
or  for  baskets,  vases,  or  rustic  designs.  It  grows 
freely  in  a  light  soil,  and  is  increased  by  cuttings 
and  leaves. 

Ostrich  Fern.     See  Siruthiopteris. 

Ouvirandra.  Lattice  or  Lace-leaved  Plant.  From 
ouuirandrano,  the  native  name;  signifying  water- 
yam,  the  roots  being  eatable.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Juncaginacece. 

A  genus  of  aquatic  plants,  natives  of  Madagas- 
car. They  are  popularly  known  as  the  Lattice  or 
Lace-leaved  Plants,  from  the  singular  appearance 
of  the  leaves,  resembling  open  lattice-work,  or 
apparently  consisting  of  only  a  skeleton  of 
nerves.  The  leaves  grow  in  radiating  clusters 
from  the  rhizome,  and  float  just  beneath  the 
surface  of  the  water,  presenting  a  flat  side  to  the 
light.  The  plant  is  not  only  curious,  but  a 
valuable  one  to  the  natives  of  Madagascar,  who 
collect  its  fleshy,  farinaceous  roots  as  an  article 
of  food.  It  grows  on  the  margins  of  running 
streams  in  shallow  water.  It  is  rare  in  collec- 
tions. One  of  the  most  interesting  plants  for  the 
aquarium. 

Oxalis.  From  oxys,  acid  ;  the  leaves  have  an. 
acid  taste.  Linn.  Decandria-Pentagynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Oxalidacere. 

This  genus  comprises  a  great  number  of  spe- 
cies, differing  widely  in  their  habits  and  man- 
ner of  growth.  Some  are  annuals,  some  herba- 
ceous perennials,  some  green-house  shrubs. 
Many  have  tuberous  roots,  others  are  bulbs. 
Some  are  tender,  others  perfectly  hardy.  The 
flowers  are  always  handsome  in  form  and  beau- 
tiful in  color.  The  leaves  vary  considerably, 
but  they  are  most  commonly  trifoliate,  and 
slightly  acid.  Many  of  the  species  are  grown  in. 


154 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


OXE 

the  green-honse,  one  of  the  most  useful  being 
0  flaribunda,  -which  was  introduced  from  Brazil 
in  1829.  This  very  beautiful  species  requires 
the  protection  of  the  green-house  during  winter. 
It  has  bright  rose-colored  flowers,  which  ore  pro- 
duced in  great  abundance  during  nearly  the 
whole  year.  There  is  a  variety  of  this  species 
with  pure  white  flowers.  Both  are  rapidly  in- 
creased by  division  of  the  root.  Of  the  bulbous 
species,  0.  Boiciei  is  decidedly  the  handsomest. 
The  flowers  are  large  and  of  a  most  brilliant  rose 
color,  and  produced  in  the  greatest  profusion. 
There  is  also  a  white  variety  of  this  species. 
This  is  generally  cultivated  as  a  green-house 
species ;  it  will,  however,  endure  our  winters  if 
planted  in  a  rockery  or  in  the  border;  and  so 
tenacious  is  it  of  life  that  it  will  dispute  posses- 
sion with  almost  any  other  plant  in  the  bed.  This 
species  was  introduced  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  in  1824.  One  of  the  most  desirable  for 
conservatory  decoration  is  0.  lutea,  another  Cape 
species,  with  large  terminal  clusters  of  golden 
yellow  flowers,  on  long  slender  scapes.  0.  versi- 
cotor  is  still  another  beautiful  species.  It  re- 
quires the  sunlight,  to  expand  its  flowers;  but 
they  are  generally  thought  to  be  more  beautiful 
when  closed  than  when  open.  The  colors  are 
crimson,  white,  and  a  pale  shade  of  yellow.  It 
is  rapidly  increased  by  offsets.  A.  acetosella,  our 
common  Wood  Sorrel,  is  a  native  of  Great 
Britain,  and  by  naturalization  has  become  only 
too  common  throughout  the  States.  All  the 
species  under  cultivation  are  either  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  or  South  America,  and  all 
alike  are  of  easy  culture. 
Ox-eye  Daisy.  See  Leucanthemum, 
Oxyanthus.  From  oxys,  sharp,  and  anihos,  a 
flower;  referring  to  the  sharp-toothed  calyx  and 
corolla.  Linn.  Pentandria-jfonogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
dnchonacece. 

A  genus  of  white-flowered  evergreen  shrubs 
from  Sierra  Leone,  allied  to  Gardenia,  and  re- 
quiring the  same  treatment  in  cultivation  and 
propagation. 

Oxycoccua.  Cranberry.  From  oxys,  shrrp,  and 
kokkos,  a  berry;  sharp  acid  taste  of  the  berries. 
Linn.  Octandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vaccini- 
acece. 

"  The  Cranberry  is  a  familiar  trailing  shrub, 
growing  wild  in  swampy,  sandy  meadows  and 
mossy  bogs,  in  the  northern  portions  of  both 
hemispheres,  and  produces  a  round,  red,  acid 
fruit.  Our  native  species,  0.  macrocarpus,  so 
common  in  the  swamps  of  New  England,  and  on 
the  borders  of  our  inland  lakes,  as  to  form  quite 
an  article  of  commerce,  is  much  the  largest  and 
finest  species;  the  European  Cranberry,  U.  palus- 
tris,  being  much  smaller  in  its  growth,  and  pro- 
ducing fruit  inferior  in  size  and  quality.  Also 
the  Russian,  0.  viridis,  a  medium-sized  variety. 
Of  the  0.  macrocarpus,  there  are  three  varieties: 
the  '  Bell-shaped,'  which  is  the  largest  and  most 
valued,  of  a  very  dark,  bright  red  color;  the 
4 Cherry,' two  kinds,  large  and  small;  the  large 
one  the  best,  of  a  round  form,  a  fine  dark  red 
berry,  nearly  or  quite  equal  to  the  Bell-shaped- 
and  the  Bugle  Oval,  or  Egg-shaped,  two  kinds, 
large  and  small,  not  so  highly  colored  as  the 
Bell  or  Cherry,  and  not  so  much  prized,  but 
still  a  fine  variety."— Downing.  Cranberry  cul- 
ture, where  the  conditions  are  favorable  is  very 
profitable;  nnd  as  the  subject  is  receiving  much 
attention,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe 
it  may  be  of  service  to  give  a  few  facts  in  regard 
to  the  best  methods  of  raising  Cranberries  suc- 


OXY 

cessfully.  The  selection  of  land  for  the  cultiva- 
tion and  growing  of  the  plants  is  the  first  con- 
sideration; for,  unless  it  is  adapted  to  their 
growth,  it  will  be  useless  to  plant  them.  The 
soil  best  adapted  is  low,  moist  land,  suitably 
drained,  so  that  the  water  will  be  from  twelve  to 
eighteen  inches  lower  than  the  surface  of  the 
ground.  They  will  grow  on  moderately  damp 
soil  that  can  be  plowed  or  cultivated,  so  as  to 
make  it  friable  and  soft,  or  on  the  borders 
of  streams  or  ditches,  as  the  plant  draws  its 
nourishment  from  air  and  water;  light  sandy 
soil,  or  muck,  covered  with  two  or  three  inches 
of  sand,  is  the  best  adapted  to  their  culture. 
They  will  not  do  well  on  dry  sand  or  clay.  If 
planted  on  rich  muck  or  loam,  they  grow  rank 
and  strong,  sometimes  eight  or  ten  feet,  and 
cover  the  ground  with  a  net  of  vines  three  or 
four  inches  thick.  As  the  fruit  grows  on  the 
end  of  the  shoot,  the  rank  growth  throws  out 
but  few  buds;  but  if  sanded  over,  the  shoots  are 
of  short  growth,  and  throw  out  more  and  stronger 
fruit  buds.  There  are  large  portions  of  land  all 
over  our  country  that  is  now  of  but  little  value, 
too  wet  or  too  cold  for  grass,  that  would  grow 
large  quantities  of  fruit,  if  properly  prepared  by 
draining  and  sanding.  In  preparing  the  ground, 
if  it  be  wet  and  spongy,  it  should  be  well  drain- 
ed, so  as  to  leave  the  water  about  ten  or  twelve 
inches  below  the  surface.  It  can  then  be  pre- 
pared by  burning  over  and  removing  the  top 
soil,  carting  it  off  for  compost,  or  burning  when 
it  is  dry;  by  leveling  the  ground,  and  covering 
it  with  pure  sand  (free  from  seeds  of  weeds)  two 
or  three  inches  deep,  to  keep  the  surface  loose, 
and  to  prevent  foul  grass  from  choking  the 
plants.  Some  growers  prefer  to  put  on  two  or 
three  inches  of  sand,  (on  the  ice,)  and  after  two 
years'  growth,  to  put  on  one  or  two  inches  more, 
which,  we  think,  is  an  improvement.  The  sand 
should  not  be  mixed  with  the  soil,  but  placed  in 
a  layer  of  two  inches  over  it;  it  will  thus  keep 
down  all  weeds.  The  roots  of  the  Cranberry  are 
very  fine,  and  do  not  retain  their  vitality ;  but 
the  plant  throws  out  new  roots  from  the  stem. 
In  putting  out  the  young  plants,  make  a  hole 
four  or  five  inches  deep,  with  a  stick  or  dibble, 
in  which  place  the  plant,  and  press  the  soil 
around  it  firmly  with  the  foot.  Leave  an  inch 
to  an  inch  and  a  half  of  the  young  vine  above 
ground.  When  planting,  if  practicable,  water 
freely,  to  settle  the  sand  around  the  plant ;  the 
stem  will  soon  begin  to  grow.  They  are  very  tena- 
cious of  life,  and  if,  when  received,  they  are  ap- 
parently dry,  put  them  into  water  from  five  to 
six  hours  before  planting;  they  will  regain  their 
freshness  and  be  sure  to  grow.  Where  failures 
have  occurred,  it  has  been  owing  to  their  having 
been  taken  from  the  parcel  and  put  out  in  a  dry 
soil.  Another  plan  adopted  by  some  growers,  is 
to  take  the  vines  up  without  roots,  often  four  or 
five  feet  in  length,  which  they  cut  and  sow  in 
drills,  or  lay  the  vines  down  *in  a  trench,  and 
cover  with  soil;  or  with  a  stick  two  inches  wide 
and  half  an  inch  thick  crowd  the  vines  down  into 
the  soil  three  or  four  inches  deep.  It  will  take 
eight  to  ten  barrels  of  clean  vines  per  acre.  In 
this  case  they  are  not  planted  so  deep,  and  are 
not  so  apt  to  live  as  when  planted  with  a  dibble, 
as  advised  above,  with  the  roots  attached.  They 
are  usually  sold  in  parcels  of  one  hundred  each, 
and  will  pack  more  closely,  and  cost  much  less 
than  barreled  vines,  and  are  the  only  kind  that 
can  be  forwarded  by  mail.  Ten  thousand  of  these 
will  plant  more  ground  than  eight  or  ten  bar- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


155 


OXY 

rels  of  vines.  If  placed  two  feet  apart  each  way, 
10, 000  will  plant  an  acre;  they  can  be  cultivated 
with  a  cultivator  or  horse  hoe,  to  keep  down  the 
grass  and  weeds ;  and  after  one  or  two  years  of 
cultivation  they  will  take  care  of  themselves,  or 
it  will  only  be  necessary  to  pull  out  what  little 
grass  may  grow.  If  wanted  in  small  patches  or 
in  gardens,  they  can  be  planted  a  foot  apart, 
and  will  cover  the  ground  much  sooner.  Vines 
usually  sold  by  the  barrel  have  clinging  to  the 
roots  earth  that  is  full  of  the  seeds  of  weeds, 
which  are  introduced  into  the  soil,  demanding 
much  labor  to  keep  the  plants  clean;  it  is  there- 
fore better  to  purchase  clean  vines.  The  Cran- 
berry can  be  planted  out  at  almost  any  season  of 
the  year  when  the  ground  is  not  frozen;  in  the 
fall,  from  September  until  the  ground  freezes; 
in  spring,  until  July ;  in  the  South  or  West,  from 
October  to  March.  If  the  vines  are  received  too 
late  for  planting,  or  if  frozen,  they  can  be  cov- 
ered with  earth  or  damp  moss  in  a  box,  and 
placed  in  a  cellar  until  they  can  be  planted  out, 
after  being  placed  in  water  for  a  few  hours. 
Overflowing  or  flooding  is  desirable,  if  not  in- 
dispensable to  complete  success.  The  water  may 
remain  en  tie  vines  till  the  10th  of  May  in  the 
latitude  of  N.  Y.,  or  until  there  is  no  danger  from 
frost.  It  may  cover  the  vines  from  one  to  two 
feet  or  more,  and  if  it  can  be  let  on  or  off  at  will 
for  a  few  hours  during  the  season,  it  will  pre- 
vent drought,  and  also  destroy  the  worm,  which 
is  sometimes  very  destructive.  The  water  should 
not  stand  on  them  when  in  flower,  as  it  would 
injure  the  pollen  and  prevent  fruiting,  or  when 
the  fruit  is  quite  green.  The  best  known  and 
most  extensively  cultivated  is  the  Sell,  of  which 
there  are  two  or  three  varieties.  The  Cape  Coil 
Sell  is  the  best  known,  and  has  been  more  ex- 
tensively cultivated  than  any  other  variety.  The 
color  is  a  dark  red,  but  it  often  varies  in  color  and 
shape  on  different  soils,  but  its  bearing  and 
ripening  qualities  are  the  same,  being  of  good 
size  and  medium  early.  The  Su/le  is  an  old  va- 
riety, rather  early,  of  medium  size  to  large,  a 
good  keeper,  color  dark  scarlet,  and  a  medium 
bearer.  The  Cherry  generally  grows  on  wet  soil 
or  moist  upland.  Of  this  there  are  a  number  of 
varieties ;  but  the  one  most  commonly  planted 
is  of  medium  size,  round  shape,  bright  red  color, 
a  good  bearer,  but  rather  later  than  other  varie- 
ties; it  is  a  leading  market  sort.  Another,  call- 
ed Mottkd  BeU,  pink  on  white  ground,  is  a  very 
handsome  fruit,  but  late  and  little  grown.  Two 
new  varieties  have  lately  been  introduced,  which, 
by  a  number  of  years'  cultivation,  we  think  su- 
perior to  the  above  in  several  particulars,  being 
early  and  constant  bearers  when  others  fail,  ana 
in  the  future  they  are  likely  to  become  Isading 
sorts.  In  some  sections  there  would  have  been 
a  short  crop  but  for  these  kinds.  The  Elton's 
Early  Slack  Sell  stands  first.  It  ripens  very 
early,  is  fully  colored  by  the  5th  of  September 
in  New  England,  is  uniform  in  color  and  shape, 
of  a  very  handsome  dark  red  color,  almost  black, 
of  medium  and  uniform  size,  a  great  and  con- 
stant bearer,  a  good  keeper,  and  the  vines  hardy; 
and  being  early,  it  brings  the  highest  price  in 
market.  The  Mansfield  Creeper  was  first  discov- 
ered in  a  corn-field,  and  transplanted  to  a  Cran- 
berry bed.  In  its  new  position  it  was  found  to 
be  entirely  different  in  its  growth  and  habit 
from  all  other  varieties.  It  seemed  to  creep  on 
the  ground  and  take  root  at  every  joint,  pro- 
ducing bearing  shoots  every  two  or  three  inches 
on  the  vine,  and  throwing  out  fruit  buds  for  a 


OXY 

fresh  start  another  year.  It  is  a  few  days  later 
than  the  Eaton  Bell.  Both  are  adapted  to  up- 
land culture.  It  is  of  large  size  and  a  great 
bearer;  the  flesh  is  more  tender,  and  not  so  acid; 
color  dark  scarlet  on  one  side,  the  other  side 
nearly  white,  and  slightly  mottled;  shaporound- 
ish  oval.  It  is  a  fine  keeper.  A  writer  in  the 
New  Hampshire  Journal  of  Agriculture  describes 
a  plot  of  nearly  three-fourths  of  an  acre,  com- 
pletely covered  with  beds  of  Cranberries,  the 
vines  ''thickly  matted  and  in  a  flourishing 
condition."  The  grounds,  which  were  naturally 
slightly  moist,  were  prepared  as  for  Strawber- 
ries, and  then  planted  with  Cranberry  vines. 
They  were  placed  in  rows  or  beds,  in  the  same 
manner  as  Strawberry  plants,  and  then  served 
with  a  top  dressing  of  meadow  mud,  which  had 
been  taken  from  its  natural  bed  and  exposed  to 
the  frosts  of  one  winter,  by  which  it  was  ren- 
dered very  loose  and  friable.  They  were  after- 
ward cultivated  with  the  hoe  until  they  had 
completely  covered  the  ground,  simply  passing 
between  the  beds,  pulling  out  such  weeds  and 
grass  as  might  occasionally  be  seen  growing 
among  them,  and  killing  the  worms,  if  any  were 
found  on  the  plants.  The  proprietor  succeeded 
in  obtaining  a  good  crop,  or  an  averageof  160  bush- 
els to  the  acre.  The  fruit  was  of  excellent  quali- 
ty, and  cold  readily  for  one-third  more  than  the 
common  uncultivated  Cranberry  of  the  swamps 
in  that  vicinity.  The  above  writer  considers 
any  soil  that  will  produce  a  crop  of  Indian  corn 
suitable  for  a  Cranberry  plot.  In  regard  to  the 
success  of  Mr.  Bates  in  his  m:thod  of  culture, 
Mr.  B.  G.  Boswell,  of  Philadelphia,  gives  the 
following  testimony,  viz. :  "As  the  plant  natu- 
rally grows  in  a  very  wet  soil,  it  is  generally 
supposed  that  it  will  not  thrive  in  a  dry  soil; 
but  this  idea  is  erroneous.  Mr.  S.  Bates,  of 
Massachusetts,  has  grown  the  Cranberry  on  a  dry 
soil  for  several  years,  with  the  utmost  success. 
His  method  is  to  plow  the  land,  spread  on  a 
quantity  of  swamp  muck,  and  after  harrowing 
the  soil  thoroughly,  set  out  the  plants  in  drills 
twenty  inches  apart,  hoeing  them  the  first  sea- 
son. After  this  no  cultivation  is  needed.  By 
'  the  above  method  the  plants  will  cover  the 
ground  in  lhree  years."  It  is  hoped  that  the 
above  details T  ill  prove  of  service  to  those  about 
to  embark  iu  he  cul  ire  of  this  useful  fruit. 
The  Cr"iberry  •.  also  adapted  to  garden  cul- 
ture. Every  family  can  have  a  garden  patch. 
A  moist  but  not  clayey  soil  should  be  selected, 
and  the  gr  xund  prepared  by  plowing  or  spad- 
ing, as  for  .  '*•  vwberries.  The  entire  surface 
should  be  covered  one  or  two  inches  with  fine 
muck,  or  one  or  two  inches  of  sand  can  be  sub- 
stituted. They  can  be  planted  one  foot  to  eight- 
een inches  apart,  and  four  to  six  inches  in  depth. 
They  are  also  highly  ornamental  in  pots,  the 
fruit  hanging  on  the  vines  until  the  flowers 
appear  for  the  next  crop.  Experiments  in  New 
England  indicate  that  the  Cranberry  can  bo  cul- 
tivated on  upland,  though  generally  with  mod- 
erate success.  On  Long  Island,  however,  there 
are  Cranberry  patches  of  five  or  six  acres,  on 
upland  soil,  that  produce  from  5 •)  to  10(J  bushels 
per  acre,  which  is  considered  a  satisfactory  re- 
sult, as  manure  is  unnecessary,  and  the  trouble 
of  cultivating,  gathering,  and  marketing  the 
Cranberry  is  less  than  that  required  by  the 
Strawberry  or  any  of  the  small  fruits. 
Oxylobium.  From  oxys,  sharp,  and  Inbos,  a  pod; 
the  seed-pods  ending  in  a  point.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Monof/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ibbacece. 


156 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


OXY 

Handsome  spring  -  flowering  green  -  house 
planS  from  New  Holland.  They  should  be 
occasionally  stopped  while  young,  to  ensure 
dwarf,  bushy  specimens.  The  flowers  are  or- 
an^e  and  yellow,  are  freely  produced  and  very 
pretty.  They  are  increased  by  cuttings  or  from 
seed  "  Introduced  in  1805. 
Oxyura.  Supposed  to  be  from  oxys,  sharp,  ar 


PAL 

oura,  a  tail;  but  the  application  is  not  very  ap- 
parent. Linn.  Syngenesia-Superftiia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asttracece. 

0.  du-ysanthemoides,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy 
annual  with  yellow  flowers,  somewhat  resem- 
bling the  Chrysanthemum.  It  is  a  showy  plant, 
and  easy  to  grow.  It  is  a  native  of  California. 
Introduced  in  1834. 


P. 


"nachyphytum.   From  jnchy*,  thick,  andp&yfon, 
a  plant-  referring  to  the  fleshy  leaves.     Linn. 
DeeandriarPentaijynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Orcumlacece. 

P.  braeteosum  is  a  green-house  succulent,  al- 
lied to  Echeceria,  and  grown  for  its  unique  ap- 
pearance. There  are  other  species,  but  they  are 
less  ornamental  than  this. 

Pseonia.  Named  after  the  Greek  physician  Pceon, 
who  is  said  to  have  employed  it  in  medicine, 
and  used  it  to  cure  Pluto  of  a  wound  inflicted 
by  Hercules.  Linn.  Polyandria-Diyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  RanunctdacecK. 

The  Paaonies  common  in  our  gardens  are  di- 
vided into  two  groups,  viz.,  those  which  are  al- 
lied to  the  Tree  Paeony,  (Pawnia  Moutan,)  and 
•which  are  all  more  or  less  shrubby,  and  the 
common  herbaceous  Peonies.  The  herbaceous 
Pseonies  are  well-known  ornaments  of  our  gar- 
dens, where  they  are  great  favorites,  from  their 
showy  flowers,  their  great  hardiness,  and  their 
easy  culture:  all  essential  qualities  for  a  large 
garden,  and  for  such  only  are  they  desirable. 
The  roots  of  these  plants  are  composed  of  bun- 
dles of  carrot-like  tubers,  which  may  be  sepa- 
rated from  each  other  to  increase  any  particular 
species  or  variety  •,  or  the  tubers  of  the  common 
Pseonies  may  be  grafted  with  shoots  of  any 
choice  kinds.  The  Tree  or  shrubby  species 
are  chiefly  increased  by  grafting  on  the  roots  of 
the  herbaceous  sorts.  Of  the  herbaceous  spe- 
cies, P.  officinalis,  the  old  double  crimson,  was 
the  first  introduced  into  English  gardens,  hav- 
ing been  brought  from  Switzerland  in  1548, 
where  it  is  indigenous,  as  well  as  in  many  other 
parts  of  Europe  and  Asia.  P.  afbiflora,  the  old 
double  white,  is  a  native  of  Siberia,  and  was  in- 
troduced at  about  the  same  period.  P.  ienui- 
fotia,  the  Fern-leaved  Paeony,  is  a  native  of  Rus- 
sia, from  whence  it  was  introduced  in  1765.  The 
fine,  Fern-like  foliage  of  this  species  renders 
the  plant  a  beautiful  object  independently  of  its 
brilliant  flowers.  There  is  a  double  variety  of 
it.  From  a  limited  number  of  species,  several 
hundred  hybrids  have  been  produced,  many  of 
which  are  very  beautiful,  but  scarcely  superior 
to  the  species,  yet  necessary  to  keep  alive  the 
interest  in  the  genus.  One  or  two  herbaceous 
species  have  been  found  in  Oregon  and  Califor- 
nia, but  are  inferior  to  the  European  species. 
P.  Moutaii  and  its  varieties  are  natives  of  China 
and  Japan,  principally  on  Mount  Ho-an,  where 
it  is  reported  they  grow  to  the  height  of  ten 
feet.  The  native  species  is  purple,  but  there 
are  white,  pink,  pale  purple,  and  mottled  varie- 
ties. There  have  lately  been  raised  some  very 
beautiful  varieties  of  the  Tree  Pasony.  The 
shrubby  species  were  first  introduced  in  1794. 


Paeony.     See  Pceonia. 

Paint  Root.     See  Lnchnanfhes. 

Palafoxia.  Named  by  Lagasca  in  honor  of  Pala- 
fox,  a  Spanish  general.  Linn.  Synfjenesia-^qita- 
'lis.  Nat.  Ord.  Axteraccce. 

A  genus  of  rather  coarse-growing  herbaceous 
and  shrubby  perennials,  with  white,  flesh-col- 
ored, or  purple  flowers,  produced  in  rather 
loose  paniculate  or  corymbose  heads.  The  sev- 
eral species  are  common  from  Carolina  to  Texas. 

Palestine  Lily.     Arum  Palestinum.     See  Arum. 

This  is  a  singular  and  beautiful  species  of  the 
Calla  tribe,  called  by  some  "Black  Calla,"  as 
its  dark  purplish-crimson  flowers  are  almost 
identical  in  shape  with  the  well-known  Calla, 
(Richardia  JEthiopica, }  or  Lily  of  the  Nile.  We 
believe  it  was  first  introduced  here  in  1876, 
though  long  known  in  Europe.  It  is  prob- 
able that  it  may  yet  become  a  plant  of  value,  if 
grown  in  the  manner  that  our  Callas  are  here 
grown,  its  unique  color  being  its  great  novelty. 
Unlike  many  species  of  the  genus,  the  odor  is 
very  agreeable,  somewhat  resembling  the  Violet. 
Propagated  by  offsets, 

Paliurus.  Christ's  Thorn.  Name  of  a  town  in 
Africa.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Rhamnacece. 

There  are  but  two  species  in  this  genus,  both 
hardy  deciduous  shrubs,  natives  of  Southern 
Europe  and  Western  Asia.  They  are  handsome 
shrubs,  well  adapted  for  shrubberies.  The  fruit 
of  P.  acideatus  is  very  singular,  appearing  like  a 
head  with  a  broad-brimmed  hat  on,  whence  its 
French  name  Porte  Chapeau.  This  is  the  plant 
that  is  supposed  to  have  furnished  the  thorns 
used  for  plaiting  the  crown  placed  upon  Christ's 
head  before  His  crucifixion.  It  has  flexible 
branches,  capable  of  being  easily  plaited;  and 
each  leaf  has  two  sharp  spines  at  its  base,  one 
of  which  is  straight  and  erect,  and  the  other 
curved  and  bent  downward  so  as  to  form  a 
hook.  There  is  some  difference  of  opinion  as 
to  whether  this  is  the  plant  that  afforded  the 
"thorns,"  or  whether  it  was  Zizyphus  <Spina- 
Christi,  for  both  of  which  the  distinction  has 
been  claimed. 

Palms.  The  popular  name  for  the  plants  be- 
longing to  the  natural  order  Palmacece.  They 
are  arborescent  plants,  with  simple,  rarely 
branched  trunks,  marked  with  the  scars  of  the 
leaves,  which  are  terminal,  pinnate,  or  fan- 
shaped,  with  plicate  vernation  and  parallel  sim- 
ple veins,  and  often  with  spiny  petioles.  Na- 
tives of  tropical  regions  chiefly,  they  impart  to 
them  much  of  their  botanical  features.  The 
greater  part  of  them  have  unbranched  steins, 
which  sometimes  attain  a  height  of  a  hundred 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


157 


PAL 

feet,  and  send  out  clusters  of  large  leaves,  from 
the  axils  of  which  bunches  of  flowers  proceed. 
Although  the  flowers  are  small,  the  inflorescence, 
taken  collectively,  very  often  has  a  most  impos- 
ing aspect.     Linnrous  called  them  the  Princes 
of  the  Vegetable  Kingdom,  a  designation  which 
they  well  deserve.     Martius  estimates  the  spe- 
cies at  nearly  six  hundred,  of  which  about  one- 
sixth  have  fan-shaped  leaves.     They  have  been 
divided  by  him  into  various  tribes,  depending 
chiefly  on  the  nature  of  the  ovary  ovules  and 
fruit;  and  sections  are  formed  according  as  the 
leaves  are  pinnate  or  flabelliform,  and  the  stems 
spiny  or  not.     The  properties  of  the  plants  of 
this  order  are  quite  various.     In  the  countries 
in  which  they  grow,  they  are  used  for  supplying 
food  and  for  forming  habitations..    The  fruit  of 
some  is  edible.     Many  supply  oil,  wax,  starchy 
matter,  and  sugar,  the  last  being  fermented  so 
as  to  form  an  intoxicating  drink.     Their  fibers 
are  employed  for  ropes,  and  the  reticulum  sur- 
rounding their  leaves  is  sometimes  manufac- 
tured into  brushes  and  brooms.     These  pro- 
ducts also  enter  largely  into  commerce,  and  are 
sources  of  very  considerable  wealth.     The  Palm 
of  the  Bible  seems  to  be  Phosmx  dctcti/lifera,  <>r 
Date  Palm,  the  drupaceous  fruit  of  which  sup- 
plies food  to  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Arabia 
and  Africa,  and  is  largely  exported  to  different 
parts  of  th.e  world,  the  United  States  receiving 
a  large    share.      Cocos    nucifera,    the    Cocoanut 
Palm,  is  one  of  the  most  useful  of  the  family, 
supplying  food,  clothing,  materials  for  houses, 
and  utensils  of  various  kinds,  besides  ropes  and 
oil.     The  Cocoamits  form  an  important  item  of 
commerce,  and  are  now  "  desiccated  "  or  dried 
in  very  large  quantities  in  New  York  and  other 
places.     The  Palm  Oil  imported  from  the  west 
coast  of  Africa  is    obtained  by    bruising  the 
fruits  of  E  culs   Guinvensis  and  E.  melunococca.    j 
The  Betel  Nut  is  the  produce  of  Areca  catechu,    \ 
and  from  it  an  extract  is  prepared  of  an  astrin-   i 
gent  nature  resembling  Catechu.     Fine  Sago  is   i 
said  to  be  procured  from  tiagus  Iwvls  and  8.    j 
Rumphii,  found  in  the  eastern  islands  of  the  In-   I 
dian  Ocean.     Sago,  sugar,   and  a  kind  of  Palm    i 
wine  are  procured  from  Caryota  urens.   The  date   j 
sugar  of  Bengal  is  the  produce  of  Phoenix  sylves- 
iris.     Ceroxylon  or  Iriarlea  and/cola  yields  wax, 
which  forms  a  coating  over  its  trunk.    Cupernicia 
ccrifera  is  another  wax-producing  Palm.    Calamus 
Rotang  is  used  as  cane  under  the  name  of  Rattan, 
and  has  a  variety  of  uses  in  the  mechanic  arts. 
Calamus  rudentum,  the  Cable  Cane,  a  native  of  I 
the  East  Indies,  Cochin-China,  and  the  Moluc-   j 
cas,  grows  sometimes  to  the  length  of  five  hun- 
dred feet.    The  fruit  of  Atlalea,  funifera  is  known   I 
by  the  name  of  Coquilla  Nut,  and  its  hard  peri-   i 
carp  is  used  for  ornamenting  umbrella  handles,    i 
etc.     The  spathe  of  Manicaria  sacclfera  comes  off  j 
in  the  form  of  a  conical  cap,   and  is  used  as  a 
covering  for  the  head  in  the  West  Indies.     Cha- 
mo'rops  humilis  is  the  only  European  species  of 
Palm.     Hiii>l«r,,v    Tl«l><i)<-<t,   the  Doom  Palm  of 
Egypt,  has  a  trunk  which  divides  in  a  dichot- 
omous  manner;  its  pericarp  is  used  as  food,  and 
has  the  taste  of  gingerbread.     In  the  parched 
districts  between  the  Rivers  Dande  and  Zenza, 
in  tropical  Africa,  Weiwitsch  came  upon  a  Palm 
forest  five  leagues  in  length,  which    consisted 
exclusively  of  the  crowded  stems  of  a  branched 
Palm   belonging  probably  to    Ht/phrrne.      Like 
most  African  Palms,  it  yields  an  excellent  wine. 
Riiphia  has  t^iven  the  gardener  his  best  tying  ma- 
terial.    Other  examples  might  be  added  of  the 


PAN 

usefulness  of  this  noble  family  of  plants;  but 
the  above  condensed  view  will  probably  suffice 
to  give  the  reader  some  proper  conception  of 
the  utility  of  a  class  of  plants  that  are  now 
beginning  to  be  largely  used  by  us  for  orna- 
mental and  decorative  purposes. 

Palm  Oil.     See  Elvis. 

Palma  Christi.     See  Ridnus  communls. 

Palmetto.  See  Sabal  Palmetto  and  Chamcerops 
1'iilmetto. 

Palumbina.  Named  from  palumba,  a  dove.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea*. 

P.  Candida,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful 
little  epiphytal  Orchid  from  Mexico.  It  was 
formerly  known  as  Oncidinm  candiditm.  The 
flowers,  which  are  produced  on  delicate  stems, 
are  waxy  white,  with  yellow  center.  This  plant 
succeeds  well  grown  in  a  green-house.  It  is  in- 
creased by  division. 

Pampas  Grass.     See  Gynerium. 

Pampas  Rice.     See  Sorghum  cernuum. 

Panax.  Ginseng.  From  pan,  all,  and  akos,  rem- 
edy; referring  to  the  stimulant  drug  Ginseng, 
to  which  miraculous  virtue  is  ascribed  by  the 
Chinese.  Linn.  Polyyamia-Dioecia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AraliacffK. 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing  herbs,  shrubs,  and 
trees,  mostly  from  tropical  Asia  and  America. 
P.  quinquefolium,  the  American  Ginseng,  is  a 
hardy  herbaceous  plant,  common  in  most  of  the 
States.  The  wonderful  medicinal  properties  at- 
tributed-to  it  are  not  appreciated  at  home,  and 
its  cultivation  is  consequently  neglected. 

Panama  Hat  Palm.     See  Carludovica. 

Pancratium.  From  pan,  all,  and  kratis,  potent; 
supposed  medicinal  qualities.  Linn.  Hexandr'w.- 
Munogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacecn. 

An  extensive  genus  of  half-hardy  and  green- 
house, lily-like  bulbous  plants,  with  long  strap- 
like  leaves,  mostly  deciduous,  a  few  only  being 
persistent.  The  flowers  are  white  or  greenish- 
white,  produced  in  an  umbel  on  a  solid  scape 
about  two  feet  high.  The  species  are  found  in 
the  south  of  Europe,  North  Africa,  Syria,  Ara- 
bia, and  in  several  of  the  more  southern  of  the 
United  States.  P.  maritimum  is  the  Sea  Daffo- 
dil, common  in  the  sands  on  the  coast  of  the 
Mediterranean.  Its  flowers  are  pure  white  and 
delightfully  fragrant.  P.  Garoliniun-um  is  com- 
mon in  salt  marshes  from  South  Carolina  to 
Florida.  Chapman,  in  his  "Southern  Flora," 
makes  no  distinction  in  the  two  species.  There 
are  several  other  species  noticed  in  his  Flora, 
but  these  are  the  best  representatives  of  the 
genus.  They  all  require  green-house  treatment, 
and  should  be  grown  in  light  loam  and  leaf- 
mould,  and  allowed  a  season  of  rest.  They  are 
propagated  by  offsets. 

Pandanus.  Screw  Pine.  From  pandang,  a  word 
in  the  Malay  language  signifying  conspicuous. 
Linn.  Dioacia-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Panda.ua- 

fi  ir. 

An  extensive  genus  of  exceedingly  ornament- 
al, dwarf-growing  trees,  common  in  the  East 
Indian  Islands.  The  leaves  are  imbricated,  and 
embrace  the  stem,  bearing  some  resemblance  to 
those  of  the  Pine-apple.  They  are  from  three 
to  five  feet  long,  and  are  placed  in  three  spiral 
rows  round  the  extremities  of  the  branches. 
The  most  remarkable  peculiarity  of  the  Screw 
Pine  is  its  singular  method  of  propping  itself 
in  the  soil,  by  means  of  aerial  or  adventitious 
roots,  which  are  projected  from  the  sides  of  the 
trunk  at  an  angle  suited  for  its  mechanical  sup- 
port. This  is  a  beautiful  provision  for  the  exi- 


158 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PAN 


cencies  cf  the  plant,  which  acquires  an  enor- 
mous top-weight  by  the  accumulation  of  its 
thick,  fleshy  leaves,  and  would  lose  its  balance 
but  for  its  power  of  throwing  down  new  roots 
•when  they  are  required.  The  flowers  of  P. 
odoratlssimus  yield  a  most  delightful  fragrance, 
for  which  it  is  largely  cultivated  in  Japan.  P. 
utilis,  which  best  deserves  the  name  of  Screw  Pine, 
is  the  species  most  frequently  met  in  our  green- 
houses, and  is  perhaps  the  most  valuable  of  any 
plant  used  in  decoration,  as  it  withstands  gas, 
dust,  and  ill  usage  generally  better  than  almost 
any  known  plant.  It  is  the  most  useful  in  its  na- 
tive country,  the  Mauritius,  where  it  is  not  only 
common,  but  is  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  its 
leaves,  which  are  extensively  used  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  the  bags  or  sacks  in  which  sugar  is 
exported.  They  are  increased  by  seed,  or  may 
be  propagated  by  cuttings,  the  former  being 
the  method  by  which  a  stock  is  usually  obtained 
in  this  country.  There  has  lately  been  intro- 
duced into  the  green-house  two  very  ornament- 
al kinds,  P.  Javanicus  variegata  and  P.  Veitchii, 
both  with  foliage  striped  green  'and  white.  As 
decorative  plants  they  are  exceedingly  valuable, 
both  for  the  green-house  and  parlor.  These 
variegated  kinds  are  yet  scarce  and  high  priced. 
They  are  increased  by  cuttings,  which  root  rath- 
er slowly;  the  temperature  in  which  they  are 
propagated  should  not  be  less  than  75°. 

Pandanophyllum.  Derivation  of  name  obscure. 
Linn.  Triawlria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gyperacece. 
P.  humite,  the  only  described  species,  is  a  very 
ornamental  plant,  having,  as  its  name  would  im- 
ply, very  much  the  appearance  of  the  Pandnnus. 
It  is  a  native  of  Java,  and  has  glossy,  deep 
green,  arching  leaves,  which  are  furnished  with 
two  secondary  ribs,  giving  the  surface  of  the 
foliage  a  peculiar  channeled  appearance.  The 
end  of  the  leaf,  which  is  from  six  to  nine  feet 
long,  and  about  two  inches  broad,  is  suddenly 
narrowed  down  into  a  long  thread-like  termina- 
tion. This  is  the  only  species  under  cultiva- 
tion, though  five  or  six  others  have  been  found. 

Panic  Grass.     See  Panicum. 

Panicum.  Panic  Grass.  From  panicula,  a  pani- 
cle; form  of  flowering.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Graminacea*. 

An  extensive  genus  of  grasses,  mostly  used  as 
fodder  plants.  P.  Germanicum  is  the  well-known 
Hungarian  Grass.  P.  plicatuin  varie>jatum  is  a 
beautiful  species  for  green-house  culture,  suit- 
able for  baskets  and  vases.  It  is  propagated 
freely  by  cuttings,  and  will  grow  in  almost  any 
position  given  it. 

Pansy.  V  ioln  tricolor.  The  almost  innumerable 
varieties  of  Pansies,  embracing  every  color,  from 
white  to  black,  maroon,  yellow,  purple,  blue, 
self-colored,  and  those  with  the  most  delicate 
markings,  as  well  as  the  bold  and  showy  faces  of 
others,  are  all  hybrids  between  the  annual  spe- 
cies, V.  tricolor,  a  weed  in  English  fields  and 
gardens,  and  the  perennial  kinds,  V.  altaicci, 
from  Tartary,  V.  amcena,  from  Scotland,  and  V. 
f/rninlijlora,  a  native  of  Switzerland,  V.  lutea,  of 
Great  Britain,  V.  ratlmnurjensis,  of  France,  and 
V.  bicotor,  of  this  country.  The  first  attention 
paid  to  the  cultivation  of  the  Pansy,  and  that 
which  resulted  in  making  it  a  florist's  flower, 
was  given  by  Mary  Bennet,  who  had  a  little 
flower-garden  in  the  grounds  of  her  father,  the 
Earl  of  Tankerville,  at  Walton-upon-Thames, 
England.  She  had  prepared  a  little  bed,  in 
which  were  placed  all  the  varieties  of  Pansies 
which  she  accidentally  discovered  in  her  father's 


PAP 


garden. 


Aided  by  the  industry  and  zeal  of  the 
gardener,  Mr.  Kichardson,  several  new  varieties 
were  raised  from  seed  and  transplanted  to  this 
little  bed.  From  this  small  beginning  in  1810 
may  be  traced  the  rage  which  has  since  prevailed 
in  the  cultivation  of  this  popular  flower.  The 
English,  French,  and  German  horticultural  So- 
cieties offered  great  inducements  to  the  florist, 
in  the  way  of  premiums,  for  the  best  flowers, 
and  as  the  race  was  free  to  all,  the  interest 
awakened  was  of  a  most  lively  character;  one 
which  every  gardener  of  importance  helped  to 
keep  alive.  The  result  has  been,  the  Pansy  of 
to-day  in  contrast  with  the  little  V.  pedata  and 
V.  tricolor,  the  parents,  so  common  in  our  woods 
and  roadsides.  Our  seedsmen  and  florists  have 
been  so  much  absorbed  in  watching  the  race  for 
supremacy  in  the  production  of  seed  of  this 
flower,  that  they  did  not  stop  to  consider 
whether  we  could  compete,  and  were  only  anx- 
ious to  know  which  country  had  merited  the 
honor,  in  order  to  send  to  her  for  our  supply. 
Our  success  with  other  things  encouraged  us  to 
try  this,  and  the  first  trial  was  sufficient  to  as- 
sure us  what  we  have  since  proven,  viz.,  that 
the  very  best  Pansies  grown  in  this  country  were 
from  seed  of  our  own  growing.  Pansies  require 
to  be  grown  in  a  rich,  moist  loam,  and  protected, 
as  far  as  possible,  from  the  mid-day  sun,  and 
from  winds,  and  during  the  warmer  summer 
weather  should  not  be  allowed  to  get  dry.  In 
England  special  varieties  of  Pansies  are  grown 

Ii 


from  cuttings  for  many  years  by  name 


the 


climate  of  the  United  States  this  plan  is  hardly 
practicable,  even  if  desirable,  as  the  ravages  of 
the  Ked  Spider  during  the  summer  months  on 
this  plant  virtually  destroy  it,  and  cause  it  to 
be  treated  always  as  a  plant  never  to  be  carried 
over  the  second  season  after  flowering.  For  this 
reason  it  is  here  raised  only  from  seed.  This  is 
usually  first  sown  in  August,  which  gives  plants 
large  enough  to  be  pricked  away  in  cold  frames 
during  winter.  Such  plants  give  a  profuse  and 
continuous  bloom  from  March  to  June,  or,  if 
sown  earlier  than  August — say  July  1st — they 
will  bloom  from  October  throughout  the  entire 
winter  and  spring  months,  if  grown  in  a  temper- 
ature averaging  45°  at  night.  For  succession, 
for  late  spring  and  summer  flowering,  we  find 
the  best  date  to  sow  is  the  first  week  in  January, 
and  if  carefully  handled,  by  growing  in  a  low 
temperature,  (average  not  to  exceed  50° at  night,) 
they  will  begin  to  flower  in  April,  and  will  con- 
tinue to  flower  longer  than  those  sown  in  Au- 
gust, which  get  exhausted  by  June,  while  the 
January  crop  flowers  right  through  the  hottest 
summer  months.  A  number  of  years  ago  a  fine 
collection  of  Double  Pansies  originated  with  us, 
but  we  failed  to  perpetuate  them  successfully  by 
cuttings,  and  they  were  ultimately  lost ;  but  they 
had  no  merit  except  novelty,  as  they  were  far  in- 
ferior in  beauty  to  the  single  kinds. 
Papaver.  Poppy.  From  papa,  pap,  or  thick 
milk;  the  juice  of  the  poppy  was  formerly  used 
in  children's  food  to  make  them  sleep.  Linn. 
Polyandria-Monor/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  PapaveracecK. 
An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  her- 
baceous perennials.  All  the  poppies  are  ex- 
ceedingly showy  and  strong-growing  plants. 
The  flowers  are  quite  transient,  many  dropping 
the  day  they  expand.  The  annuals,  being  hardy, 
only  require  to  be  sown  where  they  are  to  grow, 
as  early  in  the  spring  as  convenient.  The  an- 
nuals are  natives  of  Europe  and  Asia.  P  Orien- 
tals is  a  herbaceous  perennial,  native  of  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


159 


PAP 

south  of  Europe.  Its  several  varieties  are  the 
most  showy  and  ornamental  of  the  genus.  The 
flowers  are  often  six  inches  in  diameter,  of  bril- 
liant scarlet,  with  a  dark  purple  blotch  at  the 
base  of  each  petal.  P.  somiiiferum  furnishes  the 
Opium  of  commerce.  P.  Oriental^  was  intro- 
duced from  Armenia  into  England  in  1714. 

Papaw  Tree.     See  Asimina. 

Paper  Mulberry.     See  Broussondia  papyri/era. 

Paper  Narcissus.      (See   Narcissus  papyraceus.)    \ 
This,   like    the    Roman    Hyacinth,  Lily  of  the 
Valley,  and  other  bulbs,  is  largely  forced  for  cut 
flowers  in  all  the  principal  cities  of  the  United 
States.     The  manner  of  doing  this  is  exactly  like 
that    practiced,  with     the    Roman    Hyacinth,    I 
which  see  under  Hyacinth. 

Paper  Heed.     See  Papyrus. 

Paphinia.  From  Paphia,  a  surname  of  Venus. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Moiwmdria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchid- 

The  only  species  known,  P.  cristata,  was  for- 
merly included  in  the  genus  Maxillaria,  but  on 
a  revision  of  that  genus  was  separated  by  Dr. 
Lindley  as  above.  It  is  a  splendid  plant,  bear- 
ing richly-colored  flowers,  and  is  rather  difficult 
to  cultivate.  The  best  manner  of  managing  it 
is  to  pot  it  in  a  mixture  of  rotten  wood  and 
sphagnum  moss,  elevating  it  considerably  above 
the  rim  of  the  pot,  allowing  it  to  stand  in  the 
warmest  part  of  the  hot-house,  and  being  care- 
ful to  avoid  over-watering  at  any  time.  It  de- 
lights in  a  high,  moist  temperature  while  grow- 
ing, but  should  be  kept  nearly  dry  when  at  rest. 
The  young  shoots  which  spring  from  the  base 
of  the  pseudo-bulbs  are  very  impatient  of  stag- 
nated moisture,  and  should  therefore  be  kept 
clear  of  the  surrounding  mould. 

Pappoose  Boot.  The  popular  name  of  Caulo- 
phyllum. 

Papyrus.  From  the  Syrian  babeer,  pronounced 
papeer,  whence  the  Egyptian  word  papyrus, 
paper.  Linn.  Triandna-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Cyperacea*. 

A  small  species  of  aquatic  plant*,  mostly  in- 
habitants of  tropical  countries.  P.  aHtiquorum,  the 
Paper  Reed,  is  the  plant  which  yielded  the  sub- 
stance used  as  paper  by  the  ancient  Egyptians. 
The  underground  root -stalks  spread  horizon  tally 
under  the  mud  where  the  plant  grows,  continu- 
ing to  throw  up  stems  as  they  creep  along. 
These  stems  are  from  eight  to  ten  feet  high,  a 
portion  of  them  being  above  the  water.  The  paper 
was  made  from  thin  slices,  cut  vertically  from 
the  apex  to  the  base  of  the  stem,  between  its 
surface  and  center.  The  slices  were  placed  side 
by  side,  according  to  the  size  required,  and  then, 
after  being  watered  and  beaten  with  a  wooden 
instrument  until  smooth,  were  pressed  and  dried 
in  the  sun.  The  stems  were  likewise  vised  for 
ornamenting  the  Egyptian  temples  and  crown- 
ing the  statues  of  their  gods.  This  species  has 
been  introduced  into  the  green-house.  Prop- 
agated by  seeds  or  by  division. 

Papyrus  Plant.     See  Papynis. 

Pardanthus.  Blackberry  Lily.  From  pardos,  a 
leopard,  and  anthos,  a  flower;  referring  to  the 
spotted  flowers.  Linn.  Triftndri<i-Mono</ynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  IrMw. 

A  handsome  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  with  orange-colored  flowers,  spotted  with 
purple.  The  plants  have  branching  flower 
stems,  and  contimie  to  produce  their  lily-like 
flowers  for  several  weeks.  The  seed-pods  have 
the  appearance  of  a  Blackberry,  whence  the  com- 
mon name.  The  seeds  will  not  drop  for  a  long 


PAR 

time  after  the  branches  have  been  cut.  When 
dried  they  are  useful  to  mix  with  dried  grasses, 
in  arranging  dried  bouquets.  They  are  native  of 
China  and  Nepal.  Propagated  by  seed  or  from 
cuttings.  P.  Chinensis  has  escaped  from  the  gar- 
den into  waste  places  on  Long  Island  and  south- 
ward. 

Paritium.  From  pariti,  the  Malabar  name  of  one 
of  the  species.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Polyandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Malvacew. 

P.  datum,  the  only  species  of  this  genus,  is  an 
evergreen  tree  found  only  in  Cuba  and  Jamaica, 
where  it  is  called  Mountain  Mahoe.  It  affords 
the  beautiful  lace-like  inner  bark  called  Cuba 
Bast,  formerly  only  used  for  tying  around  bun- 
dles of  Havana  cigars,  but  now  extensively  used 
by  nurserymen  and  gardeners  for  tying  up  trees 
and  plants,  more  particularly  in  budding.  It  is 
not  so  valuable,  however,  for  this  purpose  as  the 
more  recently  introduced  tying  material  known 
aa  Raffia.  See  Raphia. 

Parkinsonia.  Named  in  honor  of  John  Parkinson, 
author  of  "  Theatrum  Botanicum,"  published  in 
1629.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
FabacecR. 

An  ornamental  spiny  shrub,  common  to  Low- 
er California  and  Mexico.  It  is  grown  in  the 
West  Indies  for  a  hedge  plant,  and  called  Jeru- 
salem Thorn. 

Parnassia.  Grass  of  Parnassus.  Named  after 
Mount  Parnassus,  where  they  were  fabulously 
said  to  have  first  sprung.  Linn.  Pentandria-Te- 
tragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Saxifragacea?. 

A  genus  of  swampy,  herbaceous  perennials. 
Several  of  the  species  are  common  throughout 
the  United  States  in  marshy  places.  P.  palus- 
tris,  Grass  of  Parnassus,  is  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  species.  It  bears  from  the  root  several 
bright  green,  smooth,  roundish  leaves,  heart- 
shaped  at  the  base,  among  which  rises  to  the 
height  of  about  a  foot  a  simple  angular  stem, 
terminating  with  a  single  large  flower  of  a 
creamy  white  color  delicately  veined  with  green. 
This  species  is  common  on  the  shores  of  Lake 
Superior  and  northward,  having  been  natural- 
ized from  Europe. 

Parsley.  Apium  petroselinum.  This  well-known 
seasoning  herb  is  a  hardy  biennial,  a  native  of 
Sardinia,  whence  it  was  introduced  into  En- 
gland in  1548.  Its  uses  for  culinary  purposes, 
such  as  sauces,  soups,  and  in  garnishing  various 
dishes,  is  becoming  very  general,  and  several 
varieties  of  it  are  offered  by  seedsmen.  Among 
the  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans,  Parsley  always 
formed  a  part  of  their  festive  garlands,  on  ac- 
count of  retaining  its  color  so  long;  and  Pliny 
states  that,  in  his  time,  there  was  not  a  salad  or 
sauce  presented  at  the  table  without  it.  The 
ancients  supposed  it  absorbed  the  inebriating 
fumes  of  wine,  and  by  that  means  prevented 
intoxication.  Of  the  several  varieties,  the  double 
curled-leaved  is  preferred  for  use,  as  being  more 
ornamental  than  the  common  sort,  of  which  it 
is  nothing  more  than  a  variety,  obtained  and 
continued  by  careful  selection.  We  have  our- 
selves gathered,  for  botanical  specimens,  plants 
of  Parsley  from  the  ruined  walls  of  Craigmuller 
and  Crichton  Castles,  near  Edinburgh,  evidently 
the  original  species,  as  the  leaves  were  perfectly 
plain,  having  no  trace  of  the  curl  that  makes  it 
now  BO  attractive  for  garnishing,  showing  that 
the  warrior  lords  of  these  ancient  battlements 
had  not  troubled  themselves  to  make  any  ad- 
vance in  the  ornamental  qualities  of  this  vege- 
table. Parsley  is  now  grov/n  in  immense  quan- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PAR 

tities  for  spring  and  winter  use,  usually  in  cold 
frames,  where  it  is  sown  in  February  or  March, 
at  the  time  the  Lettuce  is  planted  It  is  sown 
between  the  rows  of  Lettuce,  which  IB  planted 
six  inches  apart.  As  the  seed  is  slow  to  germin- 
ate and  crows  slowly  at  that  season  of  the  year, 
the  Lettuce  crop  is  cut  off  before  the  Parsley  gets 
large  enough  to  be  injured.  It  develops  so  as 
to  cover  the  ground  usually  about  June  1st,  and 
is  then  cut  off  and  marketed.  It  soon  starts  to 
grow  but  is  usually  of  little  value  until  the  late 
fall  months.  To  get  a  late  fall  crop,  it  is  cut  off 
and  thrown  away  by  about  September  15th, 
which  gives  a  full  and  heavy  crop  of  leaves  by 
November.  It  is  then  covered  with  sashes,  which 
are  raised  up  for  ventilation  in  mild  weather  ; 
and  thus  retarded,  a  full  crop  is  easily  obtained 
for  the  holidays,  when  it  is  in  its  greatest  de- 
mand. Another  plan  is  to  sow  Parsley  in  shal- 
low boxes,  say  four  inches  deep,  made  of  such 
width  and  length  as  will  fit  in  under  the  front 
bench  of  the  green-house  stage ;  far  enough 
under  to  get  a  fair  proportion  of  light,  say  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  inches.  In  this  position  it  will 
grow  finely,  and,  with  a  liberal  use  of  liquid 
manure,  can  be  cut  four  or  five  times  during  the 
winter  in  any  green-house  averaging  65°.  For 
this  purpose  the  seed  can  be  sown  in  the  boxes 
as  late  ao  August. 

Parsnip.  I'as'inaca  sativa.  The  common  garden  • 
Parsnip  is  a  hardy  biennial,  a  native  of  Great 
Britain  and  the  south  of  Europe.  It  has  also 
become  naturalized  to  a  considerable  extent  in 
the  United  States.  The  leaves  of  the  wild  kind 
are  hairy  and  dark  green;  in  the  cultivated  Pars- 
nip, smooth,  and  of  a  light,  yellowish  green. 
The  Parsnip  has  long  been  cultivated  as  an  es- 
culent root.  According  to  Pliny,  they  were  held 
in  such  repute  by  the  Emperor  Tiberius  that  he 
had  them  annually  brought  to  Rome  from  the 
banks  of  the  Rhine,  where  they  were  then  suc- 
cessfully cultivated.  A  deep,  rich,  loamy  soil, 
free  from  stones,  is  requisite  for  the  favorable 
growth  of  the  Parsnip;  but  when  grown  upon 
poor  land,  it  loses  much  of  the  rank  flavor  which 
it  acquires  if  cultivated  in  rich  soils;  and  though 
not  nearly  so  abundant,  is  far  more  sweet  and 
agreeable.  Parsnip  seed  is  almost  useless  at  two 
years  old,  and  fresh  seed  is  even  slow  of  germi- 
nation, and  is  one  of  the  seeds  which  should  al- 
ways be  trodden  in  with  the  feet  or  firmly 
rolled  after  sowing.  Sow  in  drills  three  inches 
deep  and  twelve  inches  apart.  In  England  the 
roots  are  used  to  make  a  domestic  wine. 

Partridge  Berry.     See  Oaultkeria  and  Mitchella. 

Partridge  Pea.    See  Cassi't. 

Pasque  Flower.    See  Anemone  rmlsalUla. 

Passiflora.  Passion  Flower.  From  passio,  suffer- 
ing, and /ox,  a  flower;  referring  to  the  filaments, 
or  rays,  and  other  parts,  being  likened  to  the 
circumstances  of  Christ's  crucifixion.  Linn. 
MorvHlelpkia-Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Passiflor- 
acetK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy,  half-hardy,  and 
green-house  climbers,  mostly  natives  of  tropical 
America,  a  few  only  being  indigenous  to  Asia. 
The  name  was  applied  from  the  ^resemblance  af- 
forded by  the  parts  of  the  plant  to  the  instru- 
ments of  our  Lord's  Passion  and  its  attendant 
circumstances:  thus  the  three  nails — two  for  the 
hands  and  one  for  the  feet— are  represented  by 
the  stigmas;  the  five  anthers  indicate  the  five 
wounds;  the  rays  of  glory,  or,  as  some  say,  the 
crown  of  thorns,  are  represented  by  the  rays  of 
the  "  corona;"  the  ten  parts  of  the  perianth  rep- 


PAU 

resent  the  Apostles,  two  of  them  absent,  (Peter, 
who  denied,  and  Judas,  who  betrayed  our  Lord;) 
and  the  wicked  hands  of  His  persecutors  are 
seen  in  the  digitate  leaves  of  the  plant,  and  the 
scourges  in  the  tendrils.  Had  this  genus  been 
named  by  modern  scientists,  it  is  probable  their 
imagination  would  have  taken  a  somewhat  dif- 
ferent direction.  All  the  Passion  Flowers  are 
handsome,  fast-growing,  and  free-flowering 

Elants.  P.  incarnata  is  regarded  as  hardy  in  this 
ititude,  at  least  it  is  with  but  slight  protection, 
notwithstanding  it  is  a  South  American  species. 
For  green-house  ornaments  none  are  superior, 
if  equal,  to  P.  racemosa,  which  is  a  native  of 
Martinique.  Several  of  the  species  produce 
edible  fruits,  some  of  them  nearly  as  large  as  a 
Nutmeg-melon,  and  are  greatly  esteemed  in  their 
native  countries.  It  is  rather  a  rare  thing  for 
them  to  ripen  fruit  in  the  green-house.  All  the 
species  are  rapidly  increased  by  cuttings  of  the 
roots  or  young  shoots,  except  P.  princeps,  which 
roots  feebly  from  cuttings,  and  does  better 
grafted  on  any  of  the  free-rooting  sorts. 

Pastinaca.  Parsnip.  From  pastinum,  a  dibble; 
referring  to  the  shape  of  the  root.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aplacea;. 

See  Parsnip,  the  only  cultivated  species. 

Patersonia.  Named  after  Cd.  William  Paterson,  an 
excellent  botanist.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Triandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green- house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials from  New  Holland,  with  purple,  Iris- 
like  flowers,  very  showy,  but  of  so  short  duration 
that  the  plant  is  not  worth  cultivating. 

Paullinia.  Named  after  S.  Paulli,  a  Danish  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Octandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  tiapin- 
dacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  South  American  ever- 
green climbers,  not  particularly  interesting  for 
its  flowers,  but  for  the  seeds  of  some  of  the  spe- 
cies. The  seeds  of  P.  sorbilis  is  the  Guarana  of 
Brazil,  of  which  the  "  Treasury  of  Botany  "  says: 
"The  Gnarana  is  extensively  used  in  Brazil, 
Gautemflfc  Costa  Rica,  and  other  parts  of  South 
America,'  as  a  nervous  stimulant  and  restorative. 
The  pounded  seeds  constitute  Guarana.  It  is 
used  both  as  a  remedy  for  various  diseases,  and 
also  as  a  material  for  making  a  most  refreshing 
beverage.  Not  only  is  the  active  principle  of 
Guarana  identical  with  Theine,  but,  as  far  as  is 
known,  no  other  substance  yields  it  so  abundant- 
ly, the  amount  being  5.07  per  cent.,  as  against 
good  Black  Tea,  which  yields  2.13,  and  Coffee 
from  .08  to  1.00.  The  mode  of  using  the  Gua- 
rana is  curious  and  interesting.  It  is  carried  in 
the  pocket  of  almost  every  traveler,  and  with 
it  the  palate-bone  or  scale  of  a  large  fish,  the 
rough  surfaces  of  which  form  a  rasp,  upon  which 
the  Guarana  is  grated ;  and  a  few  of  the  grains 
of  the  powder  so  formed  are  added  to  water,  and 
drank  as  a  substitute  for  Tea.  The  effect  is 
very  agreeable." 

Paulownia.  Named  after  the  hereditary  princess 
of  the  Netherlands,  daughter  of  the  Emperor  of 
Russia.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Scrnphulariacea:. 

P.  imperiaUs  comprises  this  genus.  It  is  a 
splendid  hardy  tree,  both  for  foliage  and  flow- 
ers. In  habit  and  general  appearance  it  resem- 
bles the  Catalpa,  though  less  hardy.  The  young 
shoots  are  liable  to  be  killed  by  frost  in  this  lat- 
itude, but  if  protected  for  one  winter,  they 
will  not  require  further  attention,  and  its  rapid 
growth  after  v/ill  well  repay  for  that  little  trou- 
ble with  a  beautiful  flowering  shade  tree.  The 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


161 


PAY 

flowers  are  blue  when  first  expanded,  gradually, 
turning  to  bluish  lilac,  about  two  inches  in 
length,  and  produced  in  terminal  panicles.' 
They  resemble  the  Gloxinia.  The  young  plants 
are  produced  from  root  cuttings.  It  is  a  native 
of  Japan.  The  branches  become  very  brittle 
with  age,  and  are  easily  broken  by  strong  winds; 
and  this  has  been  a  great  objection  to  its  use  as 
an  ornamental  tree  for  the  lawn,  for  which  it  is 
otherwise  admirably  suited.  Introduced  in  1840. 
Pavetta.  The  name  of  one  of  the  species  in  Mal- 
abar. Linn.  Tdrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
CinclioiuicecK . 

A  small  genus  of  green-house,  white-flowered 
evergreens,  allied  to  the  Ixora,  and  requiring 
the  same  treatment.  P.  lorhonica,  a  handsome, 
species,  is  the  one  chiefly  grown  in  our  green- 
houses. 

Pavonia.  Named  after  Josef  Pavon,  M.D.,  a 
Spanish  botanist.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Pdyandria. 
Nat.  Ord.Malvacece. 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing  shrubs  and 
herbaceous  perennials,  natives  of  South  Amer- 
ica. They  are  allied  to  the  Mallow,  and  have 
showy  scarlet  flowers.  But  one  or  two  of  the 
species  are  considered  worth  cultivating. 
Pea.  Pisum  sativum.  The  varieties  of  the  com- 
mon Pea  are  numerous,  and  differ  widely,  some 
not  growing  more  than  one  foot  high,  others 
growing  ten  to  twelve.  The  difference  in  the 
seed  contrasts  as  strangely,  some  being  small, 
hard,  and  nearly  tasteless,  while  others  ars 
large,  rich,  and  luscious.  The  history  of  the 
Pea,  like  many  of  our  most  familiar  garden  veg- 
etables, and  even  its  native  country,  are  involved 
in  obscurity.  It  is  generally  supposed  to  be  a 
native  of  the  south  of  Europe,  and  to  have  been 
introduced  into  English  gardens  at  a  very  early 
period.  It  is  recorded  in  English  history,  that 
when  the  English  forces  were  besieging  a  cas- 
tle in  Lothian,  in  the  year  1299,  their  supply  of 
provisions  was  exhausted,  and  their  only  re- 
source was  in  the  Pease  and  Beans  of  the  sur- 
rounding fields.  This  circumstance  would  war- 
rant the  belief  that  the  Pea  was  one  of  the  sta- 
ple articles  of  produce  for  human  food.  The 
more  delicate  kinds,  however,  do  not  appear  to 
have  been  cultivated  until  a  much  later  period. 
Mention  is  made  of  Pease  being  brought  from 
Holland  in  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  that 
were  "fit  dainties  for  ladies,  they  came  so  far 
and  cost  so  dear."  In  the  reign  of  Henry  VIH., 
too,  the  Pea  appears  to  have  been  somewhat  of  a 
rarity,  as  in  the  privy  purse  expenses  of  that 
king  is  an  entry:  "Paied  to  a  man  in  rewarde 
for  bringing  pcscodds  to  the  king's  grace,  iiij.s. 
viiid"  The  varieties  and  sub- varieties  of  this 
vegetable  are  almost  innumerable,  and  are 
being  constantly  brought  forward.  That  there 
has  been  a  steady  improvement  in  the  quality 
of  the  Pea,  every  one  that  has  given  its  cultiva- 
tion the  least  attention  must  admit.  That  we 
are  indebted  to  the  English  gardeners  and  ama- 
teurs for  these  improvements,  must  also  be  ad- 
mitted. Our  own  seedsmen  are  beginning  to 
realize  the  fact,  that  it  is  discreditable  to  them- 
selves and" their  country  to  be  outdone,  even  in 
Pease,  and  have  exhibited  some  new  varieties  of 
superior  merit.  Pease  for  seeds  are  now  grown 
largely  in  New  York  State  and  Canada.  Pre- 
viously they  were  nearly  all  imported. 
Peach.  1'trsica  vulyaris.  Persia  is  credited  with 
being  the  native  country  of  the  Peach,  and  to 
have  disseminated  it  largely.  Columella  says 
the  Peach,  when  first  brought  into  the  Roman  , 


PEA 

empire  from  Persia,  was  poisonous,  an  opinion 
that  has  been  questioned  by  other  writers.  It 
.vas  early  introduced  into  Greece,  but  at  what 
period  is  uncertain.  The  Romans  brought  it 
direct  from  Persia  during  the  reign  of  the  Em- 
peror Claudius.  It  was  first  mentioned  by  Col- 
umella, and  afterward  described  by  Pliny. 
From  the  best  information  we  can  obtain,  the 
natural  fruit,  or  wild  Peach,  was  much  inferior 
to  the  first  introduced  into  the  United  States  in 
1G80.  When,  where,. or  by  whom  improvements 
were  made,  is  not  even  a  matter  of  conjecture. 
What  is  positively  known  of  the  Peach  at  the 
present  day  is,  that  the  United  States  and  China 
produce  the  finest  in  the  world.  English  gar- 
deners, on  corning  to  the  United  States,  are  at  a 
loss  to  understand,  that  while  in  latitudes  here 
where  the  thermometer  falls  15°  below  zero,  or- 
prchards  of  Peach  trees  stand  unprotected 
in  the  open  field,  in  England,  where  the  ther- 
mometer rarely  reaches  zero,  the  Peach  must 
have  the  protection  of  a  brick  wall,  or  it  fails  to 
prove  hardy.  The  reason  is,  that  our  hotter, 
drier  summer  and  fall  months  better  ripen  the 
young  shoots  than  the  colder  and  moister 
climate  of  Britain. 

Peacock  Iris.  See  Vieuss&una.  In  the  catalogues 
it  is  commonly  called  Iris  pavonia,  which  is  a 
synonym 

Peanut.    See  Arachis. 

Pearl  Millet.  Penicillaria  spicata.  This  fodder 
plant  has  been  largely  grown  during  the  past 
few  years,  and  promises  to  be  most  valuable  for 
that  purpose,  particularly  in  the  Southern 
States.  It  is  a  tender  plant ;  that  is,  being  of 
tropical  origin,  it  will  not  grow  until  the  soil 
and  atmosphere  are  in  the  condition  to  grow 
Corn,  Tomatoes,  Melons,  or  such  plants  as  re- 
quire a  high  temperature  for  growth.  Like  all 
plants  grown  for  fodder,  the  richer  the  soil  the 
greater  the  product.  We  quote  from  our  pub- 
lished article  on  the  subject  in  the  "Ameri- 
can Agriculturist, "  November,  1878,  the  locality 
of  the  experiment  being  on  our  grounds  in  Jer- 
sey City,  N.  J.:  "Pearl  Millet  has  been  culti- 
vated for  some  years  as  a  forage  plant  in  some 
of  the  Southern  States,  as  'African  Cane,' 
'Egyptian  Millet,'  Japan  Millet,'  and  in  some 
places  as  'Horse  Millet,'  and  'Cat-tail  Millet.' 
But  little  was  known  of  it  at  the  North  before 
last  year,  and  then  only  in  such  small  quanti- 
ties as  to  hardly  allow  of  a  fair  trial.  From  what 
we  saw  of  it  in  1877,  we  determined  to  give  it  a 
thorough  trial  this  season.  A  piece  of  good, 
strong,  loamy  ground  was  prepared  as  if  for  a 
Beet  or  Turnip  crop,  by  manuring  with  stable 
manure  at  the  rate  of  ten  tons  to  the  acre,  plow- 
ing ten  inches  deep,  and  thoroughly  harrowing. 
The  Millet  was  then  sown  in  drills  eighteen 
inches  apart,  at  the  rate  of  eight  quarts  to  the 
acre.  We  sowed  on  the  15th  of  May,  about  the 
date  we  sow  corn,  and  in  twelve  days  the  plants 
were  up  so  that  a  cultivator  could  be  run  be- 
tween the  rows,  after  which  no  further  culture 
was  necessary,  for  the  growth  became  so  rapid 
and  luxuriant  as  to  crowd  down  every  weed  that 
attempted  to  get  a  foothold.  The  first  cutting 
was  made  July  1st,  forty-five  days  after  sawing. 
It  was  then  seven  feet  high,  covering  the  whole 
ground,  and  the  crop,  cut  three  inches  above 
the  ground,  weighed,  green,  at  the  rate  of  thirty 
tons  per  acre;  this,  when  dried,  gave  six  and  a 
half  tons  per  acre,  as  hay.  After  cutting,  a  sec- 
ond growth  started,  and  was  cut  August  15th,  • 
forty-five  days  from  the  time  of  the  first  cutting. 


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PEA 

Its  height  was  nine  feet.  It  weighed  this  time 
at  the  rate  of  fifty-five  tons  to  the  acre,  green, 
and  eight  tons  dried.  The  third  crop  started  as 
rapidly  as  the  second,  but  the  cool  September 
nights  lessened  its  tropical  luxuriance,  so  that 
this  crop,  which  was  cut  on  October  1st,  only 
weighed  ten  tons  green,  and  one  and  a  half  tons 
dried.  The  growth  was  simply  enormous,  thus: 
First  crop  in  forty-five  days  gave  thirty  tons 
green,  or  six  and  a  half  tons  dry;  second  crop  in 
forty-five  days,  gave  fifty-five  tons  green,  or  eight 
tons  dry ;  third  crop  in  forty-five  days,  gave  ten 
tons  green,  or  one  and  a  half  tons  dry;  the  ag- 
gregate weight  being  ninety-five  tons  of  green 
fodder  in  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  days 
from  the  date  of  sowing,  and  sixteen  tons  when 
dried  to  hay.  This  exceeds  the  Clover  meadows 
of  Mid-Lothian,  which,  when  irrigated  by  the 
sewage  from  the  City  of  Edinburgh,  and  cut 
every  four  weeks,  gave  an  aggregate  of  seventy- 
five  tons  of  green  Clover  per  acre.  There  is  lit- 
tle doubt  that  Pearl  Millet  is  equally  as  nutri- 
tious as  Corn  fodder,  which  it  resembles  even 
more  than  it  does  any  of  the  other  Millets.  We 
found  that  all  our  horses  and  cattle  ate  it  greed- 
ily, whether  green  or  dry.  If  sowing  in  drills 
is  not  practicable,  it  may  be  sown  broadcast, 
using  double  the  quantity  of  seed,  say  sixteen 
quarts  per  acre.  The  ground  should  be 
smoothed  by  the  harrow,  and  again  lightly  har- 
rowed after  sowing:  if  rolled  after  harrowing, 
all  the  better.  I  know  of  no  farm  crop  that  will 
better  repay  high  manuring,  but  so  great  is  its 
luxuriance,  that  it  will  produce  a  better  crop 
without  manure  than  any  other  plant  I  know  of. 
In  those  parts  of  the  Southern  States  where  hay 
cannot  be  raised,  this  is  a  substitute  of  the  easi- 
est culture;  and  being  of  tropical  origin,  it  will 
luxuriate  in  their  long  hot  summers.  Even 
though  our  Northern  seasons  may  be  too  short 
to  mature  the  seeds,  our  experiments  in  New 
Jersey  this  summer  show  what  abundant  crops 
may  be  expected  if  similar  conditions  are 
secured.  Pearl  Millet  as  a  fodder  plant  presents 
a  new  feature  in  our  agriculture,  and  I  feel  sure 
that  within  ten  years  we  shall  wonder  how  we 
ever  got  on  without  it.  As  we  have  had  many  in- 
quiries as  to  the  best  manner  of  drying  Pearl 
Millet  for  '  Hay, '  we  would  state  that  our  crop 
was  sown  in  a  solid  block,  so  that  when  cut  it 
had  to  be  removed  from  the  land  where  it  grew, 
and  tied  in  sheaves,  and  hung  up  on  an  extem- 
porized rail  fence.  This  plan,  of  course,  would 
not  answer  when  grown  on  a  large  scale,  as  the 
crop  is  so  enormous  that  such  an  expedient  for 
drying  would  be  too  expensive  both  for  labor 
and  rails,  and  as  it  is  too  heavy  and  succulent 
to  be  dried,  like  Timothy  and  Clover,  on  the 
ground  where  it  is  cut,  it  must  be  removed,  for 
to  attempt- to  dry  it  where  it  grows  would  de- 
stroy the  second  crop.  Circumstances,  of  course, 
must  in  a  great  measure  be  the  guide,  but  we 
would  suggest  that,  when  grown  for  the  pur- 
pose of  being  dried,  it  be  sown  in  beds,  say 
twelve  feet  wide,  with  alleys  six  feet  between, 
where  it  may  be  dried ;  this,  of  course,  would  be 
a  loss  of  one-third  of  the  land  for  the  first  crop, 
but  it  would  be  little  or  no  loss  of  crop  in  the 
second,  for  the  Millet  would  spread  so  as  to  fill 
up  all  the  six  feet  of  alley." 

Pear.  Pyrus  communis.  The  Pear,  like  the  Apple, 
is  indigenous  to  most  parts  of  Europe.  Histor- 
ically speaking,  it  is  not  so  ancient  as  the  Apple. 
At  what  period  it  became  ameliorated,  or  re- 
moved from  its  wild  state,  is  unknown.  In  re- 


PEL 

gard  to  its  hardiness  and  longevity,  it  is  greatly 
superior  to  the  Apple  or  any  other  of  our  fruits. 
There  are  trees  existing,  and  in  bearing  condi- 
tion, over  three  hundred  years  old.  The  Ro- 
mans cultivated  thirty-six  varieties  in  the  days 
of  Pliny,  and  Parkinson,  in  his  Herbal,  (1629,) 
speaks  of  sixty -four  sorts  in  the  London  nurser- 
ies. The  history  of  the  cultivated  Pear  has 
never  been  written.  It  was  at  an  early  period 
common  in  Syria,  Egypt,  and  Greece ;  whence  it 
was  imported  into  Italy,  France,  Germany,  and 
Great  Britain.  Pear  culture  in  France  has  been 
carried  on  to  a  most  wonderful  extent,  thirty- 
six  hundred  varieties  having  been  offered  from 
one  nursery.  The  Pear,  though  not  indigenous 
to  the  United  States,  grows  here  to  the  greatest 
perfection,  both  as  regards  quality  and  quantity. 
The  leading  horticulturists  of  the  country  hav- 
ing made  a  specialty  of  its  cultivation,  aided  by 
congenial  soil  and  climate,  their  efforts  for  the 
production  of  perfect  fruit  have  been  happily 
rewarded.  The  Seckel,  the  recognized  standard 
of  perfection  wherever  the  Pear  is  grown,  is  of 
American  origin,  as  are  many  other  kinds  of  the 
best  quality. 

Pecan-Nut.     See  Carya. 

Pedicularis.  From  pedicidus,  a  louse;  the  sup- 
posed effect  on  sheep  eating  it.  Linn.  JDidynamia- 
Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacece. 

A  genus  of  plants  popularly  known  as  Louse- 
worts.  P.  syli-atica  and  P.  palustris,  indigenous 
to  Great  Britain,  were  formerly  supposed  to  pro- 
duce in  sheep  eating  them  the  disease  which 
gave  name  to  the  genus ;  but  there  is  no  good 
reason  for  such  a  belief.  Some  of  the  species  are 
beautiful  little  plants,  with  very  regular,  finely 
cut  leaves.  They  are  propagated  by  seeds. 

Pedilanthus.  From  pedUon,  a  slipper,  and  anthos, 
a  flower.  Linn.  Dodecandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Euphorbiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  plants,  resembling 
in  habit  and  general  appearance  the  Euphorbia, 
to  which  genus  they  may  be  referred  for  culti- 
vation. 

Pelargonium.  Stork's-bill.  From  pelargos,  a 
stork;  referring  to  the  beak-like  formation  of 
the  seed-pod.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Heptandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Geraniacea;. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  green-house  ever- 
green shrubs,  and  a  limited  number  of  bien- 
nials and  annuals.  They  are  mostly  natives  of 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope;  a  few  occur  in  Austra- 
lia, one  in  the  Canary  Islands,  and  one  in  Asia 
Minor.  The  scarlet  kinds  are  popularly  called 
Geraniums,  though  very  different  from  the  genus 
of  that  name,  when  viewed  in  a  botanical  sense. 
The  greater  number  of  kinds  cultivated  in  the 
green-house  and  garden  are  hybrids,  which  are 
produced  with  great  facility  in  this  genus.  The 
great  number  of  varieties  already  produced,  em- 
bracing a  great  range  of  form  and  color,  is  truly 
astonishing,  and  every  year  adds  to  the  number 
new  varieties  in  some  respects  superior  to  any 
before  introduced.  The  improvement  in  the  fo- 
liage even  has  been  almost  as  marked  as  in  the 
flower.  We  have  now  a  sufficient  number  of 
varieties  with  ornamental  foliage  to  constitute  a 
distinctive  feature  in  the  green-house,  and  which 
are  useful  to  the  florist  in  making  up  his  bou- 
quets, baskets,  and  ornamental  designs.  All  this 
is  due  to  the  untiring  zeal  of  the  florist.  We 
cannot  follow  up  the  history  of  the  introduction 
of  these  choice  hybrids,  but  must  be  content 
with  giving  a  brief  account  of  the  species  to 
which  the  various  classes  belong.  All  the  spe- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


163 


PEL 

cies  noted  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
unless   otherwise   mentioned.     The    Fancy  or 
Show  Pelargoniums,    that    are    strictly   green- 
house varietie^s,  and  unsuitable  for  the  border 
are  descendants  of  P.  yran/liflorum,  introduced 
in  1794.     One  of  the  hybrids  was  called  "Lady 
Washington,1'  which  gave  the  whole  class  the 
popular  name,  "Lady  Washington  Geraniums." 
Some  divisions  of  this  class  also  have  the  dis- 
tinctive  appellation   of  French   Pelargoniums 
probably  because  they  had  their  origin  with  th(' 
French  hybridists.  As  specimen  plants,  for  green 
house  or  conservatory  decoration,  these  have  de- 
ci<4ed  merit.     There  are  few  cultivated  plants 
that  make  a  more  beautiful  display,  when  they 
receive  the  care  and  attention  they  need.     With 
this  adaptation  their  usefulness  ends.     P.  inqui- 
nans,  Scarlet  Pelargonium,  is  one  of  the  parents 
of  that  large  and  important  class  now  known  as 
Bedding,  Scarlet,  or  Zonal  Geraniums,  and  for- 
merly very  generally  called  Fish  and  Horseshoe 
Geraniums,  and  of  which  we  now  have  an  im- 
mense variety  of  double  and  single,  embracing 
every  shade  of  scarlet,   crimson,  rose,  carmine, 
violet,  white,  etc.     This  species  has  a  splendid 
habit,  being  dwarf  and  compact;  the  flowers  are 
intense  scarlet,  of  good  form  and  substance;  it 
has  large  reniform,  indistinctly  zoned  leaves, 
soft  to  the  touch,  and  exhaling,  when  rubbed^ 
an  aromatic  odor,  which  is  unpleasant  to  most 
persons.     P.  zonale,  Zonal  Geranium,  or  Horse- 
shoe Geranium,  so-called  from  a  dark,  discolored 
zone  on  the  surface  of  the  leaf,  is  a  smaller  spe- 
cies than  the  preceding,  and  has  the  leaves  more 
strongly  marked.     The  petals  of  the  flower  are 
narrower,  and  of  a  deep  carmine  color.   A  variety 
of  this,  P.  marginalum,  is  the  well-known  Silver- 
leaved  Geranium.     All  the  "  Tricolors,"  such  as 
Mrs.  PoUock,   Sunset,  Golden  Tricolor,  etc.,  have 
originated  from  the  above  few  species.     It  must 
not  be  supposed  that  all  these  beautiful  colors, 
both  in  foliage  and  flower,  have  been  produced 
hastily,  or  that  they  are  in  the  true  sense  hy- 
brids.   Persistent  cross  fertilization  of  the  many 
varieties,  that  has  been  carried  on  for  the  last 
thirty  years,  has  given  us  the  rare  sorts  enu- 
merated in  florists'  catalogues.      We  think  it 
is  not  to  be  doubted,  however,  that  some  of  the 
"Tricolors"  are  simply  "Sports."    P.  peltatwn 
is  the  Ivy-leaved   Geranium.      Of  this  species 
there  are  two  varieties  that  were  introduced  in 
1701,  and  from  these  have  sprung  several  beau- 
tiful sorts,  which  grow  rapidly  and  flower  free- 
ly.    From  their  graceful,  trailing  habit,  they  are 
useful  for  window  gardening  and  rustic  work. 
Many  of  the  Ivy-leaved  have  handsome  double 
flowers.      Of  the   species,   besides  those  noted 
above,  we  will  briefly  mention  P.  echinalum,  in- 
troduced into  England  in  1797,  but  mostly  lost 
sight  of  until  recently,  except  in  collections  of 
old  plants.     It  is,  indeed,  an  entirely  distinct 
species,  and  one  of  the  best  for  general  cultiva- 
tion for  cut  flowers.     The  foliage  is  covered  with 
a  white,  silvery  down ;  the  lower  petals  of  the 
flowers  are  pure  white,   and  the  upper  ones 
marked  or  blotched  with  dark  purple  or  ma- 
roon.     In  their  habitat,  several   variations  in 
color  appear,  but  are  all   of  the  same  general 
character.      P.  capitatum  is  the  popular  Rose 
Geranium,  which  was  introduced  in  1690.     P. 
quercifolium  is  the  larger  Oak-leaved  Geranium, 
introduced  in  1774.    P.  graueolens  is  the  Lemon- 
scented   Geranium;  P.'vitifolium  is  the  Balm- 
scented  Geranium,  receiving  its  specific  name 
from  the  resemblance  of  its  leaves  to  those  of 


PEN 

the  Vine;  P.  fragrant  is  the  Nutmeg-scented 
Geranium,  introduced  in  1731;  P.  tomentosum  is 
the  Pennyroyal  Geranium;  P.  uniium  is  the 
Citron-scented  Geranium;  P.  odorata  is  the  Ap- 
ple-scented Geranium.  Between  some  of  the 
above  species  hybrids  have  been  produced,  but 
we  cannot  trace  them  with  any  degree  of  confi- 
dence, and  therefore  make  no  mention  of  them 
Pellitory  of  Spain.  See  Anlhemis. 
Peltandra,  From  pelte,  a  buckler,  and  aner.  a 
man.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyandriu.  Nat.  Ord. 
AracecK. 

P.  Virginica,  formerly  called  Arum  Virginicum, 
is  a  common  aquatic  plant,  in  shallow  waters' 
from  New  York  southward. 

Penicillaria.  From  penicillus,  a  pencil;  in  allu- 
sion to  the  spikes.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  GraminacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  grasses,  of  which  P.  spicata 
is  the  well-known  Penrl  Millet,  which  see. 
Pennyroyal.     See  Mentha  Putegium. 
Pennyroyal  Geranium.     See  Pelargonium. 
Pentas.     From  pente,  five;  referring  to  the  num- 
ber of  petals  and  stamens.     Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacete. 

The  only  species  known,  P.  carnea,  is  a  very 
handsome  hot-house  plant,  with  delicate  flesh- 
colored  flowers,  copiously  produced  in  dense 
corymbs  or  cymes.  It  is  valuable  not  only  for 
the  richness  of  its  flowers,  but  also  for  the 
lengthened  period  and  ease  with  which  they  are 
produced;  and  although  it  requires  a  hot-honse 
to  flower  freely  in  winter,  yet  it  may  be  kept  in 
a  green-house,  and  will  then  bloom  from  April 
till  the  following  October.  propagated  by  cut- 
tings of  young  shoots  in  sandy  soil  in  the  hot- 
bed or  green-house  in  spring;  the  young  plants 
will  bloom  freely  during  the  summer.  Intro- 
duced from  South  Africa  in  1842. 
Pentlandia.  Named  after  J.  B.  Pentland,  an 
English  consul-general  in  Peru.  Linn.  Hex/an- 
dria- Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  showy  green-house  bulb- 
ous plants  from  Peru.  P.  miniata,  the  most 
beautiful  of  the  species,  bears  a  solitary  lancio- 
lateleaf,  appearing  before  the  flowers,  which  are 
borne  on  a  solid  scape  supporting  an  umbel  of 
about  half  a  dozen  drooping  vermilion-colored 
flowers.  They  flower  in  early  autumn,  and 
should  rest  during  winter.  They  may  be  kept 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Amaryllis.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1836. 
Pentstemon.  From  j»-ntr,  five,  and  xtemon,  a  sta- 
men ;  there  are  four  perfect  stamens  and  one  im- 
perfect. .Linn.  Diilynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Scrophulariacta*. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  and  half-hardy 
herbaceous  plants.  Several  of  the  species  are 
common  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida.  The 
more  showy  species,  those  usually  cultivated, 
are  natives  of  Texas,  Oregon,  Colorado,  Rocky 
Mountains,  etc.,  and  Mexico.  Those  introduced 
into  the  garden  are  beautiful  plants,  growing 
from  one  to  three  feet  high,  with  white,  pink,  scar- 
let, blue,  or  purple  flowers,  produced  freely  from 
April  until  October.  Most  of  them  grow  well  in 
a  light  loam.  They  should  have  as  dry  a  situa- 
tion as  the  garden  affords,  as  they  suffer  more 
from  wet  than  cold  during  winter.  Several  of 
the  California  species,  of  late  introduction,  are 
very  difficult  to  winter  over  in  the  border;  being 
found  in  a  coarse,  sandy  soil,  and  their  period 
of  rest  being  the  dry  season,  they  seem  little  in- 
clined to  adapt  themselves  to  our  climate.  The 
beauty  and  profusion  of  the  flowers  will,  how- 


164 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PEP 

ever,  pay  for  the  protection  they  may  need 
against  the  elements.  Many  of  the  species  will 
flower  the  first  season  from  seed,  if  sown  in  the 
green-house  or  an  early  hot-bed,  and  once  trans- 
planted before  being  transferred  to  the  open 
border. 

Peperomia.  From  piper,  pepper,  and  omoios, 
similar.  Linn.  Dioeda-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Piperacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  evergreen 
and  herbaceous  ornamental-leaved  plants, 
abundant  in  Central  and  South  America,  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  Southern  Africa,  and  the 
East  Indies.  The  majority  are  small  creeping 
plants  with  fleshy  leaves,  growing  on  trunks  of 
trees,  or  on  damp  rocks;  others  are  more  erect, 
of  a  shrubby  character,  and  are  terrestrial  in 
their  habits.  Several  of  the  species  have  been 
introduced  into  the  green-house  for  the  sake  of 
their  foliage;  prominent  among  them  is  P.  macu- 
losa,  a  dwarf-growing  species,  with  inconspicu- 
ous flowers,  but  very  beautiful  foliage.  This 
species  is  readily  increased  by  leaf  cuttings, 
treated  in  the  same  manner  as  Begonia  Rex.  It 
is  a  native  of  St.  Domingo.  First  introduced 
in  1790.  P.  resedceftora,  or  Mignonette  flowered, 
recently  introduced,  bears  small,  spire-like 
spikes  of  white  flowers  at  the  apex  of  pink  stems, 
the  lower  portions  of  which  are  furnished  with 
small  velvety  leaves.  It  is  used  for  button-hole 
bouquets,  and  is  suitable  for  florists'  work 
generally.  P.  prostrata,  introduced  in  1880,  has 
small  round  leaves.  Well-grown  specimens 
droop  four  to  five  feet,  making  a  great  acquisi- 
tion to  our  basket  or  vase  plants. 

Pepper.     See  Piper. 

Peppergrass.     See  Lepidium. 

Pepperidge.     See  Nyssa. 

Peppermint.     Menlha  piperita. 

Pepper-root.     See  Dentaria. 

Pepper,  White,  is  Piper  nigrum  with  the  black 
husks  removed. 

Pepperwort.     See  Lepidium. 

Pereskia.  Barbadoes  Gooseberry.  Named  after 
Nicholas  F.  Pieresk,  a  French  patron  of  botany. 
The  generic  name  is  sometimes  written  Pierescia. 
Linn.  Icosandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cactacecv. 
This  genus  consists  of  about  a  dozen  species, 
and  is  allied  to  the  Cactus.  Some  are  tree-like 
and  have  woody  stems,  but  they  are  mostly 
shrubs  with  fleshy  stems,  flat  leaves,  and  round 
branches  armed  with  tufts  of  spines,  and  bear- 
ing terminal  solitary  or  clustered  flowers,  gene- 
rally on  short  stalks.  P.  aculeata  is  indigenous 
in  the  West  Indies,  where  it  is  commonly  known 
as  the  Barbadoes  Gooseberry  or  Gooseberry 
Shrub.  It  grows  about  fifteen  feet  high,  the 
stem  armed  with  bundles  of  straight  spines, 
and  having  trailing  branches  bearing  oblong, 
elliptical  leaves  and  clusters  of  beautiful  white 
flowers,  and  yellow,  eatable,  and  pleasant-tasted 
fruit,  which  is  used  in  making  preserves,  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  common  garden  Gooseberry 
is  used.  This  species  is  an  excellent  subject  to 
graft  Epiphyllums,  etc.,  on,  and  is  much  used 
for  that  purpose.  P.  Bleo  is  called  Bleo  by  the 
natives  of  New  Granada,  where  it  is  indigenous. 
It  is  a  shrub  growing  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  with 
rather  soft,  fleshy  leaves,  five  or  six  inches  long, 
of  an  elliptical  form,  sharp  pointed  at  the  top, 
and  tapering  to  the  base.  It  bears  handsome 
rose-colored  flowers,  with  ten  petals  in  two 
series,  the  inner  of  which  are  the  largest  and 
deepest  colored.  The  leaves  are  eaten  as  a  salad 
in  Panama.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 


PER 

Pergularia.  From  pergula,  trellis-work ;  referring 
to  its  quick  climbing  growth.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Difjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asdepiadacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  climb- 
ers, allied  to  Stephanotis.  Som'e  of  the  species 
are  remarkable  for  their  sweet-scented,  greenish- 
white  flowers.  They  are  natives  of  the  East 
Indies  and  Java,  but  are  very  little  cultivated. 

Perilla.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Didynimia-Gymnofipermia,.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 
A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  natives  of 
China  and  the  East  Indies.  P.  Nankinensis  has 
deep  purple  leaves,  and  at  one  time  was  much 
used  as  an  ornamental  border  plant,  but,  from  its 
somewhat  weedy  appearance  and  wonderful  pro- 
ductiveness, it  has  been  pretty  generally  dis- 
carded. 

Periploca.  From  periploke,  an  intertwining;  re- 
ferring to  the  habit  of  the  plant.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Digynia.  Nat  Ord.  Asdepiadacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  and  green- 
house evergreen  twiners,  inhabiting  Southern 
Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa.  P.  Grceca  is  an  orna- 
mental species,  and  has  long  been  known  in  the 
garden.  It  is  very  common  in  the  hedge-rows 
of  Southern  Europe.  It  has  purplish  flowers, 
arranged  in  axillary  clusters.  The  juice  of  this 
species  is  exceedingly  poisonous,  and  is  used  in 
the  East  for  destroying  wolves.  Propagated  by 
layers  or  cuttings. 

Peristeria.  From  peristera,  a  dove ;  in  allusion  to 
the  dove-like  appearance  of  the  column.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Mmandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  splendid  terrestrial  Orchids. 
The  best  known  and  most  beautiful  of  the  spe- 
cies is  P.  elata,  a  native  of  Panama,  where  it  is 
known  as  El  Spirito  Santo,  the  Holy  Ghost  Plant. 
The  reason  of  this  name  is  obvious  on  looking 
at  the  flower;  the  central  member  exhibits  a  col- 
umn, which,  with  its  summit  and  the  projecting 
gland  of  the  pollen  masses,  together  with  the 
erect  wings,  bears  a  very  striking  resemblance  to 
the  figure  of  a  dove;  hence  the  English  name  of 
Dove  Slower.  It  flower  stem  rises  from  the 
base  of  the  pseudo-bulbs,  and  attains  a  height 
of  from  four  to  six  feet,  its  upper  portion,  for 
about  one-third  of  the  length,  being  covered 
with  nearly  round,  very  sweet-scented  flowers, 
each  about  an  inch  and  a  half  across,  and  of  a 
ereamy  white,  with  small  lilac  specks  on  the  base 
of  the  lip.  They  should  be  grown  in  well- 
drained  pots  of  light,  rich,  fibrous  loam,  with  a 
liberal  mixture  of  fine  sand  and  broken  char- 
coal. They  succeed  well  in  an  ordinary  green- 
house, but  are  impatient  of  much  water,  partic- 
ularly when  at  rest.  They  flower  during  the 
summer  months,  and  remain  in  bloom  several 
weeks.  Propagated  by  division.  Introduced 
in  1826. 

Peristrophe.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous 
plants,  natives  of  India,  with  small  purple 
flowers,  produced  in  winter,  and  continuing  in 
full  beauty  for  several  weeks.  P.  angustifolia  varie- 
gata,  of  recent  introduction,  is  an  ornamental 
plant,  with  foliage  variegated  with  yellowish- 
white  and  green.  It  is  a  very  useful  plant  in 
window  gardening  or  rustic  work.  Propagated 
readily  by  cuttings. 

Periwinkle.     See  Vinca. 

Pernettya.     Named  after  Don  Pernetti/,  author  of 
"  A  Voyage  to  the  Falkland  Islands."     Linn.  De- 
candria-Monoqiin'ui.    Nat.  Ord.  Ericacecp.. 
A  genus  of  'half-hardy  evergreen,  white-flow- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PL\M>. 


165 


PER 

ering  shrubs,  natives  of  Mexico  and  Peru.  They 
are  not  sufficiently  liarcly  to  endure  our  winters 
without  protection,  and  have  not  merits  that  en- 
title them  to  a  place  in  the  green-house. 

Persea.  Alligator  Pear.  A  name  applied  by  i 
Theophrastus  to  an  Egyptian  tree.  Linn.  Ennc-  \ 
ttn'lrin-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lauraceae. 

The  Alligator  Pear  grows  upon  a  tree  about  the  ' 
size  of  the  Apple.     It  is  a  native  of  the  West  In- 
dies.    The  tree  has  oblong,  veiny  leaves,  and  yel- 
lowish-green flowers.   The  fruit,  which  is  the  size  ' 
of  a  large  Pear,  is  considered  by  the  natives  one  I 
of  the  most  delicious    in    the  world,  though  ! 
strangers  do  not  at  first  relish  it.    They  contain  a 
large  quantity  of  firm  pulp,  possessing  a  buttery 
or  marrow-like  taste,  and  are  hence  frequently 
called  Vegetable  Marrow  or  Midshipman's  But- 
ter.    It  is  usually  eaten  with  spice,  lime-juice,  ; 
or  pepper  and  salt.    The  trees  cannot  be  induced  i 
to   grow,  excepting  in  tropical  or  sub-tropical  ! 
countries. 

Persica.     The  Peach.     From  Persia,  its  supposed  i 
native  place.     Linn.  Icosandria-Monogynia.     Nat. 
Ord.  Drupacea;. 

To  this  genus  belong  the  well-known  fruits, 
the  Nectarine  and  the  Peach,  which  see. 

Persimmon.     See  Diospyros  Virginiana. 

Peruvian  Bark.     See  Cinchona. 

Peruvian  Daffodil.     See  Ismene  calathina. 

Petrea.  Linnteus  dedicated  this  genus  to  Robert  j 
James,  Lord  Petre,  a  celebrated  patron  of  bot-  \ 
any,  who  died  in  1742.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angios-  \ 
permia.  Nat.  Ord.  Verbenaceev. 

A  genus  of  twining  shrubs  or  small  trees,  na- 
tives of  Mexico  and  South  America.  Some  of 
the  species  are  very  beautiful  flowering  climbers.  : 
The  flowers  arc  large,  of  a  deep  violet  color,  and  j 
produced  in  graceful  racemes.  They  are  in-  j 
creased  by  cuttings  in  spring.  Introduced  in  ! 

Petunia.   From  Petun,  Brazilian  name  for  tobacco, 
to  which  the  Petunia  is  allied.    Linn.  Pentandria-  ; 
Jfonogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece. 

A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  herbaceous  per-  j 
ennials,    all    natives    of   South    America,   and 
mostly  confined    to  Brazil.      Though   coming  | 
from  a  tropical  country,  where  they  are  strictly  j 
perennial,   they  may  be  grown  as  hardy   an- 
nuals.    In  the  whole  range  of  what  are  called 
"bedding  plants,"  there  is  not  an  individual 
that  can  be  said  to  exceed  in  general  usefulness 
the  Petunia.     They  are  of  the  easiest  culture, 
seeding  themselves  when  onco  planted,  growing 
in  any  soil  that  will  sustain  plant  life,  and  pro- 
ducing the  most  showy  flowers  in  the  greatest  i 
profusion.     Few,  if  any,  plants  have  come  so 
rapidly  into   popular   favor,    or  have  been  so 
much  improved  by  hybridization  and  cultiva- 
tion.    Only  a  few  years  ago  they  were  compara- 
tively unknown,  and  now  there  is  not  a  garden, 
either  large  or  small,  where  they  are  not  grown; 
nor  are  they  confined  to  the  garden,  as  the  win- 
dows of  the  workshop  and  the  humble  tenement 
so  cheerily  testify.   P.  nydaginifiora,  the  com-  \ 
mon    White     Petunia,    was    first     introduced  I 
into  England  from  Brazil  in  1823.     It  was  but  j 
little  cultivated,  and  only  in  the  green-houses  I 
as  a  perennial,    until  1830.      At  this   period,  j 
P.   violacea,   or    P.   Phoenicia,    as    it    is  some- 
times called,  was  introduced  from  Buenos  Ayres 
by  a  Mr.  Tweedie,  a  botanical   collector,  who 
Kent  seeds  of  it  to  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Glas- 
gow.    It  was  soon  found  that  it  would  propa- 
gate freely  from  seed,  and  in  a  short  time  it  be- 
ndely  disseminated.    It  was  figured  and 


PRE 

sent  out  first  as  Salpiglosnis  integrifolla.  From 
these  two  species  all  our  garden  varieties  have 
been  produced.  To  Isaac  Buchanan,  of  New 
York,  belongs  the  credit  of  having  first  hybrid- 
izcd  these  species,  the  result  being  the  magni- 
ficent blotched  and  striped  varieties  now  so  ex- 
tensively cultivated.  His  first  effort  was  crowned 
with  the  most  complete  success,  the  hybrids  be- 
ing as  perfectly  and  distinctly  marked  as  any 
sinco  produced.  These  were  for  a  number  of 
years  offered  in  seedsmen's  catalogues  as  "  Bu- 
chanan's Hybrids."  Many  other  splendid  sorts 
have  been  produced  in  this  country,  and  among 
them  the  "Fringed  Petunia,"  from  which  the 
Germans  have  succeeded  in  getting  a  double 
variety,  finely  fringed.  Many  double  varieties 
are  now  sent  out  each  season,  claiming  special 
merit.  They  are  well  adapted  for  green-house 
culture,  but  for  massing  or  extended  borders, 
the  best  marked  single  varieties  are  far  superior, 
because  they  produce  their  flowers  in  greater 
abundance.  Where  a  mass  of  any  particular 
color  is  desired,  it  is  better  to  striko  cuttings  of 
the  favorite  kinds  in  the  fall.  For  the  mixed 
border,  the  seeds  may  be  sown  where  wanted 
to  grow ;  or,  if  wanted  to  flower  early,  seed  may 
be  sown  in  the  green-house  or  in  a  hot-bed,  and 
transplanted  into  the  border.  If  the  soil  is 
rich,  the  plants  should  be  set  three  feet  apart 
each  way.  A  peculiarity  of  the  blotched  varie- 
ties, particularly  among  the  double  ones,  is  that, 
when  propagated  from  cuttings  for  a  few  years, 
the  tendency  is  to  run  back  to  the  d-irk  color, 
all  white  markings  being  obliterated.  Plants 
from  cuttings  will  flower  from  June  until  after 
they  have  had  several  degrees  of  frost. 

Peyrousia.  Named  in  honor  of  La  Peyrouse,  the 
French  navigator.  Linn.  Triandria-jfonoyynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  IridacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  showy  flowering  bulbs. 
They  are  of  blue,  white,  purple,  or  pink  colors, 
and  in  general  habit  resemble  the  Ixia,  and  re- 
quire the  same  treatment.  They  are  also  known 
as  Lapeyrousia  and  Ovieditt.  They  are  increased 
by  offsets.  Introduced  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  in  1825. 

Phaca.  From  phcujo,  to  eat;  a  name  adopted  by 
Dioscorides.  Linn.  Diade'phia-Decandriit.  Nut. 
Ord.  Fabacea?. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials. 
They  are  showy  plants,  suitable  for  the  front  of 
shrubbery  borders.  Their  flowers  are  of  many 
shades  of  white,  yellow,  rose,  or  purple.  The 
species  are  common  throughout  the  States.  They 
are  classed  with  Astrayahu. 

Phacelia.  From  jAofcwM,  a  bundle;  in  reference 
to  the  disposition  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  /'•/</<«- 
dri'i-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  HydrophyV 

Very  curious  plants,  which  produce  their 
flowers  in  one-sided  fascicles,  which  unroll 
themselves  slowly.  i'he  dowers  are  rather  pret- 
ty in  themselves,  but  are  half  hidden  by  their 
bracts  and  coarse-growing  leaves.  Some  of 
the  species  are  perennials,  and  others  biennial 
or  annual.  The  Californian  species  arc  annuals 
with  blue  flowers,  but  the  South  American  kinds 
are  biennials  or  perennials  with  pink  flowers. 

Pheedranassa.  From  /./t  i'nlr»s,  ^ay,  and  anassa, 
queen.  Linn.  llejcandria-MonogynM.  Nat.  Ord. 
AmarylUdaom, 

A  small  genus  of  bulbs,  natives  of  Peru  and 
Quito.  They  are  found  at  an  elevation  of  9,000 
feet  above  the  sea,  growing  among  tho  rocks, 
where  there  is  not,  seemingly,  sufficient  earth 
to  sustain  vegetable  life.  They  are  handsome, 


HENDEESON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PHA 

though  not  very  showy  plants.  The  flowers  are 
about  two  inches  long,  in  the  form  of  a  slender 
tube,  of  a  light  pea-green  color,  tipped  with 
pink.  The  bulbs  require  a  long  season  of  rest 
after  flowering,  which  is  usually  in  winter. 
They  are  easily  grown  in  a  cool  green-house  , 
with  the  most  ordinary  care.  They  are  increased 
by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1844. 

Phaius.     Fromphaios,  shining;  in  allusion  to  the   | 
beauty  of  the  original  species.     Linn.   Gynan- 
dria-Monandria.   Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

These     are    handsome,     free-flowering     Or- 
chids, of  easy  management.     They  should  be 
potted    in    leaf  mould,    sphagnum    moss,   and 
broken  charcoal  or  potsherds.     In  winter,   or 
when  at  rest,  they  should  be  kept  in  a  low  tem- 
perature, such  as  that  of  the  green-house,  and 
while  there  should  be  nearly  dry.     In  early 
spring  re-pot  them,  and  place  them  in  the  hot- 
house, where  they  soon  grow  and  ultimately   ; 
flower.     Plenty  of  pot  room  should  be  given  to 
all  the  species.     P.  WaUichii  is  one  of  the  finest.   I 
P.  albus  may  be  propagated  by  cuttings  of  the   ' 
stems.     The  species  are  natives  of  China  and  the 
East  Indies,  and  were  first  introduced  in  1778.    | 
The  well-known  Bletia  TankervUlue  is  now  placed   j 
here  by  botanists  under  the  name  of  P.  grandi-  \ 
folius.    See  Blelia. 

Phaleenopsis.     Indian  Butterfly  Plant.      From 
phalaina,  a  moth,  and  opsis,  like  ;  in  allusion  to 
the  appearance  of  the  flowers,  which  bear  a 
striking  resemblance  to  that  insect ;  whence  the   : 
common  name  Indian  Butterfly  Plant.     Linn,    j 
Gynandria-Monandria.     Nat.  Ord.,  Orchidacece. 

One  of  the  most  magnificent  of  the  order. 
The  flowers  are  borne  from  five  to  fifteen  in   j 
number,  on  a  half-pendent  spike ;  they  are  nearly   I 
circular  in  outline,  about  two  inches  and  a  half  ' 
in  diameter,  of  a  pure  white,  the  central  portion 
being  marked  with  delicate  streaks  of  crimson  ;   j 
the  sepals  and  petals  are  thick  and  leathery,  and, 
as  the  name  implies,  a  fancied  resemblance  may 
be  traced  between  the  flowers  of  this  plant  and 
a  large  white  moth.     In  culture  the  species  re- 
quires a  very  high  temperature ;  it  should  be 
grown  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  hot-house,  with 
an  abundant  supply  of  moisture,  especially  in 
the  form  of  vapor,  while  in  an  active  state  ;  but 
at  other  times  the  quantity  of  each  should  bo 
moderately    reduced.     In  summer,   when    the 
plant  is  growing,  the  thermometer  should  range 
between  70°  and  90°,  when  it  will  grow  rapidly, 
and  consequently  flower  in  perfection.     It  may 
be  regarded  as  a  very  liberal  bloomer.     The  ge-   j 
nus  consists  of  several  species,  most  of  which 
are  of  recent  introduction.     They  are  all  natives 
of  the  islands  of  the  Indian  Archipelago.     First 
introduced  in  1836. 

Phalaris.  Canary  Grass.  From  pJialaros,  shin- 
ing ;  referring  to  the  shining  seeds.  Linn.  Tri- 
andria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graininacece. 

A  small  genus  of  Grasses,  mostly  natives  of 
Central  Asia.    P.  Caiiariensis  produces  the  Cana- 
ry Seed  of  commerce.     Gardener's  Garters  is  a   I 
beautiful  variegated  variety  of  this  grass,  known   I 
as  P.  arimdinacea  picta,  very  common  in  English   i 
gardens,  and  has  been  long  introduced  here.    I 
Propagated  by  division. 

Phalocailis.     From  phalos,   a  cone,   and  kallos, 
beautiful ;  beautifully  cone-crested.     Linn.  Tri-   • 
andria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Iridacecx. 

P.  plumbea,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  half- 
hardy  Mexican  bulb,  producing  singular  lead- 
colored  flowers,  tinged  with  yellow  in  the  center, 
about  three  inches  across,  lasting  only  a  few  hours. 


PHI 

They  expand  before  sunrise  and  close  before 
noon.  This  was  formerly  included  in  the  genus 
Cyphella,  but  separated  by  Dean  Herbert.  It  re- 
quires the  same  treatment  and  care  as  the. 27- 
gridia.  It  is  increased  by  offsets.  Introduced 
m  1837. 

Pharbitis.  One  of  the  divisions  of  the  genus 
Ipomosa,  which  see. 

Phaseolus.  Kidney  Bean.  From  phaselus,  a  lit- 
tle boat ;  fancied  resemblance  of  the  pods.  Linn. 
J)iMdelphia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacea;. 

This  genus  contains  a  few  ornamental  plants, 
the  remainder  being  agricultural  or  culinary 
vegetables.  Among  the  latter  is  the  well-known 
Kidney  Bean.  Of  the  former,  P.  Caracalla  is 
the  most  remarkable,  on  account  of  its  singularly 
twisted  vexillum  and  keel,  the  appearance  of 
which  has  induced  the  popular  name,  Snail 
Flower.  It  is  a  climber,  and  may  be  grown  out 
of  doors  in  summer  and  in  the  green-house  in 
winter.  It  is  propagated  by  cuttings  and  from 
seed.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in  spring  in  the 
green-house,  with  a  slight  bottom  heat,  and  af- 
terward the  plants  may  be  placed  in  the  borders 
of  the  house  where  they  are  to  bloom,  or  they 
may  be  grown  in  pots.  Its  flowers  are  bluish 
lilac.  They  are  valued  by  florists  for  their 
delicious  fragrance  and  for  their  resemblance  to 
Orchids.  There  are  several  other  ornamental 
green-house  kinds  requiring  the  same  treatment. 
P.  multiftorus  is  the  common  Scarlet  Runner  of 
our  gardens.  It  is  a  native  of  Mexico  and  South 
America.  There  is  a  variety  with  white  flowers. 
P.  vulgaris  is  our  common  Kidney  Bean,  the 
origin  of  which  is  very  uncertain. 

Philadelphus.  Syringa  or  Mock  Orange.  An 
ancient  name  applied  by  Linnaaus  for  no  obvious 
reason.  Linn.lcosandria-Monotjynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Phiiadelphacece. 

A  genus  of  native  shrubs,  common  in  shrub- 
beries, the  flowers  of  which  smell  like  those  of 
the  Orange,  and  the  leaves  taste  like  Cucumbers. 
It  is  rather  remarkable  that  one  of  the  English 
names  of  these  plants  is  Syringa;  which  is  the 
botanical  name  of  the  Lilac,  to  which  they  have 
not  the  slightest  affinity.  There  are  many  spe- 
cies, some  of  which  have  very  large  and  hand- 
some flowers,  and  some  bear  flowers  without 
any  fragrance.  They  are  all  quite  hardy,  and 
may  be  propagated  by  seeds,  layers,  cuttings, 
or  division.  The  species  are  common  in  the 
mountains  of  Virginia  and  southward. 

Philageria  Veitchii.  A  recent  hybrid  between 
Lapageria  rosea  and  Philesia  buxifolia,  raised  by 
the  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  England.  See  Philesia. 

Philesia.  From  philexios,  lovely.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  SmilacecK. 

P.  buxifolia  is  the  only  species  of  this  genus. 
It  is  a  dwarf  shrub,  native  of  the  extreme  south- 
ern part  of  South  America,  being  found  from 
Valdivia  to  the  Straits  of  Magellan.  It  is  an 
evergreen  with  small  leaves,  and  large,  bell- 
shaped,  drooping  flowers,  of  a  beautiful  bright 
red  color.  It  is  allied  to  Lapageria  rosea,  from 
the  same  region.  Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea,  Eng., 
have  succeeded  in  raising  a  hybrid  between  the 
two  plants,  which  has  been  named  Phllmjeria 
Veitchii.  It  is  proper  to  state  that  the  plant  is 
inferior,  in  point  of  beauty,  to  either  parent. 
We  do  not  know  of  its  introduction  into  this 
country.  It  would  do  well  out  of  doors  in  the 
Southern  States,  or  in  the  green-house  north. 

Phillyrea.  From  phyllon,  a  leaf;  literally,  a  leafy 
plant,  the  flowers  being  inconspicuous.  Linn. 
Diandria-Monogytda.  Nat.  Ord.  Oteaceai. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


\m 


PHI 


A  genus  of  ornamental,  com  pact -growing, 
hardy  evergreen  shrubs.  The  few  known  spe- 
cies inhabit  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean. 
The  chief  value  of  this  shrub  is  its  perfect  har- 
diness, and  its  adaptation  for  sea-side  planting. 

Philodendron.  From  phileo,  to  love,  and  dendron, 
a  tree;  referring  to  the  habit  of  the  plants  of 
this  genus  to  overrun  trees  in  the  South  Ameri- 
can forests.  Linn.  Moncecia-Triandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Aracece. 

A  singular  genus  of  tropical  plants,  with 
mostly  scrambling  stems,  which  attach  them- 
selves to  the  trunks  of  trees,  whence  the  name 
of  the  genus.  They  are  all  green-house  ever- 
green perennials,  with  large,  irregular,  singular 
leaves,  and  showy  flowers,  some  of  which  are 
pure  white,  others  white  and  bright  rose.  They 
are  natives  of  South  America.  Propagated  by 
cuttings  of  side  shoots  and  from  seeds.  Intro- 
duced in  1835.  See  Monstera. 

Phlebodium.  From  phleps,  a  vein.  Linn.  Cryp- 
toijamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  genus  of  net-veined  Ferns,  separated  from 
Polypcdium.  P.aureum,  typical  of  the  genus,  is  a 
bold, glaucous-tinted  Fern,  with  strong  rhizomes, 
which  run  upon  the  surface.  It  is  a  handsome 
species,  and  will  grow  luxuriantly  in  a  cool 
green-house.  It  is  increased  by  division  or 
from  spores.  The  species  have  long  been  un- 
der cultivation. 

Phleum.  Supposed  to  be  the  Greek  name  for 
Typha.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
GraminacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  grasses.  P.  pratense  is  the 
well-known  Timothy,  or  Herds  Grass,  in  New 
England;  it  is  also  known  as  Cat's-tail  Grass. 

Phlogacanthus.  From  phlox,  a  flame,  and  akan- 
thus,  the  type  of  this  family;  in  allusion  to  the 
long  spike  of  yellow  or  flame-colored  flowers. 
Linn.  Diandria-Monof/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acan- 
thncece. 

A  genus  of  East  Indian  green-house  evergreen 
shrubs,  allied  to  Justicia,  and  from  which  genus 
a  few  species  have  been  separated.  They  are  all 
ornamental  winter-blooming  plants,  with  bright 
orange  or  yellow  flowers.  They  are  increased 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Justicia.,  and  require 
the  same  general  treatment. 

Phlomis.      Jerusalem   Sage.     From  phlogmos,   a 

flame;  in  reference  to  the  down  being  used  for 

wicks.      Linn.   Didynamia-Gymnospermia.     Nat. 

Ord.  LamiacecK. 

A  genus  of  herbaceous  perennial  and  shrubby 

Elants,  with  large,  coarse-growing,  glaucous 
saves,  greatly  resembling  those  of  the  common 
Sage,  and  yellow  or  purple  flowers  disposed  in  a 
whorl  round  the  joints.  All  the  species  are  prop- 
agated by  layers  or  cuttings,  or  by  root  divi- 
sion. They  are  mostly  natives  of  Southern  Eu- 
rope. P.  tuberosa  is  occasionally  met  in  some 
parts  of  the  State  of  New  York  growing  wild;  it 
is,  however,  an  escape  from  our  gardens. 
Phlox.  From  phlox,  aflame;  in  reference  to  the 
brilliancy  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polemoniacece. 

This  extensive  and  interesting  genus  is  exclu- 
sively North  American,  and  contains  many  of  our 
most  valuable  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  and 
one  invaluable  hardy  annual.  What  are  com- 
monly termed  Perennial  Phloxes  are  seedlings, 
varieties  from  P.'  paniculata,  which  is  common 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Illinois  and  southward. 
Of  this  species  there  are  several  varieties,  all  of 
the  same  general  character,  producing  immense 
terminal  clusters  of  white,  pink,  purple,  and 


PH(E 

crimson  flowers.  From  this  species  and  from 
P.  miculata.  a  lower  growing  species,  common 
in  the  Middle  and  Western  States,  have  origi- 
nated the  many  rare  and  beautiful  varieties  that 
are  now  attracting  such  universal  attention. 
The  hybridizing  of  this  class  has  chiefly  been 
done  by  European  florists;  a  pleasant  and 
profitable  work  that  should  not  have  passed  out 
of  our  own  hands,  and  would  not  out  for  the 
too  common  error  that  plants,  as  well  as  all 
other  commodities,  to  be  truly  valuable,  must 
be  stamped  with  a  foreign  seal.  It  is  claimed 
by  some  of  the  foreign  horticulturists  that  the 
finer  hybrids  are  crosses  between  the  annual 
and  perennial  species,  and  the  brilliant  color  so 
characteristic  of  them  gives  some  credence  to  the 
assertion.  Many  of  the  species  have  long  been 
cultivated,  and  regarded  as  the  most  valuable 
plants  for  the  border.  A  few  of  the  more  valu- 
able are  worthy  of  special  mention.  P.  subu'ata, 
Moss  Pink  or  Ground  Pink.  This  is  a  beautiful 
dwarf-growing  species,  rarely  exceeding  six 
inches  in  height,  and  grows  in  dense  tufts,  pro- 
ducing its  pink,  purple,  or  white  flowers,  which 
usually  have  a  dark  center,  in  great  profusion  in 
early  spring.  This  species  is  very  common  from 
New  York  to  Michigan  and  southward.  P.  rep- 
tans  or  stolonifera  is  another  dwarf  species,  ofa 
rambling  habit,  with  neat  foliage  and  numerous 
clusters  of  bright  crimson  flowers.  It  is  one  of 
our  most  showy  early  spring  flowering  plants, 
blooming  early  in  May.  The  flowers  are  nearly 
as  large  as  the  late,  tail-growing  species.  P.  di- 
varicata  produces  bluish-lilac  flowers  from  April 
to  June,  and  grows  about  the  same  height  as  the 
former  species.  This  species  is  found  in  moist, 
rocky  woods  in  the  Middle  States,  north  and 
west.  P.  pilosa  grows  about  one  foot  high,  and 
produces  its  lovely  pink  flowers  in  May  and  June. 
P.  Di-ummondii,  the  only  annual  species,  is  a  native 
of  Texas,  where  it  was  discovered  in  1835  by 
Mr.  Drummond,  a  botanical  collector  sent  out  by 
the  Glasgow  Botanical  Society.  The  seeds  of 
this  were  sent  home,  and  soon  after  the  discov- 
erer fell  a  victim  to  the  fever  in  Cuba,  and  died. 
For  this  reason  Sir  W.  J.  Hooker  named  the 
plant  Phlox  Drummondii,  that  it  might  "  serve  as 
a  frequent  memento  of  its  unfortunate  discover- 
er." There  can  be  no  stronger  proof  of  the 
value  and  beauty  of  this  species  than  the  extent 
to  which  it  is  grown.  Each  year  new  varieties 
are  added  to  the  list,  and,  thus  far,  each  year 
shows  a  marked  improvement  over  the  past, 
both  in  size  and  color  of  the  flower,  and  in  their 
extraordinary  markings  and  variations.  The 
varieties  now  include  white,  pink,  rose,  purple, 
and  scarlet  colors,  and  a  near  approach  to  vel- 
low.  Some  of  the  scarlets  have  pure  white 
eyes,  and  many  of  the  others  have  the  same  dis- 

•  tinctive  marking.  The  only  treatment  required 
for  this  species  is  to  sow  the  seed  in  early 
spring,  where  the  plants  are  wanted  to  grow; 
and  for  perfection  of  flower  the  plants  should 
be  thinned  out  to  one  foot  apart  each  way. 
They  may  also  be  started  in  the  green-house 
or  in  a  hot-bed,  and  pricked  out  in  pots  and 
boxes,  and  earlier  flowers  thus  secured.  The 
perennial  species  are  increased  by  cuttings  or 
by  division  of  roots  in  spring.  They  should  in 
no  case  be  allowed  to  stand  undivided  more 
than  three  years,  and  they  produce  larger  and 
finer  flowers  if  separated  every  spring. 

Phoenix  Date  Palm.  The  Greek  name  of  the 
Date.  Ifan.  DioBda-Triandria,  Nat.  Ord.  Po/n»- 
acete. 


168 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


PH(E 

This  genns,  thongh  not  extensive,  is  one  of 
the  most  interesting  of  the  order.  The  species 
are  chiefly  confined  to  Northern  Africa  and 
tropical  Asia.  Some  of  the  species  are  dwarf- 
growing,  but  they  mostly  attain  the  height  of 
from  fifty  to  sixty  feet.  "The  Date  Palm.  P. 
dadylifera,  is  cultivated  in  immense  quantities 
all  over  the  northern  parts  of  Africa,  and  more 
sparingly  in  Western  Asia  and  Southern  Eu- 
rope; and  in  some  of  these  countries  its  fruit, 
though  only  known  by  us  as  a  preserved  fruit, 
affords  the  principal  food  of  a  large  proportion 
of  the  inhabitants,  and  likewise  of  the  various 
domestic  animals,  dogs,  horses,  and  camels  be- 
ing alike  partial  to  it.  The  tree  usually  grows 
about  sixty  or  eighty  feet  high,  and  lives  to  a 
great  age,  trees  of  from  one  to  two  hundred 
years  old  continuing  to  produce  their  anmial 
crop  of  Dates.  The  fruit,  however,  is  not  the 
only  valuable  part  of  this  widely  dispersed  tree; 
for,  as  with  the  Cocoanut  tree,  nearly  every  part 
is  applied  to  some  useful  purpose.  The  huts  of 
the  poorer  classes  are  entirely  constructed  of  its 
leaves;  the  fiber  surrounding  the  bases  of  their 
stalks  is  used  for  making  ropes  and  coarse  cloth, 
the  stalks  themselves  for  crates,  baskets,  brooms, 
walking  sticks,  etc.,  and  the  wood  for  building 
substantial  houses ;  the  heart  of  the  young 
leaves  is  eaten  as  a  vegetable;  the  sap  affords  an 
intoxicating  beverage,  though  to  obtain  it  the 
tree  is  destroyed ;  and  even  the  hard  and  appar- 
ently useless  pits  or  seeds  are  ground  into  food 
for  camels."  This  tree  is  very  interesting  to 
botanists,  because  it  was  the  first  that  drew 
their  attention  to  the  sexes  of  plants.  It  is  a 
dioecious  tree,  that  is,  the  male  flowers  are  on  one 
plant  and  the  female,  or  fruiting  ones,  on  an- 
other. The  male  flowers  are  considerably  larger 
than  the  female  ;  and  the  latter,  instead  of  sta- 
mens, have  in  the  center  the  rudiments  of  the 
Dates,  about  the  size  of  small  Pease.  The  two 
distinct  sexes  of  the  Date  tree  appear  to  have 
been  known  from  the  remotest  antiquity,  as 
they  are  noticed  by  all  the  ancients  who  de- 
scribe the  tree.  It  is  not  a  little  remarkable 
that  there  is  a  difference  in  the  fructification  of 
the  wild  Date  and  the  cultivated,  though  both 
are  precisely  the  same  species.  Wild  Dates  im- 
pregnate themselves,  but  the  cultivated  ones  do 
not  without  the  assistance  of  art.  Theophrastus 
and  Pliny  mention  this  fact;  and  in  every  plan- 
tation of  Dates  one  part  of  the  labor  of  the  cul- 
tivator consists  in  collecting  the  flowers  of  the 
male  Date,  climbing  to  the  top  of  the  female 
with  them,  and  dispersing  the  pollen  on  the 
germs  of  the  Dates.  So  essential  is  this  opera- 
tion, that  though  the  male  and  female  trees  are 
grown  in  the  same  plantation,  the  crop  fails  if 
it  be  not  performed.  These  trees  do  not  suc- 
ceed well  where  the  mean  temperature  falls  be- 
low 80° ;  hence,  they  require  the  warmest  of  our 
hot-houses.  Young  plants  may  be  grown  from 
the  seeds  taken  from  the  Dates  sold  in  the  fruit 
stores. 

Phcenicophorum.  Prom  Phoenix,  date,  and 
phoreo,  to  bear.  Linn.  Dicecia-Triandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  PcdmacecK. 

A  genus  of  rare  and  beautiful  Palms,  natives 
of  the  Seychelles  Islands.  P.  Seychellarum,  the 
only  representative  of  the  genus,  was  formerly 
called  titevensonia  grandiflara.  It  is  a  stemless 
species,  from  whose  base  spring  numerous 
leaves  with  copper-colored  stalks  studded  with 
black  spines.  The  blade  of  the  leaf  is  wedge- 
shaped,  and  of  a  bronzy  hue.  The  young  leaves 


PHY 

are  of  a  rich  cinnamon-brown  color.  This  Palm 
is  beginning  to  be  cultivated  for  decorative  pur- 
poses, and  is  one  of  the  handsomest  known 
Palms.  Young  plants  arc  obtained  from  seed. 

Phoenocoma.  From  phoinos,  bloody,  and  kome, 
hair;  involucrum.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Supeiflua. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asteraceaj. 

P.prolifera,  the  only  known  species,was  former- 
ly called  Hdichrysum  proliferum,  but  formed  into  a 
separate  genus  from  some  slight  difference  in 
the  central  florets.  It  is  a  rather  showy  ever- 
lasting, with  crimson  flower  heads,  a  native  of 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  It  is  a  green-house 
shrub,  and  may  be  grown  from  cuttings  or  seeds. 
Introduced  in1 1789. 

Pholidota.  Rattlesnake  Orchid.  From  pholis,  a 
scale,  and  ous,  (otos,)  an  ear;  flowers  arranged 
like  an  ear  of  wheat,  with  scaly  bracts,  as  the 
tail  of  the  rattlesnake.  Linn.  Gijnandria-Monan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  East  Indian  epiphytal  Or- 
chids, of  easy  culture,  mainly  requiring  to  be 
grown  on  blocks  or  cork  in  a  warm,  moist 
house.  They  must  have  frequent  waterings 
when  growing.  Flowers  white,  or  white  and 
brown,  produced  in  imbricated  and  two-ranked 
drooping  flower  spikes.  Propagated  by  divis- 
ion. 

Phoradendron.    See  Vlscum. 

Ph,oriniurn.  Flax  Lily,  or  New  Zealand  Flax. 
From  phormos,  a  basket;  use  made  of  the  plant 
in  its  native  country.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

P.  tenax,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  native  of 
New  Zealand,  where  it  is  extensively  used  by 
the  natives  instead  of  Flax.  The  plant  is  hand- 
some. It  has  stiff,  sword-shaped  leaves,  and 
the  flowers  are  orange  colored,  produced  on 
strong  spikes,  alternately  branched,  and  grow- 
ing from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  above  the  leaves, 
making  it  an  exceedingly  handsome  and  curious 
plant  for  green-house  culture.  P.  tenax,  variega- 
ta,  more  recently  introduced,  is  a  very  beautiful 
variegated  leaved  variety,  which  makes  a  magnifi- 
cent plant  for  lawn  decoration,  or  for  the  green- 
house and  conservatory.  It  requires  a  light 
rich  soil.  Propagated  by  division.  Introduced 
in  1798. 

Photinia.  From  photeiiws,  shining;  in  reference 
to  the  leaves.  Linn.  Icosandria-Dipsntagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  PomaeecK. 

A  very  beautiful  evergreen  shrub  or  low  tree, 
formerly  called  Oratcsgus  glabra,  which  is  nearly 
hardy,  but  thrives  best  when  trained  against  a 
wall  in  a  sheltered  situation.  The  plants  are 
propagated  sometimes  by  cuttings  of  the  ri- 
pened wood,  but  more  frequently  by  grafting  or 
inarching  on  some  of  the  hardy  kinds  of  Crata> 
gus.  The  few  species  that  constitute  this  genus 
are  natives  of  Northern  India,  China,  and  Ja- 
pan, with  one  species  from  California. 

Phragmites.  Reed.  From  phraymos,  a  hedge; 
forming  hedges.  Linn.  I\riandria*Digynia,  Nat. 
Ord.  OraminacecK. 

P.  communis,  the  only  species,  is  a  tall-grow- 
ing, reed-like  plant,  common  in  the  swamps  and 
marshes  on  the  South  Side  of  Long  Island  and 
in  New  Jersey,  and  extending  to  Florida.  The 
plumes  are  gathered  in  great  quantities  in  the 
fall,  and  used  with  ornamental  grasses  for  dried 
bouquets  and  decorations. 

Phycella.     A  diminutive  of  phykos,  Red  Alkanet; 
alluding  to  the  color  of  the  flowers.     Linn.  Hex- 
andria-Monoyynia.     Nat.  Ord.  AmnryUldacecK. 
A  small  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbous  plants 


HEXDEKSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


169 


PHY 

from  the  mountain  regions  of  Mexico  and  South 
America.  The  several  species  have  the  same 
general  character,  the  flowers  being  red  or  scarlet, 
marked  with  yellow,  produced  in  early  summer. 
They  should  be  planted  as  early  in  spring  as 
possible,  in  light,  well-drained  soil.  After 
flowering,  and  as  soon  as  they  show  signs  of  rip- 
ening, take  up  and  store  in  the  same  manner  as 
Hyacinths.  They  may  be  increased  by  offsets. 
Introduced  in  1825. 

Phylica.  From  phi/llikns,  leafy ;  in  allusion  to 
the  abundant  evergreen  foliage.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Monoqynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rhamnacea;. 

Pretty  little  heath-like  plants,  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  with  narrow  leaves,  and 
little  terminal  heads  of  fragrant  white  flowers, 
which  begin  to  appear  in  autumn,  and  continue 
during  winter  and  early  spring.  They  are  gen- 
erally grown  in  a  green-house,  and  require  the 
same  treatment  as  the  Cape  Heaths. 

Phyllanthus.  From  phi/lion,  a  leaf,  and  anthos,  a 
flower;  the  flowers  are  produced  on  the  edges  of 
the  leaves.  Linn.  Monoecia-Monaddphia.  Xat. 
Ord.  Euphorbiacea;. 

A  large  and  very  interesting  genus  of  tropical 
plants.  The  species  include  low,  creeping  an- 
nuals, and  moderate-sized  trees.  They  are  re- 
markable for  the  neatness  of  their  foliage  and 
general  aspect.  P.  latifolius  is  frequently  culti- 
vated on  account  of  the  pretty  and  at  the  same 
time  singular  appearance  of  its  leafless,  leaf-like 
branches,  covered  over  at  the  edges  with  multi- 
tudes of  pink  flowers.  It  requires  to  be  grown 
in  a  warm  green-house. 

Ph.yllarth.ron.  From  phi/lion,  a  leaf,  and  arthros, 
a  joint;  leaves  supposed  to  be  joined,  or  leaflet 
articulated  on  leaf-stalk.  Linn.  Didynamia-Qyiii- 
nospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crescent iaceoe. 

A  small  genus  of  shrubs  or  small  trees,  con- 
fined to  the  islands  of  Eastern  Africa.  They 
are  remarkable  for  their  peculiar  jointed  leaves. 
The  flowers  are  pink,  and  appear  in  terminal 
and  axillary  racemes.  They  produce  a  fruit 
much  used  in  jellies.  They  require  the  same 
treatment  as  the  Bignonias,  to  which  they  are  al- 
lied. 

Phyllocactus.  From  phyllpn,  a  leaf,  and  Cactus. 
Linn.  Icosandria-Mono<jyn>a.  Nat.  Ord.  Cacta- 
cece. 

"Several  species  and  varieties  of  this  genus 
of  Cactacece  are  cultivated  in  hot-houses  and 
green-houses  for  the  sake  of  their  fine  white  or 
crimson  flowers,  which  are  among  the  largest 
and  most  showy  of  the  order.  Some  confusion 
exists  in  their  nomenclature,  owing  to  many  of 
the  species  having  formerly  been  referred  to  the 
genera  Epipht/llum  and  Cereus.  They  are,  how- 
ever, distinguished  from  the  latter  by  their  cu- 
rious, flat,  broad,  leaf-like  branches;  and  from 
the  former  by  their  flowers  being  produced  from 
the  notches  or  indentures  along  the  edges  of  the 
branches  instead  of  at  the  end,  and  having 
small,  sepal-like  segments  scattered  wide  apart 
on  the  tube,  and  numerous  long  petals  variously 
expanded,  so  as  to  form  a  rose-like,  or  a  funnel, 
or  salver-shaped  corolla,  with  the  stamens  at- 
tached to  the  orifice  of  the  tube,  the  outer  ones 
being  longer  than  the  inner.  The  nine  species 
described  by  botanists  are  found  in  Mexico, 
Central  America,  and  Brazil.  P.  Ackermanni,  a 
native  of  Mexico,  has  flowers  measuring  as  much 
as  seven  inches  across,  and  of  a  rich  scarlet 
color,  like  those  of  some  varieties  of  Cer&is  spe- 
ciosissimns,  with  broad,  very  sharp-pointed, 
slightly  waved  petals.  Its  stems  are  rounded  at 


PHY 

the  base,  and  bear  little  tufts  of  short  brirtles, 
and  its  flat  branches  are  from  two  to  two  and  a 
half  inches  broad,  and  waved  or  deeply  dented 
along  the  margin.  P.  anguli,jer  is  a  West  Mexi- 
can species,  and  is  remarkable  for  having  its 
flat  branches  deeply  and  sharply  lobed,  so  as  to 
resemble  pinnately  cut  leaves,  the  lobes  almost 
forming  right-angled  triangles;  its  flowers, which 
are  large  and  fragrant,  have  brownish  petals, 
and  pure  white  inner  ones."  P.  spefiosti*  has 
beautiful  rose-colored  flowers.  The  species  are 
readily  increased  by  cuttings,  which  should  be 
allowed  to  dry  a  day  ortwo  after  being  taken  off. 

Phylloteenium.  Agenusof  .draco*,  established 
on  a  New  Grenadian  species,  formerly  called 
Xanthosma.  It  resembles  the  Cabtdiwn,  but  dif- 
fers in  its  persistent  leaves,  acrid,  milky  juice, 
and  the  absence  of  rudimentary  organs. 

Physalis.  Ground  Cherry,  Strawberry  Tomato. 
From  physa,  a  bladder;  alluding  to  the  calyx. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monotjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solana- 

This  genus  is  composed  principally  of  weeds. 
One  or  two  species  have  been  introduced  into 
the  green-house,  with,  however,  but  little  inter- 
est or  profit.  P.  Alkelcensji  is  the  Strawberry  To- 
mato, common  in  cultivated  grounds  and  waste 
places,  having  become  naturalized  from  Europe. 
Physianthus.  From  physo,  a  bladder,  and  an- 
thos,  a  flower;  alluding  to  the  corolla  being  in- 
flated at  the  base.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  AsclepisidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  climbing  plants, 
natives  of  Brazil  and  Buenos  Ayres.  P.  aibens 
bears  immense  quantities  of  pure  white,  fragrant 
flowers,  in  axillary  clusters,  very  much  like  a  sin- 
gle Tuberose,  which  are  much  used  in  the  forma- 
tion of  bouquets  during  the  summer  months. 
It  is  well  adapted  for  covering  trellises,  or  for  any 
situation  where  a  climber  is  required,  and  suc- 
ceeds best  in  the  warmest  situation.  It  has  large 
and  handsome  seed-vessels,  which  look  like  oval 
gourds,  and  which,  when  opened,  are  found  to 
contain  the  seeds,  enveloped  in  a  quantity  of 
fine,  silky  substance,  which  looks  like  the  co- 
coons of  si  Ik -worms  after  the  fine  silk  has  been 
spun  off.  They  are  rapid  growers,  sometimes 
growing  twenty  feet  in  a  summer.  They  re- 
quire the  protection  of  the  green-house  during 
winter.  A  wonderful  peculiarity  of  this  plant 
is  its  power  to  trap  insects.  For  this  reason 
Professor  George  Thurber  has  well  named  it 
"  The  Cruel  Plant,"  and  describes  the  trap  con- 
trivance thus:  "The  anthers  are  so  placed  that 
their  spreading  cells  form  a  series  of  notches  in 
a  ring  around  the  pistil.  The  insect,  in  putting 
its  proboscis  down  for  the  honey,  must  pass  it 
into  one  of  these  notches,  and  in  attempting  t<> 
withdraw  it,  the  end  is  sure  to  get  caught  in  a 
notch,  boot-jack  fashion,  as  it  wore,  and  the 
more  the  insect  pulls,  the  more  its  trunk  is 
drawn  towards  the  point  of  the  notch."  Thus 
caught,  the  insect  starves  to  death;  hence  the 
well-deserved  namo  of  "Cruel  Plant."  Prop- 
agated by  cuttings  or  by  seeds.  Introduced  in 
1830. 

Physostegia.  From  physa,  a  bladder,  and  steye, 
a  covering;  alluding  to  the  calyx.  Linn.  Dithfr 
Kiimi't-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaeeee. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  na- 
tives of  North  and  South  America.  The  several 
species  produce  white,  pink,  purple,  and  red 
flowers,  in  terminal,  leafless  clusters.  They  are 
nearly  allied  to  the  Dracocephalum,  and  require 
the  same  treatment. 


170 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


PHY 

Physurus.  From  physa,  a  bladder,  and  oura,  a 
tail.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  lovely  little  Orchids,  both 
epiphytal  and  terrestrial.  They  are  natives  of 
South  America.  P.  pictus  is  one  of  the  most  deli- 
cately-beautiful objects  which  the  researches  of 
modern  botanists  have  furnished  to  our  collec- 
tions. Its  leaves  are  a  rich,  tender  green,  retic- 
ulated with  numberless  silvery-looking  veins, 
of  the  most  exquisite  markings,  having  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  net-work  of  silver  on  a  ground  of 
bright  green  velvet.  It  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment as  AnaictocMus,  to  which  it  is  nearly  al- 
lied. 

Phy telephas.  Vegetable  Ivory  Nut.  From  phy- 
ton,  a  plant,  and  elephas,  ivory;  buttons  and  toys 
are  made  from  the  hard  albumen  of  the  nuts. 
Linn.  Polygamia-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacea>. 
P.  inacrocarpa,  the  Ivory  Plant  of  South  Amer- 
ica, is  the  representative  of  a  curious  genus 
closely  allied  to  the  Palms,  and  having  their 
habit;  but  they  differ  from  them  in  having  an 
indefinite  number  of  stamens,  and  on  that  ac- 
count are  regarded  by  some  botanists  as  the  type 
of  a  separate  natural  order,  Phytelephantece.  The 
separation,  however,  has  not  yet  been  made. 
There  are  two  species,  similar  in  all  re- 
spects, except  in  the  size  of  the  fruit,  and 
both  inhabit  the  same  locality.  P.  macrocar- 
pa, the  large-seeded  species,  is  a  native  of 
the  northern  parts  of  South  America,  and  was 
known  to  botanists  long  before  the  nuts  had  a 
commercial  value.  It  inhabits  damp  localities, 
such  as  valleys  and  banks  of  rivers,  and  is  found 
not  only  on  the  coast  region,  as  at  Darien,  but 
also  on  mountains  rising  3,000  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea.  It  is  generally  found  in  de- 
tached groves,  seldom  intermixed  with  other 
trees.  The  trunk  is  always  pulled  down,  partly 
by  its  own  weight,  and  partly  by  its  aerial  roots, 
which  it  possesses  in  common  with  the  Panda- 
nus,  to  which  it  is  allied.  It  thus  forms  a 
creeping  stem,  which  is  frequently  twenty  feet 
long,  but  is  seldom  higher  than  six  feet.  The 
top  is  crowned  with  from  twelve  to  twenty  leaves, 
from  twelve  to  eighteen  feet  long.  The  male 
and  female  flowers  are  on  separate  trees,  and 
the  trunk  of  the  male  plant  is  always  more  erect 
and  taller  than  that  of  the  female.  The  flowers 
are  produced  in  axillary  clusters,  and  emit  a 
powerful  perfume.  The  fruit,  a  collection  of  six 
or  seven  drupes,  forms  clusters,  which  are  as 
large  as  a  man's  head,  at  first  erect,  but  ulti- 
mately hanging  down  when  the  weight  increases. 
A  plant  bears  at  one  time  from  six  to  eight  of 
these  heads,  each  weighing,  when  ripe,  about 
twenty-five  pounds.  Each  drupe  contains  from 
six  to  nine  seeds  or  nuts.  The  seed  at  first  con- 
tains a  clear,  insipid  fluid,  with  which  travelers 
allay  their  thirst;  afterward  this  liquor  becomes 
milky  and  sweet.  When  matured,  it  is  almost  as 
hard  as  ivory.  These  nuts  are  gathered  in  large 
quantities  by  the  natives,  and  sold  to  traders, 
who  are  allowed  on  shore  only  sufficiently  long 
to  make  their  purchases,  an  d  are  compelled  to 
return  to  their  vessels  at  night. 

Phyteuma.  Linnaeus  adopted  this  name  from 
Dioscorides;  meaning  unknown.  Linn.  Pentan- 
dria-Mbnogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Campanulacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  the  majority  of  which  are  interesting 
aids  in  the  embellishment  of  rock-work  or  sim- 
ilar places.  They  speedily  extend  themselves. 
They  are  mostly  natives  of  the  temperate  parts 


PIL 

of  Europe  and  Asia,  and  have   long  been  under 
cultivation.     Propagated  by  division. 

Phytolacca.  Poke  Weed.  From  phyton,  a  plant, 
and  lacca,  lac;  the  crimson  color  of  the  fruit. 
Linn.  Decandria-Decagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Phytolac- 
cacecK. 

P.  decandria,  our  common  Virginia  Poke 
Weed,  is  the  type  of  the  genus.  At  home  it  is  a 
rank  weed.  In  Portugal  it  is  said  to  be  culti- 
vated for  the  berries,  the  juice  of  which  is  used 
to  color  Port  wine.  The  root  has  medicinal 
qualities.  The  young  shoots  in  spring  are  of- 
ten used  by  country  people  as  a  substitute  for 
Asparagus. 

Piassaba  or  Piacaba  Fiber.     See  Leopoldinia. 

Pickerel  Weed.     Sae  Pontederia. 

Picotee.  One  of  the  florist's  varieties  of  Dianthus 
Caryophyllus.  See  Dianthus. 

Pilea.  From  pileos,  a  cap;  alluding  to  one  divi- 
sion of  the  perianth.  Linn.  Moncetia-  Tetrandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Utricacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  annual  or  perennial 
herbaceous  plants,  most  of  which  may  be  de- 
scribed as  mere  weeds.  P.  serpyllifolia  is  known 
as  the  Artillery  Plant.  This  species  is  a  na- 
tive of  the  West  Indies,  and  is  a  useful,  low- 
growing,  mossy-looking  plant,  remarkable  for 
the  manner  in  which  it  discharges  its  pollen 
grains.  When  the  flowers  are  ready  to  expand, 
the  least  moisture  causes  the  calyx  to  expand, 
and  the  pollen  is  thrown  out  with  great  force  to 
the  distance  of  nearly  a  foot.  By  putting  a 
plant,  when  in  flower,  quickly  in  a  vessel  of 
warm  water,  these  discharges  will  be  rapidly 
kept  up  for  some  minutes,  a  perfect  representa- 
tion of  miniature  artillery,  both  in  sound  and 
smoke.  The  plants  are  well  adapted  for  bas- 
kets, stands,  or  rockeries.  P.  muscosa,  is  now 
extensively  used  for  massing  with  Echeverias 
and  other  plants  used  in  "carpet  bedding." 
Propagated  freely  by  cuttings. 

Pilocereus.  From  pi!os,  wool,  and  cereus ;  allud- 
ing to  the  long  hairs  upon  the  spine  cushions. 
Linn.  Icosandria-Mbnoqynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cactacew. 
The  well-known  Old  Man  Cactus,  and  a  few 
allied  species,  have  been  separated  under  this 
name  from  the  genus  Cereus,  but,  as  in  other 
genera  of  Cactacece,  the  distinguishing  charac- 
ters are  scarcely  of  generic  importance.  All  the 
species  are  natives  of  Mexico  and  tropical  Amer- 
ica. P.  senilis,  the  Old  Man  Cactus,  the  one  met 
in  our  green-houses,  but  by  no  means  common, 
is  usually  seen  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  and 
rarely  three,  but  in  Mexico,  its  native  country,  it 
attains  a  height  of  from  twenty  to  twenty-five 
feet,  with  a  diameter  of  nine  or  ten  inches,  and 
its  fluted  character  gives  it  somewhat  the  ap- 
pearance of  an  architectural  column.  The  stem 
is  divided  into  thirty  or  forty  narrow  furrows 
with  corresponding  ridges,  which  are  furnished 
at  very  short  distances  with  tufts  of  white  spines, 
surrounded  by  numerous  long,  flexible  white 
hairs,  resembling  the  gray  hairs  of  an  old  man's 
head;  hence  has  arisen  not  only  the  common 
name  of  the  plant,  but  also  its  scientific  appel- 
lation. When  young  the  stems  are  fleshy  and 
succulent,  but  when  they  get  old  their  tissue 
becomes  filled  with  an  extraordinary  quantity  of 
small  sand-like  grains,  composed  of  oxalate  of 
lime,  not  less  than  from  sixty  to  eighty  per  cent, 
having  been  found  in  individual  stems.  This 
genus  requires  the  same  culture  as  other  Cacti, 
and  is  increased  in  the  same  manner. 

Pilogyns  suayis.  A  very  beautiful  climbing 
plant  belonging  to  the  Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


171 


PIL 

It  is  a  rapid-growing  plant,  with  small,  glossy 
green  leaves,  rendering  it  desirable  for  covering 
verandas  or  trellises.  It  is  also  a  splendid  house 
plant.  The  flowers  are  yellowish  white,  and 
quite  fragrant.  This  plant  was  introduced  into 
the  United  States  about  1875,  from  Germany, 
but  its  nativity  is  not  known.  There  is  no  his- 
tory of  it  in  any  English  botanical  work.  It  is 
rapidly  increased  by  cuttings  or  from  seeds. 

Pilumna.  From  pilos  or  pileos,  a  cap;  shape  of 
the  flowers.  Linn.  Crynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  UrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Peruvian  epiphytal  Orchids. 
They  have  medium-sized  flowers,  of  a  white,  or 
greenish-white  color,  which  are  produced  in 
spikes  of  from  three  to  five.  They  are  remark- 
able for  their  delicious  fragrance.  They  suc- 
ceed well  in  a  cool  house,  and  should  be  grown 
in  leaf  mould  and  sphagnum  moss.  They  are 
increased  by  division.  Introduced  in  1843. 

Pimelea.  From  pimele,  fat;  referring  to  the  viscid 
matter  on  the  leaves  of  some  species.  Linn.  Di- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Thymelacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  evergreen 
shrubs,  natives  of  Australia,  Tasmania,  and  New 
Zealand.  They  make  handsome  plants  in  Eng- 
lish green-houses,  and  produce  many  terminal 
clusters  of  white,  rose,  or  yellow  flowers  of  great 
beauty,  but  our  hot,  dry  summers  are  not  con- 
genial to  them.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  In- 
troduced in  1824. 

Pimenta.  Allspice  Tree.  From  pimento,  the 
Spanish  name.  Linn.  Icosandr'ia-Monogynia. 
Nat. Ord.  MyrtacecK. 

P.  vulgaris,  the  only  species,  is  an  extremely 
handsome  tree,  a  native  of  South  America  and 
the  West  Indies,  especially  of  the  island  of  Ja- 
maica, whence  the  berries  or  Pimento  of  com- 
merce are  exported  in  large  quantities.  This 
tree  grows  to  the  height  of  about  thirty  feet, 
with  a  smooth  brown  trunk  and  shining  green 
leaves,  resembling  those  of  the  Bay ;  the  branch- 
es coming  out  on  fill  sides,  the  trees  are  clothed 
in  the  most  luxuriant  foliage.  The  great  profu- 
sion of  white  flowers  contrasts  pleasingly  with 
the  dark  green  leaves,  the  whole  forming  an  ob- 
ject of  vegetable  beauty  rarely  surpassed;  while 
the  rich  perfume  which  the  flowers  exhale  ren- 
ders an  assemblage  of  these  trees  one  of  the  most 
delicious  plantations  of  even  a  tropical  clime. 
The  Pimento  tree  grows  spontaneously  in  many 
parts  of  Jamaica,  but  abounds  more  particularly 
on  the  northern  side  of  the  island,  in  elevated 
spots  near  the  coast.  When  a  new  plantation  is 
to  be  formed,  no  regular  planting  or  sowing 
takes  place.  It  is  usual  to  appropriate  a  piece 
of  land  either  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  planta- 
tion already  formed,  or  in  a  part  of  the  wood- 
lands where  these  trees  are  scattered  in  a  native 
state.  The  land  is  then  cleared  of  all  wood  ex-  I 
cept  these  trees,  which  are  left  standing,  and 
the  felled  timber  is  allowed  to  remain,  where  it 
falls  to  decay.  In  the  course  of  a  year  young 
Pimento  plants  are  found  springing  up  in  all 
parts  of  the  land.  At  the  end  of  two  years  the 
land  is  thoroughly  cleared,  only  those  plants 
being  left  that  promise  a  vigorous  growth;  these 
arrive  at  maturity  in  from  five  to  seven  years. 
Plantations  are  thus  formed  with  apparently  lit- 
tle trouble;  this,  however,  can  only  be  done  in 
those  parts  where  the  tree  is  of  spontaneous 
growth.  This  tree  is  purely  a  child  of  Nature, 
and  seems  to  mock  all  the  labors  of  man  in  his 
endeavors  to  extend  or  improve  its  growth:  not 
one  attempt  in  fifty  to  propagate  the  young 


PIN 

plants  or  to  raise  them  from  the  seed  in  parts 
of  the  country  where  it  is  not  found  growing 
spontaneously,  having  succeeded.  The  berries 
have  to  be  gathered  very  soon  after  the  flowers 
fade;  if  left  to  ripen  on  the  tree  they  lose  their 
pungency,  and  become  valueless.  When  picked 
they  are  spread  out  thinly  on  floors,  exposed  to 
the  full  heat  of  the  sun,  for  about  a  week,  or  un- 
til fit  for  exportation. 

Pimpernel.     See  Anau^aUlt. 

Pincenectitia.  Lindiey  says  this  is  "a  name  un- 
der which  some  plants  allied  to  Cnrdi/line  and 
Dasylirion  have  been  sent  out  by  Belgian  horti- 
culturists. It  is  supposed  to  have  arisen  from 
th. :  blunders  of  ignorant  gardeners,  who  mistook 
the  plant  for  a  Freycinetln,  but  wrote  the  name 
so  badly  that  it  was  read  as  above."  The  species 
are  described  as  a  genus  of  Liliaceae,  under  the 
name  of  Beauc'irnea,  which  see. 

Pine- Apple.     See  Ananassa. 

Pine.     See  Finns. 

Pinguicula.  Butterwort.  From  pinguis,  fat;  re- 
ferring to  the  greasiness  of  the  leaves.  Linn. 
Diandria-Monngynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lentibulacece. 

Curious  and  beautiful  little  plants  very  diffi- 
cult to  keep  in  an  artificial  state,  although  some 
of  them  are  indigenous.  They  are  marsh 
plants,  and  refuse  to  exist  out  of  their  native 
position;  but  when  seen  in  health,  their  beauti- 
ful white,  yellow,  lilac,  or  violet-colored  flowers 
are  the  admiration  of  every  beholder.  The  spe- 
cies are  common  from  New  York  to  Florida. 

Pink.     See  Dianlhns.. 

Pink-root.     See  Spigelia. 

Pinus.  Pine  Tree.  From  pinos,  a  Greek  word 
used  by  Theophrastus  to  designate  a  Pine  tree; 
and  some  authors  derive  it  from  the  Celtic  piw, 
or  pyn,  a  mountain  or  rock;  alluding  to  the 
habitat  of  the  tree.  Linn.  Monwcia-Monadelphui. 
Nat.  Ord.  Pinaceas. 

This  genus  is  very  extensive,  and  contains 
some  of  our  most  useful  trees  for  economic  pur- 
poses, besides  a  number  of  species  of  an  orna- 
mental character.  The  genus  is  confined  solely 
to  the  northern  hemisphere,  and  the  more  use- 
ful and  gigantic  to  the  United  States.  Pimm 
Australia  is  the  Yellow  or  Pitch  Pino  of  the  South- 
ern States.  This  species  seems  to  be  especially 
assigned  to  dry,  sandy  soil,  and  it  is  found  with- 
out interruption  from  Virginiato  Florida,  cover- 
ing a  tract  of  more  than  six  hundred  miles  long 
from  northeast  to  southwest,  and  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  broad  from  the  sea  toward  the 
mountains  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia.  Tbe 
average  height  of  the  trees  is  from  sixty  to 
seventy  feet,  with  a  diameter  of  from  fifteen  to 
eighteen  inches.  In  Virginia,  where  this  spe- 
cies first  makes  its  appearance,  it  does  not  grow 
so  large;  but  in  Georgia  and  Florida  it  greatly 
exceeds  these  dimensions.  Besides  the  valuable 
timber  it  affords,  it  also  produces  the  pitch,  tar, 
turpentine,  and  rosin  of  commerce.  The  leaves 
are  about  a  foot  long,  of  a  beautiful  brilliant 
green,  and  produced  in  bunches  at  the  extremity 
of  the  branches.  P.  inops  is  the  Jersey  or 
Scrub  Pine,  a  species  that  grows  from  fifteen  to 
forty  feet  high,  with  a  diameter  of  from  six  to 
fifteen  inches;  its  habit  is  straggling  and  rough. 
Its  only  use  is  for  fuel.  P.  initis.  Yellow  Pine, 
is  a  fine  tree,  growing  from  fifty  to  sixty  feet 
high,  furnishing  a  fine-grained,  lasting  timber, 
which  is  especially  used  for  flooring.  Common 
from  New  Jersey  to  Wisconsin  and  southward. 
1'.  i»ingens,  Table  Mountain  Pine,  is  a  large  tree, 
with  skort,  compact,  pale  green  leaves,  and  re- 


172 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PIN 

sembles  the  European  Pines.  Its  cones  are  ; 
borne  in  large  clusters,  and  remain  upon  the  i 
trees  for  many  years.  It  is  valuable  as  a  timber 
tree.  It  is  found  upon  the  Blue  Ridge  in  Vir- 
ginia and  southward.  P.  rigida  is  commonly  I 
known  as  Pitch  Pine,  and  is  common  through- 
out the  Middle  and  Northern  States,  frequently 
growing  in  swamps  with  the  Red  Cedar.  It  is 
a  species  of  medium  growth,  and  of  but  little 
value.  P.  resinosa,  or  Red  Pine,  commonly  and 
improperly  called  Norway  Pine,  is  found  in 
most  of  the  North  ern  States.  It  is  a  tall-growing, 
erect,  symmetrical  tree,  with  light  green  leaves 
and  short  cones.  The  wood  is  dark,  compact, 
and  much  esteemed  for  its  durability.  P.  edulis, 
the  Edible  Pine,  or  "Nut  Pine  "of  California 
and  New  Mexico,  is  an  interesting  species, 
growing  from  fifty  to  sixty  feet  high,  producing 
great  quantities  of  thin-shelled  seeds,  about  the 
size  of  Pease,  very  nutritious,  and  of  a  pleasant 
flavor.  P.  monophyllus  is  another  nut-bearing 
Pine,  discovered  by  Col.  Ffemont  in  northern 
California,  where  it  is  extensively  diffused  over 
the  mountains  for  a  distance  of  about  six  hun- 
dred miles.  In  some  places  it  makes  consider- 
able growth,  but  is  usually  a  small,  slow-growing 
tree,  of  but  little  value  for  its  timber.  P.  tceda, 
the  Loblolly  Pine  of  the  Southern  States,  is  a 
tree  that  grows  from  eighty  to  a  hundred  feet  | 
high  in  the  forests ;  in  open  grounds  its  trunk  | 
is  low  and  branches  spreading.  This  species  j 
immediately  takes  possession  of  and  completely 
covers  lands  that  are  thrown  out  of  cultivation. 
P.  Sabiniana,  Sabine's  Pine,  is  one  of  the  noblest 
California  species,  with  a  trunk  a  hundred  and 
forty  feet  high,  and  is  remarkable  for  its  large, 
heavy  cones,"the  scales  of  which  are  produced 
into  long,  recurved  points.  Its  nut  is  large  and 
edible.  This  tree  occurs  on  the  western  slopes 
of  the  Sierra  Nevada,  and  is  one  of  the  California 
White  Pines.  Its  foliage  is  thin  and  of  a  very 
light  green,  which  gives  it  a  peculiar  aspect, 
different  from  all  the  other  Pines  of  that  coun- 
try. Its  timber  is  very  tough,  and  highly  es- 
teemed. P.  Lamberiiana  is  called  Sugar  Pine 
from  the  sweetness  of  its  resinous  juice,  which 
exudes  •  plentifully  from  this  tree.  This  spe- 
cies was  discovered  by  the  intrepid  Douglas, 
growing  upon  the  most  sterile,  sandy  plains,  on 
the  western  slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  in 
California.  He  describes  it  as  a  tree  of  great 
size,  attaining  a  height  of  two  hundred  feet,  j 
and  a  circumference  of  about  sixty  feet.  Its  | 
branches  are  pendulous,  and  form  an  open, 
pyramidal  head;  the  leaves  are  from  four  to  five 
inches  long ;  the  cones  pendulous  from  the  ex- 
tremities of  the  branches,  and,  when  ripe,  about 
sixteen  inches  in  length.  The  seeds  are  large, 
sweet,  and  nutritious,  and  form  an  important 
article  of  food  to  the  Indians,  who  collect  them. 
The  most  valuable  and  useful  of  the  many  spe- 
cies is  P.  strobiis,  our  common  North  American 
White  Pine.  This  is  a  handsome,  slender  tree, 
growing  from  one  to  two  hundred  feet  high,  and 
with  a  circumference  of  from  three  to  twelve 
feet.  This  treeis  diffused,  though  not  uniformly, 
over  a  vast  extent  of  country ;  from  Maine  west- 
ward to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  it  is  sectional. 
For  economical  purposes,  its  value  is  greater 
than  all  other  timbers  combined.  There  are 
many  species  cultivated  for  their  beauty  as  or- 
namental trees  for  the  lawn,  and  they  are  enti- 
tled to  more  consideration  than  they  have  thus 
far  received.  They  thrive  well  in  a  sandy  or  light 
loamy  soil,  and  may  be  transplanted  from  the 


PIS 

nursery  rows  with  perfect  safety.  Numerous 
other  species  are  given  in  nurserymen's  cata- 
logues, grown  mainly  for  lawn  decoration. 
Pinxter  Flower.  A  local  name  of  Azalea  nudi- 
flora,  common  in  the  swamps  of  the  Middle  and 
New  England  States. 

Piper.  Pepper.  From  pepto,  to  digest;  referring 
to  the  stimulating  power.  Linn.  Diandria-Tri- 
andria,  Nat.  Ord.  Piperacece. 

' '  P.  nigrum  yields  the  Pepper  of  commerce,  a 
condiment  that  has  been  held  in  high  esteem 
from  the  earliest  times.  It  is  frequently  men- 
tioned by  Roman  writers  of  the  Augustan  age, 
and  it  is  related  that  in  the  fifth  century  Attila 
demanded,  among  other  things,  three  thousand 
pounds  of  Pepper  in  ransom  for  the  City  of 
Rome.  Pepper  is  cultivated  in  the  East  and 
West  Indies,  Sumatra,  Java,  etc.,  but  that  which 
comes  from  Malabar  is  held  in  the  highest  es- 
teem. The  Pepper-vine  will,  if  left  to  itself, 
attain  a  height  of  twenty  or  more  feet ;  but  in 
cultivation  it  is  found  more  convenient  not  to 
allow  it  to  exceed  the  height  of  twelve  feet.  The 
plants  are  placed  at  the  base  of  trees  that  have 
rough  or  prickly  barks,  in  order  that  they  may 
more  readilaattach  themselves  to  the  trunk.  In 
three  years  they  produce  their  spikes  of  fruit, 
and  continue  to  do  so  for  some  seven  or  eight 
years,  after  which  time  they  become  less  pro- 
ductive. The  fruit,  when  ripe,  is  of  a  red  color. 
It  is  gathered  before  it  is  fully  ripe,  and  spread 
on  mats  in  the  sun,  when  it  loses  its  red  color 
and  becomes  black  and  shriveled,  as  when 
offered  in  the  market.  This  js  Black  Pepper. 
White  Pepper  is  the  same  fruit,  freed  from  its 
outer  skin  by  maceration  in  water  and  subse- 
quent rubbing.  There  are  several  species  un- 
der cultivation,  but  all  of  the  same  general 
character. 

Pipe  Vine.     See  Aristolochia. 
Pipsissewa.     See  Chimaphila. 
Piscidia.    Jamaica  Dogwood.    From  piscis,  a  fish, 
and  ccedo,  to  kill ;  the  leaves,  twigs,  and  bark  are 
used  to  stupefy  fish.     Linn.  Monaddphia-Decan- 
dria.     Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen,  white-flowered 
trees,  from  the  West  Indies.  All  that  is  of  in- 
terest in  this  genus  is  included  in  the  derivation 
of  the  name. 

Pistachio  Nuts.     See  Pistacia. 
Pistacia.     Altered  from  Foustaq,  its  Arabic  name. 
Linn.  JDicecia-Pentandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Anacardia- 
cece. 

A  genus  of  ornamental  deciduous  trees,  in- 
digenous to  Asia  Minor,  and  which  are  particu- 
larly abundant  in  Syria.  P.  Lonticus  yields  the 
Gum  Mastic,  and  P.  vera  yields  the  eatable  Pis- 
tachio Nuts.  The  species  are  rarely  cultivated, 
except  in  botanical  collections. 
Pistia.  Derivation  of  name  obscure.  Linn.  Dicecia- 
Monandrla.  Nat.  Ord.  Pistiaceai. 

Genus  of  tropical  aquatics.  P.  stratiotes  is  very 
common  in  the  West  Indies,  where  it  is  known 
as  Water  Lettuce.  It  propagates  itself  with  great 
rapidity,  and  frequently  completely  covers  trop- 
ical ponds  and  water  tanks  with  a  coating  of  ver- 
dure, keeping  the  water  beneath  fresh  and  cool. 
Each  plant  sends  out  several  runners,  and  tipon 
the  ends  of  these  other  similar  plants  are  formed, 
which,  again,  send  out  runners  until,  in  a  short 
time,  the  surface  of  the  water  is  covered.  Its 
flowers  are  very  small,  and  borne  in  little  spathes 
at  the  base  of  the  leaves.  The  plant  is  well 
adapted  for  the  aquarium. 
Pisum.  The  Pea.  From  pis,  the  Celtic  word  for 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


173 


TIT 

pea,  whence  the  Latin  name,  pisum.     Linn.  Dia- 
delphia-Decandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

For  a  description  of  this  genus  see  Pea,  its  best 
representative. 

Pitcairnia.  In  honor  of  William  Pitcairn,  a  phy- 
sician of  London.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Bromeliacea;. 

A.  handsome  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous 
plants,  remarkable  for  their  long  panicles  of 
bright  red  flowers,  and  for  their  long,  narrow, 
prickly,  green  leaves.  They  are  natives  of  the 
West  Indies  and  South  America.  They  will  grow 
freely  in  a  rich  sandy  loam,  but  require  partial 
rest  after  having  made  their  new  growth  previ- 
ous to  flowering.  They  are  increased  by  divi- 
sion or  from  seed.  Introduced  in  1820. 

Pitch  Pine.    See  Finns. 

Pitcher  Plant.     See  Nepenthes  and  Sarracenia. 

Pittosporum.  From  pitto,  to  tar  or  pitch,  and 
sporus,  seed;  the  seeds  are  covered  with  a  resin- 
ous pulp.  Linn.  Pentandna-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Pittosporacea;. 

An  extensive  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen 
shrubs,  natives  of  China,  Australia,  the  Canaries, 
and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Most  of  the  species 
have  terminal  tufts  of  white,  fragrant  flowers, 
and  broadish,  shining,  dark  green  leaves,  and 
they  are  all  very  ornamental.  They  require  the 
protection  of  a  cellar  or  cool  house  during  the 
winter.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced 
in  1789. 

Placea.  Derivation  of  name  unknown.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacea: . 
P.  ornata,  the  only  species,  is  a  delicate  bulb 
from  Chili,  producing  on  a  slender  scape,  about 
six  inches  high,  .six  flowers,  which  are  snow 
white  on  the  outside,  and  striped  with  brilliant 
vermilion  lines  within.  It  requires  cool  green- 
house treatment.  While  flowering,  and  until  it 
shows  symptoms  of  rest,  it  needs  a  warm  and 
humid  atmosphere,  after  which  it  can  be  put 
under  a  bench  until  January,  when  it  should  be 
re-potted  and  moderately  watered,  and  it  will 
flower  in  May.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1840. 

Plane  Tree.     See  Platanus. 

Plantago.  From  planta,  the  sole  of  the  foot;  re- 
semblance in  the  leaves.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Mon- 
ogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Plantaginacece. 

The  common  Plantain  of  the  door-yard,  a 
troublesome  weed,  naturalized  from  Europe. 

Plantain.     See  Musa. 

Plantain.     See  Plantago. 

Plantia.  Named  by  Dr.  Herbert  in  honor  of  Mr. 
Plant,  a  zealous  and  industrious  experimental 
cultivator  and  nurseryman  at  Cheadle,  England, 
who  has  raised  some  interesting  hybrids  among 
this  race  of  plants.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Iridacecv. 

P.  flam,  the  only  species,  is  a  beautiful  yellow 
flowering  bulb  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  It 
is  a  delicate  growing  plant,  bearing  numerous 
pretty  little  flowers  on  a  slender  scape  about  one 
foot  high.  It  requires  the  same  treatment  as  the 
tender  species  of  Iris.  Propagated  by  offsets. 
Introduced  in  1842. 

Platanthera.  Native  Orchids,  now  included  in 
the  genus  Ilabenaria,  which  see. 

Platanus.  Plane  Tree,  Button-wood,  or  Syca- 
more. From  platys,  broad  or  ample ;  in  allusion 
to  the  spreading  branches  and  shady  foliage. 
Linn.  MoncBcia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Platanacecc. 
P.  occidentalis  is  the  well-known  Button-wood 
tree,  and  is  common  throughout  the  United 
States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  P,  racemosa, 


PLA 

a  Californian  species,  is  remarkable  for  its  deep- 
ly five-lobed  leaves,  the  under  surface  of  which, 
even  when  they  become  old,  is  copiously  clad 
with  woolly  hairs.  This  species  furnishes  a 
hard  and  durable  timber,  and  is  much  less  liable 
to  warp  than  that  of  P.  occvlettt-jli.*.  Some  fine 
specimens  of  this  genus  ore  to  be  seen  as  street 
trees  in  Washington,  D.  C. 

Platycerium.  Stag's  Horn  Fern.  From  platys, 
broad,  and  keras,  a  horn ;  referring  to  the  form 
of  the  fronds.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat 
Ord.  Pdyvodiacea:. 

A  very  distinct  and  remarkable  genus  of 
Ferns,  formerly  grouped  with  Acrostichwn,  but 
now  placed  by  themselves  in  a  separate  genus 
under  the  name  Platycerium,  because  they  pro- 
duce their  sori  in  large  amorphous  patches,  and 
not,  as  in  the  true  Acrostickea;,  over  the  whole 
fertile  portions.  The  species  are  few  in  num- 
ber, chiefly  Eastern  or  Australian,  and  for  the 
most  part  tropical.  "They  have  heteromor- 
phous,  coriaceous,  laciniate,  or  lobate  fronds, 
clothed  with  stellate  hairs,  and  the  fertile  fronds 
are  articulate.  The  broad  fronds  ore  traversed 
by  several  furcate  ribs,  between  which  there  is 
a  close  network  of  finer  buried  veins.  The 
;e,  shapeless  masses  of  spore  cases  are  at- 
led  to  a  plexus  of  crowded  veins,  and  are 
quite  naked.  In  P.  liforrne  they  occupy  a  sepa- 
rate scutiforrn  lobe,  but  in  the  other  species 
they  arc  variously  situated  near  the  margin." 
P.  alcicorne  is  the  type  of  the  genus,  and  was  in- 
troduced in  1808.  It  is  best  known  under  its 
common  name  of  Stag's  Horn  Fern,  so  called  be- 
cause of  the  striking  resemblance  of  the  fronds 
to  the  horns  of  a  stag.  This  is  the  species  com- 
monly seen  in  our  green-houses.  It  is  a  native 
of  New  South  Wales,  and  was  introduced  in 
1808.  P.  grande,  a  native  of  Moreton  Bay,  was 
introduced  into  Europe  in  1828,  but  is  still  quite 
rare  in  the  United  States.  It  has  broader  and 
larger  fronds  than  P.  alcicorne,  and  is  a  plant  of 
altogether  grander  proportions.  To  this  species 
has  been  given  the  name  of  Elk's  Horn  t'rrn. 
Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge,  a  well-known  botanist  and 
collector,  in  his  recent  book  of  travels  in  Borneo, 
etc.,  ("The  Gardens  of  the  Sun,")  thus  speaks 
of  the  Elk's  Horn  Fern:  "I  resided  for  some 
time  in  a  house  which  had  been  occupied  by 
Mr.  Hugh  Low,  the  garden  and  fruit  orchard  of 
which  afforded  me  most  delightful  walks  morn- 
ing and  evening.  I  never  saw  the  Elk's  Horn 
Fern  (Platycerium  grande)  so  luxuriant  any- 
where as  it  was  on  the  boles  of  some  large 
Orange  trees  here.  The  barren  fronds  were 
broad,  like  the  horns  of  the  giant  Irish  elk,  and 
the  more  slender  fertile  ones  drooped  on  all 
sides  from  the  base  of  the  nest  formed  by  the 
leafy  expansions.  I 'measured  some  of  these  fer- 
tile fronds,  and  found  them  fully  seven  feet  in 
length.  These  splendid  Ferns,  and  the  choicest 
of  epiphytal  Orchids,  which  had  been  planted 
among  the  branches  of  the  trees,  made  a  walk 
among  them  most  enjoyable."  This  species  is 
still  quite  rare  in  the  United  States.  Another 
species,  P.  ^Elhwpicum,  has  been  still  more  re- 
cently introduced,  and  is  to  be  found  in  few 
collections  as  yet.  The  fronds  of  this  species  are 
of  still  grander  proportions  than  the  preceding, 
and  has  received  the  common  name  of  Moose 
Horn  Fern.  The  above,  with  P.  HfeUfeUi,  ore 
the  best  and  most  interesting  of  these  grotesque 
Ferns.  All  these  species  are  worthy  of  a  place 
in  any  collection,  however  small.  It  is  supposed 
by  many  that  they  ore  difficult  to  grow;  but  this 


174 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PLA 

is  not  BO.  There  are  very  few  plants  that  will 
accommodate  themselves  to  such  varying  con- 
ditions of  heat,  moisture,  and  exposure,  iney 
are  admirable  room  plants.  They  may  be  grown 
in  pots  in  a  porous  soil  composed  of  leaf-mould, 
sand  and  plenty  of  potsherds  or  pieces  of  char- 
coal; or,  better  still,  they  may  be  grown  on  cork 
or  a  piece  of  a  tree  log,  two  or  three  feet  long 
and  about  a  foot  in  diameter.  They  are  propa- 
gated by  division  and  by  spores,  the  latter, 
however,  being  an  uncertain  method  of  propa- 
gation except  by  an  expert. 

Platvcodon  From  plati/s,  broad,  and  kodon,  a 
3  the  flowers  are  broad  and  bell-shaped. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Campan- 
ulacece.  .  .  .,, 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  with 
large  white  flowers,  natives  of  China  and  Dahu- 
ria  They  grow  readily  in  the  garden,  and  are 
increased  from  seeds  or  by  division.  In  the 
Northern  States  they  should  have  a  slight  pro- 
tection in  winter. 

Platylobium.    Flat  Pea.  From  platys,  broad,  and 
lobos  a  pod;  in  reference  to  the  broad  legumes.    | 
Linn.  Monadelphia-Decandria.    Nat.   Ord.   Fdba- 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  evergreen  shrubs 
from  Tasmania  and  New  Holland.  Like  other 
New  Holland  plants,  these  require  alight  sandy 
soil,  well  drained.  They  should  be  carefully 
watered,  and  have  plenty  of  fresh  air  whenever 
it  can  be  admitted.  A  shelf  near  to  the  glass  in 
the  most  airy  part  of  the  green-house  in  winter, 
and  a  shaded  situation  out  of  doors  in  summer, 
will  suit  them.  The  slender  branches  of  all  the 
species  require  some  support,  though  they  do 
not  look  well  when  trained  to  a  regular  trellis. 
It  is,  therefore,  better  to  use  slight  sticks  where 
most  wanted,  allowing  the  points  of  the  shoots 
to  hang  in  a  graceful,  pendent  manner.  The 
prevailing  color  of  the  large  pea-shaped  flowers 
is  orange,  and  an  occasional  full  red.  The  spe- 
cies are  rarely  met  in  collections,  though  deserv- 
ing of  general  cultivation.  They  are  propa- 
gated by  cuttings  or  from  seed.  Introduced 
about  1800. 

Platyloma.  From  platys,  broad,  and  lorna,  a 
fringe.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord. 
Pdypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  some  of 
which  are  very  beautiful.  They  require  to  be 
grown  in  a  shaded  house,  warm  and  moist. 
Platyatemon.  From  platys,  broad,  and  stemon,  a 
stamen.  Linn.  Pdyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Papa.verac.ea;. 

Very  handsome  yellow-flowering  annuals, 
quite  hardy,  of  creeping  habit,  and  free  to 
flower.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in  March,  on 
a  warm  border,  where  the  plants  are  required  to 
bloom.  The  two  species  that  compose  this 
genus  are  natives  of  California  and  Siberia. 
Platystigma.  From  platys,  broad,  and  stigma, 
the  female  organ.  Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Papavtraeece. 

P.  lineare,  the  only  species,  is  a  hardy  annual, 
found  in  California  in  1833.  It  is  a  dwarf-grow- 
ing and  free-blooming  plant.  The  flowers  are 
yellow,  and,  from  their  profusion,  quite  showy. 
It  requires  no  more  care  than  any  other  hardy 
annual. 

Plectopomas.  A  new  group  of  hybrid  Gesneras, 
which  some  writers  have  constituted  a  distinct 
genus.  They  are  a  strong,  erect-growing  class, 
with  but  little  to  distinguish  them  from  others 
of  this  interesting  order.  See  Gesnera. 


PLU 

Plectranthus.  From  plektron,  a  cock's  spur,  and 
anthos,  a  flower;  referring  to  the  shape  of  the 
flower.  Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LamiacecK. 

Green-house  shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants, 
natives  of  Africa,  South  America,  and  Asia. 
They  all  have  purple  flowers,  produced  in  ter- 
minal and  axillary  racemes.  They  are  rarely 
cultivated. 

Pleione.  A  mythological  name.  Linn.  Gynandna- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  dwarf  epiphytal  Orchids, 
formerly  classed  with  Coelogyne.  They  are  found 
growing  in  high  altitudes  in  the  mountains  of 
Northern  and  Northeastern  India.  They  are 
remarkable  for  their  dwarf  habit  and  richly-col- 
ored flowers.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  au- 
tumn or  early  winter,  after  a  period  of  rest,  and 
immediately  precede  the  new  growth.  They  are 
of  easy  culture,  requiring  a  house  of  moderate 
temperature,  and  alternate  seasons  of  growth 
and  rest.  Propagated  by  division.  Introduced 
in  1864. 

Pleroma.  From  pleroma,  fullness;  referring  to  the 
cells  of  the  seed-vessel.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Melastomacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  green-house  ever- 
green shrubs  from  Brazil.  They  are  free  flower- 
ing, and  of  easy  culture.  A  rich  soil  and  liberal 
watering  during  summer  are  essential  that  the 
new  growth  may  be  strong ;  they  will  then  pro  duce 
their  clusters  of  purple  flowers  freely  in  autumn 
and  winter.  P.  elegans  is  one  of  the  best  known 
species,  and  bears  beautiful  flowers  of  a  rich 

Eurple  color.     They  are  increased  by  cuttings, 
atroduced  in  1821. 

Pleurisy  Boot.  A  popular  name  of  Asdepias 
luberosa,  from  its  supposed  medicinal  qualities. 

Pleurogyne.  From  pleuron,  a  side,  and  gyne,  the 
female  organ;  this  issuing  from  the  side  of  the 
seed-vessel.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Gentianacece. 

P.  rotata,  the  only  species,  is  a  low-growing, 
hardy  annual  from  Siberia. 

Pleurothallis.  From  pleuron,  a  side,  and  thdtto,  to 
flower;  in  allusion  to  the  one-sided  disposition 
of  the  flowers  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  genus  of 
Orchids,  comprising  nearly  three  hundred  spe- 
cies, all  epiphytes,  and  natives  of  the  West  In- 
dies and  South  America.  Though  interesting 
botanically,  the  flowers  have  not  sufficient  merit 
to  warrant  their  introduction  into  the  Orchid 


Plocostemma.  Fromptofcos,  curled,  andsfemma, 
a  crown;  referring  to  the  crown  of  the  stamens. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asdepiada- 
cece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  twin- 
ers, allied  to  Hoya,  and  requiring  the  same  gen- 
eral treatment.  They  inhabit  the  forests  of  Bor- 
neo and  Java.  Introduced  in  1858. 

Plum.  The  well-known  Prunus  domestica  and  its 
varieties.  The  species  from  which  have  origi- 
nated the  Plums  of  our  gardens  are  found 
throughout  Asia  and  Southern  Europe.  The 
early  history  of  the  cultivated  varieties  is  quite 
obscure.  They  were  introduced  into  England 
from  France  early  in  the  fifteenth  century.  Both 
the  French  and  English  horticulturists  have 

f'tven  this  fruit  considerable   attention.      New 
ork  has  the  credit,  however,   of  having  pro- 
duced the  greatest  number  of  excellent  varieties. 
Dowing  says:   "That  the  soil  and  climate  of  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


175 


PLU 

Middle  States  are  admirably  suited  to  this  fruit 
is  sufficiently  proved  by  the  almost  spontaneous 
production  of  such  varieties  as  the  Washington, 
Jefferson,  Lawrence's  Favorite,  etc. ;  sorts  which 
equal  or  surpass  in  beauty  or  flavor  the  most 
celebrated  Plums  of  France  or  England."  There 
are  several  species  indigenous  to  this  country, 
some  of  which  are  of  fair  flavor,  and  are  now  be- 
ing cultivated  by  some  of  our  nurserymen. 
Chickasaw  Plum,  Pnmus  Chicasa,  is  a  native  of 
Maryland  and  south-westward  to  Texas,  where  it 
is  known  as  the  Dwarf  Texas  Plum.  Beach 
Plum,  P.  maritima.  This  species  is  a  low,  strag- 
gling tree  or  shrub,  from  two  to  five  feet  high. 
The  fruit  is  nearly  round,  red  or  purple,  and 
covered  with  bloom.  It  is  common  in  sandy 
places  on  the  sea-coast  from  Maine  to  Virginia, 
and  seldom  ripens  well  elsewhere.  The  Wild 
Ked  or  Yellow  Phim  is  P.  Americana.  This  spe- 
cies grows  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  high,  and  is 
common  in  hedge-rows  from  Canada  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico.  The  fruit  is  pleasant-tasted,  but  has 
a  tough  skin.  It  ripens  in  July  and  August. 
The  great  difficulty  in  the  cultivation  of  the  finer 
varieties  of  Plums  is  the  Curculio,  which  punc- 
tures the  fruit  in  the  green  state,  and  lays  its 
eggs,  which,  by  the  time  the  fruit  is  ripe,  de- 
velops to  the  larvae  state,  completely  destroy- 
ing the  fruit.  The  only  effectual  remedy  thus 
far  is  that  so  strongly  recommended  and  prac- 
ticed years  ago  by  Mr.  John  J.  Thomas  and  Dr. 
Trimble,  and  so  successfully  practiced  by  Ell- 
wanger  and  Barry,  in  their  extensive  Plum  Or- 
chard, to  spread  sheets  under  the  trees  and  jar 
the  branches  so  as  to  shake  off  the  insect.  This, 
to  be  effective,  must  be  begun  just  after  the  fruit 
has  formed ,  and  continued  at  least  once  a  week 
for  thirty  or  forty  days. 

Plumbago.  Leadwort.  From  plumbum,  a  dis- 
order in  the  eyes,  which  some  species  were  for- 
merly said  to  cure.  Linn.  Perdandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Plumbaifmacece. 

A  genus  consisting  of  green-house  evergreens 
and  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  natives  of  Europe, 
Asia,  and  Africa.  Three  of  the  species  are  well 
worth  growing  in  the  green-house.  P.  C'apensis, 
with  lavender-blue  flowers.P.  rosea,  with  rose-col- 
ored flowers,  and  P.  alba,  with  white  flowers. 
Each  will  grow  well  with  ordinary  treatment. 
The  former  is  a  valuable  plant,  as  it  produces  its 
large  panicles  of  lavender  flowers  nearly  the 
whole  winter.  P.  Larpentoe  has  deep  azure  blue 
flowers,  flowering  from  September  to  November, 
and  is  perfectly  hardy.  They  are  easily  propa- 
gated by  cuttings  of  the  roots  or  shoots  and 
division.  Introduced  in  1818. 

Poa.  Meadow  Grass.  From  port,  signifying  grass 
or  herbage.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Graminftcece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  grasses,  containing 
some  that  are  valuable  for  hay  and  pasture.  P. 
pratensis  is  the  well-known  Kentucky  Blue  Grass, 
introduced  from  Europe,  and  now  thoroughly 
naturalized.  P.  annua  is  one  of  the  worst  weeds 
of  English  gardens. 

Pod  Fern.     See  Ellobocarpus. 

Podolepis.  From  pous,  a  foot,  and  lepis,  a  scale; 
flower-stalk  covered  with  scales.  Linn.  Synge- 
nesia-Superflun.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

Very  pretty  Australian  plants.  They  are  all 
nearly  hardy.  The  perennials  are  increased  by 
dividing  the  root,  and  the  annuals  (P.  gracilix, 
etc.)  by  sowing  in  the  green-house  or  on  a  hot- 
bed in  February  or  March,  and  transplanting  in- 
to the  open  border  in  May. 


POI 

Podolobium.  From  pous,  a  foot,  and  lobos,  a  pod; 
the  seed-pod  stands  on  a  foot-stalk  within  the 
calyx.  Linn.  Decandria  -  Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  New  Holland  evergreen 
shrubs,  with  handsome  red  and  yellow  flowers. 
Ordinary  green-house  treatment  will  grow  them 
successfully.  They  are  best  grown  from  seed. 
Introduced  in  1822. 

Podophyllum.  Duck's  Foot.  Abridged  from 
Anapodophyllum,  a  word  signifying  a  duck's  foot; 
the  leaves  bear  some  resemblance  to  that;  whence 
the  English  name,  Duck's  Foot.  Linn.  Polyan- 
dria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculacece. 

This  is  a  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  with  thick  creeping  root-stocks,  which 
send  up  in  spring  a  stem  bearing  two  leaves, 
with  a  solitary  flower  between  them.  P.  peila- 
tum,  a  native  species,  is  common  in  moist,  shady 
woods,  and  is  distinguished  by  the  stamens  be- 
ing double  the  number  of  the  petals.  Its  leaves 
are  from  five  to  nine  lobed;  its  flowers  large, 
white,  and  nodding;  and  its  fruit  egg-shaped  and 
yellowish,  somewhat  resembling  a  small  lemon, 
and  hence  sometimes  called  Wild  Lemon,  but 
more  generally  May  Apple,  or  Mandrake.  Its 
foliage  is  narcotic  and  poisonous,  but  the  acid 
pulp  of  the  fruit  is  eatable,  though  of  a  mawkish 
flavor.  The  roots  possess  active  medical  proper- 
ties, highly  esteemed  by  the  Eclectic  practition- 
ers. 

Pogogyne.  From  pogon,  a  board,  and  gym,  the 
female  organ;  the  style  is  bearded.  Linn.  Didy- 
namia-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacea;. 

P.  multiflora,  the  only  known  species,  is  a 
hardy  annual.  It  is  a  native  of  California,  and 
was  introduced  in  1836.  The  flowers  are  lilac, 
and  produced  in  great  numbers.  It  thrives 
with  the  simplest  garden  culture. 

Pogonia.  From  pogon,  a  beard ;  alluding  to  the 
fringed  lip  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Gynandria- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  OrchidacerK. 

A  small  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,  common 
both  in  temperate  and  tropical  regions.  They 
are  small  plants,  with  drooping  flowers,  on 
slender  pedicels,  of  a  purple  or  greenish-yellow 
color.  Several  of  the  species  are  found  from 
New  York  southward. 

Poinciana.  Flower  Fence.  Named  after  M.  de 
Poinci,  once  Governor  of  the  Antilles.  Linn. 
Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  f'abacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  South  America  arid 
the  East  Indies.  P.  ptdcherrima,  the  Barbadoes 
Flower  Fence,  is  a  really  beautiful  object  when 
well  grown,  as  is  also  P.  regia,  the  former  hav- 
ing large  red  and  yellow  flowers,  and  the  latter 
rich  crimson.  They  require  a  strong  heat 
through  the  growing  season  to  cause  them  to 
flower  freely.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  from  cut- 
tings of  half-ripened  wood.  Introduced  in  1778. 
Poinsettia.  Named  in  honor  of  Joel  R.  Poinsette, 
American  minister  to  Mexico,  who  discovered 
the  plant  in  Mexico  in  1828.  Linn.  Monoecia- 
Afonandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Eupfu>rbiacere. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs  from  Mex- 
ico, producing  large  terminal  bracts  of  fiery 
scarlet  leaves  from  December  until  February; 
they  give  the  plant  a  most  splendid  appearance. 
There  is  a  variety  with  white  bracts,  but  it  is 
inferior  to  the  species.  Poinsettia  pnlcherrima 
plenissima,  a  new  and  double  variety  of  recent 
introduction,  is  a  magnificent  plant,  remark- 
able for  the  distinct  character  of  its  floral 
bracts,  the  size  of  the  heads  in  which  they  are 


176 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


POI 

produced,  and  their  marvelous  brilliancy  of 
color.  Instead  of  the  bracts  being  borne  in  a 
single  head  and  spreading  out  as  in  the  old 
form,  in  the  new  double  kind  they  are  gath- 
ered into  clusters,  which  fill  up  the  center,  so 
that  the  whole  inflorescence  is  full  and  rosette- 
like  in  form.  The  double  variety  was  discov- 
ered by  Mr.  Boezl  in  Mexico,  and  was  bought 
by  Mr.  Isaac  Buchanan,  of  New  York,  who  sold 
it  to  an  English  florist,  by  whom  it  was  distrib- 
uted. This  plant  is  of  the  easiest  culture. 
After  flowering  cut  back  to  within  two  buds  of 
the  old  wood,  take  up  the  plants,  and  put  them 
in  a  convenient  place  under  a  bench,  and  cover 
the  roots  with  sand  or  earth,  and  keep  dry.  Let 
them  remain  until  it  is  time  to  plant  out  ordi- 
nary bedding  plants,  when  they  should  be  put 
out  in  the  open  air,  and  planted  in  boxes  six 
inches  deep,  (say  six  plants  in  each  box, )  a  foot 
or  so  apart,  giving  them  good  rich  soil.  They 
should  be  taken  into  the  house  before  the  nights 
begin  to  get  cool.  In  the  latitude  of  New  York 
they  should  be  housed  by  the  middle  of  Septem- 
ber. They  may  be  grown  to  flower  in  these 
boxes  by  giving  them  plenty  of  manure  water; 
although,  if  wanted  in  large  quantity,  it  is  best 
to  place  the  boxes  on  a  green-house  bench, 
knock  off  the  sides  and  ends  of  the  boxes,  and 
fill  up  to  the  level  between  with  soil.  After  the 
plants  have  become  thus  established,  an  occa- 
sional- watering  with  liquid  manure  will  add 
greatly  to  their  growth.  At  no  time  should  the 
temperature  in  the  house  fall  below  50°  at  night 
or  70°  during  the  day.  To  propagate,  allow  the 
cuttings  to  dry  a  day  or  two  after  they  are  taken 
from  the  plants;  then  cut  them  into  pieces  of 
two  or  three  buds  each,  and  insert  them  in  an 
ordinary  propagating  bench.  Pot  off  as  soon  as 
they  are  rooted,  and  grow  on  until  the  weather 
will  permit  of  their  being  put  out  of  doors, 
when  they  may  be  given  the  same  care  as  the 
older  plants.  With  this  treatment  the  plants 
will  usually  be  done  flowering  by  New  Year's, 
and  may  be  taken  up  to  make  room  for  other 
plants. 

Poison  Bay.     See  Itticium. 

Poison  Dogwood  or  Poison  Sumach.  See  Rhus 
venenata. 

Poison  Hemlock.    See  Conium. 

Poison  Ivy.     See  Rhus  toxicodendron. 

Poison  Oak.     See  Rhus  toxicodendron. 

Poivrea.  Named  after  M.  Poivre,  a  French  bot- 
anist. Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
(JombretacecB. 

A  small  genus  of  green -house  evergreen 
climbers  of  great  beauty.  The  flowers  are  white 
or  scarlet,  produced  in  terminal  or  axillary  pan- 
icles. They  are  natives  of  Africa  and  the  East 
Indies.  They  require  the  warmer  part  of  the 
green-house  and  a  humid  atmosphere.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1820. 

Poke,  Indian.     See  Veratrum  viride. 

Poke  Weed,  Virginian.  See  Phytolacca  decan- 
dria. 

Polanisia.  From  polys,  many,  and  anisos,  un- 
equal; many  stamens  of  unequal  lengths.  Linn. 
Dodecandria  -  Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cappari- 


A  genus  of  hardy,  free-flowering  annuals,  al- 
lied to  Cleome,  natives  of  the  East  Indies  chiefly. 
P.  graveohns  is  common  in  the  New  England 
States.  None  of  the  species  has  sufficient 
beauty  to  warrant  its  introduction  into  the 
flower  border. 
Polemonium.  Greek  Valerian.  From  polemos, 


POL 

war;  Pliny  says  this  plant  gained  its  name  from 
having  caused  a  war  between  two  kings,  each  of 
whom  claimed  the  honor  of  having  first  discov- 
ered its  virtues.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polemoniacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials. They  are  well-known  border  plants, 
that  have  long  been  under  cultivation.  Flowers 
are  mostly  blue  and  white,  produced  in  large 
terminal  heads.  The  species  are  common 
throughout  the  Northern  States  and  Northern 
Europe.  P.  ccerulium  derives  its  common  name 
of  Jacob's  Ladder  from  its  beautiful  pinnately- 
cleft  leaves.  It  is  common  in  moist  places 
throughout  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and  is  a 
favorite  border  plant.  All  the  species  are  prop- 
agated readily  by  division,  or  from  seed,  which 
should  be  sown  in  June  to  flower  the  coming 


Polianthes.  The  Tuberose.  From  poly,  many, 
and  anihoft,  a  flower;  an  abundance  of  flowers. 
Linn.  Hexandria- Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacea;. 
This  interesting  genus  is  composed  of  two 
species,  both  properly  green-house  evergreen 
perennials.  One  of  the  species,  P.  gracilis,  a 
native  of  Brazil,  with  pale  yellow  flowers,  is  but 
little  known,  and  has  but  little  merit.  The  well- 
known  species,  P.  tuberosa,  is  a  native  of  the  East 
Indies,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  early  in 
the  sixteenth  century.  The  first  account  given 
of  the  Tuberose  is  in  L'Ecluse's  "History  of 
Plants,"  where  it  appears  that  it  was  brought 
from  the  East  Indies  by  Father  Theophilus  Mi- 
nuti,  a  Catholic  Missionary,  about  the  year  1530, 
who  grew  it  at  Boisgencier,  near  Toulon.  Bern- 
ard Paludanus,  a  distinguished  physician  at 
Home,  grew  it  in  1594,  having  obtained  the 
roots  from  the  priests,  who  had,  previous  to 
that  date,  refused  all  applications  for  it.  This 
was  the  single  kind.  The  same,  with  variegated 
foliage,  is  mentioned  at  nearly  as  'early  a  date. 
Parkinson,  in  that  rare  old  book,  his  "Garden  of 
Pleasant  Flowers,"  published  in  1629,  gives  a  de- 
scription of  it  by  its  then  known  name,  which 
should  not  be  lost.  We  quote  in  full,  as  it  is  quite 
as  amusing  as  instructive:  "Hyacinthus  Indicus 
major  tuberosa  radice,  'the  Greater  Indian  knob- 
bed Jacinth.'  I  have  thought  fittest  to  begin  with 
this  Jacinth,  [Hyacinth,]  both  because  it  is  the 
greatest  and  highest,  and  also  because  the  flow- 
ers herof  are  in  some  likenesse  neare  unto  a  Daf- 
fodille,  although  his  roote  be  tuberous,  and  not 
bulbous,  as  the  rest  are.  This  Indian  Jacinth 
hath  a  thicke  knobbed  roote,  (yet  formed  into 
several  heads,  somewhat  like  unto  bulbous 
roots,)  with  many  thick  fibers  at  the  bottom  of 
them;  from  the  divers  heads  of  this  roote  arise 
divers  strong  and  very  tall  stalkes,  beset  with 
divers  faire,  long,  and  broad  leaves  joyned  at 
the  bottome  close  unto  the  stalk,  where  they 
are  greatest,  and  smaller  to  the  very  end,  and 
those  that  grow  higher  to  the  toppe,  being 
smaller  and  smaller.  The  toppes  of  the  stalkes 
are  garnished  with  many  faire,  large,  white 
flowers,  each  wherof  is  composed  of  six  leaves, 
lying  spread  open  as  the  flowers  of  the  white 
Daffodille,  with  some  short  threads  in  tho  mid- 
dle, and  of  a  very  sweet  scent,  or  rather  strong 
and  headee."  The  double-flowering  Tuberose 
was  obtained  from  seed  by  Mons.  Le  Cour,  of 
Ley  den,  in  Holland,  (date  unknown,)  who  for 
many  years  would  not,  under  any  circumstances, 
part  with  a  root,  even  after  propagating  in  such 
quantities  as  to  give  him  a  surplus.  He  would 
cause  every  tutor  to  be  cut  in  pieces  and  de- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


177 


POL 

stroyed,  in  order  to  have  the  monopoly,  and  to 
be  the  only  possessor  of  the  flower  in  the  world. 
The  recently  introduced  variety,  known  as  the   j 
Pearl,    is    a    sport,   having  originated  on   the 
grounds  of  Mr.  John  Henderson,  of  Flushing, 
L.  I.   Its  strong  habit  of  growth,  and  dark,  heavy 
foliage    attracted    Mr.   Henderson's  attention, 
causing  him  to  give  it  every  chance  for  perfect 
development.     The  result  was  a  variety  far  su- 
perior to  the*  parent,  both  in  size  arid  number  of 
flowers,  with  a  marked  superiority  in  habit  of 
growth,  the  flower-stalks  not  being  so  tall  by 
nearly  a  foot  as  the  original,  a  feature  making  it 
invaluable  for  green-house  culture.     The  Tube- 
rose delights  in  a  strong,  rich  soil,  deep  and 
moist.     Manure,  heat,  and  water  are  essential 
to  its  perfect  development.     For  cultivation  in 
the  open  border,  the  bulbs  should  be  planted 
about  the  first  of  June,  covering  the  tuber  about 
one  inch  with  light,  fine  soil.     No  other  care  is 
needed  than  that  usually  given  garden  plants.    ; 
The  only  care  required  is  in  the  selection  of  the   j 
"bulbs,  which,  if  kept  moist  and  cool  during   | 
winter,  are  liable  to  rot  away  in  the  center,  ren-  j 
dering  them  -worthless  for  flowering.     Perfect 
tubers  will   always  be  green  at  the  top,  or  at 
least  sufficiently  so  to  show  signs  of  life;  and 
in  choosing,  all  others  should  be  rejected.  Fore-  | 
ing  the  Tuberose,  so  as  to  have  the  flowers  from    j 
January  to  March,  is  an  exceedingly  difficult 
operation,  and  is  now  but  little  attempted  here.    | 
The  plant  being  of  tropical  origin,  to  have  it  at   j 
all  times  in  a  growing  state  requires  a  high  tem-   | 
perature— not  less  than  an  average  of  80C ;  con- 
sequently, few  ordinarily-heated  green-houses   ' 
or  private  sitting-rooms  are  at  a  temperature 
high  enough  to  insure  the  continued  and  unin- 
terrupted growth  necessary  to  the  production  of 
flowers  in  the  dark  winter  months.     It  is,  how-    | 
ever,  comparatively  easily  forced,  so  as  to  pro- 
duce flowers  during  April,  May,  and  June,  and 
again,  by  retarding  the  bulbs,   during  Novem- 
"ber  and  December.     By  the  first  method,  the   ! 
hulbs  are,  about  the  first  of  January,  placed 
closely  together  in  boxes  three  inches   deep, 
having  two  inches  or  so  of  damp  moss  in  the 
"bottom.     These  boxes  are  placed  in  some  warm 
spot,  where  the  temperature  will  average  75°. 
If  for  green-house  culture,  the  best  place  is  on 
the  hot-water  pipes.   In  about  four  or  five  weeks 
the  Tuberoses  will  have  rooted  all  through  the 
moss,  and  they  should  then  be  potted  in  four-or 
five  inch  pots,  or  planted  in  a  bench  of  soil  four 
or  five  inches  deep,  and  kept  in  a  temperature 
at  no  time  less  than  75°,  and  flowers  will  be  had 
in  abundance  in  April.     For  succession  crops, 
place  the  dry  bulbs  in  moss,   at  intervals  of 
three  or  four  weeks.    The  last  crops  will  usually 
be  the  best,  as  by  May  and  June  the  tempera- 
ture will  have  increased,  and  less  artificial  heat 
will  be  required.     If  flowers  are  wanted  during 
November  and  December,  the  retarding  process 
alluded  to  is  resorted  to.  This  is  done  by  select- 
ing such  bulbs  as  ire  wanted,  (care  being  taken 
to  use  only  such  as  are  sound  and  firm. )  and  plac- 
ing them  in  some  cool,  dry  place  until  the  middle 
of  August,  when  the  first  crop  may  be  planted, 
either  in  pots  or  in  a  bench  of  the  green-house,    i 
as  described  above  for  the  spring  crop.     This   ; 
planting  will  produce  a  crop  by  November.   For 
the  succession  crop  for  December,  planting  must 
be  delayed  until  the  middle  of  September.    The 
same  high  temperature  is  indispensable  as  in 
the  spring  crop,  namely,   an  average   of   75°. 
The  variety  best   for  forcing  is  the  "  Pearl,  '   , 


POL 

which  grows  only  about  half  the  height,  and  has 
flowers  nearly  twice  the  diameter  of  the  old 
sort;  but  for  planting  in  the  open  ground  in 
the  ordinary  way,  when  the  flowers  are  only 
wanted  for  fall,  the  common  double  variety  is 
the  best;  as,  being  less  full,  the  flowers  open 
better  under  the  often  unfavorably  dry  atmos- 
phere that  we  have  in  October.  Tuberoses  are 
often  forwarded,  so  as  to  be  got  in  flower  in 
the  earlier  fall  months,  in  sections  of  the  coun- 
try where -the  season  is  too  short.  This  is  done 
exactly  in  the  way  recommended  for  the  spring 
forcing,  by  starting  the  bulbs  in  damp  moss ; 
but  for  this  purpose  the  dry  bulbs  should  not 
be  placed  in  the  moss  until  the  middle  of  May. 
By  the  middle  of  June,  when  the  weather  has 
become  warm,  and  they  are  set  out,  they  will 
start  to  grow  at  once,  and  will  in  this  way  flower 
from  three  to  four  weeks  earlier  than  if  the  dry 
bulb  had  been  put  in  the  open  ground,  cold  as 
it  is  in  most  of  the  Northern  States  in  May.  Of 
course,  it  will  be  understood,  that  when  the  dry 
bwlbs  are  placed  in  the  moss  to  start,  it  must  be 
in  a  green-house,  or  in  some  place  where  the 
thermometer  will  average  75°  or  80°,  or  they 
will  not  start  at  all,  or,  at  least,  very  feebly.  It 
will  thus  be  seen,  from  the  foregoing  remarks, 
that  it  will  be  utterly  useless  to  attempt  to 
grow  Tuberoses  at  any  season  unless  in  a  tropi- 
cal temperature,  which  at  no  time  should  be  less 
than  75°.  Many  growers  of  this  flower  have 
been  sadly  disappointed  in  the  results,  their 
flowers  coming  single  instead  of  double,  and 
they  naturally  ask  the  cause.  We  can  only  say, 
there  is  a  tendency  in  all  sports  and  hybrids  to 
return  to  the  original  or  type,  and  this  plant  is 
no  exception  to  the  rule.  The  conditions  of 
growth  may  have  much  to  do  with  it.  We  have 
known  large  stocks  that  were  wholly  double  one 
year,  to  come  nearly  all  single  the  next.  We 
cannot  satisfactorily  account  for  it,  and  only 
know  that  the  annoyance  is  common  in  every 
place  where  they  are  grown.  From  a  very  close 
observation,  we  believe  much  is  due  to  poor 
cultivation,  and  the  best  remedy  is  to  be  found 
in  giving  them  a  very  rich  soil  and  good  cultiva- 
tion. Like  many  other  plants,  we  have  found 
they  do  best  when  given  a  rotation  of  soil. 

Polyanthus.     See  Primula. 

Polybotrya.  From  poly,  many,  and  botrys,  a  ra- 
ceme; the  appearance  of  the  fertile  or  seed-bear- 
ing frond.  Linn.  Ci-yptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord. 
PolypodiacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  some 
very  ornamental,  and  all  requiring  green-house 
treatment.  Propagated  by  division  or  from 
spores.  Mostly  natives  of  the  West  Indies,  and 
first  introduced  in  1823. 

Polygala.      Milkwort.      From  poly,  much,   and 
ii-t'u,  milk;  reputed  effects  of  the  plant  on  cat- 
tle that  feed  upon  it.   Linn.  Diadelphia-Octandria. ' 
Nat.  Ord.  PofepdooK*. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  herba- 
ceous perennials,  and  green-house  perennials, 
found  inhabiting  nearly  all  countries.  A  few 
only  are  considered  valuable  as  flowering  plants, 
and  these  few  of  little  interest,  except  to  botanical 
collections.  P.  Senega,  Seneca  Snake  Root,  is 
a  species  common  in  the  Middle  and  Western 
States,  and  has  considerable  reputation  for  its 
medicinal  properties. 

Polygonatum.  Solomon's  Seal.  From  poly, 
many,  and  gonu,  a  joint  or  knee;  referring  to 
the  numerous  joints  of  the  stem.  Linn.  Hexan- 
(iri<i-Jlvno</ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 


178 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


POL 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  hardy  her- 
baceous plants,  of  easy  culture  and  graceful 
habit,  not  often  seen  in  the  borders,  but  deserv- 
ing a  place  in  every  collection  of  hardy  plants. 
P.  mufti/forum,  a  native  of  Great  Britain,  grows 
from  two  to  three  feet  high,  and  has  a  stout  stem, 
the  lower  part  bare  of  leaves;  the  upper  grace- 
fully recurves,  and  produces  from  the  axils  of 
its  broad  leaves  numerous  green  and  white 
flowers,  in  clusters  of  two  to  four.  P.  gigan- 
tenm,  a  native  of  the  Western  States,  is  a  species 
of  similar  habit,  but  with  smaller  flowers.  They 
thrive  well  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation,  but 
prefer  one  that  is  shady  and  moist.  They  are 
readily  increased  by  root  division  or  from  seeds. 
Polygonum.  From  poly,  many,  nnd  gonu,  a  knee ; 
referring  to  the  numerous  joints  of  the  stem. 
Linn.  Oclandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polygona- 

A  very  extensive  and  widely-distributed  genus 
of  hardy  plants,  nearly  all  of  which  may  be  prop- 
erly classed  as  weeds.  P.  hydropiper  is  our  well- 
known  Smart  Weed.  P.  or'ientile  is  the  Ragged 
Sailor  or  Prince's  Feather  of  the  old  gardens, 
which  has  escaped  from  the  garden  in  some 
places  and  established  itself  in  the  fields.  P.  scan- 
dens,  a  green-house  variety,  is  exceedingly  useful 
as  a  basket  plant.  Propagated  by  cuttings  and 
from  seeds. 

Polypodium.  Polypody.  From  poly,  many,  and 
)nin.f,  a  foot;  referring  to  its  numerous  root-like 
feet.  Linn.  Cryplogamia-Fdices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacece. 

An  extensive  and  very  interesting  family  of 
Ferns,  containing  hardy  and  robust-growing  spe- 
cies, natives  of  our  own  woods.  It  also  includes 
some  of  the  most  delicate  found  in  the  moist 
woods  of  the  tropics,  with  others  from  every  inter- 
mediate clime.  Among  them  are  some  very  beau- 
tiful species  for  green-house  culture,  as  well  as 
for  the  shaded  borders  of  the  garden.  They  must 
have  plenty  of  water  while  growing,  with  a  tern-  I 
perature  proportionate  to  that  of  the  country 
from  which  they  were  obtained.  Propagated  by 
division  of  root  and  by  spores. 

Polypody.     See  Polypodium. 

Polysticnum.  From  pdy,  many,  and  stichus,  a 
row;  numerous  rows  of  spore-cases.  Linn.  Oryp- 
tognmia-Filir.es.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  Ferns,  formerly  included 
in  Atpidium,  and  requiring  the  same  general 
treatment. 

Pomegranate.    See  Punica  granatum. 

Pond  Lily.     See  Nymphtxa. 

Pontederia.  Pickerel  Weed.  Named  after  J. 
Poniedera,  Professor  of  Botany  at  Padua.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Poniederiacerv. 
A  genus  of  native  aquatic  plants,  common  in 
the  borders  of  ponds  or  creeks.  P.  cordoto,  our 
common  Pickerel  Weed,  is  a  beautiful  plant, 
with  arrow-shaped  leaves,  producing  in  July 
long  spikes  of  intense  blue  flowers.  This  spe- 
cies can  be  grown  easily  in  tubs  on  the  lawn,  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  common  Water  Lily, 
Nymphcea  odorata. 

Poplar.     See  Populus. 

Poppy.     See  Papaver. 

Populus.  Poplar.  Some  derive  the  word  Popu- 
lus from  paipallo,  to  vibrate  or  shake;  others 
suppose  it  obtained  its  name  from  being  used 
in  ancient  times  to  decorate  the  public  places  in 
Rome,  where  it  was  called  Arbor  Populi,  or  the 
tree  of  the  people.  Linn.  Duncia-Octandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  SalioacecK. 
A  genus  of  deciduous  trees  that  attain  a  con- 


POS 

siderable  height,  natives  of  temperate  climates 
of  both  hemispheres.  They  are  mostly  of  rapid 
growtii,  furnishing  timber  of  a  soft,  inferior 
quality.  Among  the  best  known  and  most  com- 
monly grown  for  ornamental  and  shade  trees 
are  P.  fasligiata,  the  Lombardy  Poplar;  P.  tremu- 
loides,  American  Aspen;  and  P.  balsamimferacan- 
dicans,  Balm  of  Gilead.  Of  this  species  there  is 
a  very  old  specimen  at  Newburgh,  N.  Y.,  sup- 
posed to  be  one  of  the  largest  in  the  United 
States.  It  is  a  tree  of  magnificent  proportions. 
It  is  over  one  hundred  years  old,  and  the  trunk 
is  nearly  ten  feet  in  diameter.  It  is  one  of  the 
attractions  of  that  city.  The  Cotton- Wood  of 
the  Middle  and  Southern  States  belongs  to  this 
genus. 

Portlandia.  Named  after  the  Duchess  of  Portland, 
a  distinguished  patroness  of  botany.  Linn.  Pen- 
iandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonaceat. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
natives  of  the  West  Indies  and  Brazil.  They  are 
rarely  met  in  our  green-honses,  which  is  to  be 
regretted,  as  their  flowers  are  splendid ;  they  are 
long,  pure  white,  trumpet-shaped,  borne  in  ax- 
illary clusters  of  from  two  to  four  each.  P.  pla- 
tantha,  a  species  of  recent  introduction  from 
Brazil,  is  of  dwarf  habit,  and  is  nearly  a  constant 
bloomer.  They  all  require  a  warm  house,  and 
are  propagated  by  cuttings  of  young  wood.  In- 

Portulaca.  From  porto,  to  carry,  and  lac,  milk; 
juicy  nature  of  the  plants.  Linn.  Dodecandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Portulacacefn. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  mostly 
natives  of  South  America.  Many  of  them  are 
exceedingly  showy  and  usefiil  plants  for  the  bor- 
der. The  genus  also  contains  some  of  our  most 
troublesome  weeds,  among  which  is  P.  oleracea, 
common  Purslane.  P.  grand/flora  is  the  parent 
of  pur'many  garden  varieties.  It  is  a  native  of 
Chili,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  in  1827. 
The  double  varieties  are  of  German  origin.  We 
quote  from  "Hovey's  Magazine"  an  excellent 
article  on  this  plant:  "The  double  varieties  are, 
in  fact,  charming  objects,  and  may  well  claim  a 
prominent  place  among  the  novel  things  of  re- 
cent introduction.  The  flowers  are  perfectly 
double,  about  the  size  of  a  silver  dollar,  and  a 
bed  of  them  in  full  bloom  presents  a  gay  ap- 
pearance, not  unlike  that  of  the  beautiful  Ranun- 
culuses, or  the  little  Burgundy  Rose,  so  that  the 
Germans  call  them  '  Port ulaca  Roses.'  The  Por- 
tulacas  need  a  warm  and  rather  light  soil  and  a 
dryish  situation  to  flower  well.  They  need  not 
be  planted  early,  unless  in  a  frame  or  hot-bed, 
as  the  seed  will  not  grow  freely  till  the  ground 
is  warm.  About  the  middle  of  June  the  plants 
begin  to  appear  in  the  open  ground,  and  grow 
with  great  rapidity,  soon  covering  a  large  bed, 
and  making  a  dazzling  display  with  their  many- 
hued  flowers  from  July  to  frost.  The  seeds  saved 
from  double  varieties,  like  all  other  double 
flowers,  cannot  be  relied  upon  with  certainty 
to  produce  all  double  flowers,  but  the  largest 
part  of  them  will  be  double,  and  the  single  sorts 
may  be  pulled  up  and  thrown  away  or  trans- 
planted, unless  it  is  desired  to  retain  them  in 
the  same  bed  with  the  double  kinds." 

Posoqueria.  Aymara  posoqueri  is  the  name  of 
P.  tow?  (flora  among  the  natives  of  Guiana. 
Linn.  Pentundria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cincho- 
nacecp,. 

A  small  genus  of  shrubs  or  low-growing  trees, 
natives  of  the  West  Indies  and  Guiana.  They 
are  remarkable  for  their  very  long,  white,  hang- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


179 


POT 

ing  flowers,  the  corolla  of  which  is  funnel- 
shaped,  with  a  very  long  tube,  a  hairy  throat, 
and  a  five-parted  limb.  One  or  two  of  the  spe- 
cies are  to  be  found  in  collections  of  rare  plants. 
P.  revolida  is  one  of  the  best,  and  should  be 
grown  in  the  hot-house.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Introduced  in  1822. 

Pot  Marigold.     See  Calendula. 

Potato.  Solatium  tuberosum.  The  early  history  of 
this  important  plant,  as  well  as  the  various 
stages  of  its  development  from  a  tuber  not  much 
larger  than  a  marble,  watery  and  comparatively 
tasteless,  to  the  present  great  staple  of  food,  is 
very  obscure.  The  most  accurate  and  concise 
account  we  find  in  the  "Treasury  of  Botany," 
written  by  Mr.  W.  B.  Booth,  from  which  we 
quote  :  "  The  native  country  of  the  Potato,  and 
the  date  of  its  introduction  into  Britain,  have 
been  subjects  of  much  discussion.  There  can 
be  no  doubt  of  its  being  indigenous  in  many 
parts  of  South  America,  plants  in  a  wild  state 
having  been  found  on  the  Peruvian  coast,  as 
well  as  on  the  sterile  mountains  of  Central  Chili 
and  Buenos  Ayres.  The  Spaniards  are  believed 
to  have  first  brought  it  to  Europe  from  Quito, 
in  the  early  part  of  the  sixteenth  century.  It 
afterward  found  its  way  into  Italy,  and  from 
thence  it  was  carried  into  Mons  in  Belgium  by 
one  of  the  attendants  of  the  pope's  legate.  In 
1598  it  was  sent  from  Mons  to  the  celebrated 
botanist  Clusius  at  Vienna,  who  states  that  in 
a  short  time  it  spread  rapidly  throughout  Ger- 
many. The  first  Potatoes  that  reached  this 
country  (England)  were  brought  from  Virginia 
by  the  colonists  sent  out  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh 
in  A.  D.  1584,  and  who  returned  in  1583.  They 
were  planted  on  Sir  Walter's  estate  near  Cork, 
and  were  used  for  food  in  Ireland  long  before 
they  were  even  known  or  cultivated  in  England. 
Gerarde  had  a  plant  in  his  garden  at  Holborn, 
and  has  given  a  figure  of  it  in  his  Herbal,  pub- 
lished in  1597,  under  the  name  of  Balata  Vir- 
giniamt.  He  recommends  the  roots  to  be  eaten 
as  a  delicate  dish,  and  not  as  common  food.  In 
the  times  of  James  the  First  they  were  so  rare 
as  to  cost  two  shillings  (sterling)  a  pound,  and 
are  mentioned  in  1619  among  the  articles  pro- 
vided for  the  royal  household.  In  1633,  when 
their  valuable  properties  had  become  more 
generally  known,  they  were  deemed  worthy  of 
notice  by  the  Royal  Society,  which  took  meas- 
ures to  encourage  their  cultivation  with  a  view 
of  preventing  famine;  but  it  was  not  until 
nearly  a  century  after  the  above  date  that  they 
were  grown  to  any  extent  in  England.  In  1725 
they  were  introduced  into  Scotland,  and  cultivat- 
ed with  much  success,  first  in  gardens  and  after- 
ward, (about  1760,)  when  they  had  become  more 
plentiful,  in  the  open  fields.  Since  that  period 
the  prejudices  which  so  long  existed  against 
their  use,  both  in  England  and  Scotland,  have 
gradually  vanished,  and  for  many  years  past  the 
Potato  crop  has  been  regarded  as  a  most  valu- 
able addition  to  the  staple  commodities  of  life, 
only  second  in  importance  to  the  cereals." 
The  Sweet  Potato  is  the  root  of  Batatas  edulii*,  of 
the  Nat.  Ord.  Gmvolvulacew,  and  its  history  is 
quite  as  obscure  as  that  of  the  common  Potato. 
The  first  mention  of  it  is  said  to  be  by  an  author 
named  Pigafetta,  who  went  to  Brazil  in  1519, 
and  found  it  in  use  as  an  article  of  food  by  the 
Indians.  It  was  soon  afterward  introduced  into 
Spain,  where  it  has  been  extensively  cultivated 
ever  since.  Of  this  species  there  are  several 
varieties  indigenous  to  both  the  East  and  West 


PRI 

Indies,  and  South  America.  The  Sweet  Potato 
is  extensively  grown  in  the  United  States,  espe- 
cially in  the  Southern  States. 

Potato,  Sweet.     See  Potato. 

Potentilla.  Cinquefoil,  Five  Finger.  From 
fiotfHS,  powerful  ;  supposed  medicinal  quality 
of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Icosandria-Trigy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  fiosacece. 

This  is  a  large  genus  of  very  desirable  hardy 
herbaceous  plants,  and  it  is  somewhat  remark- 
able, when  their  number  (upward  of  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  species  and  varieties)  and  their 
ornamental  character  are  considered,  that  so  few 
of  them  are  met  with  in  gardens.  They  grow 
without  trouble  in  any  tolerably  good  soil,  and 
produce  their  scarlet,  orange,  yellow,  crimson, 
and  rose  colored  double  and  single  flowers  in 
great  abundance.  The  species  are  common  to 
both  hemispheres,  and  are  propagated  readily 
from  seeds  or  by  division.  First  introduced 
in  1680. 

Pothos.  From  Pathos,  the  name  of  a  species  in 
Ceylon.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orontacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  shrubs,  natives  of  India, 
China,  and  New  Holland.  They  are  epiphytal, 
and  have  cord-like  stems,  sending  out  false 
roots  here  and  there,  and  attaching  themselves 
to  trees.  A  few  of  the  species  have  very  hand- 
some foliage,  and  are  grown  in  the  green-house 
for  the  sake  of  their  leaves.  The  leaves  of  P. 
palmata  are  three  feet  long,  and  the  foot-stalks 
four.  They  are  increased  by  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1790. 

Pourretia.  In  honor  of  Abbe  Pourret,  a  French 
botanist  and  traveler  in  Spain.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dr'M-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bromeliacece. 

An  ornamental  genus  of  green-house  plants, 
differing  but  little  from  B'ulberyia,  and  requiring 
the  same  management.  All  the  species  are  na- 
tives of  South  America.  Propagated  by  suckers. 

Prickly  Ash.     See  Xanthoxylon  fraxinewn, 

Prickly  Comfrey.     See  Symphytum, 

Prickly  Pear.     See  Opuntla. 

Prickly  Poppy.     See  Argemone. 

Priestleya.  Named  in  honor  of  the  celebrated 
Dr.  Priestley.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  handsome  genus  of  Cape  plants,  with  bril- 
liant yellow  flowers.  They  grow  best  in  very 
sandy  loam,  which  must  be  well  drained.  The 
necessary  water  must  be  given  cautiously  at  all 
times,  especially  in  winter,  when  great  care  must 
be  taken  to  keep  the  leaves  dry,  for  if  wetted 
then  they  die  off,  and  thus  weaken  the  plant. 
The  ornamental  character  of  the  genus  is  suffi- 
ciently great,  however,  to  deserve  all  the  neces- 
sary attention.  Propagated  by  cuttings  of  well- 
ripened  wood.  Introduced  in  1800. 

Prim.    One  of  the  common  names  of  Ligustrum. 

Primrose.    See  Primula. 

Primula.  Primrose.  From  primus,  the  first;  in 
allusion  to  the  early  flowering  of  the  plants. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynki.  Nat.  Ord.  Priimir 
lacece. 

This  extensive  genus  includes  three  of  the 
most  popular  and  beautiful  of  florist's  flowers, 
viz.,  the  Auricula,  the  Polyanthus,  and  the  Prim' 
rose.  Of  each,  there  are  almost  innumerable  va- 
rieties. The  Auricula,  Primula  auricula,  is  a  na- 
tive of  the  Alps  of  Switzerland,  and  the  mount- 
ainous countries  adjoining,  whence  it  was  called, 
when  first  introduced  in  1596,  the  Mountain  or 
French  Cowslip.  It  was  also  called  Bear's  Ear 
or  Oricola,  whence  the  modern  name  of  Auric- 


180 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PRI 

ula.  Parkinson,  in  1629,  enumerates  twenty  va- 
rieties, which  he  says  were  the  best,  though 
"  many  other  varieties  were  to  be  found  with 
those  who  are  curious  conservers  of  these  de- 
lights of  nature."  The  Alpine  Auriculas,  though 
hardy  in  Britain,  will  not,  however,  endure  the 
rigor  of  our  winters  without  protection,  and  as 
much  care  is  needed  to  protect  them  against  the 
sun  as  the  cold.  For  out-of-door  culture,  they 
should  be  planted  in  a  rich,  heavy  soil  on  the 
north  side  of  a  house,  where  there  is  but  little 
or  no  sun.  On  the  approach  of  severe  weather, 
say  December  1st,  cover  the  plants  with  an  in- 
verted sod.  With  this  care  we  have  seen  a  large 
bed,  planted  for  more  than  thirty  years,  that 
has  never  failed  of  producing  enormous  crops 
of  flowers,  in  every  variety  and  shade  of  color 
known  to  the  species.  Notwithstanding  they 
may  be  grown  easily  in  this  manner,  the  florists 
•usually  grow  them  in  pots  in  cold  pits  or  in 
the  green-house  kept  cold,  in  somewhat  near 
the  same  manner  as  the  Chinese  Primrose,  in 
order  that  they  may  be  better  able  to  control 
them,  and  protect  by  frames  from  storms,  that 
destroy  the  powdery  bloom  upon  the  surface  of 
the  flower,  its  greatest  feature  of  beauty;  and  also 
to  enhance  its  commercial  value.  The  Auricula 
is  propagated  by  division  of  the  root,  or  by  cut- 
ting off  slips  with  a  portion  of  the  root  attached ; 
but  a  still  better  plan  is  to  sow  seeds  in  March, 
which  make  fine  flowering  plants  the  next  sea- 
son. We  use  this  method  exclusively.  The 
Polyanthus,  Primula  vulgaris,  is  pretty  generally 
distributed  throughout  Europe.  There  are  a 
great  number  of  varieties,  from  a  delicate  straw 
color  to  dark  maroon  and  pure  white,  with  an 
endless  variety  of  shades  and  markings.  The 
species  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  grows  freely  in  j 
garden  soil,  either  in  the  shade  or  in  exposed  | 
situations.  Propagated  by  division  or  by  seeds  ! 
sown  in  March.  P.  prcunitens  or  Sinensis,  and  i 
its  varieties,  are  extensively  grown  as  plants  for 
pot-culture  for  the  sitting-room  or  the  green-  I 
house,  as  well  as  for  use  in  winter  for  cut  flow-  i 
ers.  To  get  strong  plants  it  is  best  to  sow  the  ! 
seeds  about  March  or  April;  the  English  plan  of 
sowing  in  July  or  August  will  not  answer  well 
in  our  hot,  dry  climate.  The  seeds  should  be 
sown  in  shallow  boxes,  which  may  be  two  inches  i 
or  so  in  depth;  the  soil  used  may  be  good  fri- 
able loam,  which  should  be  sifted  fine  and  press-  | 
ed  down  nicely  with  a  smooth  board,  so  that  it 
is  perfectly  level;  on  this  smooth  level  surface 
of  soil  sow  the  seeds  thickly,  and  press  them 
down  into  the  soil,  which  will  sink  them  level 
with  the  smooth  surface.  Next  take  sphagnum  ! 
moss  (dry  refuse  hops  or  leaf  mould  will  also  i 
do,  but  moss  is  best)  and  rub  it  through  a  ! 
sieve  as  fine  as  musquito-wire,  and  sift  this  pul- 
verized moss  over  the  seed  just  thick  enough  to  , 
cover  the  seeds  up,  which  will  be  something  ' 
about  the  one-sixteenth  part  of  an  inch.  This 
covering  is  light,  and,  at  the  same  time,  its 
spongy  character  keeps  the  seeds  in  the  neces- 
sary condition  of  moisture  for  germination.  We 
have  found  that  this  methocf  for  the  sprout- 
ing of  all  seeds  that  are  difficult  of  germination 
is  excellent,  so  that  if  the  seeds  have  any  vital- 
ity whatever,  germination  is  certain.  After  the 
Primulas  have  started  to  a  full  development  of 
the  seed  leaf,  they  are  "  pricked  off"  in  the  same 
sort  of  shallow  box  that  the  seeds  were  started 
in,  at  a  distance  of  half  an  inch  or  so  apart.  If 
this  is  not  promptly  done  there  is  great  danger 
of  the  young  plants  being  attacked  by  a  species 


PRI 

of  fungus,  which  is  quickly  fatal.  In  from 
four  to  six  weeks  after  the  young  Primulas 
have  been  growing  in  these  boxes  they  will  be 
of  sufficient  size  to  be  placed  in  two  and  a  half 
inch  pots;  and  by  about  this  time  the  weather 
will  have  become  warm,  and  the  plants  should 
be  placed  in  the  coolest  place  to  be  obtained 
with  partial  shade.  If  the  plants  will  remain 
without  shifting  until  September,  do  not  shift 
them,  as  our  experience  has  shown  that  they 
keep  best  through  the  hot  summer  months  if 
rather  cramped  for  pot  room.  As  soon  as  cool 
weather  conies  in  fall  they  begin  to  grow  rapidly, 
and  if  judiciously  shifted  into  larger  pots  as  the 
balls  become  filled  with  roots,  they  will  make 
beautiful  plants,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches 
in  diameter,  which  will  flower  in  profusion  from 
November  to  May.  Although  the  double  varie- 
ties are  also  raised  from  seed,  yet,  like  nearly  all 
double  flowers,  quite  a  proportion  of  the  seed 
saved  from  double  flowers  will  come  single;  and 
though  many  fine  double  flowers  are  thus  pro- 
duced, yet  exact  types  can  never  be  depended 
on  from  seed,  so  that,  as  a  rule,  the  double 
kinds,  particularly  the  Double  White,  which  is 
the  kind  most  valued  for  winter  flowers,  are 
grown  exclusively  from  cuttings  or  by  division. 
This  variety  has  a  tendency  to  break  into  from 
six  to  twelve  crowns  or  shoots,  and  the  simplest 
way  to  divide  these  up  is  to  fill  up  to  the  lower 
leaves  with  moss,  which  quickly  induces  the 
crowns  or  shoots  to  root  into  it,  and  when  thus 
well-rooted,  the  plant  is  pulled  apart,  and  each 
shoot  or  crown  separately  potted.  This  moss- 
ing process  for  division  may  be  done  at  any  sea- 
son, but  it  is  safest  during  the  spring  or  fall 
months:  say  during  April  and  May  in  spring,  or 
September  and  October  in  the  fall.  As  the 
Primrose  is  at  all  times  impatient  of  heat  and 
disturbance  of  the  roots,  this  division  of  the 
plant  had  better  be  avoided  during  hot  weather. 
The  first  Double  White  Primrose  was  originated 
by  John  Henderson,  now  of  Flushing,  L.  I.,  but 
of  London  in  1836,  when  the  Double  White  was 
raised.  Mr.  Henderson  has  furnished  us  the 
following  brief  but  interesting  particulars  in  re- 
gard to  its  origin:  "I  raised  the  Double  White 
Chinese  Primrose  in  1836,  and  exhibited  it  at 
the  Horticultural  Society  of  London  in  Janu- 
ary, 1837,  and  was  awarded  the  Silver  Banksian 
Medal  for  it.  It  was  raised  in  this  way:  In  the 
winter  of  1835-6  we  had  a  fine  strain  of  fimbri- 
ated  Primulas  ;  and  in  order  to  preserve  the 
stock  true,  I  selected  the  finest,  and  placed  on  a 
shelf  near  the  glass,  and  during  the  flowering 
season  constantly  impregnated  the  flowers.  The 
seeds  were  sown  in  June,  and  among  the  seed- 
lings were  about  eighteen  plants  that  came  with 
double  flowers,  both  purple  and  white,  some 
plain-edged,  others  fimbriated.  The  one  select- 
ed as  the  best  is  that  still  in  cultivation,  and 
known  as  the  Double  White."  A  double  purple, 
in  the  same  style  as  the  white,  was  also  raised  by 
Mr.  Henderson,  and  is  still  grown.  The  Japan 
Primrose,  Primula  Japonica,  is  a  noble  species  of 
recent  introduction,  bearing  flowers  of  a  deep 
crimson  rose,  arranged  in  from  three  to  six 
whorls,  of  many  flowers  each,  on  a  strong, 
straight  stem  from  one  to  two  feet  high.  This 
plant  is  a  favorite  in  England,  but  is  worthless 
in  our  dry,  hot  climate.  Of  the  genus  J'rimul'i 
this  country  furnishes  but  few  species,  and  they 
are  of  little  interest  to  its  flora.  Dr.  C.  C.  Parry 
found  a  beautiful  low-growing  species  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  with  purple  and  yellow  flow- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


181 


PHI 

ers.  It  finds  its  home  in  very  high  latitudes, 
where  it  is  constantly  watered  from  the  melting 
snow.  From  this  peculiarity  it  cannot  be  suc- 
cessfully grown  in  our  houses  or  borders.  There 
are  many  other  species  included  in  this  genus, 
mostly  interesting,  but  not  of  special  import- 
ance. We  only  add  Primula  veris,  the  common 
English  Cowslit),  and  P.  elatior,  the  common 
Ox-lip. 

Prince's  Feather.     See  Polygonum. 

Prince's  Feather.     See  Amaranthus  hypochondri- 

in-ns. 

Prinos.  Winter  Berry.  The  ancient  name  of  the 
Holly,  which  some  of  the  species  resemble. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aquifdia- 
cece. 

Very  handsome  berry-bearing  hardy  decidu- 
ous shrubs,  common  from  Maine  to  Virginia  and 
southward.  P.  verticillata  is  the  Black  Alder  or 
Winter  Berry.  It  is  covered  with  glossy  red  ber- 
ries during  most  of  the  winte/.  P.  Icevigata  is 
the  Smooth  Winter  Berry.  The  fruit  is  larger 
than  in  the  preceding,  and  ripens  earlier  in  the 
fall;  but  the  berries  are  of  the  same  glossy  red. 
These  two  species  are  beautiful  plants,  especial- 
ly in  the  winter,  and  are  worthy  of  a  plaae  in  the 
shrubbery  or  on  the  lawn.  They  are  used  in 
the  winter  for  decorative  purposes,  P.  glabra  is 
the  Ink  Berry,  the  fruit  of  which  is  black.  It  is 
a  less  desirable  plant  than  the  species  named 
above.  Professor  Gray  has  placed  these  plants 
in  the  genus  Ile.t. 

Privet.     See  Ligustrum. 

Promeneea.  Derivation  of  name  unknown. 
Linn.  Gynandrla-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchida- 

CfCK.  ;: : 

A  small  genus  of  low-growing,  very  pretty  Or- 
chids from  Brazil,  formerly  classed  with  Maxil- 
laria.  They  are  usually  grown  as  curiosities 
rather  than  for  show;  their  height  rarely  ex- 
ceeds three  inches. 

Pronaya.  Named  after  M.  Pronay,  a  French  nat- 
uralist. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Pittosporacete. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  climbers 
from  Swan  River.  P.  degans,  the  best  known 
species,  is  a  showy  plant,  with  terminal  clusters 
of  pale  lilac  flowers.  It  has  the  habit  of  SoUya, 
to  which  it  is  nearly  allied,  but  is  inferior  in 
beauty.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced 
in  1837. 

Prosartes.  From  prosartao,  to  hang  from  ;  in 
allusion  to  the  pendent  ovules  or  flowers.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Monofjyma.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  native  plants,  with  yel- 
low, drooping  flowers,  common  in  moist,  rich 
woods,  from  New  York,  west  and  south. 

Prostanthera.  From  prostheke,  appendage,  and 
anlhera,  anther;  connections  of  the  anthers  are 
spurred.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospennia.  Nat. 
Ord.  L'liiiiiiciii'. 

Green-house  evergreen  shrubs  from  New  Hol- 
land, remarkable  for  the  strong  odor  they  emit. 
Their  flowers  are  produced  in  terminal  racemes, 
but  are  not  of  very  great  beauty.  One  of  the 
species  has  long  been  under  cultivation,  quite 
as  much  for  rarity  as  for  beauty.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  from  cuttings. 

Prunus.  Plum,  Cherry.  From  prune,  its  Greek 
name.  Linn.  Icosandria-Moivxjyina.  Nat.  Ord. 
Jjrupacefr. 

See  Plum  and  Cherry. 

Psidium.  Guavn.  Derived  from  psidion,  the 
Greek  name  of  Pomegranate.  Linn.  Icosandrla- 
Munorjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Jlyrtacece. 


PUN 

An  extensive  genus  of  low-growing  evergreen 
trees,  confined  chiefly  to  the  West  Indies  and 
South  America.  They  are  much  esteemed  for 
their  fruit.  P.  Guaiava  produces  the  well- 
known  Guava  fruits,  so  largely  employed  in  the 
preparation  of  jellies,  a  staple  article  of  West 
Indian  commerce.  The  fruit  is  small,  not  unlike 
an  Orleans  Plum.  It  is  juicy,  and  in  flavor  some- 
what resembles  a  Strawberry. 

Pteris.  Brake.  From  pteryx,  a  wing;  the  shape 
of  the  fronds  or  leaves.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiaceo}. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  Ferns,  widely  dis- 
tributed over  the  temperate  and  tropical  regions, 
and  differing  as  widely  in  character.  The  genus 
includes  the  common  Brake  or  Bracken,  and  the 
beautifully  variegated  P.  argurea  is  one  of  the 
most  valued  plants  for  green-house  or  conserva- 
tory decoration.  P.  tricolor  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  Ferns,  but,  from  the  difficulty  in  grow- 
ing it,  is  rarely  met.  These  two  are  natives  of  the 
East  Indies.  There  are  several  other  species  in 
common  cultivation.  They  are  all  propagated 
from  spores. 

Ptychosperma.  Derivation  of  name  not  given. 
Linn.  JJioecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacea;. 

A.  genus  of  elegant  Palms  with  pinnate  leaves, 
natives  of  the  Eastern  Archipelago.  P.  Seemani 
is  a  very  beautiful  dwarf  Palm,  well  adapted  for 
table  and  general  decorative  purposes.  The 
leaves  somewhat  resemble  those  of  the  Caryola 
in  appearance,  and  are  of  a  bright  green  color. 
This  Palm  never  attains  large  dimensions ;  the 
stem,  when  fully  developed,  is  about  an  inch  in 
diameter,  and  is  used,  on  account  of  its  strength 
and  straightness,  for  spears  by  the  natives  of 
New  Guiana,  from  whence  it  was  received. 
Propagated  by  seed. 

Pulmonaria.  Lungwort.  So  named  from  the 
supposed  medicinal  properties  in  diseases  of 
the  lungs.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mon  igynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Boraginacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, common  in  the  temperate  regions  of 
both  hemispheres.  They  are  showy  border 
plants,  with  flowers  of  various  shades  of  blue. 
They  grow  freely  in  any  good  rich  soil,  and  are 
increased  by  seeds  or  root  division.  This  is 
placed  in  Mertensia  by  Professor  Gray. 

Pulsatilla.  A  synonym  of  Anemone  patens,  var. 
Vuttotfunta. 

Pulteneea.  Named  after  W.  Putteney,  M.D.,  a 
botanical  author.  Linn.  Decandria-Jfonogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 

Green  -  house,  yellow  -  flowered,  evergreen 
shrubs  from  New  Holland.  Of  the  fifty  or  sixty 
species  that  make  up  this  genus,  but  two  or 
three  have  been  introduced  into  the  green- 
house, and  these  are  only  to  be  found  in  the 
more  extensive  collections. 

Pumpkin.  C'ucurbita  Pepo.  A  species  of  gourd; 
but  when,  where,  or  how  our  present  varieties 
originated  is  past  finding  out.  Three  hundred 
years  ago  they  were  made  into  pies  by  cutting 
a  hole  in  the  side,  extracting  the  seeds  anf.  fila- 
ments, stuffing  the  cavity  with  apples  and 
spices,  and  baking  the  whole. 

Punica.  Pomegranate.  From  punicus,  of  ' '  Car- 
thage," near  which  city  it  is  said  to  have  been 
first  found;  or  from  puniceus,  scarlet;  referring 
to  the  color  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Icosandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  J/v/^cw. 

The  Pomegranate  is  a  very  handsome  decidu- 
ous shrub  or  low-growing  tree,  a  native  of 
Northern  Africa  and  Western  Asia.  It  thrives 


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PUB 

remarkably  well  in  the  Southern  States,  where  it 
is  extensively  grown  for  ornamental  purposes. 
In  the  Middle  and  Northern  States  it  is  grown 
in  pots  or  tubs,  and  used  in  summer  for  orna- 
menting the  border  or  lawn.  There  are  few 
species,  but  several  varieties.  The  double  flow- 
ered scarlet  is  the  most  desirable.  P.  nana,  a 
dwarf  double -flowered  variety,  is  a  favorite 
green-house  plant,  suitable  for  lawn  decoration 
during  summer,  requiring  the  protection  of  a 
cool  house  or  cellar  during  the  winter.  This 
species  is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  from 
whence  it  was  introduced  into  England  in  1723. 
It  has  sinco  become  naturalized  in  the  West  In- 
dies and  Southern  States.  A  few  years  since  it 
was  sent  out  as  a  new  plant.  The  fruit  of  the 
Pomegranate  has  been  highly  esteemed  for  its 
quality  and  form  from  the  earliest  ages.  It  was 
one  of  the  most  conspicuous  ornaments  directed 
to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  Solomon's 
Temple,  and  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the 
Bible.  All  the  species  are  of  easy  culture,  and 
readily  propagated  from  cuttings  of  the  young 
wood. 

Purple  Cone  Flower.     See  Echinacea. 

Purslane.     See  Portulaca. 

Puschkinia.  Named  after  Courd  M.  Puschkin,  a 
Russian  botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  LUiacece. 

P.  scUloides  is  the  only  species  now  known. 
It  is  a  beautiful  littlo  bulbous  plant,  with  light 
purple  flowers,  like  the  small-flowered  Scilla,  as 
its  pecific  name  indicates.  The  leaves  grow 
from  the  bulb,  and  stand  erect  round  the  stem, 
as  though  protecting  the  flower.  It  is  a  native 
of  Russia,  and  perfectly  hardy.  Propagated  by 
offsets.  Introduced  in  1819. 

Putty-root.    Seo  Apleclrum, 

Puya.  Native  name.  This  genus  is  the  same  as 
Pourretia.  Puya  has  been  substituted  for  Pour- 
retia, as  being  the  older  name.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bromdiacece. 

A  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  peren- 
nials and  epiphytes,  with  spikes  of  white  and 
yellow  flowers,  like  the  Pitcarnia,  which  they 
resemble.  They  are  natives  of  Mexico  and 
South  America.  P.  Merophylla  is  a  very  pretty 
and  curious  plant,  bearing  two  distinct  kinds  of 
leaves :  one  with  tough,  broad,  horny  kinds  of 
leaves,  which  overlie  each  other,  forming  a  kind 
of  bulb,  extended  into  narrow,  serrated  pro- 
cesses about  two  inches  long;  the  others,  which 
are  last  formed,  are  thin,  bright  green,  and  lan- 
ceolate, more  than  eighteen  inches  long.  A  more 
recent  introduction,  P.  grandiflora,  is  also  a  fine 
plant,  and  all  are  interesting.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  from  suckers.  Introduced  in  1840 

Pyrethrum.  Feverfew.  From  pyr,  fire;  the  roots 
are  hot  to  the  taste.  Linn.  Sywjenesia-Superftua. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  genus  of  very  interesting  plants,  mostly 
hardy  herbaceous  perennials,  which  only  re- 
quire planting  in  the  open  border  and  the  usual 
treatment  of  perennial  plants.  P.  Parlhenmm  is 
the  well-known  Feverfew  of  our  gardens,  and 
is  hardy.  It  is  common  throughout  Europe 
and  the  Caucasus.  The  Golden  Feather,  so 
much  used  as  an  edging  plant,  is  a  sport  from 
this  species.  P.  carneum  and  its  varieties  are 
beautiful  hardy  plants.  The  flowers  are  bright 
rose  and  pink,  as  large  as  an  Aster,  and  remark- 
able for  the  length  of  time  they  remain  perfect. 
Many  of  them  are  very  double.  They  are  na- 
tives of  the  Caucasus,  perfectly  hardy,  and  easily 
propagated  by  division,  or  from  seed,  which 


PYR 

should  be  sown  in  June  to  flower  the  following 
season. 

Pyrola.  Wintergreen.  From  pyrus,  a  pear-tree; 
resemblance  in  the  leaves.  Linn.  l)ecandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pyrolacetv. 

A  small  genus  of  native  evergreen,  low-grow- 
ing shrubs  common  in  moist,  sandy  woods 
throughout  the  Northern  States.  P.  rotundifolia, 
with  its  varieties,  is  the  most  common,  and 
yields  the  Wintergreen  Berries  so  much  sought 
after. 

Pyrolirion.  Flame  Lily.  From  pyr,  fire,  and 
lirion,  a  lily;  alluding  to  the  color  and  form  of 
the.  flowers.  Linn.  Jlexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Amaryllidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  rare  and  beautiful  Peruvian 
bulbs,  allied  to  Zephyranthes.  The  flowers  are 
orange  and  yellow,  produced  in  July  and  Au- 
gust, before  the  leaves  appear.  They  can  be 
grown  in  the  open  border.  The  bulbs  require 
to  be  kept  dry  and  warm  during  the  winter.  If 
grown  in  pots  in  the  green-house,  they  must 
have  rest  from  December  until  April.  They  are 
increased  by  offsets.  Introduced  into  England 
in  1833. 

Pyrus.*  Pear.  Also  Apple,  which  see.  From 
peren,  the  Celtic  word  for  pear.  Linn.  Icosandria- 
Monogynut.  Nat.  Ord.  Pomacece. 

The  different  kinds  of  Crabs  and  Pears  are 
very  ornamental  flowering  plants,  independent- 
ly of  the  value  of  the  fruit  of  some  of  the  spe- 
cies. The  ornamental  kinds  are  all  low  trees, 
admirably  adapted  for  the  lawn  or  the  shrub- 
bery, and  are  all  of  easy  culture.  They  are  prop- 
agated by  grafting  the  finer  on  the  more  com- 
mon kinds.  To  thrive  and  look  well,  however, 
they  require  an  airy  situation,  and  not  to  be 
crowded  among  other  trees.  Among  the  kinds 
most  worthy  of  notice  are  the  following:  Pyms 
spectiibilis,  the  Chinese  Crab  or  Garland-flower- 
•ing  Wild  Apple,  producing  the  most  showy  flow- 
ers of  the  whole  genus  in  May,  and  as  hardy  as 
the  common  Crab  or  wild  Pear.  P.  coronaria, 
the  Sweet-scented  Crab,  with  large  and  beauti- 
ful pink  blossoms,  highly  fragrant,  as  is  the 
first.  P.  coronarius  angustifolia,  the  narrow- 
leaved  Sweet-scented  Crab,  with  flowers  as  beau- 
tiful as  the  former,  and  with  the  leaves  sub- 
evergreen.  This  and  the  two  preceding  kinds 
have  the  fruit  green  when  ripe,  and  fragrant, 
but  it  is  hardly  edible.  Pyrus  baccata  and  P. 
prunifoHa,  the  two  kinds  of  Siberian  Crab,  have 
very  showy  flowers,  and  small  red  or  yellow 
fruit.  These  are  the  principal  ornamental  spe- 
cies of  the  Crabor  Apple  kind,  unless  we  ex- 
cept one,  the  Moscow  or  Transparent  Crab, 
Pyrus  Astracanica,  which  has  fruit  almost  as 
large  as  a  Golden  Pippin,  wax-colored  when  ripe. 
The  Crab,  though  commonly  cultivated  for  its 
fruit,  as  useful  for  the  table,  well  deserves  a 
place  on  the  lawn  as  an  ornamental  plant,  from 
the  extraordinary  beauty  of  the  fruit,  and  is 
sometimes  used  for  that  purpose.  The  orna- 
mental Pears  are  the  following:  P.  S'llvifolln, 
which  has  woolly  leaves  like  those  of  the  Sage, 
and,  like  all  the  Pears,  white  flowers ;  this  pecu- 
liarity, independently  of  other  marks,  distin- 
guishing them  from  the  Apples,  which  have  red- 
dish flowers.  P.  amygdalwformis  is  another  or- 
namental species,  which  has  silvery-white 
leaves,  and  fruit  shaped  like  that  of  the  Al- 
mond; and  to  these  may  be  added  P.  ele>itjmf»Ua, 
which  has  long,  narrow,  white  leaves  like  those 
of  the  Eleagnus,  P.  salicifolia,  with  long,  nar- 
row, silky  leaves,  like  those  of  the  Willow;  and 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


183 


QUA 

P.  nivatis,  which  has  round  leaves  of  a  snowy 
whiteness.  All  these  species  have  small  green 
fruit  not  good  to  eat,  but  the  trees  are  very  or- 
namental from  their  shape  and  the  singular 
color  of  their  foliage.  The  following  kinds  of 
Pyrus  belong  to  the  section  Aria:  P.  Aria  and 
its  varieties,  P.  a.  anyustifolia  and  P.  a.  cretica, 
the  White  Beam  Tree,  are  valued  for  the  beauty 
of  their  leaves,  which  are  green  above  and  white 
beneath,  and  for  the  bright  scarlet  fruit  which 
they  produce  in  great  abundance.  P.  vestita, 
the  Nepal  White  Beam  Tree,  is  a  rare  and  beau- 
tiful object,  as  its  leaves,  which  are  clothed  with 
a  thick  white  wool  beneath,  are  of  a  large  size, 
and  change  in  autumn  to  a  most  beautiful  pale 
yellow.  Other  ornamental  species  of  Pyrus  are 
as  follows:  P.  mrio/o.sa,  remarkable  for  the  vary- 
ing forms  of  its  foliage,  which  is  sometimes 
pinnate,  like  that  of  the  Mountain  Ash,  and 
sometimes  deeply  lobed  and  cut,  like  that  of 
the  Hawthorn,  or  entire  and  cordate  and  point- 
ed, like  that  of  the  Pear.  It  is  somewhat  ten- 
der, and  thrives  best  in  a  sheltered  situation, 
or  against  a  wall.  P.  torminalis,  the  Griping 
Wild  Service  Tree,  is  remarkable  for  the  beauti- 
ful form  of  its  leaves,  which,  however,  are  un- 
fortunately very  apt  to  be  eaten  by  insects.  The 
buds  are  large,  of  a  beautiful  green,  and  very 
ornamental  in  the  winter  season.  Pyrus  aitcu- 
paria,  the  Mountain  Ash,  is  a  well-known  small 
tree,  beautiful  both  when  in  flower  and  in  fruit, 
and  worth  cultivating  for  its  foliage  alone.  Py- 
rus Americana,  the  American  Mountain  Ash,  re- 


QUE 

sembles  the  common  kind,  but  has  larger  leaves 
and  smaller  fruit,  though  it  is  of  a  much  deeper 
red.  1'ijrus  Sorbus,  the  common  Service  Tree, 
has  foliage  like  that  of  the  Mountain  Ash,  but 
larger;  and  the  fruit  resembles  that  of  the  com- 
mon Pear  but  much  smaller,  and  not  orna- 
mental, though  it  is  eatable.  Pyrus  spuria,  a  na- 
tive of  Kamschatka,  has  leaves  like  the  Elder, 
and  small  black  fruit;  the  leaves  of  this  species 
change  in  autumn  to  an  intensely  deep  purple, 
almost  black.  There  is  a  pendulous  variety, 
P.  s.  pendula,  which  is  one  of  the  most  orna- 
mental of  drooping-branched  small  trees;  and, 
as  neither  the  variety  nor  the  species  exceeds 
twelve  or  fifteen  feet  in  height,  they  are  admira- 
bly adapted  for  small  gardens.  The  following 
kinds  of  Pyrus  are  shrubs,  and  very  ornamental, 
both  for  their  fruit  and  flowers:  P.  arbutifolia 
has  white  flowers  and  black  fruit,  and  the  leaves 
of  this  become  of  a  beautiful  red  in  autumn; 
there  are  six  or  eight  varieties  commonly  treated 
as  species.  All  the  plants  belonging  to  the  genus 
Pyrus  are  quite  hardy,  and  may  all  be  raised 
from  seeds,  or  grafted  on  the  Wild  Crab,  or  Wild 
Pear,  or  on  the  Hawthorn,  which,  though  be- 
longing to  the  genus  Orataegus,  is  very  nearly 
allied  to  Pyrus.  The  most  beautiful  of  all  our 
scarlet-flowering  shrubs,  now  known  as  Cydonia 
Japonica,  was  formerly  classed  in  the  genus 
Pyrus.  Of  this  species  there  is  also  a  white  va- 
riety. The  scarlet  variety  of  Cydonia  Japonica 
makes  a  most  beautiful  hedge  plant,  looking  at 
a  distance  like  a  line  of  fire. 


Q. 


Quaking  Grass.    The  common  name  of  Briza 
m/ixima,  etc.,  which  see. 

Quamash.     See  Camassia  esculenta. 

Quamoclit.  Cypress  Vine.  From  kyamos,  a  Kid- 
ney Bean,  and  Iditos,  dwarf;  the  species  of  this 
genus  resemble  the  Kidney  Bean  in  their  climb- 
ing stems,  but  are  less  tall.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynin.  Nat.  Ord.  Convolvulacece. 

A  somewhat  extensive  genus  of  half-hardy 
climbing  annuals  and  green-house  perennials. 
Q.  vulfjaris,  perhaps  better  known  as  Ipomcea 
(juamddit,  is  the  beautiful  Cypress  Vine  of  our 
gardens.  Of  this  species  there  are  three  varie- 
ties, with  scarlet,  white,  and  rose  flowers,  all 
natives  of  the  East  Indies.  The  species  are 
quite  common  in  the  Southern  States,  having 
escaped  from  the  gardens  into  the  fields  and 
hedgerows.  These  beautiful  annuals  are  not  as 
much  grown  north  of  New  York  as  they  should 
be,  the  difficulty  having  been  to  get  them  started 
sufficiently  early  for  a  satisfactory  season  of 
flowering.  By  sowing  the  seeds  in  pots,  in  the 
house  or  in  a  hot-bed,  early  in  April,  they  will 
come  forward  early,  and  may  be  turned  out  into 
the  open  border,  when  all  danger  from  frost 
is  past.  The  plants  thus  started  will  grow 
twenty  feet  high  in  a  season,  and  be  completely 
covered  with  flowers  for  at  least  three  months. 
The  seed  may  be  sown  where  wanted  to  grow. 
If  the  ground  is  made  fine  and  rich,  and  the 
seeds  soaked  in  hot  water  before  being  sown, 
there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  getting  a  very  line 
display,  though  not  of  as  long  duration  as  if 


started  in  pots.  Q.  cnccinea  is  the  small-flower- 
ed, heart-shaped-leaved  Ipomcea,  or  Star  Jpomoea, 
(see  Ipomcea,)  a  very  free-flowering  species  from 
the  East  Indies.  It  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  dif- 
ficult to  exterminate  when  once  planted. 

Quassia.  Linnaeus  applied  this  name  to  a  tree  of 
Surinam  in  honor  of  a  negro  slave  Qu'issi,  who 
used  its  bark  as  a  remedy  for  fever,  and  enjoyed 
such  a  reputation  among  the  natives  as  to  be  al- 
most worshiped  by  some,  and  suspected  of 
magic  by  others.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Simarubaceai. 

Q.  amarn,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  very 
ornamental,  low-growing  tree,  native  of  Guiana. 
It  produces  long,  upright  racemes  of  bright 
scarlet  flowers,  the  petals  of  which  are  curiously 
twisted  together.  They  flower  freely  if  in  a 
green-house  with  plenty  of  heat;  their  size, 
however,  will  not  warrant  their  general  intro- 
duction. The  wood  is  intensely  bitter,  and  the 
extract  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  hops  in  mak- 
ing beer.  Drinking  cups  are  made  from  the 
wood,  for  the  tonic  quality  it  is  supp  •vsed  to  im- 
part to  the  water  if  allowed  to  stand  in  them  a 
short  time  before  drinking.  The  wood  of  this 
tree  is  the  Quassia  of  commerce. 

Queen  of  the  Meadows.  See  Spircea  lobata. 
Professor  Gray  gives  Queen  of  the  Prairies  as 
the  common  name  of  this  species;  but  we  think 
this  is  a  mistake. 

duercitron.     See  Qttercus  tindoria. 

(Juercus.  The  Oak.  From  the  Celtic  quer,  fine, 
and  cuez,  a  tree;  others  derive  it  from  the  Greek 


184 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


QUI 

word  choiros,  a  pig;  because  those  animals  feed 
on  the  acorns.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
On!  i''/i'>d'it'enr. 

An  extensive  genus  of  well-known  trees,  com- 
prisinf  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  species, 
chiefly  confined  to  the  northern  regions  of  the 
globe  being  rarely  met  in  the  Southern  Hemi- 
sphere. Ihey  are  mostly  trees  of  large  size;  a 
few  only  may  be  considered  shrubs.  A  num- 
ber of  the  species  are  evergreen,  one  of  the  most 
valuable  of  the  class  being  Q.  virens,  or  Live 
Oak,  which  grows  from  Virginia  southward,  and 
the  value  of  the  timber  increases,  because  of  its 
quality,  the  further  south  it  is  found.  Q.  alba, 
White  Oak,  Q.  castanea,  Chestnut  Oak,  and  Q. 
tinctoria,  furnish  the  most  valuable  timber  for 
the  mechanic  arts.  Q.  macrocarpa,  the  Over-cup 
White  Oak,  and  Q.  coccinea,  the  Scarlet  Oak,  are 
the  most  beautiful  for  shade  trees.  Q.  ilwfolia 
is  the  common  Scrub  Oak,  that  rarely  attains  a 
height  of  eight  feet.  Q.  wfectoria,  a  native  of 
the  Levant,  is  a  very  common  species,  the 
branches  of  which  are  liable  tobe  stung  by  insects, 
causing  the  formation  of  the  Gall  Nuts  of  com- 
merce. All  the  species  are  invaluable  for  tim- 
ber or  fuel,  excepting  the  low-growing  kinds. 
The  bark  of  the  species  contains  large  quanti- 
ties of  tannin,  which .  gives  it  a  value  exceeding 
that  of  the  timber.  Q.  suber,  Cork  Oak,  a  na- 
tive of  Southern  Europe  and  Northern  Africa, 
furnishes  the  Cork  of  commerce.  The  outer 
layers  of  bark  in  this  tree  increase  annually,  and 


RAF 

after  eight  or  nine  years  fall  off;  but  for  com- 
mercial purposes  they  are  removed  one  or  two 
years  previously.  The  bark  of  the  tree  is  re- 
moved by  incisions  round  the  top  and  bottom 
of  the  tree,  and  by  a  long  one  connecting  these 
two,  which  allows  the  bark  to  be  stripped  off. 
This  is  effected  when  the  bark  is  most  firmly  at- 
tached to  the  wood,  in  order  that  the  innermost 
layers  of  bark  may  not  be  injured,  nor  the  health 
of  the  tree  impaired,  more  than  is  necessary. 
The  trees  furnish  a  crop  of  bark  once  in  eight  or 
nine  years. 

Quince.     See  Cydonia. 

duisqualis.  From  quis,  who,  and  qualis,  what 
kind ;  referring  to  the  fact  that  when  the  genus 
was  named  it  was  uncertain  to  what  class  or  or- 
der it  belonged.  Linn.  Dectindria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  ConibretacecK. 

A  genus  of  plants  indigenous  to  tropical  and 
sub-tropical  Asia  and  Africa,  and  consisting  of 
climbing  shrubs,  with  opposite,  rarely  alternate 
leaves,  and  axillary  or  terminal  spikes  of  flow- 
ers. These  are  very  fine  plants  for  the  hot- 
house or  a  warm  green-house,  and  are  great  fa- 
vorites with  those  who  grow  them.  Q.  Indica, 
Q.  glabra,  and  Q.  Sinensis  are  among  the  best, 
bearing  brilliant  red,  orange  red,  and  rose-col- 
ored flowers.  Propagated  from  cuttings  of 
young  wood.  First  introduced  into  England  in 
1815. 

Quitch  or  Quick  Grass.  The  common  name  for 
an  intolerable  pest.  See  Triticum. 


R 


Radish.  The  well-known  esculent  root  of  Ra- 
phanus  salivas,  which  see.  The  common 
garden  Radish  is  a  hardy  annual,  entirely  un- 
known in  its  native  state.  It  is  usually  cred- 
ited to  China.  It  has  long  been  held  in  iiigh 
esteem,  and  before  the  Christie n  era,  a.  volume 
was  written  on  this  plant  alone.  The  ancient 
Greeks,  in  offering  their  oblations  to  Apollo, 
presented  Turnips  in  lead,  Beets  in  silver, 
and  Radishes  in  vessels  of  beaten  gold.  Pliny 
observes  that  Radishes  grow  best  in  saline 
soils,  or  when  they  are  watered  with  salt  water; 
and  hence,  he  says,  the  Radishes  of  Egypt  are 
better  than  any  in  the  world,  on  account  of  their 
being  supplied  with  niter;  modern  experience, 
however,  does  not  allow  us  to  endorse  this.  He 
gives  some  account  of  the  kinds  grown  at  Rome 
in  his  day,  one  of  which  he  describes  as  being 
so  clear  and  transparent  that  one  might  see 
through  the  roots.  The  Radish  was  introduced 
into  England  during  the  sixteenth  century. 
Four  kinds  were  cultivated  by  Gerarde  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth. 
Since  that  time,  many  new  varieties  have  been 
introduced  and  disseminated  by  European 
seedsmen  and  gardeners.  The  seed  is  exten- 
sively grown  in  France  and  Germany,  and  to 
those  countries  we  are  indebted  for  our  supply 
more  than  to  any  other.  For  a  seed  crop,  the 
plants  are  taken  from  a  seed  bed  and  trans- 
planted when  quite  small,  an  operation  that  can 
only  be  carried  on  profitably  where  labor  is 
very  cheap.  When  ripe,  the  plants  are  cut  to 
the  ground  and  stacked,  and  allowed  to  remain 


SOB  year  before  being  threshed.  If  this  care  is 
not  observed,  and  the  seed  threshed  out  soon 
after  ripening,  it  will  invariably  become  heated 
and  spoiled,  and  this  is  the  chief  cause  of  failure 
in  the  germination  of  the  seed.  The  seed  re- 
tains its  vitality  a  number  of  years.  The  varieties 
of  Radish  now  most  prized  are:  French  Break- 
fast, Early  Round  Dark  Red,  Early  Scarlet  Tur- 
nip, Wood's  Early  Frame,  White-tipped  Scarlet 
Turnip,  and  for  winter  the  Rose  Chinese.  Rad- 
ishes are  largely  grown  in  the  Southern  States 
to  be  shipped  north,  as  it  is  a  vegetable  probably 
more  than  any  other  grown  that  is  appreciated 
for  its  earliness.  Immense  quantities  are  raised 
under  glass  in  green-houses,  hot-beds,  and  cold 
frames  in  the  vicinity  of  all  large  cities.  It  is 
estimated  that  upward  of  twenty  acres  are  raised 
under  glass  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  A 
light,  rather  sandy  soil,  well  enriched  with  short 
stable  manure,  suits  them  best.  Under  glass  the 
temperature  should  not  exceed  60°  at  night,  with 
ten  to  fifteen  degrees  higher  during  the  day. 
The  variety  most  used  for  forcing  is  the  Dark  Red 
Round. 

Raffia.     See  Raphia. 

Rafflesia.  Patma-wort.  Named  after  Sir  Stam- 
ford Raffles,  who  discovered  the  plant  in  the  in- 
terior of  Sumatra,  where  it  is  called  ambun- 
ambun.  Nat.  Orel.  Rqfflesiacecv. 

A  wonderful  order  of  plants,  parasitical,  and 
in  general  appearance  resembling  some  species 
of  Fungi,  but,  according  to  the  authority  of  the 
celebrated  English  botanist,  Robert  Brown,  it 
is  a  true  flower,  having  stamens  in  one  plant 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


185 


KAG 

and  pistils  in  another.  R.  Arnoldi  was  found 
in  the  Island  of  Sumatra  about  sixty  years  ago, 
and  was  then,  as  it  is  now,  considered  to  be  one 
of  the  greatest  wonders  of  the  Vegetable  King- 
dom. It  consists  of  five  fleshy  lobes  or  petals, 
each  three  feet  across,  of  a  spotted  or  mottled 
red  color,  the  center  forming  a  cup-like  dish 
capable  of  holding  six  quarts  of  water.  It  has 
the  offensive  odor  of  some  species  of  Fungi,  and 
was  first  supposed  to  belong  to  that  order  from 
this  fact,  and  its  general  resemblance  to  the 
Fungus  class. 

Ragged  Robin.     Lychnis flos-cuadi. 

Ragged  Sailor.     See  Polyrjoniim. 

Kagweed.     See  Ambrosia  trijida. 

Ragwort.     See  Othonna  and  Senecio  Jacobcea. 

Ramee  or  Ramie.     See  Bohmeria. 

Ramondia.  Named  after  L.  Raymond,  a  French 
botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Gesneracece. 

R.  Pyrenaica,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  very 
pretty  little  perennial,  growing  only  three  to 
four  inches  high,  with  the  flower  stalks  spring- 
ing from  a  dense  mass  of  rough,  dark  green 
leaves.  The  general  habit  of  growth  of  the 
plant  very  much  resembles  that  of  a  Primrose. 
It  is  quite  hardy,  and  admirably  adapted  for 
rock-work;  but  it  will  grow  in  the  border,  where 
it  is  not  too  warm  and  dry.  It  begins  to  flower 
in  May,  and  continues  in  bloom  nearly  the 
whole  summer.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Pyrenees, 
whence  it  was  introduced  about  1600.  Parkin- 
son describes  it  as  the  "Blew  Beares  Eares 
with  Borage  leaves."  The  flowers,  however,  are 
not  blue,  but  pale  lilac.  Propagated  by  root 
division  or  from  seed. 

Samstead.  One  of  the  common  names  of  Lina- 
ria. 

Randia.  Named  after  J.  Rand,  a  London  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Pentandria-Monorjynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Cinchonacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  evergreen 
shrubs,  natives  of  the  East  Indies,  and  allied  to 
Gardenia.  They  are  rarely  grown  as  flowering 
or  ornamental  plants.  The  powdered  root  of 
some  of  the  species  is  sold  as  Indian  Cockle,  and 
is  used  to  intoxicate  or  stupefy  fish,  which  per- 
mits their  easy  capture. 

Ranunculus.  Crowfoot.  From  rana,  a  frog; 
many  of  the  species  inhabit  marshy  places  fre- 
quented by  frogs.  Linn.  Polyandria-Potygynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Ranuncvlacece. 

The  species  may  be  divided  into  two  kinds: 
border  flowers  and  florists'  flowers.  The  latter 
consist  of  some  hundred  of  the  varieties  ob- 
tained from  the  species  Ranunculus  Asiaticus,  a 
native  of  the  Levant,  with  tuberous  roots,  which 
is  rather  too  tender  to  endure  the  winter  in  the 
open  air  without  some  kind  of  protection.  The 
wild  plant  grows  naturally  in  Persia,  in  mead- 
ows which  are  moist  during  winter  and  in  the 
growing  season,  but  dry  during  a  great  part 
of  summer.  The  usual  season  for  planting  the 
Ranunculus  is  November.  The  roots  may  be 
placed  about  six  inches  apart  each  way,  covered 
with  two  inches  of  soil,  and  protected  by  straw, 
mats,  or  rotten  tan,  during  severe  frosts.  The 
plants  will  come  into  flower  in  June,  and  when 
the  leaves  wither,  the  roots  may  be  taken  up, 
dried  in  the  shade,  and  preserved  in  a  dry 
place  till  they  are  wanted  for  replanting.  As  the 
plant  seeds  freely,  even  when  semi-double,  new 
sorts  without  end  may  be  raised  from  seed, 
which  may  be  sown  in  pots  or  flat  pans  as  soon  as 
it  is  gathered,  and  placed  in  a  cold  frame.  The 


RAP 

tubers,  if  kept  dry,  will  retain  their  vitality  for 
two  or  three  years;  and  hence,  if  roots  which 
should  be  planted  in  November  are  kept  out  of 
the  ground  till  the  November  following,  and 
then  planted  in  pots  and  protected  from  frost, 
and  when  they  appear  above  ground  put  into 
green-house  heat,  they  will  flower  at  Christmas. 
If  not  planted  till  December,  they  will  flower 
about  the  end  of  January ;  and  if  not  planted  till 
January,  they  will  flower  in  March.  In  this 
way,  by  always  having  a  stock  of  old  roots,  and 
planting  some  every  month  in  the  year,  Ranun- 
culuses may  be  had  in  flower  all  the  year  round. 
The  common  mode  of  propagating  the  Ranuncu- 
lus is  by  separating  the  offsets  from  the  larger 
roots.  Several  of  the  species  are  weeds  with  us, 
and  common  in  moist  pastures,  having  been  in- 
troduced from  Europe  at  an  early  day.  They  have 
become  extensively  naturalized,  so  much  so  as 
to  be  a  nuisance  to  farmers  in  some  places. 
They  are  popularly  known  as  Buttercups.  R. 
bulbosus,  a  double-flowering  species,  would  be 
regarded  an  acquisition  to  the  flower  garden  if 
it  were  half  as  difficult  to  get  as  it  is  to  be  got 
rid  of  when  once  established. 

Rape.     See  Brassica. 

Raphanus.  Radish.  From  ra,  quickly,  and 
phainomai,  to  appear;  alluding  to  the  quick  ger- 
mination of  the  seeds.  Linn.  Tetradynamia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

A.  very  useful  and  widely  grown  genus  of 
plants,  including  the  well-known  Radish  of  the 
garden.  For  culture,  etc.,  see  Radish. 

Raphia.  From  the  native  name  of  the  Madagas- 
car species.  Linn.  Monaecia-Hexandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Palmacece. 

The  species  forming  this  genus  of  Palms  are 
confined  to  three  very  limited  but  widely  separat- 
ed localities :  one,  R.  tcvdigera,  being  found  only 
on  the  banks  of  the  Lower  Amazon  and  Para 
Rivers  in  Brazil;  another,  R.  vinifera,  on  the 
west  coast  of  Africa;  while  the  third,  R.  Ruffia, 
is  only  known  as  a  cultivated  plant  in  Madagas- 
car and  the  neighboring  islands.  All  three  in- 
habit low,  swampy  lands  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
sea  or  river  banks,  within  the  influence  of  the 
tides.  They  have  stout,  unarmed,  ringed  trunks 
of  no  great  height,  and  bear  gigantic  pinnate, 
spiny  leaves,  often  fifty  or  more  feet  in  length, 
and  erect,  so  that  the  entire  trees  are  sometimes 
sixty  or  seventy  feet  high.  The  flower  spikes 
are  also  of  large  size  and  much  branched,  hang- 
ing down  from  among  the  leaves,  and  measur- 
ing as  much  as  sixty  feet  in  length,  the  branches 
being  arranged  in  two  opposite  rows,  and  the  ul- 
timate ones  bearing  the  flowers  resembling  flat- 
tened catkins.  Both  sexes  are  borne  on  the 
same  spike.  The  fruit  spikes  sometimes  weigh 
as  much  as  two  or  three  hundred  pounds,  and 
bear  n  large  number  of  one-seeded  fruits  rather 
larger  than  eggs,  covered  with  shining,  bony, 
overlapping  scales.  These  Palms  furnish  ma- 
terial fora  great  variety  of  useful  purposes,  such 
as  the  manufacture  of  baskets,  boxes,  mats,  rope, 
bags,  etc.,  besides  thatch  for  houses  and  other 
uses.  While  one  (R.  vinifera)  produces  Palm  wine 
in  abundance,  another  (R.  Ritffia)  has  furnished 
the  gardener  with  his  best  tying  material.  This 
species  was  introduced  from  Madagascar  into 
England  as  long  ago  as  1820,  but  it  has  only  been 
within  the  past  ten  years  that  its  great  value  as 
a  fiber-producing  plant  has  been  known  outside 
of  its  native  home.  Raffia,  as  a  tying  material 
for  plants,  either  in  the  green-hoxise  or  the  gar- 
den, supersedes  Cuba  bast  and  Russia  matting 


186 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


RAS 

to  such  an  extent  that  these  fibers  are  now  rarely 
used  for  this  purpose.  It  may  be  added  here, 
that  Dr.  Von  Martius,  the  great  authority  on 
Palmaceous  plants,  removed  the  above  men- 
tioned three  species  from  Bogus,  and  placed 
them  together  under  the  generic  name  haphia. 
Saqns  R»ffia  and  Raplita  Baffin  are  therefore  one 
and  the  same  plant.  These  Palms  require  a  high, 
moist  temperature  for  perfect  development. 
Propagated  by  seeds. 

.Raspberry.    See  Rabus. 

Rattan  Palm.     See  Rhapis. 

Rattlesnake  Grass.     See  Glyceria  Canadensis. 

Rattlesnake   Master.      See     Eryngium    yuccce- 

Rattlesnake  Orchid.    See  Pholldota. 
Rattlesnake  Plantain.    Local  name  of  Goodycra, 

which  see. 

Rattlesnake  Root.    See  Nabalus  albus. 
Rattlesnake  Weed.     See  Hieracium  venosum. 
Red  Bay.     See  Laurus  Carolinensis. 
Red  Bud.     See  C'ercts. 
Red  Cedar.     See  Juniperus  Virginiana. 
Red  Gum  Tree.     See  Eucalyptus  resiniflora. 
Red  Hot  Poker.     See  Trii&rw. 
Red  Lac.     See  Rhus  succedanea. 
Red  Root  or  Blood  Root.    Popular  names  for 
the  fleshy  rhizomes  of  Sanguinaria  Canadensis, 
which  see. 

Red  Root.     See  Ceanothus. 
Red  Root.     See  Lacmnihes. 
Red  Snow.     See  Protococcus  nivalis. 
Red  Top.      The  common  name  of  Agrostis  vul- 

f/firi",  which  see. 

Red  Wood.     An  East  Indian  dye-wood,  the  pro- 
duce of  Pterocarpus  santalinus,  which  see. 
Reed.     See  Phragmites. 

Reidia.      An  honorary  name.      Linn.   Afoncecia- 
Dlandna.    Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiacece. 

A  genus  of  about  a  dozen  species  of  green-house 
shrubs  allied  to  Phyttanthus.  They  are  small 
bushes,  having  slender  twigs  furnished  with 
numerous  small,  entire  leaves,  bearing  in  their 
axils,  either  singly  or  in  clusters,  small  greenish 
or  whitish  flowers,  tipped  with  pink.  Some  of 
the  species  are  very  pretty,  though  not  consid- 
ered useful  flowering  plants.  They  are  mostly 
natives  of  the  East  Indies.  Introduced  in  1864. 
Propagated  by  seeds  or  cuttings. 
Reineckia.  A  complimentary  name.  Linn.  Ilex- 
andria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiacecK. 

R.  carnea,  formerly  called  Sanseviera  earned, 
the  only  known  species,  is  a  very  pretty  hardy 
herbaceous  perennial  inhabiting  the  marshy  dis- 
tricts of  Japan.  It  has  grassy  leaves  six  inches 
to  a  foot  long,  from  the  midst  of  which  arises  a 
flower  stalk  three  to  four  inches  high,  bearing  a 
number  of  rose-colored,  or  purple,  fragrant 
flowers,  each  seated  in  the  axil  of  a  bract.  The 
plants  are  well  adapted  for  the  aquarium  or  mar- 
gins of  fountains.  Propagated  by  offsets. 
Rein  Orchis.  See  Habenaria. 
Renanthera.  From  ren,  a  kidney,  and  anthem, 
an  anther  or  pollen-bag,  in  allusion  to  the  kid- 
dey  or  reniform  shape  of  the  anthers  or  pollen 
masses.  Linn.  Gynandria-AIonogunia.  Nat.  Ord 
Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  mostly 
rare,  and  exceedingly  beautiful.  R.  Lowii  is  a 
remarkable  species,  a  native  of  Borneo.  This 
species  grows  to  a  great  height,  and  has  leaves 
from  two  to  three  feet  long,  with  pendulous 
flower  stems  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  length,  clothed 
with  numerous  large,  conspicuous  flowers,  re- 
sembling some  large  insect.  It  is  allied  to 


RHA 

Vanda,  and  requires  to  be  grown  in  a  high, 
moist  temperature.  Introduced  in  1843. 
Reseda.  Mignonette.  From  resedo,  to  calm  or 
appease.  The  Latins  considered  its  application 
useful  in  external  bruises.  Linn.  Dodecandria- 
Triqynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Resedacea;. 

For  description  of  this  genus  see  Mignonette. 
Restharrow.     See  Ononis. 

Restrepia.     Derivation  of  name  not  given.    Linn. 
Gynandria-Monandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids  from  Cen- 
tral America.  They  are  very  pretty  little  plants, 
with  curious,  many-colored  flowers.  They  are 
of  easy  culture  in  a  cool  house.  They  should  be 
grown  in  pots,  in  leaf  mould  and  sphagnum  moss. 
They  all  flower  freely  in  summer.  Propagated 
by  division.  First  introduced  in  1813. 
Resurrection  Plant.  See  Selaginella  convoluta. 
Retinospora.  Japan  Cypress.  From  reline,  resin, 
and  spora,  spore  or  seed.  Linn.  Monoecia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Cimiferce. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  hardy  evergreens, 
mostly  dwarf  and  compact,  particularly  adapted 
for  lawn  decoration.  They  are  closely  allied  to 
Cupressus,  and  are  propagated  in  the  same  man- 
ner. The  Retinosporas  recently  introduced 
from  Japan  are  among  the  most  beautiful  of 
small  evergreen  trees.  They  are  fine  subjects 
for  the  lawn,  and  are  hardy  in  the  latitude  of 
New  York.  They  also  make  very  pretty  hedges, 
especially  R.  aurea.  They  are  worthy  of  being 
largely  planted.  Introduced  in  1864. 
Rhamnus.  Buckthorn.  From  rham,  a  Celtic 
word,  signifying  a  tuft  of  branches.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rhtimnacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  and 
green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  the  more  useful 
and  common  being  R.  catharHcus,  common  in 
Great  Britain,  where  it  is  much  grown  as  a 
hedge  plant.  The  fruit  of  this  species  was  for- 
merly in  great  demand  for  its  medicinal 
properties. 

Rhaphiolepis.  Derivation  of  name  not  ex- 
plained. Linn.  Icosandria-Dipentagynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Rosacea;. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs  found  in  China 
and  Japan.  They  are  nearly  allied  to  Cratcegus, 
from  which  they  rare  distinguished  by  their 
flowers  being  produced  in  panicles  instead  of 
clusters.  R.  Lulled  and  its  varieties  are  nearly 
smooth  evergreen  shrubs,  with  short  terminal 
panicles  of  white  or  pink-tinted  flowers  of  the 
size  of  those  of  the  Hawthorn.  They  have  been 
introduced  into  the  green-house.  R.  Juponica 
is  a  beautiful  large-leaved  species,  forming  a 
bush  from  six  to  ten  feet  high,  and  commonly 
cultivated  by  the  Japanese,  who  plant  it  either 
with  Azaleas  and  other  bushes,  or  singly,  as  it 
forms  a  beautiful  object  when  covered  with  its 
numerous  bouquets  of  dark  crimson  flowers. 
Hardy  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  with  slight 
protection.  They  are  propagated  by  seed.  First 
introduced  in  1864. 

Rhapis.  From  rhapis,  a  needle;  referring  to  the 
acute  awns  of  the  corolla.  Linn.  Polygamia- 
Moncecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A  small  genus  of  Palms  closely  allied  to 
Cluimcerops.  They  are  nearly  all  natives  of  East 
ern  Asia,  and  mostly  of  dwarf  habit  and  slender 
growth.  One  of  the  species,  R.flabetUfnrmia,  in 
popularly  known  as  Rattan  Palm,  and  furnishes 
the  walking  canes  so  common  on  the  streets. 
R.  hnmilus  is  a  rare  and  beautiful  species,  not 
often  seen  in  collections.  Propagated  by  suck- 
ers. First  introduced  in  1765. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


187 


RHE 

Rheumatism  Boot.     See  Jeffersonia. 

Hheum.  Rhubarb.  From  WKI,  the  Russian 
name  of  the  River  Wolga,  near  which  the  Rhu- 
barb was  found.  Linn.  Enneandria  -  Trigynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  PolygonacecK. 

Some  of  the  species  of  this  well-known  genus 
have  been  cultivated  from  the  earliest  ages  for 
the  medicinal  properties  they  possess.  Dioscor- 
ides,  who  was  physician  to  Antony  and  Cleo- 
patra; wrote  on  its  qualities,  and  recommended 
it  for  use.  The  Turkish  Rhubarb,  so  largely 
employed  in  medicine,  is  the  root  of  K.  pa'ma- 
tum,  a  native  of  China,  and  sent  to  Europe 
through  Russia,  by  the  way  of  Kiachta.  It  was 
formerly  imported  from  Natolia,  whence  the 
name  Turkey  Rhubarb.  The  Turks  get  the 
credit  of  producing  this  important  article  of 
commerce,  when,  in  reality,  it  only  passes 
through  their  country.  An  inferior  article  used 
in  the  adulteration  of  this  drug  is  grown 
throughout  Southern  Europe.  The  Rhubarb  of 
our  gardens  is  a  hybrid  of  K.  Shaponticum,  a 
native  of  Asia,  but  of  what  particular  part  is  not 
known,  nor  the  time  of  its  introduction.  It  was 
first  cultivated  in  England  by  Dr.  Fothergill  in 
1778,  but  did  not  come  into  general  use  as  a 
culinary  vegetable  until  several  years  later.  As 
a  market  crop  it  has  only  been  cultivated  about 
fifty  years.  Many  varieties  have  been  intro- 
duced, for  which  we  are  chiefly  indebted  to  the 
English  gardeners.  Some  of  the  varieties,  un- 
der high  cultivation,  produce  enormous  leaf- 
stems;  the  size,  however,  is  largely  at  the  ex- 
pense of  quality.  An  ornamental  species  has 
been  lately  introduced  into  England,  and  flow- 
ered last  season  (1880)  in  the  Botanic  Garden  at 
Glasgow,  Scotland.  The  flowers  are  hid  beneath 
stipules  or  scales,  and  these  are  said  to  be  beau- 
tifully colored.  It  is  known  as  R.  nobile.  Dr. 
Hooker,  speaking  of  this  Sikkim  species  as  he 
saw  it  growing  wild,  says  that  it  has  such  a  sin- 
gular and  showy  appearance,  that  its  introduc- 
tion into  cultivation  is  greatly  to  be  desired. 
He  thus  describes  the  plant:  "The  individual 
plants  of  It.  nobile  are  upward  of  a  yard  high, 
and  form  conical  towers  of  the  most  delicate 
straw-colored,  shining,  semi-transparent,  con- 
cave, imbricating  bracts,  the  upper  of  which 
have  pink  edges;  the  large,  bright,  glossy,  shin- 
ing green  radical  leaves,  with  red  petioles  and 
nerves,  forming  a  broad  base  to  the  whole.  On 
turning  up  the  bracts,  the  beautiful  membran- 
ous, fragile  pink  stipules  are  seen  like  red  tissue 
paper,  and  within  these  again  the  short-branch- 
ed panicles  of  insignificant  green  flowers.  The 
root  is  very  long,  often  many  feet,  and  winds 
among  the  rocks ;  it  is  as  thick  as  the  arm,  and 
bright  jrellow  inside.  After  flowering  the  stem 
lengthens,  the  bracts  separate  one  from  another, 
become  coarse  red  brown,  withered  and  torn; 
finally,  as  the  fruit  ripens  they  fall  away,  leaving 
a  ragged-looking  stem,  covered  with  panicles  of 
deep  brown,  pendulous  fruits.  In  the  winter 
these  naked  black  stems,  projecting  from  the 
beetling  cliffs  or  towering  above  the  snow,  are  in 
dismal  keeping  with  the  surrounding  desolation 
of  the  season."  The  natives,  it  is  said,  eat  the 
pleasantly  acid  stems,  and  call  them  Cliuh-a. 
Rlmrbarb  is  a  plant  found  in  every  well- 
appointed  garden.  It  is  of  the  easiest  culture, 
and  will  grow  in  open  sunshine  or  partial 
shade;  but  for  its  best  development  a  deep, 
rich,  well-drained  soil  in  open  sunshine  is 
indispensable.  When  wanted  for  private  use 
a  couple  of  dozen  plants,  which  can  be  procured 


RHE 

cheaply  from  almost  any  nurseryman,  is  the 
best  way  to  get  a  supply;  but  when  wanted  in 
quantity  for  market  purposes,  the  cheapest  way 
is  to  sow  the  seed  in  March  or  April  in  well- 
prepared  and  richly  manured  land  in  rows  four 
feet  apart.  When  the  plants  come  up  so  as  to 
have  covered  the  ground,  thin  them  out  to  two 
or  three  inches  apart;  and  again  later  in  the 
season,  say  by  August,  to  two  feet  apart,  so  that 
they  will  now  stand  two  feet  between  the  plants 
and  four  feet  between  the  rows.  The  last  thin- 
nings, if  needed,  may  be  used  for  making  per- 
manent plantations.  Another  plan  of  raising 
Rhubarb  from  seed  is  as  follows:  about  the  mid- 
dle of  March  sow  the  seeds  thickly  in  a  cold  pit 
or  frame,  in  light,  fibrous  soil,  such  as  leaf- 
mould,  so  that  the  young  plants  will  make  fibers 
freely,  and  thus  be  easily  transplanted.  One 
pound  of  seed  will  be  enough  to  sow  six  3x6 
sashes,  and  will  give  about  one  thousand  plants. 
In  four  or  five  weeks  after  sowing  the  plants 
will  be  fit  for  transplanting,  which  may  be  done 
in  richly-prepared  beds  of  six  rows  each,  at  a 
distance  of  one  foot  each  way.  By  fall  they  will 
have  made  fine,  well-ripened  roots,  which  may 
be  thinned  out  either  in  the  fall  or  spring,  leav- 
ing the  plants  that  stand  at  four  feet  between 
the  plants  and  six  feet  between  the  rows.  The 
plants  that  have  not  been  moved  will  give  a 
partial  crop  the  next  year,  or  in  about  fifteen  or 
sixteen  months  after  the  seed  was  sown.  The 
roots  lifted  out  as  thinnings  should  be  planted, 
either  in  the  fall  or  spring,  for  a  permanent  crop, 
at  the  same  distances  apart;  but,  having  been 
disturbed,  they  will  make  a  weaker  growth,  and 
no  crop  should  be  taken  the  first  year  of  plant- 
ing, as  removing  the  leaves  of  course  weakens 
the  newly-planted  root,  which  has  not  yet  vigor 
enough  to  endure  it.  The  second  year  after 
planting,  however,  a  full  crop  will  be  obtained*, 
if  the  ground  has  been  in  a  proper,  well-pulver- 
ized, and  enriched  condition.  The  most  profit- 
able and  simple  part  of  Rhubarb  growing  is  by 
forcing  after  a  supply  of  large  roots  has  been 
obtained;  and  if  forcing  is  to  be  continued,  a 
succession  of  such  supply  should  always  be  on 
hand,  as  the  roots,  after  forcing,  are  worthless. 
All  that  is  necessary  in  forcing  Rhubarb  is  to 
take  the  large  three  or  four-year-old  roots  from 
the  open  field,  which,  if  well  grown,  will  be 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  inches  in  diameter,  and 
pack  them  upright  as  closely  as  they  can  be 
wedged  together,  (with  light  soil  shook  in  to  fill 
the  interstices  between  the  roots,)  under  the 
stage  or  benches  of  the  green-house,  or  in  a 
warm  cellar,  or,  in  fact,  in  any  place  where 
there  is  a  growing  temperature;  say  an  average 
of  sixty  degrees.  But  little  water  is  needed,  and 
none  until  the  Rhubarb  shows  signs  of  healthy 
growth.  There  is  no  necessity  for  light;  in  fact, 
the  stems  being  blanched  by  being  grown  in  the 
dark,  are  much  more  tender  than  when  grown 
in  the  light  and  air  of  the  open  garden,  and  are 
therefore  more  valuable,  besides  being  forced  at 
a  season  (from  January  to  April)  when  they  are 
not  obtainable  in  the  open  ground  in  the  North- 
ern States.  Many  of  our  market  gardeners  and 
florists,  who,  once  having  a  supply  of  Rhubarb 
roots,  pack  them  under  the  benches  of  the 
green  -  house,  where  vegetable  or  flowering 
plants  are  grown,  realize  nearly  as  much 
profit  from  the  space  under  the  stage  (usually 
useless)  as  on  it.  It  is  also  forwarded  in  an- 
other way  by  those  who  have  no  green-house. 
The  roots  are  taken  up  in  the  fall  and  packed 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


closely  together,  as  is  done  in  forcing,  in  what  is 
known  as  a  cold  pit  or  sunken  frame,  which  is 
covered  with  leaves  thick  enough  to  keep  out 
the  frost.  By  March  1st  the  leaves  are  all  re- 
moved except  two  or  three  inches,  when  sashes 
are  put  on  the  frame  or  pit.  By  this  forwarding 
process  Rhubarb  may  be  had  from  three  to  four 
weeks  earlier  than  that  grown  out  of  doors.  We 
have  in  this  article  recommended  raising  Rhu- 
barb from  seed,  as  it  is  the  cheapest  and  quick- 
est way;  and  experience  has  shown  us  that  the 
varieties  raised  from  seeds  of  either  the  "Vic- 
toria" or  "  Linnseus"  come  true  enough  to  the 
originals  for  all  practical  purposes.  Those, 
however,  who  are  particular  to  have  these  kinds 
exactly  correct,  can  obtain  them  by  division. 

Rhexia.  Deer  Grass,  Meadow  Beauty.  From 
rhexis,  a  rupture;  from  its  astringent  qualities 
it  is  supposed  to  cure  ruptures.  Linn.  Octandria- 
Mono<jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Mdastomacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  pretty  hardy  herbace- 
ous perennials,  common  in  sandy  swamps  from 
New  York  west  and  south.  The  flowers  are 
bright  pink,  large  and  showy.  The  plants  do 
not  grow  above  six  or  eight  inches,  but,  from 
their  branching  habit,  completely  cover  the 
ground  with  foliage  and  flower. 

Rhinopetalum.  From  rhin,  a  nose,  and  petalon,  a 
petal;  base  of  the  upper  sepal.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LttiacecK. 

K.  Kardini,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  small 
bulbous  plant  from  Che  Ural  Mountains,  its 
flowers  are  pale  pink,  spotted,  somewhat  resem- 
bling the  Fritillaria.  It  is  inferior  in  beauty  to 
the  majority  of  its  allies.  It  grows  freely  if  cul- 
tivated in  the  same  manner  as  the  Lily.  Propa- 
gated by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1834. 

Rhipsalis.  Coral  Cactus.  From  rhlps,  a  willow 
branch;  referring  to  the  flexible  branches.  Linn. 
Icosamlria-Monofjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cadaceoe. 

Very  curious  succulent  plants,  which  are  na- 
tives of  South  America  and  the  West  Indies. 
As  the  Opuntias  may  be  said  to  be  all  leaves, 
and  the  different  kinds  of  tree  Cereus  all  stem, 
so  the  Rhipsalis  may  be  said  to  be  all  branches; 
for  the  whole  plant  consists  of  a  series  of  short, 
round,  articulated  branches,  spreading  in  all 
directions.  The  flowers  of  this  genus  differ 
from  those  of  Cacti  generally,  in  being  small 
and  not  very  handsome.  They  are  generally 
pale  yellow.  They  require  the  same  soil  and 
treatment  as  other  Cactaceous  plants.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.  The  species  are  all  natives 
of  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  Intro- 
duced in  1818. 

Rhipidopteris.  From  rhipis,  a  fan,  and  pteris,  a 
fern;  referring  to  the  formation  of  the  fronds. 
Linn.Crypto<jamiu-FUices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polijpodiacece. 
A  small  genus  of  Ferns  allied  to  Polybotrya, 
but  differing  in  habit.  The  species  are  curious 
little  creeping  plants,  with  small  fronds  from 
one  to  three  inches  high.  They  are  confined  to 
the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  They  are 
grown  in  the  hot-house. 

Rhizophora.  Mangrove.  From  rhiza,  a  root, 
and  pfioreo,  to  bear;  the  branches  send  down 
roots  like  the  Banyan  Tree.  Linn.  Dodecandria- 
Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rhizophoracece. 

The  only  known  species  constituting  this  ge- 
nus is  a  large  tree  inhabiting  the  muddy  swamps 
close  to  the  sea-shore  in  tropical  climates.  Its 
interesting  character  is  thus  described  by  Dr. 
Hamilton :  "  In  the  economy  of  Nature  the  Man- 
grove performs  a  most  important  part,  wresting 
annually  fresh  portions  of  the  land  from  the  do- 


RHO 

minion  of  the  ocean,  and  adding  them  to  the 
domain  of  man.  This  is  effected  in  a  twofold 
manner:  by  the  progressive  advance  of  their 
roots,  and  by  the  aerial  germination  of  their 
seeds,  which  do  not  leave  their  lofty  position 
till  they  have  assumed  the  form  of  actual  trees, 
and  drop  into  the  water  with  their  roots  ready 
prepared  to  take  possession  of  the  mud,  in  ad- 
vance of  their  parent  stems.  The  progression 
by  means  of  the  roots  is  effected  by  fresh  roots, 
which  issue  from  the  trunk  at  some  distance 
above  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  arching 
down,  penetrate  the  mud,  establishing  them- 
selves as  the  pioneers  of  fresh  invasions  of  the 
retiring  element.  In  this  manner  the  plants, 
after  their  descent  from  the  parent  trees,  con- 
tinue during  their  early  years  to  advance  stead- 
ily forward,  till  they  have  obtained  a  height  of 
about  fifteen  feet,  and  gained  a  position  consid- 
erably in  advance  of  their  parent  trunks.  After 
this  fewer  additions  are  made  to  the  roots,  but 
the  head  begins  to  expand  in  every  direction, 
spreading  its  branches  on  all  sides.  These 
branches,  in  their  turn,  send  down  long,  slender 
roots,  like  those  of  the  Banyan  Tree,  (Ficus  In- 
dica,)  which,  rapidly  elongating,  descend  from 
all  heights,  and,  reaching  the  water,  penetrate 
the  mud,  becoming  in  time  independent  trees. 
Thus  a  complicated  labyrinth  is  at  length 
formed."  The  fruit  of  the  species  is  edible,  and 
its  fermented  juice  is  made  into  a  light  wine. 
In  Borneo  a  coarse,  bitter  salt  is  extracted  from 
their  aerial  roots. 

Rhodanthe.  From  rhodon,  a  rose,  and  anlhos,  a 
flower;  in  allusion  to  the  color  of  the  flower- 
heads.  Linn.  Syngenesia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  As- 
teracece. 

A  very  oeautiful  genus  of  half-hardy  annuals 
found  in  Western  Australia.  R.  Manglesii  and 
its  varieties  have  white,  rose,  crimson,  and  pur- 
ple flowers.  These  plants  are  admirably  adapted 
for  the  border  in  summer  or  the  conservatory  or 
green-house  in  winter,  as  they  come  into  flower 
early,  and  continue  for  a  long  time.  The  flowers, 
if  gathered  when  young,  and  dried  in  the  shade, 
will  retain  their  beauty  during  the  winter,  mak- 
ing them  valuable  for  bouquets  of  dried  flowers. 
For  perfection  of  growth  in  the  border,  the  seed 
should  be  sown  in  March  in  the  green-house  or  a 
hot-bed,  and  carefully  grown  on  in  small  pots 
until  all  danger  from  frosts  is  past,  when  they 
may  be  turned  out  into  the  open  border.  For 
winter  flowering  the  seed  should  be  sown  in 
August  or  September.  Introduced  by  Capt. 
Mangles  in  1832. 

Rhodea.     See  Rohdea. 

Rhodiola.  From  rhodon,  a  rose.  Linn.  Dicecia- 
Tetrar/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

A  genus  of  succulent  plants,  separated  from 
Sedum  on  account  of  their  bearing  fertile  and 
barren  flowers  on  distinct  plants.  See  Sedum. 

Rhodochyton.  A  genus  of  Scrophnlariacea*,  dif- 
fering but  little  from  Lophospermurn,  the  calyx 
being  less  divided,  and  the  corolla  not  so  open. 
See  Lophospermum. 

Rhododendron.  Rose  Bay.  From  rhodon,  a  rose, 
and  dendron,  a  tree.  Linn.  Decandria-Monofjynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Ericacete. 

A  genus  of  well-known  evergreen  shrubs  and 
low-growing  trees,  remarkable  for  their  beauti- 
ful flowers,  and  thick,  luxuriant,  glossy  foliage. 
The  species  are  widely  diffused^  being  indige- 
nous to  the  United  States,  Europe,  Asia,  and 
the  Indies.  Some  of  the  species  are  perfectly 
hardy,  and  others  require  the  protection  of  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


189 


EHO 

green-house.  Of  our  native  species,  R.  maxi- 
mum, (Great  Laurel,)  common  from  Maine  to 
Ohio,  is  a  tall-growing  shrub,  with  leaves  from 
four  to  ten  inches  long,  very  thick  and  glossy. 
The  flowers  are  a  light  rose  color,  nearly  white, 
with  greenish  throat,  and  spotted  with  yellow 
or  light  red.  E.  Cntawbiense,  common  on  the 
Alleghanies  from  Pennsylvania  southward,  is 
perfectly  hardy,  and  flowers  most  profusely.  It 
seldom  grows  above  four  feet  high,  but  forms  a 
symmetrical  shrub,  exceedingly  ornamental  for 
a  lawn  plant.  This  species  is  the  parent  of  all 
our  hardy  varieties,  having  been  hybridized  with 
the  Nepal  species,  n.  arboreum.  From  this  cross 
there  has  been  raised  a  great  number  of  beauti- 
ful kinds,  most  of  which  are  hardy  in  the  lati- 
tude of  New  York.  The  varieties  include  colors 
from  nearly  pure  white  to  dark  crimson.  All 
the  hardy  sorts  are  of  easy  culture,  growing 
freely  in  almost  any  loamy  soil,  but  they  prefer 
a  moist  situation,  protected  from  cold  winter 
winds.  When  first  planted  they  should  be 
mulched  with  any  convenient  material  that  will 
prevent  evaporation  and  keep  the  roots  moist 
and  cool.  Several  fine  species  have  been  lately 
introduced  from  the  East,  a  few  of  them  bearing 
but  little  resemblance  to  the  common  Rhodo- 
dendron, one  being  a  climber.  The  plants  are 
propagated  by  seeds,  cuttings,  layers,  or  graft- 
ing. 

Rhodotypus.  From  rhodon,  a  rose,  and  typos, 
type.  Linn.  Polyandria-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
HosacecK. 

A  genus  of  Eosacen;  from  Japan.  They  were 
introduced  in  1866.  E.  kerrioides,  the  only  spe- 
cies at  present  known,  is  a  slender-branching, 
hardy  evergreen  shrub,  remarkable  for  its  large, 
terminal,  pure  white  flowers.  It  is  well  adapted 
for  the  lawn,  contrasting  finely  with  the  Wei- 
gela  and  other  hardy  ornamental  shrubs. 

Rhppala.  From  Roupdla,  the  Guianan  name. 
Linn.  Tetrandria-Mono<jynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Proteacew. 
A  gemis  of  South  American  trees  or  large 
shrubs,  having  simple  or  pinnate  coarse  leaves, 
conspicuous  for  their  terminal  or  axillary  ra- 
cemes of  yellow  flowers,  which  are  often  covered 
with  a  rich  brownish  wool.  A  number  of  the 
species  are  under  cultivation  in  the  green- 
houses, -but  chiefly  in  botanical  collections. 

Rhubarb.     See  Rheum. 

Rhus.  Sumach.  Derived  from  rous  in  Greek, 
which  is  from  rhudd,  a  Celtic  word  signifying 
red;  alluding  to  the  color  of  the  fruit,  and  also 
of  the  leaves  of  some  species  in  autumn.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Trirjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anacardiucecn. 

An  extensive  genus  of  deciduous  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  the  United  States,  Europe,  and  Asia. 
They  are  all  interesting  from  the  beautiful  colors 
their  leaves  assume  in  drying  off  in  autumn. 
The  species  are  more  or  less  poisonous.  E.  toxi- 
codendron  and  its  varieties,  commonly  called 
J'oison  Icy  or  Poison  Oak,  are  about  as  danger- 
ous as  the  fabulous  Upas  Tree  of  Java.  There 
is  also  a  singular  fact  connected  with  this  plant 
that  makes  it  distinctive:  some  persons  can 
handle  it  with  impunity,  while  others,  from 
the  slightest  touch,  or  even  from  the  wind  blow- 
ing over  the  plant,  will  have  their  arms,  face, 
and  bodies  fearfully  and  painfully  swollen  by 
it.  The  same  is  true,  though  in  a  less  degree, 
when  the  leaves  of  Celery  or  Parsnip  are  touched 
by  the  arms  or  face  when  damp.  R  venitia,  or 
Poison  Eldrr,  has  so  virulent  a  sap,  that  it  is 
said  to  occasion  fever  and  inflammation  in  those 
who  cut  it  down.  One  of  the  most  beautiful 


RIB 

species  is  R.  cotinus,  or  Smok  Tree,  a  native  of 
the  south  of  Europe.  It  is  remarkable  for  its 
feathery  inflorescence.  This  species  also  yields 
the  yellow  dye-wood  called  Young  Fustic.  R. 
verniclfera,  a  Japan  species,  is  a  small  tree,  and 
yields  the  famous  Lacquer  so  extensively  em- 
ployed by  the  Japanese  for  lacquering  various 
articles  of  furniture  and  small  ware.  It  exudes 
from  wounds  made  in  the  tree,  and  is  at  first 
milky  white,  but  becomes  darker,  and  ultimately 
black  on  being  exposed  to  the  air.  Nothing  is 
known  respecting  the  mode  of  preparing  it; 
that  is  kept  a  profound  secret,  as  one  of  their 
sources  of  wealth. 

Rhynchosia.  From  rhynchos,  a  beak;  the  keel  of 
the  flower  is  beaked.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

An  extensive  genus  01  herbs  and  under-shrubs, 
mostly  of  a  twining  habit.  They  are  natives  of 
the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  South  America,  and 
India.  They  are  plants  of  but  little  beauty. 
R.  precatoria  has  pretty  little  half-black  and  half- 
scarlet  or  yellow  shining  seeds,  which  the  Mexi- 
cans string  into  necklaces  and  rosaries. 

Rhynchospermum.  From  rhynchos,  a  beak,  and 
sperma,  a  seed.  Linn.  Pentandria-Moniogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

R.  jasminoides  is  a  very  beautiful,  free-flower- 
ing, and  sweet-scented  green-house  climber,  a 
native  of  India,  China,  and  Japan.  In  habit  it 
resembles  the  Jasmine,  as  its  specific  name  im- 
plies. It  is  a  rapid  grower,  requiring  only  ordi- 
nary green-house  culture.  A  variety  with  varie- 
gated foliage  is  very  ornamental.  Propagated 
by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1846. 

Ribbon  Grass.     See  Arundo  and  Phalaris. 

Ribes.  Currant,  Gooseberry.  From  Ribas,  the 
name  of  an  acid  plant  mentioned  by  the  Arabian 
physicians,  and  which  is  known  to  be  Rheum 
r'tbes.  Linn.  Pentandria-3fonotjynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Grossulariftceai. 

Our  garden  varieties  of  Currants  have  all  orig- 
inated from  E.  rubrum,  a  native  of  Northern 
Europe;  and  the  same  species  is  also  indigenous 
to  the  swamps  of  New  Hampshire,  north  and 
west  to  Wisconsin.  The  berries  of  this  shrub 
are  uniformly  red  in  their  wild  state.  The 
white,  bronze,  and  other  varieties,  have  been 
produced  under  cultivation.  To  the  Dutch  we 
are  indebted  for  the  first  endeavors  to  improve 
this  fruit  by  cultivation,  the  nurserymen  -of 
other  nations  having  paid  but  little  if  any  atten- 
tion to  this  branch  of  fruit-culture.  At  what 
date  any  of  our  choice  varieties  were  produced 
we  are  unable  to  state ;  but  little  improvement 
was  made,  however,  previous  to  the  nineteenth 
century,  though  the  Dutch  cultivated  a  white 
Currant  in  1729.  The  Black  Currant,  It.  nigritm, 
is  a  native  of  most  parts  of  Europe,  and  abounds 
in  the  woods  of  Russia  and  Siberia.  Cultivation 
has  added  but  little  to  its  quality;  its  taste  is 
peculiar,  and  to  most  persons  disagreeable.  It 
is  used  chiefly  for  jellies.  R.  rubrum,  the  Red 
Currant  common  in  our  woods,  has  fruit  similar 
to  the  above,  but  smaller.  R.  aureum,  the  Buffa- 
lo or  Missouri  Currant,  is  an  ornamental  shrub, 
remarkable  for  the  spicy  fragrance  of  its  yellow 
blossoms  in  early  spring.  It  is  widely  cultivated, 
and  would  be  one  of  the  most  desirable  shrubs, 
were  it  not  for  its  tendency  to  sucker  and  spread 
itself  beyond  bounds.  R.  sanguined  is  another 
ornamental  variety,  with  rich  crimson  ftowem, 
the  plant  growing  to  a  height  of  eight  or  ten 
feet.  The  Oo&sAeny,  R.  grossular'ut,  is  a  native  of 
the  United  States,  from  Virginia  northward, 


190 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


RIB 

and  west  to  Wisconsin,  and  also  of  northern 
Europe.  From  this  species  most  of  our  garden 
varieties  have  originated.  The  natural  fruit  is 
small,  and  has  less  flavor  than  the  cultivated 
sorts.  The  English  have  made  great  improve- 
ments in  the  Gooseberry.  Their  favorite  sorts 
are  not  adapted  to  this  climate,  however,  owing 
to  their  tendency  to  mildew.  An  exception  to 
this,  however,  is  found  inPaterson,  N.  J.,  where 
some  English  mechanics  grow  it  in  great  perfec- 
tion. P.  hirlelhim  is  a  smooth-fruited  species 
common  in  moist  grounds  from  New  England 
to  Illinois.  Under  cultivation  this  species,  has 
been  greatly  improved,  and  its  varieties  are  now 
generally  grown  in  our  gardens.  There  are  sev- 
eral species  with  rough  or  prickly  fruit,  common 
throughout  the  Northern  States;  they  are,  how- 
ever, of  little  value  for  their  fruit. 

Bib  Grass.     See  Plantago  lanceolate. 

Rice.    See  Oryza  sath-a. 

Richardia.  Calla,  Egyptian  Lily,  Lily  of  the 
Nile.  Named  after  L.  C.  Richard,  an  eminent 
French  botanist.  Linn.  Heplandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Aradacece. 

Calla,  the  popular  name  of  this  genus,  was 
given  to  it  by  Pliny.  There  are  but  three  spe- 
cies, all  natives  of  Africa.  The  Calla,  or  Kich- 
ardia  ^Ethiopica,  is  a  native  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  and  was  introduced  into  England  in  1731. 
It  is  a  well-known  plant  of  easy  culture;  the 
only  particular  attention  it  requires  is  constant 
watering,  and  as  warm  a  room  as  can  conven- 
iently be  given  it.  The  Calla  is  largely  grown 
for  winter  flowers,  and  is  of  the  easiest  culture. 
Although  it  will  grow  and  flower  during  the  en- 
tire season  without  resting  if  sufficiently  fed  by 
being  re-potted,  yet  it  is  more  profitable  to  dry 
it  partially  off,  say  from  June  1st  to  October  1st. 
This  is  best  done  by  placing  the  pots  on  their 
sides,  so  as  to  prevent  the  rains  from  wetting 
the  soil,  and  covering  them  slightly  with  bay  or 
moss,  so  as  to  keep  the  sun  from  drying  the 
roots  too  much ;  or,  if  a  position  of  partial  shade 
can  be  had,  there  will  be  no  need  of  covering 
the  pots.  The  roots  thus  rested  will  flower 
more  abundantly  and  produce  fewer  leaves,  and 
thus  twice  the  number  of  flowers  may  be  obtain- 
ed from  the  same  space.  It  is  not  well  to  give 
the  Calla  too  much  pot  room,  else  too  much  foli- 
age is  produced.  We  have  found  the  best 
method  to  be  not  to  use  too  large  pots,  and  to 
use  liquid  manure  freely.  When  an  excess  of 
leaves  occurs,  cut  them  off  freely,  withholding 
water  somewhat  for  a  week  or  so  after  cutting 
the  leaves  off.  By  this  method  the  plants  can 
be  grown  closely  together,  and  a  larger  crop  of 
flowers  obtained  from  the  same  space.  The 
Calla  is  one  of  the  best  of  winter-flowering 
plants  for  room  culture,  needing  little  care  be- 
yond abundant  water,  and  an  occasional  syring- 
ing or  washing  of  the  leaves,  to  keep  them  free 
from  dust.  The  summer  treatment  and  re-pot- 
ting will  be  the  same  as  recommended  above. 
It  is  also  a  good  plant  for  a  large  aquarium.  R. 
afoo-macuUita,  a  species  with  beautifully  varie- 
gated or  spotted  foliage,  makes  a  shcwy  plant. 
The  flowers  are  smaller  than  the  Calla,  and 
white,  with  purple  throat.  It  comes  into  flower 
in  June,  making  it  valuable  for  a  succession.  It 
is  also  desirable  in  a  collection  of  plants  with 
variegated  foliage.  The  species  are  all  propa- 
gated by  offsets,  which  should  be  taken  off  when 
the  plant  is  at  rest,  and  grown  on  in  small  pots 
for  one  season. 

Ricinus.    Castor  Oil  Plant.  From   rlcimts,  a  tick  • 


ROB 

resemblance  in  the  seeds.     Linn.  Monoscia-Mo- 
nandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Bnphorblacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tall-growing,  half-hardy 
annuals,  natives  of  Africa  and  the  East  Indies. 
The  best  known  species  is  R.  communis,  the  seeds 
of  which  yield  Castor  Oil.  The  plant  is  a  native 
of  India,  but  is  now  extensively  cultivated  in 
the  warmer  regions  of  the  globe.  It  is  largely 
grown  in  Southern  Illinois  and  Missouri,  much 
in  the  same  manner  as  Indian  Corn.  The  prod- 
uce of  seed  per  acre  is  about  twenty  bushels.  It 
is  estimated  that  those  States  alone  produce  an- 
nually half  a  million  gallons  of  oil.  There  are 
a  number  of  varieties  grown  in  the  garden,  dif- 
fering but  little  in  general  appearance,  but  vary- 
ing in  color  and  size.  It  is  a  grand  plant  for  the 
center  of  a  sub-tropical  bed,  the  outer  circles  to 
be  of  Cannas  in  variety.  The  plants  are  easily 
grown  from  seeds,  which  should  be  started  in 
small  pots  in  the  green-house  about  the  first  of 
March,  and  turned  out  as  soon  as  all  danger 
from  frost  is  past.  The  pomace  is  used  as  a 
manure.  Introduced  in  1548. 
Rigidella.  From  rigidus,  stiff ;  in  allusion  to  the 
stiffness  of  the  flower  stalk  when  supporting  the 
seed-vessels.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  small  but  very  beautiful  genus  of  plants, 
natives  of  Mexico.  R.  flammea  is  one  of  the  most 
interesting  species.  It  grows  from  three  to  five 
feet  high,  with  very  broad  and  curiously  plicate 
leaves,  which  look  as  though  they  had  been  reg- 
ularly plaited  artificially.  The  flowers  are  nu- 
merous, of  a  bright  flame  color,  all  issuing  from 
one  spathe,  and  opening  only  one  at  a  time. 
The  plant  is  of  easy  culture,  requiring  in  all 
respects  the  same  treatment  as  the  Tigridia. 
Introduced  into  Britain  in  1838. 
Ripogonum.  From  ripos,  flexible,  and  gonos,  a 
snoot.  Linn.  Hexandria-Motwgynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
SmUacece. 

Ornamental  green-house  evergreen  climbers 
from  New  Holland.  The  flowers  are  white,  dis- 
posed in  axillary  clusters,  not  unlike  Smilax. 
Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1820. 
Rivea.  Named  after  A.  de  la  Rive,  a  Genevan 
botanist.  Linn.  Penlandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
ConvolvulacecK. 

Very  beautiful  green-house  evergreen  twiners, 
allied  to  Ipomoea,  natives  of  the  East  Indies. 
The  ease  with  which  the  many  annuals  of  this 
Natural  Order  are  grown,  causes  the  more  tender 
kinds  to  be  neglected,  or  lost  sight  of  altogether. 
Rivina.  Named  after  A.  Q.  Rivinus,  a  botanist  of 
Saxony.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
PhytolaccacecK. 

Green-house  evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of 
South  America  and  the  West  Indies.  R.  humUis 
is  commonly  grown  in  green-houses  for  its  beau- 
tiful racemes  of  little  bright  scarlet  berries.  It 
is  called  in  the  West  Indies  Rouge  Plant,  the 
juice  of  the  berries  being  used  as  a  cosmetic. 
R.  rivularis  is  a  stronger-growing  plant  than  the 
above,  but  in  other  respects  is  much  the  same. 
Propagated  by  seeds  or  from  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1804. 

Robinia.  Locust  Tree,  Honey  Bean.  Named 
in  honor  of  Jmn  Robin,  a  French  botanist,  once 
herbalist  to  Henry  IV.  of  France.  Linn.  Diadel- 
phia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabac&x. 

It.  pseud-acacia,  False  Acacia,  is  the  common 
Yellow  Locust,  indigenous  to  the  Middle  and 
Southern  States.  It  is  extensively  grown  in 
many  parts  of  the  country  for  the  valuable  tim- 
ber it  furnishes,  as  being  the  most  durable  of 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


191 


HOC  < 

all  wood  for  posts,  or  where  it  comes  in  contact 
with  the  earth.  It  is  one  of  our  most  valuable 
lumber  trees,  and  is  largely  used  for  various 
mechanical  purposes.  R.  hispida,  or  Hose  Aca- 
cia, is  a  handsome  shrub,  with  long  racemes  of 
beautiful  rose-colored  flowers  without  fragrance ; 
a  marked  contrast  to  the  foregoing  species.  It 
is  a  native  of  the  Southern  States,  from  Virginia 
southward.  It  is  commonly  cultivated  with  or- 
namental shrubs. 

Rochea.  Named  after  M.  de  la  Roche,  a  botanical 
writer.  Linn.  Pentandria-Pentayynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orassidacea?. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  succulents, 
allied  to  Crassida,  and  requiring  the  same  gen- 
eral treatment.  They  are  natives  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  Several  of  the  species  are  under 
cultivation,  their  singular  leaves  and  bright 
flowers  making  them  attractive  specimens.  H. 
falcata  is  one  of  the  best.  Propagated  by  cut- 
'tings. 

Rocket.     See  Hesperis. 
Rocket  Larkspur.     See  Delphinium  ajacis. 
Rock  Cress.     See  Arabia. 
Rock  Lychnis.     See  Viscaria. 
Rock  Rose.     See  Cislus. 

Rodriguezia.  Named  after  E.  Rodriguez,  a  Span- 
ish physician  and  botanist.  Linn.  Gynandrla- 
Monandr'M.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

Epiphytal  Orchids,  natives  of  South  America.    I 
There  is  but  one  species  generally  cultivated, 
H.  secunda,  which  has  flower  spikes  from  six  to 
nine  inches  long,  with  carmine  red  flowers  ar- 
ranged on  one  side.      It  blooms  freely  in  the 
autumn  and  winter  months,  requiring  the  same 
care  given  the  Cattle^a.    Introduced  in  1820. 
Roella.     In  honor  of  William  Roell,  Professor  of 
Anatomy  at  Amsterdam.     Linn.  Peniandria-Mon- 
ogyniu.     Nat.  Ord.  Campanulacece. 

Cape  plants,  generally  with  blue  flowers, 
which  have  somewhat  of  the  dazzling  glossy  hue 
of  Venus's  Looking  Glass.  The  shrubby  kinds 
are  of  low  growth,  and  rather  difficult  to  propa- 
gate ;  but  the  annual  species  are  of  very  easy 
culture,  and  only  require  the  usual  treatment 
of  half-hardy  annuals. 
Roffia.  See  Raphia. 

Rogiera.  In  honor  of  M.  Charles  Rogier,  a  Bel- 
gian statesman.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacecv. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs  from  Cen- 
tral America,  allied  to  Rondeletia.  In  general 
appearance  they  resemble  the  Lauristinus.  The 
flowers  are  bright  pink.  They  are  very  pretty 
green-house  plants.  Increased  by  cuttings. 
Rohdea.  In  honor  of  M.  Rohde.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-MonogynM.  Nat.  Ord.  Orontacece. 

R.  Japnnica  is  the  only  known  species  of  this 
genus.  It  is  a  green-house  herbaceous,  nearly 
aquatic  plant,  and  a  very  interesting  one  for  the 
green-house,  having  dark  green  foliage  and 
spikes  of  creamy  white  flowers,  which  are  suc- 
ceeded by  spikes  of  showy  fruit. 
Roman  Hyacinth.  See  Hyacinth. 
Romeria.  Purple  Horned-Poppy.  In  honor  of 
John  James  Romei;  Professor  of  Botany  at  Land- 
shut.  Linn.  Poly  andria-Monotjy  nut.  Nat.  Ord. 
PapaveracecK. 

This  is  a  very  beautiful  purple  annual  flow- 
er; but,  unfortunately,  its  beauty  is  so  very 
short-lived  that  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  perfect 
flower,  as  one  or  two  of  its  petals  drop  almost 
as  soon  as  the  flower  expands.  It  is  quite 
hardy,  and  only  requires  to  have  its  seeds  sown 
in  the  open  border  in  April. 


ROS 

Rondeletia.  In  honor  of  William  Rondelet,  M.D., 
a  famous  natural  historian  of  Montpellier. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cincho- 
nacece. 

Beautiful  hot-house  plants,  with  white,  blue, 
or  reddish  flowers,  natives  of  the  East  and  West 
Indies.  7?.  odorata,  which  is  the  most  common, 
has  terminal  corymbs  of  scarlet  flowers  greatly 
resembling  those  of  Ixora  coccinea.  The  flowers 
are  produced  in  great  abundance.  One  of  the 
best  known  in  our  collections  is  R.  speciosa, 
bearing  orange  scarlet  flowers  freely.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1752. 

Rosa.  Rose.  From  the  Celtic  rhod,  red,  the  pre- 
vailing color  of  the  flowers.  Linn.  Icosandria- 
Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Rosacece. 

We  find  mention  of  the  Rose  in  the  earliest 
writings,  both  sacred  and  profane.  So  invaria- 
bly have  the  writers  seemingly  been  intoxicated 
with  its  beauty  that  they  have  entirely  forgot- 
ten or  ignored  its  early  history  and  culture, 
leaving  us  in  profound  ignorance  as  to  the  ori- 
gin of  some  of  our  most  highly-prized  species 
or  varieties.  It  was  undoubtedly  very  general- 
ly esteemed,  and  used  for  ornamentation  on 
both  public  and  private  occasions.  As  an  in- 
stance, it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  Romans 
put  it  to  a  very  significant  use  at  some  of  their 
private  feasts  or  dinners.  A  rose  was  placed  over 
the  principal  door,  and  he  who  passed  under  it 
silently  bound  himself  not  to  reveal  anything 
that  was  said  or  done  within;  hence  arose  the 
saying,  sub-rosa,  under  the  Rose;  and  even  now 
to  tell  a  friend  anything  sub-rosa  implies  that  he 
shall  not  reveal  it.  The  limit  of  this  work  will  al- 
low but  a  brief  history  and  description  of  the 
various  classes.  The  species,  numbering  up- 
ward of  one  hundred,  are  found  disseminated 
throughout  America,  Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa. 
Australia,  so  prolific  in  rare  and  beautiful  flow- 
ers, has  not  as  yet  contributed  a  single  species, 
while  Siberia,  Iceland,  Greenland,  and  Karnt- 
schatka  are  fairly  represented.  China,  Persia, 
and  India  have  furnished  some  of  the  finest  spe- 
cies. From  all  this  material  cultivators  have 
created  varieties  almost  innumerable.  From  JR. 
spinosissima,  the  type  of  thosa  indigenous  to 
Great  Britain,  nearly  three  hundred  varieties 
have  sprung,  which  are  known  as  Scotch  Roses, 
though  these  are  not  as  much  valued  as  many 
other  classes.  The  Cabbage  or  Provence  Rose 
(R.  centifolia)  is  one  of  the  best  known  and  old- 
est of  the  family.  It  is  a  native  of  Eastern  Cau- 
casus. It  is  supposed  to  be  the  hundred-leaved 
Rose  of  Pliny.  It  was  introduced  into  the  Brit- 
ish gardens  in  1596.  More  than  a  hundred  fine 
hybrid  varieties  have  been  produced  by  the 
French  and  English  gardeners  between  this  and 
R.  Qallica,  which  are  known  under  the  general 
name  of  Provence  Roses.  They  are  all  very 
beautiful  and  fragrant,  and  all  distinguished  by 
their  close,  cabbage-like  form,  the  curving  in- 
ward of  their  petals,  and  their  slender  foot- 
stalks, which  give  a  peculiarly  graceful  and 
drooping  appearance  to  the  fully  developed 
flowers.  The  Unique  Provence  is  claimed  to  be 
of  English  origin,  having  been  observed  for  the 
first  time  in  1777,  growing  in  a  cottage  garden. 
It  was  probably  one  of  those  accidental  varia- 
tions of  flowers  commonly  termed  "sports," 
which  sometimes  take  place  in  plants,  one 
branch,  shoot,  or  sucker  producing  striped  or 
variegated  flowers,  while  the  original  remains 
self-colored.  The  Unique  Provence  is  pure 
white,  of  full  size,  globular  form,  and  exceed- 


192 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EOS 

ingly  fragrant.  From  this  the  Striped  Provence 
is  said  to  have  been  a  sport.  Its  flowers  are 
white,  striped  with  deep  rose.  It  is  by  no 
means  constant,  as  some  of  the  flowers  will  be 
wholly  pink,  others  pure  white,  the  two  being 
frequently  met  on  the  same  branch.  The  Moss 
Rose,  (R.  centit'oUa  muMMa,)the  history  of  which 
is  unknown,  nas  by  common  consent  been  con- 
sidered an  accidental  sport  from  the  Provence 
Rose.  This  theory  is  strengthened  by  the 
fact  that  plants  produced  by  the  seed  of  the 
Moss  Rose  do  not  always  show  moss,  probably 
not  more  than  one  in  three  doing  so;  those  that 
do  not,  possess  all  the  characteristics  of  the 
Cabbage  or  Provence  Rose.  The  earliest  his- 
tory we  have  of  it  is,  that  it  was  sent  to  England 
from  Holland  in  1596,  since  which  time  many 
new  kinds  have  been  produced  from  seed,  and 
from  sports  of  the  original.  The  Crested  Moss 
(R.  cristata)  is  a  sport  accidentally  found  grow- 
ing out  of  an  old  wall  at  Friburg,  in  Switzer- 
land. This  class,  like  the  Provence,  requires 
the  highest  cultivation:  a  deep,  strong,  rich 
loam  is  required  for  the  perfection  of  these  more 
than  any  other  class  of  Roses.  The  French  (R. 
Gallica)  is  indigenous  to  the  hedges  of  France 
and  Italy.  It  is  credited  with  being  the  R.  Mil- 
lesiana  of  Pliny,  and  is  among  the  earliest  culti- 
vated garden  Roses.  This  section  contains  a 
large  number  of  our  variegated  varieties,  all 
having  their  parentage  in  R.  Gallica  versicolor. 
This  family  is  very  extensive,  and  unsurpassed 
for  perfection  of  form  or  richness  of  color.  They 
are  compact,  erect-growing  plants,  producing 
large,  open,  flat  flowers,  borne  on  stiff,  erect 
flower-stalks,  thus  forming  a  marked  contrast 
to  the  Cabbage  Rose.  Of  this  there  are  proba- 
bly two  hundred  varieties.  They  are  exten- 
sively grown  in  the  neighborhood  of  Paris  for 
the  purpose  of  making  the  Attar  of  Roses.  The 
Hybrid  Provence  Roses  (R.  centifolia  hybrida) 
are  hybrids  between  the  French  and  Provence 
Roses.  Nearly  all  the  varieties  are  remarkable 
for  their  large,  well-formed,  and  very  fragrant 
flowers.  They  are  mostly  vigorous  growers,  re- 
quiring but  little  care  in  cultivation.  The  Hy- 
brid China  Rose,  (R.  Indica  hybrida.)  This  sec- 
tion owes  its  origin  to  the  Bourbon,  China,  and 
Tea-scented  Noisette,  crossed  with  the  French, 
Provence,  and  other  summer  Roses,  and  also  to 
the  latter  crossed  with  the  former.  The  varie- 
ties first  obtained  from  this  crossing  arose  from 
accident,  the  effect  of  which  was  a  systematic 
effort  that  resulted  in  producing  some  magnifi- 
cent Roses.  Mr.  Rivers,  a  celebrated  rosarian, 
in  speaking  of  these  hybrids,  remarks:  "  They 
give  a  long  continuance  of  bloom,  but  never  put 
forth  secondary  or  autumnal  flowers.  This  is  a 
most  peculiarly  distinguishing  trait,  and  an  in- 
teresting fact.  Impregnate  a  Bourbon,  China, 
or  Noisette  Rose,  all  abundant  bloomers,  with 
the  farina  of  a  French  or  Provence  Rose,  and 
you  entirely  take  away  the  tendency  of  autumnal 
blooming  in  their  offspring."  The  plants  of  this 
section  are  of  very  vigorous  habit,  and  the  flow- 
ers combine  all  the  properties  desired  in  the 
Hose,  viz.,  size,  form,  fullness,  and  exquisite  col- 
°i;ing-  The  Hybrid  Bourbon,  (R.  Eorboniana  hy- 
brula.)  This  class  owes  its  origin  to  the  Bour- 
bon Rose,  which  is  itself  a  hybrid.  There  is 
some  uncertainty  about  the  crossing;  it  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  R.  Indica  and  R.  Damascene 
-They  are  a  very  beautiful  class  of  Roses,  large 
iraJther  flat>  with  rich>  ^civet-like  petals, 
much  darker  inside  than  on  the  outside  of  the 


ROS 

flower.  They  flower  moderately  well  in  autumn. 
The  White  Rose,  ( Rosa  alba.)  The  original  spe- 
cies is  a  native  of  the  central  part  of  Europe, 
and  was  introduced  into  Great  Britain  in  1597. 
The  flowers  are  small;  the  e.lors  are  white, 
blush,  flesh,  and  pink.  They  are  readily  dis- 
tinguished from  all  other  Roses  by  the  glaucous 
appearance  of  the  foliage,  which  appears  as  if 
covered  with  a  grayish,  impalpable  powder,  and 
by  the  shoots  being  almost  spineless.  They  are 
perfectly  hardy,  and  of  easy  cultivation.  A  type 
of  this  class  is  finely  represented  by  the  well- 
known  variety  Madame  Plantier.  The  Damask 
Rose,  (R.  Damascena.)  The  original  species  is  a 
native  of  Syria,  and  was  introduced  into  Europe 
in  1573.  It  is  now,  as  formerly,  largely  culti- 
vated in  the  gardens  of  Damascus  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  Rose-water,  Attar  of  Roses,  etc. 
Nearly  all  the  Perpetual  Roses,  now  so  much 
sought  after,  owe  their  origin  to  the  older  mem- 
bers of  this  family,  which  may  readily  be  dis- 
tinguished from  other  Roses  by  their  rough, 
spiny  shoots,  and  leather-like  leaves.  They  are 
all  of  robust  habit,  and  have  large,  well-formed 
flowers.  The  Sweet  Brier  (R.  rubiginosa)  is  in- 
digenous to  many  parts  of  Great  Britain,  in  its 
native  or  single  state ;  it  has  become  naturalized 
in  many  parts  of  the  United  States.  Not  content 
with  the  delightful  fragrance  of  the  foliage,  art 
has  added  several  varieties  with  double  bright 
rose-colored  and  crimson  flowers.  The  best  of 
them  is  Celestial  Sweet  Brier,  with  flowers  very 
double  and  fragrant.  The  Austrian  Brier  (R. 
lutea)  is  a  native  of  the  north  of  Italy.  Its  stems 
are  spiny,  and  of  a  reddish-brown  color;  it  has 
a  straggling  habit  of  growth,  leaves  quite  small, 
and  flowers  of  copper  and  yellow  color.  From 
this  species  has  sprung  the  Persian  Yellow, 
which  is  said  to  have  originated  in  Persia,  hence 
its  name;  also  the  Harrison  Rose,  a  variety  that 
originated  in  this  country.  These  two  are  as 
yet  the  best  hardy  Yellow  Roses  that  have  been 
produced.  The  Double  Yellow  Rose,  (R.  sul- 
phurea.)  This  Rose  is  very  beautiful  in  warm 
climates ;  but  the  flowers  are  produced  with  so 
much  difficulty  that  it  is  rarely  met.  The  origin 
of  this  Rose  is  unknown.  It  is  rarely  seen  in 
collections.  The  Boursault  Rose,  (R.  Alp'ma.) 
The  Alpine  or  Mountain  Rose  of  the  south  of 
France  and  the  Alps  is  the  type  from  which  this 
very  distinct  family  of  Roses  sprung.  It  was 
originated  by  M.  Boursault,  of  Paris,  in  whose 
honor  it  was  named.  They  are  remarkable  for 
the  abundance  of  flowers  they  produce.  They 
are  perfectly  hardy,  and  well  adapted  for  cover- 
ing walls  or  trellises.  The  Banksian  Rose,  (R. 
Bunksiami.)  This  Rose,  a  native  of  China,  was 
introduced  in  1807,  and  was  named  in  compli- 
ment to  Lady  Banks.  There  are  several  varie- 
ties, producing  immense  clusters  of  white,  yel- 
low, or  rose-colored  flowers.  The  plant  is  a 
rapid  climber,  beautiful  in  foliage  and  graceful 
in  habit.  As  it  is  an  annual  flowering  species, 
and  too  tender  to  stand  the  severity  of  our  win- 
ters, even  if  protected,  it  does  not  meet  with 
favor  among  our  Rose-growers.  The  Many-flow- 
ered Rose,  (R.  multifiora.)  The  original  of  this 
was  introduced  in  1804  from  Japan  by  the  cele- 
brated botanist,  Thunberg.  Growers  in  France 
and  Italy  have  since  then  originated  several  va- 
rieties, of  which  R.  GreciHeiis  a  fair  representa- 
tive. They  are  annual  bloomers,  but  too  tender 
to  live  out  without  protection  north  of  Virginia. 
The  Prairie  Rose,  (R.  rubiftora.)  This  family  is 
American,  the  type  being  the  single-flowering 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EOS 

Climbing  Eose  of  the  Prairies,  from  which  have 
originated  several  double-flowering  sorts.  The 
best  known  is  the  Queen  of  the  Prairies.  The 
flowers  are  light  crimson,  sometimes  striped 
with  white.  Though  wholly  devoid  of  fragrance, 
it  well  deserves  a  place  in  a  collection.  It  is  per- 
fectly hardy,  of  the  easiest  culture,  and  flowers 
with  great  profusion.  The  origin  of  the  Hybrid 
Climbing  Eoses  is  entirely  unknown;  and  they 
present  traces  of  so  many  sections  that  conjec- 
ture on  this  point  is  useless.  Their  hardi- 
ness in  this  climate  has  not  been  tested  suffi- 
ciently to  warrant  an  opinion  as  to  their  useful- 
ness here.  The  Evergreen  Eose  (R.  sempervirens) 
is  of  Italian  origin,  though  the  French  have 
produced. many  of  the  newer  varieties.  In  our 
Northern  States  it  could  scarcely  be  called  an 
"  evergreen;"  at  the  South  it  could.  The  varie- 
ties are  among  the  most  valuable  of  Climbing 
Eoses,  being  free  growers,  perfectly  hardy,  and 
producing  immense  clusters  in  a  variety  of  col- 
ors. The  Ayershire  Eose,  (R.  arvensis.)  The 
origin  of  this,  like  many  others,  is  unknown, 
though  it  is  generally  credited  to  Scotland. 
There  are  a  number  of  varieties,  all  rapid  grow- 
ers, of  easy  culture,  and  well  adapted  for  cover- 
ing large  trellises  or  arbors.  The  colors  are 
white,  rose,  blush,  etc.  They  are  rather  tender 
for  this  vicinity.  The  Hybrid  Perpetual  or 
Eemontant  Eose.  This  class  has  distanced  all 
others.  In  them  we  have  beauty  of  form,  fra- 
grance, depth  and  variety  of  color,  united  with 
a  constitution  so  vigorous  as  to  endure  the  se- 
verity of  our  Northern  winters.  They  have  been 
produced  by  crossing  the  Hybrid  China  Eoses 
with  different  varieties  of  Chinas  and  Bourbons, 
and,  to  a  limited  extent,  with  the  Teas.  This 
crossing  has  resulted  in  imparting  to  the  more 
hardy  Eoses,  to  some  extent,  the  blooming  qual- 
ities of  the  tender  sorts  without  impairing  the 
vigor  of  the  former.  It  is  a  mistake  to  suppose 
that  all  Eoses  in  this  class  are  perpetual  bloom- 
ers, as  their  name  would  imply.  They  are,  with- 
out question,  the  most  valuable  for  their  abun- 
dance of  bloom  in  June,  and  most  of  them  will 
give  an  occasional  flower  during  the  summer,  and 
in  favorable  seasons,  a  fair  show  in  autumn ;  but  to 
expect  continuous  bloom,  as  the  Chinas  and  Teas 
afford,  would  be  a  sad  disappointment.  As  a  class 
they  are  nearly  all  hardy  in  the  Northern  States, 
and  of  easy  culture,  well  adapted  to  be  grown 
either  as  dwarfs  or  standards,  and  can  with  the 
greatest  certainty  be  forced  into  bloom  during 
winter  and  spring.  Of  the  General  Jacqueminot 
alone,  which  is  a  well-known  representative  of 
this  class,  probably  ten  acres  of  green-house 
surface  are  used  for  forcing  the  flowers  for  win- 
ter for  the  city  of  New  York  alone,  and  in  nearly 
like  proportion  all  over  the  Union.  The  Dam- 
ask Perpetuals.  The  parentage  of  this  family  is 
difficult  to  trace.  It  is  generally  credited  in  a 
great  measure  to  the  old  white  and  red  Monthly 
Eoses.  There  is  no  authority  for  this  supposi- 
tion, and  no  hint  even  as  to  the  other  Eoses 
with  which  they  were  crossed.  They  are  per- 
fectly hardy,  exceedingly  fragrant,  and  free 
flowering.  The  Perpetual  Scotch.  (/?.  npinosis- 
simi. )  These  are  hybrids,  supposed  to  have  been 
produced  by  crossing  the  Scotch  Eoses  with 
the  Damask  Perpetuals.  But  little  success  has 
attended  hybridizing  those  families,  as  there 
are  but  one  or  two  varieties  worth  cultivating. 
The  Bourbon  Eose,  or  Isle  de  Bourbon,  (R.  Bor- 
boni'tna.)  Eoses  of  this  section  are  remarkable  for 
their  autumnal  flowering,  as  they  do  not  flower 


EOS 

well  until  the  first  of  September,  after  which 
they  are  in  continuous  bloom  until  checked  by 
heavy  frosts.     They  derive  their  name  from  the 
Isle  of  Bourbon,  where  they  originated.     The 
type  of  the  race  is  said  to  have  been  an  accident- 
al seedling  from  a  quantity  that  were  planted  for 
a  hed^e  by  one  M.  Peirchon,  an  inhabitant  of 
the  island.     From  many  of  its  characteristics  it 
is  a  supposed  cross  between  the  common  China 
and  one  of  the  old  Damask  Perpetuals  known  as 
the  Eed  Four-season  Eose.     The  first  plant  was 
introduced  into  France  in  1822,  and  at  once  at- 
tracted the  attention  of  the  leading  Eose-growers 
at  Paris,  who  commenced  its  cultivation  exten- 
sively.   Its  tendency  to  vary  was  such,   that 
within  a  short  time  a  large  number  of  seminal 
varieties  were  produced,  from  which  some  of  our 
most  desirable  Eoses  have  originated.   Souvenir 
de  la  Malmaison,  a  deep  blush  color,  (introduced 
about  1840,)  that  has  yet  no  equal  as  an  autum- 
nal flowering  Eose,  and  the  well-known  Her- 
mosa,  pink,  belong  to  this  class.    The  Bourbons 
are  distinguished  for  their  fine  foliage,  compact 
habit  of  growth,  and  for  the  profusion  and  long- 
continuance  of  their  blooming.     They  require  a 
dry  soil,  only  moderately  rich.     They  are  not 
perfectly  hardy  north  of  Washington,   unless 
under  very  favorable  circumstances.     The  Per- 
petual Moss,  (R.  centifolia.)    There  are  but  few 
of  this  class,  and  those  few  are  entitled  to  the 
name  only  in  the  sense  in  which  the  Hybrid 
Perpetuals  are;  that  is,  with  grains  of  allowance, 
which  will  be  cheerfully  granted  for  the  pleas- 
ure a  Moss  Eose  in  autumn  affords.     This  sec- 
tion is  a  cross  between  the  old  Moss  and  some 
of  the  autumn-blooming  varieties.    The  con- 
tinuous or  rather  second  flowering  has  been  pro- 
duced at  some  sacrifice  of  the  moss.    As  a  class 
they  are  poor  growers,  requiring  a  strong,  deep, 
rich  soil.     A  well-known  type  of  this   class  is 
James  Veitch,  deep  crimson.     The  Musk  Eose 
(R.  muscata)  is  one  of  the  oldest  Eoses  in  culti- 
vation.    The  original  is  a  native  of  Madeira, 
Persia,  and  the  north  of  Africa.     The  plants  are 
rapid  growers  and  profuse  bloomers,  in  habit 
resembling  the  Noisette,  requiring  the  same  pro- 
tection in  winter,  and  the  same  treatment  in 
growing.     They  are  late  in  flowering,  not  com- 
ing into  bloom  until  about  the  first  of  Septem- 
ber.    They  receive  their  name  from  the  fact  of 
their  having  a  peculiar  musk-like  scent.     They 
are  not  very  hardy  in  most  Eose-grpwing  coun- 
tries, and,  consequently,  have  received  but  lit- 
tle attention  from  growers.     The  China  Eose, 
(R.  Indica,)  and  the  Crimson  China  Eose,  (R. 
sempei-florens.)    These  two  families  are  so  nearly 
allied 'that  their  history,  description,  and  treat- 
ment are  the  same.     They  are  both  natives  of 
China,  and  were  first  introduced  into  Europe  in 
1789.     The  two   species  are  the   parents  from 
which  a  rather  extensive  and  interesting  family 
of  Eoses  have  sprung.     They  are  of  compara- 
tively small  growth,  which  is  a  distinctive  fea- 
ture in  all  the  progeny.     They  are  very  gener- 
ally known  as  Bengal  Eoses.      In  our  climate 
they  are  not  sufficiently  hardy  north  of  Wash- 
ington to  endure  the  winters  without  the  most 
careful  protection.     As  garden  Eoses  they  are 
very  desirable,  being  abundant  and  continuous 
bloomers;  but  for  cut  flowers,  they  cannot  be 
highly  recommended,  although  the  deep  crim- 
son calor  of  s*ome  of  the  varieties,  as  Douglas, 
i"!  >     mi  pie,  makes  them  grown  to  a  considera- 
ble e'xtent,  even  though  the  buds  are  small.   The 
Tea-scented  China  Eose,    (R.   Indica  odorata.) 


194 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ROS 

Bosa  o&wata,  the  type  of  this  section,  is  a  na- 
tive of  China,  introduced  into  England  in  1810, 
and,  with  the  Yellow  China  or  Tea-scented  Rose 
previously  introduced  into  France,  became  the 
parents  of  the  best  known  and  most  extensively 
cultivated  class  in  this  country.  They  range 
through  all  the  shades  of  yellow,  orange,  white, 
blush,  pink,  purple,  and  crimson,  and  have 
nearly  all  a  marked  tea  fragrance.  From  the 
hundreds  of  varieties  that  have  been  produced 
it  is  difficult  to  determine  the  varieties  that  can 
be  named  as  best.  Those  we  name  under  the 
head  of  "Winter  Culture  of  the  Rose"  are,  per- 
haps, the  best  at  the  date  of  writing.  Until  1877 
no  true  striped  Rose  had  been  known  to  exist; 
but  in  that  year  a  sport  from  the  crimson  col- 
ored Bon  Silene  came  distinctly  striped  crim- 
son and  white,  and  has  continued  to  hold  to  this 
peculiar  and  beautiful  form.  It  has  been  ap- 
propriately named  the  "American  Banner,"  and 
as  beginning  to  create  quite  a  sensation  in  Eu- 
rope from  its  decided  novelty  of  coloring.  The 
whole  class  of  Teas  are  the  most  tender  of  the 
great  Rose  family.  There  is  no  sure  protection 
for  them  in  the  open  border  without  more  trou- 
ble and  expense  than  the  plants  would  be  worth 
in  spring  time.  Most  amateurs  have  very  sen- 
sibly given  up  "protecting  "  this  class  of  Roses, 
and  have  found  the  more  sure,  easy,  and  inex- 
pensive way  to  get  Tea  Roses  is  to  procure  young 
plants  in  spring,  not  more  than  four  inches  high, 
grown  in  thumb-pots  ;  these,  if  planted  in  a 
good,  strong,  rich  soil,  will  produce  more  flow- 
ers during  the  summer  and  autumn  months 
than  double  their  number  of  old  plants  "kept 
over."  At  the  present  writing  we  have  of  the 
many  varieties  of  Teas  several  thousands;  plants 
that,  when  put  out  in  April,  could  not  be  seen 
half  way  across  the  nursery  rows,  but  which  are 
now  (October)  averaging  two  Roses  a  day  from 
each  plant,  and  have  been  for  the  past  two 
months.  For  out-of-door  culture,  treat  Tea  and 
all  other  tender  Roses  the  same  as  any  bedding 
plant;  that  is,  to  depend  upon  young  plants  for 
the  season's  flowering.  Tea  Roses  can  be  pre- 
served without  difficulty  through  the  winter  by 
taking  up,  potting,  or  "heeling"  in  a  box  of 
earth,  and  keeping  them  in  a  cool,  dry  cellar, 
where  the  thermometer  will  not  fall  below  25°. 
When  planted  out  in  spring  they  should  be  well 
cut  back,  and  if  carefully  planted  in  a  rich  soil, 
they  will  be  nearly  as  good  as  young  plants.  In 
California  and  nearly  all  States  south  of  Rich- 
mond,  the  Tea  Rose  requires  no  winter  protec- 
tion, and  is  there  seen  in  the  greatest  perfection. 
The  Macartney  Rose,  (R.  bracteata.)  The  origi- 
nal of  this  small  group  is  the  single  Macartney 
Rose,  a  native  of  China,  introduced  into  Eng- 
land in  1795  by  Lord  Macartney,  from  whom  it 
took  its  name.  It  is  a  climbing  evergreen  Rose. 
Like  most  of  the  China  Roses,  it  is  not  hardy, 
and  its  value  for  winter  flowering  is  not  suffi- 
cient to  warrant  growing  it  under  glass  The 
Miniature  Rose,  (R.  Lawrenciana.)  This  is  a 
native  of  China,  and  was  formerly  considered  by 
botanists  to  be  a  distinct  species.  Mr.  Rivers, 
of  England,  whose  knowledge  of  the  Rose  is  sec- 
ond to  no  one's,  says  it  is  but  a  dwarf  variety  of 
the  common  China  Rose,  like  the  Bon  de  Meaux 
and  Pompon,  which  are  dwarf  varieties  of  R. 
centifolia.  "Many  plants,"  he  remarks,  "that 
have  been  long  under  cultivation  have  a  tend- 
ency to  produce  from  seed  these  pigmy  like- 
nesses of  themselves."  If  there  is  any  value  in 
this  class,  it  isaa  a  curiosity  for  pot  culture.  The 


ROS 

Cherokee  Rose  (R.  Iccvifjaia)  is  a  large-flowered 
single  variety,  a  native  of  China.  In  the  South- 
ern States,  where  it  has  become  naturalized,  it 
is  held  in  high  esteem  for  the  graceful  habit  of 
the  plant,  with  its  vivid  green,  glossy  leaves. 
The  flowers  are  of  the  purest  waxy  white,  and 
are  produced  in  the  greatest  abundance.  It  is 
often  used  for  hedges,  and  for  this  purpose  few 
plants  could  be  better  adapted.  The  Noisette 
Rose,  (R.  Noisettiana.)  The  type  of  this  group, 
the  old  Blush  Noisette  Rose,  is  a  cross  between 
the  Musk  Rose  and  the  common  China  Rose.  It 
was  produced  by  M.  Noisette,  a  French  garden- 
er, of  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  1817.  The 
seed  was  from  the  Musk  Rose,  and  the  plant 
partakes  of  its  nature,  in  its  vigorous  growth, 
and,  to  a  limited  extent,  its  fragrance,  together 
with  its  habit  of  blooming  in  clusters:  in  all 
other  respects  it  is  entirely  dissimilar  from  either 
parent.  From  this  hybrid,  some  of  our  most 
useful  and  beautiful  half-hardy  Roses  have  orig- 
inated, embracing  several  green-house  varieties, 
the  most  superb  of  which  is  the  Lamarque  (white. ) 
The  group  contains  some  of  quite  dwarf  habit ; 
all  are  noted  for  producing  their  flowers  in  large 
clusters;  this  is  particularly  the  case  with  the 
Washington,  Fellenburgh,  and  Aime  Vibert.  The 
Marshal  Neil  Rose  of  this  section  is,  like  the 
General  Jacqueminot,  most  extensively  forced 
under  glass  for  its  buds ;  probably  three  acres 
of  glass  surface  are  used  for  it  in  the  vicinity  of 
New  York  City,  but  it  is  likely  to  be  superseded 
by  Perle  des  Jardins,  which  is  nearly  equal  to 
it,  and  which  flowers  continually.  Though  not 
hardy  north,  nothing  can  exceed  the  beauty  of 
many  of  this  class  of  Roses  in  some  of  the  South- 
ern States,  where  the  thermometer  does  not  fall 
below  20°.  The  finest  of  all  these  is  probably 
the  old  "Cloth  of  Gold,"  now  rarely  met  true, 
Solfataire  being  often  sold  for  it.  Marshal  Neil, 
another  yellow,  of  late  introduction,  is  very  fine, 
as  are  also  Gloire  de  Dijon  and  many  others  of 
this  section.  Standard  Roses  are  produced  by 
budding  any  desired  variety  on  the  common 
Dog  Brier  or  Manetti  stock,  the  strongest  grow- 
ers known;  consequently  they  give  to  the  Rose 
the  greatest  amount  of  nourishment.  In  a 
moist,  cool  atmosphere,  like  that  of  England, 
Roses  are  grown  in  perfection  upon  standard, 
half-standard,  or  dwarf  stocks.  In  this  coun- 
try, the  dry,  hot  winds  and  scorching  sun  of 
summer,  or  the  cold  winds  of  winter,  will  de- 
stroy the  vitality  of  the  stock,  (particularly  if  on 
high  standards,)  and  they  rarely  live  more  than 
three  or  four  years,  and  in  no  case  will  they  pro- 
duce such  Roses  in  this  country  as  in  England 
or  France,  except  in  particularly  favorable  situ- 
ations, such  as  a  north  aspect  in  our  city  gar- 
dens. We  have  known  them  in  such  positions 
to  do  exceedingly  well,  especially  when  the  stem 
of  the  plant  had  been  wrapped  around  with  moss 
or  straw  to  protect  it  against  the  summer  sun. 
Where  grown  in  the  greatest  perfection  in  Eng- 
land, stocks  are  selected  that  are  the  best  adapted 
to  the  soil  and  situation  in  which  they  are  to 
grow ;  these  are  planted  about  the  1  st  of  Novem- 
ber, and  the  highest  cultivation  possible  is  given 
them.  In  the  following  July  they  are  budded 
with  the  most  vigorous  buds  that  can  be  had 
from  plants  put  out  the  previous  year  expressly 
for  the  buds.  In  the  following  November  they 
cut  the  shoots  back  to  five  or  six  inches,  and  in 
the  following  spring  cut  back  to  one  or  two  buds, 
which  will  give  the  flowering  shoots.  For  exhi- 
bition purposes  but  one  bloom  is  allowed  on 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


195 


ROS 

each  shoot,  and  that  will  be  the  perfect  flower; 
and  it  is  from  such  flowers,  shown  at  the  Lon- 
don exhibitions,  that  our  American  travelers 
give  their  orders,  often  paying  enormous  prices 
for  Roses  that,  when  grown  under  ordinary  treat- 
ment here,  never  fail  to  disappoint.  Were  the 
English  amateurs  to  take  their  "  Standards"from 
nursery  rows,  and  keep  them  out  of  the  ground 
for  nearly  two  months,  as  is  the  case  with  us, 
and  then  give  them  but  indifferent  treatment, 
we  doubt  if  their  favorable  climate  would  give 
them  a  Rose  that  would  be  recognized  by  those 
who  have  only  grown  them  properly.  R.  rugosa, 
a  Japanese  species,  first  sent  to  this  country  by 
Commodore  Perry  in  1855,  is  one  of  the  hand- 
somest hardy  shrubs  in  cultivation.  It  forms  a 
sturdy  bush  from  four  to  five  feet  high,  covered 
with  large,  dark  green,  pinnate,  glossy  foliage, 
and  producing  terminal  chisters  of  ten  to  twenty 
flowers,  three  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  bright 
rosy  crimson  color,  and  very  fragrant.  It  con- 
tinues in  flower  the  whole  summer,  making  a 
very  attractive  object.  If  it  never  produced  a 
flower,  it  would  still  be  entitled  to  a  prominent 
place  on  the  lawn  for  the  beauty  of  its  foliage, 
which  scarcely  resembles  that  of  the  Rose,  but 
is  very  heavy,  rich,  and  shining,  remaining  on 
until  late  in  autumn. 

CULTURE   OF   THE   ROSE. 

WINTER  FORCING. — The  intense  interest  now  so 
generally  taken  in  the  culture  of  the  Rose,  not 
only  for  outside  decoration,  but  for  the  produc- 
tion of  Rose  buds  in  winter,  induces  us  to  depart 
from  the  general  rule  adopted  in  this  work,  and 
give  a  full  and  detailed  account  of  the  methods 
of  cultivation  practiced  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York  City,  which  is  believed  to  be  unequaled  in 
any  other  part  of  the  world,  particularly  in  the 
methods  in  use  for  the  winter  forcing  of  the  Rose. 
For  this  purpose,  strong,  healthy  cuttings  are  put 
in  to  root  any  time  from  September  to  January. 
We  keep  the  sand  in  our  cutting  benches  about 
65°  or  70°,  with  the  temperature  of  the  house  10° 
less.  Rose  cuttings,  under  these  conditions, 
will  root  in  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  days, 
and  are  then  potted  in  any  good  soil  in  two  and 
a  half  inch  pots,  and  placed  in  a  green-house 
having  a  night  temperature  of  about  50°,  with 
10°  to  15°  more  in  the  daytime.  The  young 
Roses  are  regularly  shifted  into  larger  pots  as 
soon  as  the  "ball  "  gets  filled  with  roots,  great 
care  being  taken  that  the  plants  at  no  time  get 
pot  bound.  Syringing  is  done  once  a  day  to 
keep  down  red  spider,  and  fumigating  by  burn- 
ing tobacco  stems  to  kill  the  Aphis  or  Green 
Fly  must  be  done  twice  a  week.  With  such  at- 
tention, plants  which  were  put  in  as  cuttings  at 
the  season  named  above,  by  the  middle  of  July 
will  be  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  in  height, 
with  roots  enough  to  fill  a  six-inch  pot.  Now, 
if  intended  to  be  grown  in  pots,  the  shifting 
into  larger  pots  should  be  continued  whenever 
the  ball  gets  filled  with  roots,  (which  is  usually 
in  about  five  or  six  weeks  after  every  shift, )  until 
the  1st  of  October,  when  they  will  have  reached 
a  size  requiring  a  pot  of  eight  or  nine  inches  in 
diameter.  They  are  then  in  condition  for  win- 
ter forcing,  no  further  shifting  being  required. 
But  if  they  are  to  be  planted  out  on  benches, 
or  in  solid  beds  of  soil,  the  planting  should  be 
made  from  the  pots  from  the  15th  of  July  to  the 
15th  of  August.  There  is  quite  a  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  whether  the  Roses  can  be  best 
grown  in  solid  beds  or  on  raised  benches.  We 


ROS 

believe  that  it  really  makes  but  little  difference, 
as  we  find  them  grown  with  nearly  equal  success 
by  both  methods,  although  the  method  mainly 
in  use  at  Madison,  N.  J.,  where,  at  present  writ- 
ing, Roses  are  probably  grown  better  than  any- 
where else  in  the  country,  is  the  raised  bench 
system.  The  green-houses  used  are  about  twen- 
ty feet  wide,  and  are  what  is  known  as  three- 
quarter  span ;  that  is,  three-quarters  of  the  glass 
roof  slopes  to  the  south  at  an  angle  of  about 
thirty  degrees,  while  the  other  quarter  slopes 
north  at  an  angle  of  twenty  degrees,  giving  a 
base  space  for  the  benches  on  which  the  Roses 
are  to  be  planted,  taking  out  the  walks,  of 
about  fifteen  feet.  The  benches  may  be  either 
a  level  platform,  or  divided  into  four  or  five 
platforms,  about  three  feet  wide,  or  so  as  to 
be  about  equal  distances  from  the  glass;  the 
bottom  of  the  benches  may  be  from  five  to  six 
feet  from  the  glass,  as  desired.  There  is  no 
necessity  for  bottom  heat  for  Roses,  so  that  it  is 
best  to  have  the  pipes  for  heating  run  under 
the  front  and  back  benches  of  the  Rose  house, 
with  none  under  the  middle  benches.  The 
soil  in  which  the  Roses  are  to  be  grown  need 
not  be  more  than  six  or  eight  inches  deep, 
the  boards  so  arranged  as  to  allow  free  drainage 
for  the  water.  The  soil  is  that  made  from  sods 
cut  three  or  four  inches  deep  from  any  good 
loamy  pasture  land,  well  chopped  up,  and 
mixed  with  about  one-thirtieth  of  their  bulk  of 
pure  broken  bones  and  bone  dust.  It  is  per- 
haps best  to  let  the  sod  be  well  rotted  before 
being  used,  although,  if  not  convenient,  it  will 
do  fresh,  if  well  chopped  up.  The  distance  for 
Roses  such  as  we  describe  (those  that  have  been 
grown  in  six-inch  pots,  and  average  twenty 
inches  high)  should  be  one  foot  each  way,  so  as 
to  get  the  full  benefit  of  a  crop.  It  is  true  that, 
if  planted  twice  that  distance,  they  would  be 
thick  enough  before  spring ;  but  they  would  not 
fill  up  sufficiently  until  the  middle  of  January 
if  planted  much  wider  than  one  foot.  The  tem- 
perature at  which  Roses  are  grown  in  winter  is 
an  average  of  50°  to  55°  at  night,  with  10°  or  15° 
higher  during  the  day.  Watering  is  a  matter 
of  the  first  importance,  and  requires  some  ex- 
perience to  know  what  is  the  proper  condition. 
As  a  guide,  whenever  the  soil  shows  indications 
of  being  dry  on  the  top,  a  thorough  watering 
should  be  given,  sufficient  to  completely  satu- 
rate the  soil.  Such  a  watering  will  not  usually 
be  required  more  than  once  in  two  weeks.  A 
mulching  of  two  or  three  inches  of  moss,  mixed 
with  one-twentieth  part  bone  dust,  is  very  bene- 
ficial. Syringing  may  be  done  once  a  day ,  suffi- 
cient only  to  moisten  the  foliage.  If  done  heav- 
ily it  would  keep  the  soil  too  wet.  Fumigating 
with  tobacco  for  the  suppression  of  the  Aphis 
(Green  Fly)  should  be  done  twice  a  week.  The 
varieties  grown  are  changing  every  season,  and 
no  list  we  can  give  to-day  is  likely  to  remain  as 
the  best  ten  years  hence.  The  favorite  Tea 
Roses  now  grown  for  winter  are  Perle  des  Jar- 
dins,  (yellow;)  Niphetos,  (white;)  Catharine 
Mermet,  (rose;)  Madame  Welch,  (blush;)  Cor- 
nelia Cook,  (white;)  Belle  Allamande,  (pink;) 
and  Bon  Silene,  (carmine.)  There  are  still  a 
number  of  the  older  sorts,  such  as  Safrano, 
Douglas,  and  Isabella  Sprunt,  yet  grown;  but 
they  are  fast  giving  way  to  what  is  known  as 
"fancy"  Roses,  of  which  the  yellow  variety, 
Perle  des  Jardins,  is  a  type.  Of  Climbing  Roses, 
which  are  grown  on  the  rafters  of  the  green- 
house, Marshal  Neil,  (.yellow;)  Lamarque, 


196 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ROS 

(white-)  James  Sprunt,  (crimson;)  Gloire  de 
Dijon,  (salmon  yellow  ;)  and  Red  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
(carmine,  )  are  the  best.  Another  class  of  Roses, 
the  Hybrid  Perpetuate,  particularly  the  variety 
known  as  General  Jacqueminot,  are  now  grown 
in  immense  quantities.  These,  we  think,  will 
soon  be  supplanted  by  a  newer  class,  known  as 
"  Hybrid  Teas,"  of  which  Duchess  of  Edin- 
burgh, (bright  crimson,)  La  France,  (light 
pink,)  Duke  of  Connaught,  (crimson  scarlet,) 
Duchess  of  Connaught,  (deep  carmine,)  Co- 
quette de  Alps,  (white,)  are  at  present  types. 
These  require  an  entirely  different  treatment 
from  the  Tea  Roses  proper,  as  they  are  not 
evergreens,  but  drop  their  leaves  in  fall;  and 
hence,  like  all  deciduous  plants,  require  a 
rest  of  at  least  two  months,  either  by  drying  or 
by  a  low  temperature,  before  they  can  be  forced 
into  flower.  To  get  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  and 
the  Hybrid  Tea  classes  early  (say  during  Janu- 
ary) requires  special  skill  and  care,  but  well  re- 
pays it,  as  this  class  of  Roses  now  bring  an 
average  of  $50  per  hundred  buds  at  wholesale, 
from  the  15th  of  December  to  January  15th. 
The  method  found  to  be  necessary  is  to  grow 
these  Roses  on  in  pots  exactly  as  recommended 
for  the  Evergreen  or  Tea  Roses,  except  that,  as 
they  have  a  tendency  to  grow  tall,  the  center 
should  be  pinched  out  of  the  leading  shoots, 
so  that  from  five  to  six  shoots  run  up,  and  thus 
not  only  make  the  plant  bushy,  but,  what  is  of 
more  importance,  these  slimmer  shoots  are  less 
pithy  and  ripen  off  harder,  thus  insuring  with 
more  certainty  a  greater  production  of  buds. 
The  plants,  if  started  from  cuttings  any  time 
from  September  to  January,  which  is  the  season 
we  prefer  to  root  them  in,  will,  if  properly  grown, 
by  August  1st  (or  at  less  than  one  year  old)  have 
filled  a  seven  or  eight  inch  pot  with  roots.  Now  is 
the  critical  point.  The  plants  must  be  ripened 
off  and  rested  if  a  crop  of  buds  is  wanted  by 
January  and  February;  so  to  do  that  at  a  season 
as  early  as  the  1st  of  September,  the  plants  must 
be  gradually  dried  off  sufficient  to  make  them 
drop  their  leaves,  though  not  to  so  violently  wilt 
them  as  to  shrivel  the  'shoots.  This  we  find 


as  outside  the  rains  start  them  to  grow.  A  rest 
of  two  months  is  necessary,  so  that  the  plants 
begun  to  be  dried  off  by  the  1st  of  August  may 
be  started  slowly  by  the  1st  of  October,  and 
those  begun  to  be  dried  oft'  by  the  1st  of  Septem- 
ber may  be  started,  also  at  as  low  a  temperature 
as  possible,  by  the  1st  of  November.  One  of 
the  Rose-growers  of  Madison,  N.  J.,  had,  about 
the  middle  of  December,  1880,  over  one  thousand 
plants  of  General  Jacqueminot  Rose  showing 
color,  averaging  eight  buds  to  a  plant,  for  which 
he  averaged  seventy-five  cents  per  each  bud.  So 
it  will  be  seen,  that  when  this  method  of  forcing 
this  fine  class  of  Roses  is  a  success,  it  is  very 
profitable.  Why  it  is  profitable  is  from  the 
fact  of  unusual  care  and  skill  being  required  to 
have  the  plants  in  the  proper  condition.  We 
may  here  state,  that  many  failures  have  resulted 
in  the  attempt  to  grow  the  Hybrid  Tea  Roses 
without  resting,  notably  the  Duchess  of  Edinburgh 
Rose,  which  was  sent  out  from  England  some 
five  or  six  years  ago  as  a  "Crimson  Tea."  The 
misleading  name  of  "Tea  "induced  hundreds 
of  florists  to  attempt  its  growth  under  the  same 
con  litions  as  the  Safrano  or  Ron  Silene  class, 
and  the  consequence  was  in  every  case  almost 
complete  failure.  This  type  evidently  partakes 
more  of  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  than  of  the  Tea 


ROS 

class,  and  as  they  are  hardy  and  deciduous,  re- 
fuse to  bloom  in  midwinter  unless  given  the 
rest  that  their  nature  demands.  Roses,  when 
grown  under  glass  with  proper  attention  to  tem- 
perature and  moisture,  are  not  usually  attacked 
by  mildew;  but  as  a  preventive  it  is  well  to 
paint  the  hot-water  pipes  once  every  two  or 
three  weeks  with  a  mixture  of  sulphur  and  lime 
or  sulphur  and  guano,  made  of  the.consistency  of 
whitewash ;  (the  guano  or  lime  is  merely  to  make 
the  sulphur  stick  better  to  the  pipes.)  The  fumes 
of  sulphur,  as  radiated  by  the  heated  pipes,  is  a 
never-failing  means  of  destroying  the  germs  of 
mildew,  or  any  other  fungoid  growth,  and  also 
holds  in  check,  to  some  extent,  the  Red  Spider 
insect,  often  so  troublesome  to  the  Rose.  For 
the  Rose  Bug,  so  destructive  to  success  in  Rose 
growing  under  glass,  there  seems  no  remedy  ex- 
cept the  slow  and  unsatisfactory  one  of  catching 
and  killing  the  insect  as  soon  as  it  is  seen  on 
the  leaves.  It  is  not  easily  observed,  as  it  gets 
under  the  leaves  and  close  to  the  shoots  of  the 
plants.  Its  presence  is  known  by  the  bitten 
leaves  showing  where  it  is  feeding ;  but  even 
with  the  greatest  diligence  enough  will  usually 
escape  to  deposit  their  eggs  in  the  soil,  which, 
when  hatched  out  to  the  grub  or  pupa  state, 
rapidly  begin  the  work  of  destruction  by  feed- 
ing on  the  roots.  In  this  stage,  all  attempts  to 
destroy  them  have  thus  far,  we  believe,  failed. 
The  only  safety,  when  the  Rose  Bug  is  known  to 
be  present  in  sufficient  numbers  to  injure,  is  to 
throw  out  the  plants  and  start  with  young  ones. 
We  have  for  two  years  past  adopted  this  plan 
exclusively,  growing  the  plants  only  one  year 
old  from  cuttings  rooted  during  the  fall  or 
winter  months,  and  have  since  then  had  no 
trouble  whatever  from  the  ravages  of  this 
insect.  We  know,  of  course,  that  there  are  many 
Rose  houses  that  are  even  nine  to  ten  years  old 
that  never  fail  to  produce  abundant  crops,  par- 
ticularly such  as  Marshal  Neil  and  other  climbers ; 
but  in  such  cases  it  seems  to  be  that  the  Roses 
planted  either  had  escaped  the  visitation  of  the 
Rose  Bug  altogether,  or  had  got  so  deeply  and 
strongly  rooted  before  being  attacked  that  they 
could  not  injure  the  plants.  There  is  some  dif- 
ference of  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  shad- 
ing Rose  houses  during  the  hot  summer  months. 
We  believe  that  a  slight  shading  is  beneficial, 
and  for  that  purpose  use  naphtha  mixed  with  a 
little  white  lead,  just  enough  to  give  it  the  ap- 
pearance of  thin  milk.  This  we  throw  on  the 
outside  of  the  glass  with  a  syringe.  It  costs 
only  about  twenty-five  cents  for  every  thousand 
square  feet.  This  shading  is  the  best  we  have 
ever  used;  it  is  just  enough  to  take  the  glare  of 
sunlight  off,  without  much  lessening  the  light; 
and  though  it  will  hold  on  tenaciously  during 
the  summer,  is  easily  rubbed  off  in  fall. 

GARDEN  CT7LTDBE  OF  THE   EOSB. 

But  little  need  be  said  on  this  branch  of  the 
subject,  all  that  is  wanted  being  a  deep,  rich  soil, 
in  an  unshaded  position.  For  the  dry  climate  of 
the  United  States  a  class  of  Roses  should  be 
grown  very  different  from  those  grown  in  Eng- 
land. There  the  "Remontants"  or  "Hybrid 
Perpetuals,"  in  their' humid  atmosphere,  with 
few  exceptions,  flower  nearly  as  freely  as  the 
' '  Monthly"  Roses  do  here ;  but  with  us  experience 
has  shown  that,  after  the  first  bloom  in  June, 
no  full  crop  of  flowers  is  again  obtained,  unless 
with  the  comparatively  new  class  known  as  the 
Hybrid  Teas,  of  wLich  "La  France"  and 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


197 


ROS 

"Duchess  of  Edinburgh"  are  types;  so  that, 
when  a  continued  bloom  of  Roses  is  desired 
during  the  entire  summer  and  fall  months, 
the  class  known  as  monthly  (embracing  Tea, 
Bourbon,  Bengal,  and  Noisette)  are  the  best. 
True,  these  varieties  are  not  usually  hardy, 
unless  in  that  portion  of  the  country  where 
the  thermometer  never  gets  20°  below  the 
freezing  point;  but  they  can  be  saved  through 
the  winter  in  almost  any  section  if  pegged 
down  and  covered  up  with  five  or  six  inches  of 
leaves  or  rough  litter.  This  covering,  however, 
should  not  be  done  until  quite  hard  frost  comes; 
in  the  locality  of  New  York,  about  the  1st  week 
in  December.  If  done  sooner,  there  is  danger, 
if  the  season  is  mild,  (as  it  usually  is  here  until 
December  1st,)  that  the  shoots  may  be  smoth- 
ered and  decay  by  a  too  early  covering.  This 
same  rule  we  adopt  in  covering  Grape  Vines, 
Clematis,  Raspberries,  Strawberries,  or,  in  fact, 
any  other  plant  or  shrub  that  we  believe  to  be 
benefited  by  winter  protection,  as  we  have  never 
yet  seen  injury  done  to  half-hardy  plants  by 
frost  previous  to  that  date.  In  this  matter  of 
covering,  the  amateur  in  gardening  often  errs, 
first  from  his  anxiety  to  protect  his  plants  be- 
fore there  is  danger  in  the  fall ;  and  next,  in  his 
enthusiasm  in  spring,  he  is  deceived  by  some 
warm  day  in  March  to  uncover  what  is  not  safe 
until  April. 

Hose  Acacia.     See  Robinia  hispida. 

Rose  Bay.     See  Rhododendron. 

Rose  Apple.     See  Eugenia. 

Rose  Campion.     See  Lychnis. 

Rose  Geranium.     See  Pelargonium. 

Rosemary.     See  Rovmarinus. 

Rose  of  Heaven.     See  Lychnis  cceli-rosa. 

Rose  of  Jericho.     See  Anastatica. 

Rosewood.  A  valuable  South  American  timber, 
produced  from  several  species  of  Dalberqia.  The 
finest  quality  is  from  Rio  Janeiro,  the  product 
of  D.  niijra,  which  see. 

Rosmarinus.  Rosemary.  From  ros,  dew,  and 
marinus,  of  the  sea;  on  account  of  its  maritime 
habitat.  Linn.  Diandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
LamiacecK. 

The  Rosemary  is  a  half-hardy,  low-growing 
evergreen,  a  native  of  the  south  of  Europe.  It 
has  long  been  cultivated  and  valued  for  the  es- 
sential oil  it  yields.  The  whole  plant  is  aro- 
matic, but  the  flowers,  which  are  pale  blue,  are 
chiefly  used  in  distillation  for  the  oil,  which  is 
the  principal  ingredient  of  Hungary  Water  and 
Eau  de  Cologne.  There  are  several  varieties 
under  cultivation  in  the  gardens,  R.  officincdis 
being  the  more  common  species.  Propagated 
by  cuttings. 

Rouge  Plant.     See  Rivina  tindoria. 

Roupellia.  Named  in  honor  of  Charles  Roupel,  a 
distinguished  botanist  of  South  Carolina,  l/nm. 
Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

This  is  the  far-famed  Cream-fruit  tree  of  Sier- 
ra Leone,  a  remarkable  and  showy  green-house 
climber.  In  its  native  home  it  is  a  most  beau- 
tiful and  fragrant  plant,  but  under  artificial 
cultivation  its  pure  white  flowers  are  of  cream 
color,  and  it  is  in  all  respects  inferior  to  the 
flattering  accounts  given  by  its  discoverer,  and 
not  worth  the  care  and  attention  required  to 
grow  it. 

Roxburghla.     Named  after  Dr.   Roxburgh,  once 
director  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Calcutta.     Linn. 
OalandriarMonogytda.    Nat.  Ord.  Roxburghtocece. 
A  genus  of  evergreen  twining  plants  from  In- 
dia, where  they  are  found  six  hundred  feet  long. 


RUB 

The  leaves  are  broad  and  shining.  The  flowers 
are  produced  singly  and  in  small  clusters  on 
short  axillary  peduncles,  the  color  green;  they 
are  large  and  handsome,  but  very  fetid,  and 
this  disagreeable  feature  prevents  their  intro- 
duction into  choice  collections  of  hot-house 
plants. 

Royal  Bay.     See  Laurus  nobili*. 

Royal  Fern.     See  Osmunda  regalis. 

Royal  Palm.     See  Oreodoxa  reyia. 


Royena.  A  name  given  by  Linna5us  in  honor  of 
Adrian  von  Royen,  Professor  of  Botany  at  Ley- 
den.  Linn.  Decandria  -  Dlgynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


Ebenacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  shrubs  or  low-growing 
trees,  some  of  which  are  cultivated  in  the  green- 
house for  their  beautiful  white  flowers  and 
glossy  foliage.  The  wood  of  the  species  is  of 
the  nature  of  ebony,  but  not  of  sufficient  size  to 
make  it  valuable. 

Rubia.  Madder.  From  ruler,  red;  the  color  of 
the  roots.  Linn.  Tetrandna-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
GaliacecK. 

The  perennial  species,  which  are  not  remark- 
able for  their  beauty,  are  quite  hardy.  There 
are  also  some  half-hardy  shrubs,  which -are 
worth  cultivating  in  a  green-house  for  their 
flowers,  which  are  generally  yellow.  A  red  dye 
is  derived  from  the  roots  of  all  the  species,  but 
principally  from  those  of  R.  lincturium,  which  is 
cultivated  as  a  field-plant  in  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope. 

Rubus.  Bramble,  Raspberry,  Blackberry.  From 
the  Celtic  word  rub,  red;  in  reference  to  the 
color  of  the  fruit  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Icosandria-Polygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Eosacece. 

The  species  are  mostly  shrubs,  trailing  or 
erect,  with  prickly  stems,  bearing  edible  fruit. 
The  plants  of  this  family,  growing  in  all  situa- 
tions, and  almost  every  kind  of  soil,  vary  great- 
ly, and  are  consequently  very  perplexing  to  the 
botanist;  and  so  little  are  authors  agreed  as  to 
which  are  species  and  which  merely  varieties,  that 
while  Bentham  reckons  only  five  species,  Bab- 
ington  enumerates  forty-five.  It  is  this  tendency 
to  vary,  however,  that  has  given  us  many  of  the 
most  esteemed  kinds  of  Blackberries,  etc.,  found 
in  American  gardens.  The  English  garden  vari- 
eties of  the  Raspberry  have  all  originated  from 
R.  Idaius,  •&  native  of  Europe  and  Mount  Ida  in 
Crete,  whence  its  specific  name.  The  fruit  of 
this  species  is  red.  Cultivators,  however,  have 
obtained  varieties  with  crimson,  brown,  yellow, 
and  nearly  white  fruit.  The  Red  Antwerp  and  the 
White  Antwerp  (but  which  is  pale  yellow)  have 
been  long  and  favorably  known,  both  in  Eng- 
land and  the  United  States;  but  they  do  not 
survive  the  winter  without  protection  in  our 
Northern  States,  and  for  that  reason  are  little 
'grown  at  the  North.  There  are  now  a  large 
number  of  varieties  raised  from  our  native  species 
that  possess  qualities  of  goodness  and  hardiness 
that  entitle  them  to  universal  cultivation,  though 
they  are  inferior  in  quality  to  the  foreign  kinds. 
Brinckle's  Orange  is  an  American  seedling  raised 
by  the  late  Dr.  Brinckle,  of  Philadelphia.  It  is, 
however,  of  foreign  parentage,  and  consequently 
tender,  but  the  highest  flavored  of  all  Raspber- 
ries. The  wild  Red  Raspberry.  /.'.  .sV/v/o-vx,  com- 
mon in  hedges  and  on  the  hillsides  throughout 
the  Middle  and  New  England  States,  closely  re- 
sembles the  European  species.  Its  fruit  is  ten- 
der and  somewhat  watery,  but  the  flavor  is  fine. 
Some  excellent  varieties  of  this  species  are  un- 
der cultivation.  The  Black  Raspberry,  com- 


198 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


RUB 


monly  known  as  the  Black  Cap  or  Thimble- 
berry  is  li  occidental's,  a  species  that  is  confined 
wholly  to  America.  It  is  most  common  trom 
Virginia  north  and  westward.  This  species  and 
its  varieties  bear  a  pleasant-tasted  fruit  in  the 
createst  abundance  with  very  little  care.  They 
are  the  least  troublesome  of  all  Raspberries  to 
grow  inasmuch  as  they  increase  themselves  trom 
the  tips  or  ends  of  the  shoots,  and  produce  no 
suckers.  There  are  several  varieties  of  the  Black 
Caps  that  bear  reddish-crimson  fruit.  A  num- 
ber of  hybrid  Raspberries  have  been  recently 
introduced,  partaking  somewhat  of  the  Black 
Cap  characteristics,  particularly  the  peculiarity 
of  rooting  from  the  tips  of  the  green  shoots; 
and  among  these  the  most  striking  is  the  Caro- 
line, which  is  propagated  from  suckers  as  well 
as  from  the  tips  of  the  shoots,  plainly  showing 
its  hybrid  character.  It  has  been  said  by  those 
unacquainted  with  its  origin  that  it  is  a  hybrid 
between  Brinckle's  Orange  and  the  Catawissa; 
but  the  originator  disclaims  any  such  origin, 
and  the  plant  itself  and  its  fruit  show  that  the 
Catawissa  was  not  one  of  its  parents.  It  was 
raised  in  1877  by  S.  P.  Carpenter,  of  New  Ro- 
chelle,  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  is  a  natural 
cross  between  Brinckle's  Orange  (the  seed  par- 
ent) and  the  Yellow  Cap,  a  variety  of  li.  occiden- 
tals. The  plant  is  thoroughly  hardy,  a  strong 
grower,  and  wonderfully  productive.  The  fruit, 
when  ripe,  is  a  fine  salmon  color,  tender,  and  of 
excellent  quality,  though  not  equal  to  the  Brinck- 
le.  Another  of  S.  P.  Carpenter's  seedlings  is 
the  well-known  New  Rochelle,  a  seedling  of  the 
Catawissa.  It  is  hardy,  very  productive,  and  of 
good  quality,  being  slightly  acid.  Another 
Westchester  County  seedling  is  the  Cuthbert, 
newly  introduced,  and  which  at  this  time  prom- 
ises to  become  a  leading  market  variety,  being 
hardy,  productive,  and  of  fine  quality,  and  the 
fruit  firm  enough  to  bear  long  carriage.  The 
Gregg,  another  recent  introduction,  of  the  Black 
Cap  division,  was  raised  in  Ohio  in  1876,  is  a 
very  fine  large  fruit,  and  has  already  taken  its 
place  as  the  best  of  its  class  as  a  market  berry. 
The  Pride  of  the  Hudson  is  a  fruit  of  high  fla- 
vor, of  the  Idmus  family,  but  too  tender  to  grow 
anywhere  except  in  a  sheltered  spot  in  the  gar- 
den. The  Mammoth  Cluster  and  many  others 
are  more  or  less  grown,  but  need,  not  be  spe- 
cially noted  here.  The  Blackberry,  of  which 
there  are  several  native  species,  is  now  largely 
grown  for  market,  and  is  a  profitable  crop. 
Until  the  appearance  of  the  New  Rochelle 
Blackberry  (sometimes  called  Lawton)  our  mar- 
kets were  supplied  with  Blackberries  from  the 
woods.  R.  villosus,  the  High  Blackberry,  is  the 
common  Blackberry  of  the  country,  being  found 
almost  everywhere.  It  is  given  to  variation,  and 
is  the  parent  of  nearly  all  the  varieties  now  un- 
der cultivation.  The*  first  of  these  was  the  New 
Rochelle,  discovered  by  Mr.  Secor  growing  in  a 
hedge  at  New  Rochelle,  Westchester  County, 
N.  Y.  It  is  an  interesting  fact,  as  showing  the 
estimation  in  which  improved  Blackberries  were 
held  at  that  time,  that  Mr.  Secor  grew  the  plants 
in  his  garden  for  about  nine  years  without  be- 
ing able  to  prevail  upon  his  neighbors  to  accept 
a  plant  as  a  gift,  when  at  last  Mr.  Lawton,  a 
shrewd  lawyer,  still  living,  took  hold  of  it,  ex- 
hibited the  fruit  in  New  York,  got  up  a  sensa- 
tion, and  finally  made  a  little  fortune  out  of  the 
sale  of  the  plants.  Hundreds  of  acres  of  it  were 
planted.  It  is  a  large,  handsome,  and  excellent 
fruit,  but  the  plants  are  at  times  injured  in  the 


RUD 

winter  at  the  North.  Some  years  later  a  clergy- 
man of  New  Jersey  discovered  another  variety 
of  R.  villosus  growing  in  the  edge  of  the  woods 
on  the  Kittatinny  Mountains,  removed  it  to  his 
garden,  and  increased  it  largely.  This  was 
placed  in  the  hands  of  E.  Williams,  of  Mont- 
clair,  N.  J.,  who  sent  it  out,  and  the  public 
were  thus  put  in  possession  of  the  famous  Kit- 
tatinny, which  still  remains  the  best  fruit  of  its 
class.  The  Boston  High  Bush  is  a  fruit  of  fine 
flavor,  but  has  never  been  popular  as  a  market 
berry.  The  Wilson  is  an  earlier  berry  than 
either  of  the  preceding,  but  not  equal  to  them 
in  quality.  A  very  recent  introduction  from  the 
West  is  the  Snyder.  This  is  an  early  kind,  im- 
mensely productive,  and  perfectly  hardy  in  all 
parts  of  the  country.  The  fruit  is  smaller  than 
the  Kittatinny,  but  is  very  sweet,  and  ripe  as 
soon  as  colored,  which  is  not  true  of  those  above 
named.  We  have  named  the  most  of  those  that 
are  valuable  for  field  culture,  as  far  as  they  have 
been  tried;  but  there  are  others  about  being  in- 
troduced, of  which  we  as  yet  know  nothing. 
Among  these  is  the  Crystal  White,  the  fruit  of 
which  is  tender  and  sweet,  but  not  high  flavored. 
R.  Canadensis,  the  Running  Blackberry,  is  pop- 
ularly known  as  the  Dewberry.  The  fruit  is  of 
an  excellent  quality,  and  ripens  about  two 
weeks  earlier  than  most  of  the  preceding  species. 
R.  cuneifolius,  or  Sand  Blackberry,  is  one  of  the 
more  common  species,  growing  from  two  to 
three  feet  high,  and  ripening  an  abundance  of 
well-flavored  fruit  in  August.  This  species  is 
common  in  sandy  woods  in  Southern  New  York 
and  southward.  R.  Chamtxmorus,  Cloudberry, 
is  a  species  with  large  orange-red  fruit,  found 
growing  on  the  White  Mountains  and  similar 
elevations  in  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States. 
This  species,  or  something  very  near  it,  is  also 
abundant  in  Lapland,  where  the  fruit  is  held 
in  high  esteem.  There  are  several  other  spe- 
cies, without,  however,  any  special  distinctive 
features.  Propagated  by  root  cuttings,  tips  of 
the  shoots,  or  suckers,  according  to  the  kind. 
Rudbeckia.  Cone  Flower.  Named  in  honor  of 
Professors  Rudbeck,  father  and  son,  predecessors 
of  Linnaeus  at  Upsal.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Frus- 
tranea.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  perennials, 
growing  from  two  to  seven  feet  high,  with  nu- 
merous showy  flower-heads  of  bright  yellow, 
with  a  black  disk  in  the  center.  They  are  na- 
tives of  the  Western  States,  and  becoming  com- 
mon in  our  meadows,  having  been  introduced 
by  the  seed  being  mixed  with  the  various  grass 
seeds  coming  from  the  West,  principally  from 
Kentucky.  This  genus  acquired  an  enviable 
reputation  in  Europe  as  an  ornamental  flower- 
ing plant,  and  the  seed  was  distributed  by  the 
Department  of  Agriculture  at  Washington, 
through  the  members  of  Congress,  to  several  of 
the  States  that  had  passed  stringent  laws  against 
the  dissemination  of  "weeds." 
Rudolphia.  Named  after  W.  Rudolph,  a  Prussian 
botanist.  Linn.  Diaddph'.a-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
FabacefK. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  green-house 
evergreen  twiners,  from  Mexico  and  the  West 
Indies.  The  genus  is  allied  to  Erylhrina,  and  is 
remarkable  for  its  brilliant  scarlet  flowers,  pro- 
duced in  axillary  racemes.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings or  from  seeds. 

Rudgea.     Commemorative  of  M.  F.  Rudge.     Linn. 
Peniamlria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonacece. 
A  genus  of  green-house  shrubs  or  low-growing 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


199 


KITE 

trees,  with  dense  terminal  panicles  of  -white 
flowers,  natives  of  Brazil.  R.  macrophyUa  is  oc- 
casionally seen  in  the  green-house.  It  is  also 
known  as  R.  leucocephala.  See  also  Psychotrii. 

Rue.     See  Ruta. 

Ruellia.  In  honor  of  John  Rudle,  of  Soissons, 
botanist  and  physician  to  Francis  I.  Linn.  Di- 
dynamiarAngiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacecu. 

Herbaceous  plants  with  pretty  tube-shaped 
blue  flowers.  Some  of  the  species  require  a  hot- 
house, and  others  a  green-house;  but  they 
should  all  be  grown  in  light,  rich  soil.  They 
are  propagated  by  cuttings.  They  are  natives 
of  South  America  and  the  East  Indies.  Intro- 
duced in  1830. 

Rumex.  Dock,  Sorrel.  From  rumo,  to  suck;  in 
allusion  to  the  practice  among  the  Romans  of 
sucking  the  leaves  to  allay  thirst.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Polygonacece. 

Most  of  the  species  are  common  weeds.  The 
leaves  of  E.  crispus  are  often  used  as  a  pot-herb, 
or  "greens."  R.  acetosella  is  a  small-growing 
species,  well  known  for  its  acidity,  and  popu- 
larly called  Son-el.  It  is  justly  regarded  as  a 
nuisance. 

Running  Blackberry.     See  Evhus. 

Running  Cedar.     See  Lycopodium  dendroidium. 

Ruscus.     Formerly  Bruscits.    Butcher's  Broom. 

From  bruscus,  derived  from  the  Celtic  beus,  box, 

andfcefen,  holly;  Box  Holly  or  Butcher's  Broom. 

Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Lttfacece. 

Very  curious  evergreen  shrubs,  most  of  which 


SAC 

bear  their  flowers  and  fruit  on  their  leaves.  All 
the  species  prefer  shady  situations  under  the 
drip  of  trees,  where  but  few  other  plants  will 
grow ;  and  they  are  all  readily  increased  by  suck- 
ers from  their  roots,  which  they  throw  up  in 
abundance.  One  of  the  kinds  is  sometimes 
called  the  Alexandrian  Laurel. 

Rush.     See  Juncus. 

Russelia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Alexander  Rus- 
sel,  author  of  a  Natural  History  of  Aleppo.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Atigiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  ticrophulari- 
acece. 

A  genus  of  small  shrubs  and  herbaceous 
plants  from  Mexico  and  the  Antilles.  R.  Juncea 
is  a  very  pretty  species,  with  bright  scarlet  flow- 
ers, produced  in  axillary  corymbs.  It  is  a  plant 
of  slender  habit,  and  well  adapted  for  basket 
work.  Propagated  by  cuttings.  First  intro- 
duced in  1812. 

Ruta.  Rue.  From  the  Greek  rate,  from  ruo,  to 
flow;  probably  some  reputed  medicinal  qualities 
of  the  plant.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Rutacea;. 

R.  graveolens  is  a  well-known  glaucous-leaved 
plant,  having  a  very  unpleasant  smell  and  a  bit- 
ter taste.  The  leaves  are  nearly  blue,  and  from 
their  peculiar  color  sometimes  produce  a  good 
effect  in  a  shrubbery.  The  flowers  are  yellow- 
ish. 

Ruta-Baga.     See  Brassica. 

Rye.     See  Secale. 

Rye  Grass.     See  Lolium. 


s. 


Sabal.     Derivation  of  name  unknown ;  supposed 
to  be  the  South  American  name  of  one  of  the 
species.     Linn.   Hexandna-Trigynia.      Nat.   Ord. 
Palmaceee. 

This  interesting  genus  of  Palms  has  three 
species  common  to  the  marshy  districts  of  the 
southern  coast,  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida, 
which  are  popularly  known  as  the  Palmetto,  the 
«inblem  on  the  seal  of  South  Carolina.  The 
most  conspicuous  of  the  species  is  S.  Palmetto, 
indigenous  to  North  Carolina  and  southward. 
It  attains  a  height  of  fifty  feet,  with  a  diame- 
ter of  twelve  to  fifteen  inches.  The  timber  is 
said  to  be  valuable  in  ship-building,  being  in- 
destructible in  salt  water,  and  not  liable  to  the 
attack  of  the  ship-worm.  The  leaves  are  from 
five  to  six  feet  long,  and  are  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  hats,  (Palm  leaf,)  baskets,  and  mats, 
and  various  other  purposes  of  domestic  econ- 
omy. This  species  is  also  called  Cabbage  Palm, 
the  young,  unexpanded  leaves  constituting  one 
of  the  most  delicious  vegetables  of  the  table. 
The  Saw  Palmetto  is  S.  sfrmlatn,  nnd  the  Dwarf 
Palmetto  is  8.  Adansonil  The  Blue  Palmetto 
belongs  to  the  genus  Chamaerops,  C.  hystri.r, 
also  common  on  the  southern  coast. 
Sabbatia.  Named  in  honor  of  L.  Sdbbati,  a  cele- 
brated Italian  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
gynid.  Nat.  Ord.  GentianacefK. 

A  genus  of  native  hardy  annuals  and  bien- 
nials, some  of  which,  though  rather  coarse-grow- 
ing, are  quite  ornamental  plants,  suitable  for  the 
border.  The  flowers  are  purple,  rose,  white,  red, 
and  yellow.  S,  campestris,  a  native  of  Texas, 


with  rose  and  yellow  flowers,  is  a  desirable  bor- 
der plant.  S.  angularis  is  held  in  high  esteem 
as  a  tonic  medicine.  Being  biennials,  they  are 
more  apt  to  be  lost  than  either  annuals  or  peren- 
nials. Propagated  by  seeds. 

Saccharum.  Sugar  Cane.  From  soukar,  its  Ara- 
bic name.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Qra/minaoKB. 

A  genus  of  strong  growing,  reed-like  grasses, 
indigenous  to  South  America  and  the  East  and 
West  Indies.  The  most  important  species  is 
Saccharum  officinarum,  a  native  of  India,  the 
Sugar  Cane  of  commerce.  We  have  but  little 
knowledge  of  the  Sugar  Cane  previous  to  the 
thirteenth  century.  Humboldt  tells  us  it  was 
cultivated  in  China  in  the  remotest  times,  and 
that,  under  the  name  of  honey,  it  was  known  to 
the  Greeks  and  Romans,  though  they  never  cul- 
tivated it  as  an  article  of  luxury.  It  is  supposed 
that  Theophrastus  alludes  to  it  when  he  says 
that,  besides  being  produced  from  bees,  honey, 
or  sweet  juice,  it  is  also  the  product  of  canes. 
The  Sugar  Cane,  however,  seems  to  have  been 
early  cultivated  in  China  and  India,  and  from 
the  latter  region  it  was  introduced  into  Europe. 
Before  the  discovery  of  the  West  Indies  in  14i)2, 
or  of  the  East  Indies  in  1-197,  sugar  was  manu- 
factured from  the  Sugar  Cane  in  considerable 
quantities  in  the  islands  of  Sicily,  Crete,  Rhodes, 
and  Cyprus.  Soon  after  the  discoveries  of  Co- 
lumbus,  plantations  were  established  in  the 
West  Indies  and  Brazil,  and  in  the  Southern 
States  immediately  after  their  settlement.  The 
plant  was  first  cultivated  on  the  banks  of  the 


200 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SAC 

Mississippi  about  the  year  1751,  when  some 
Jesuits  brought  it  from  St.  Domingo .  These  Jes- 
uits settled  just  above  the  present  site  of  New 
Orleans.  In  1758  the  first  sugar-mill  was  built 
near  that  locality  by  M.  Dubreuil  on  his  sugar 
plantation.  That  was  the  commencement  of 
one  of  the  largest  and  most  profitable  of  Ameri- 
can industries.  The  cane  is  always  propagated 
from  cuttings.  Many  attempts  have  been  made 
to  raise  plants  from  seed,  but  they  have  always 
proved  unproductive.  It  seems  strange  that 
the  seed  should  be  of  no  use,  when  Nature  has 
been  so  lavish  in  bestowing  it.  From  cuttings 
the  plants  come  to  maturity  in  about  two 
months,  and  a  plantation  well  cared  for  and 
properly  manured  will  last  a  number  of  years. 
The  successful  planter  makes  plantings  nearly 
every  year  for  a  constant  succession.  For  plant- 
ing, the  ground  is  prepared  and  marked  out  the 
same  as  for  corn,  with  rows  about  four  feet 
apart,  and  the  plants  two  feet  apart  in  the  rows. 
In  cultivation  the  plow  and  cultivator  are  almost 
wholly  used  in  place  of  the  hoe,  as  formerly  was 
the  custom. 

Saccolabium.  From  saccus,  a  bag,  and  Idbium,  a 
lip;  in  allusion  to  the  bagged  labellum  of  all  the 
species.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids, 
chiefly  natives  of  India.  The  "Orchid-Grower's 
Manual"  says:  "This  genus  contains  some  of 
the  finest  Orchids  in  cultivation.  They  are 
very  compact  in  their  growth,  and  are  furnished 
with  long,  thick,  and  pendent  evergreen  foliage. 
From  the  axils  of  the  leaves  their  long,  graceful 
racemes  of  flowers,  which  measure  from  one  to 
two  feet  in  length,  are  produced.  Their  habit 
of  growth  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Atrides,  and 
they  require  the  same  treatment,  except  that 
they  are  grown  in  baskets  suspended  near  the 
roof,  so  they  may  receive  all  the  light  possible, 
and  not  too  much  shade,  only  enough  to  pre- 
serve their  foliage  from  being  injured.  The 
various  species  of  this  genus  mostly  inhabit  the 
hottest  parts  of  India,  and  are  found  growing 
on  the  branches  of  trees.  They  are  propagated 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Strides," 

Sacred  Bean.     See  Ndumbium. 

Sacred  Lotus.     See  Ndumbium. 

Sad  Tree.    See  Nydanlhus. 

Safflower.    See  Gurthamus  tindoria. 

Saffron.     See  Oroci 


Sage.    See  Salviu  officinalis. 

Sagittaria.  Arrow-head.  From  sagitta,  an  ar- 
row ;  the  leaves  of  some  species  resemble  an  ar- 
row-head. Linn.  Monoecia-Polyandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Alismacea*. 

A  genus  of  handsome  green-house  and  hardy 
aquatics,  with  white  flowers.  Several  of  the 
species  are  common  to  our  marshes,  from 
Maine  to  Florida.  They  make  beautiful  plants 
for  the  aquarium  or  any  situation  where  they 
can  have  an  abundant  supply  of  water.  Some 
of  the  more  tender  varieties  have  been  introduced 
into  the  green-house,  though  rarely 

Sago.  See  Oreodoxa,  JKhaphis  flabelliformis,  Raohia, 
and  Sagus. 

Sago  Palm.     See  Cycas  revdufa. 

Sagus.  From  Sagu,  the  Malay  name  of  various 
Palms.  Linn.  Moncecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
PalmacecK. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful,  tall-growing  Palms, 
natives  of  India  and  Madagascar.  The  species 
furnish  a  large  portion  of  the  Sago  of  commerce, 
which  is  prepared  from  the  soft  inner  portion  of 


SAL 

the  trunk.  It  is  obtained  by  cutting  the  trunk 
into  pieces  about  two  feet  long,  the  pieces  being 
then  split  in  half,  and  the  soft  substance  scooped 
out  and  pounded  in  water  till  the  starchy  mat- 
ter separates,  when  it  is  drained  off  with  the 
water,  allowed  to  settle,  and  afterward  purified 
by  washing.  These  trees  produce  their  flower 
spikes  when  about  fifteen  years  old,  and  the 
fruit  is  nearly  three  years  in  ripening,  after 
which  they  die.  In  order  to  procure  the  great- 
est quantity  of  Sago,  the  trees  must  be  cut 
down  immediately  after  the  flower  spike  makes 
its  appearance.  Introduced  in  1800. 

Sailor  Plant.     See  Saxifraga  sarmeniosa. 

St.  A  gnes's  Flower.    See  Erinosma. 

St.  John's  Bread.     See  Ceratonia. 

St.  John's  Wort.     See  Hupericum. 

Salicornia.  Glasswort.  From  sal,  salt,  and  cornu, 
a  horn.  Linn.  MonandriarHonogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
ChenopodiacecK. 

A  genus  of  succulent  plants  common  to  salt 
marshes  in  various  parts  of  the  globe.  They 
grow  from  six  to  ten  inches  high,  and  are  much 
branched  and  jointed.  The  various  species  of 
this  genus  grow  abundantly  on  the  coasts  of 
Northern  Africa  and  Southern  Europe,  and  yield 
large  quantities  of  soda,  which  is  employed  in 
making  both  soap  and  glass.  From  its  use  in 
the  latter  the  genus  derives  its  common  English 
name,  Glasswort.  The  genus  is  represented  in 
this  country  by  several  species,  the  more  com- 
mon being  S.  hetbacea,  which  is  considerably 
used  when  young  for  pickling.  On  the  New 
England  coast  it  is  known  by  the  name  Samphire. 

Salisburia.  Maiden-hair  Tree.  In  honor  of 
Richard  A.  Salisbury,  a  distinguished  English 
botanist.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Taxacece. 

This  very  remarkable  tree  was  formerly  called 
Ginkgo  biloba,  G/inkgo  being  its  name  in  Japan. 
The  only  species  that  has  been  described,  and  is 
to  be  found  in  collections  of  ornamental  trees, 
is  S.  adianlifolia,  the  leaves  resembling  in  form 
those  of  the  Maiden-Hair  Fern,  the  botanical 
name  of  which  is  Adiantum.  This  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  and  peculiar  of  all  hardy  exotic 
trees,  and  one  so  entirely  different  in  habit  and 
foliage  from  all  others  belonging  to  this  order, 
that,  were  it  not  for  the  flowers  and  fruit,  it 
would  have  been  difficult  to  find  its  proper  po- 
sition in  the  vegetable  kingdom.  Without  re- 
gard to  its  botanical  position,  it  is  beyond  ques- 
tion one  of  the  most  beautiful  trees  under  culti- 
vation. It  attains  a  height  of  eighty  feet,  and 
has  a  straight  trunk,  with  a  pyramidal  head. 
This  tree  is  a  native  of  China  and  Japan,  and 
was  introduced  into  England  in  1754.  It  is  not 
yet  as  common  in  this  country  as  it  should  be, 
on  account  of  its  price  and  scarcity,  b\at  is  now 
being  more  largely  propagated  and  planted. 
There  is  a  fine  specimen  on  Mr.  Manice's  place 
at  Queens,  L.  I.,  fully  fifty  feet  high,  with  a 
full,  symmetrical  head.  There  is  also  a  noble 
specimen  on  the  old  Downing  place  at  New- 
burgh,  supposed  to  be  the  largest  in  the  States. 
It  is  propagated  in  this  country  by  layers.  As  it 
is  dioecious,  and  there  being  no  male  plant  in 
this  country,  there  has  been  no  fruit  borne. 
The  fruit  is  common  >in  Japan,  and  is  highly  es- 
teemed for  its  astringent  properties,  and  for  the 
reputation  it  has  of  promoting  digestion. 

Salix.     Willow.     From  the  Celtic  sal,  near,  and 
lis,  water;   in  allusion  to  its  place  of  growth. 
Linn.  Dicecia-Diandria.     Nat.  Ord.  tfaliacea:. 
The  Willow  is  a  large  and  varied  genus  of  de- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


201 


SAL 

cicluous  trees  and  low-growing  shrubs.  Some 
are  timber  trees,  that  attain  a  height  of  eighty' 
feet,  with  a  diameter  of  trunk  from  four  to  six 
feet.  One  of  the  species,  .S.  herhacea,  creeps  so 
near  the  ground  that  it  forms  on  the  Swiss 
mountains  a  kind  of  turf,  not  rising  more  than 
an  inch  in  height.  The  genus  consists  of  up- 
ward of  two  hundred  species,  but  few  of  which 
claim  special  notice.  The  Weeping  Willow  is 
8.  Babylonica,  a  native  of  the  Levant.  The  Os- 
ier or  Basket  Willow  is  S.  viminalis,  common 
throughout  Europe.  5.  laurifolia  is  a  low-grow- 
ing tree  or  shrub  with  broad  glossy  foliage,  and 
is  a  tine  subject  for  the  lawn.  All  the  species 
grow  rapidly  in  moist  places.  They  are  freely 
propagated  from  cuttings,  every  one  rapidly 
making  a  rooted  plant  when  well  firmed  in  the 
soil.  In  this  manner  the  Osier  Willow  is  often 
grown  on  banks  of  rivers  and  streams  to  prevent 
the  washing  away  of  the  banks.  The  Colt  place, 
near  Hartford,  is  protected  in  this  way,  and  a 
willow-ware  factory  has  been  established  in  con- 
nection with  it.  The  cuttings  may  be  twelve  to 
eighteen  inches  long,  inserted  half  their  depth 
in  the  soil  at  a  foot  or  so  apart  each  way. 

Salpiglossis.  From  salpinx;  a  tube,  and  ylossa,  a 
tongue;  alluding  to  the  tongue-like  style  in  the 
mouth  of  the  corolla.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angios- 
permia.  Nat.  Ord.  Scraphulariacece. 

Very  beautiful  half-hardy  annual  plants,  na- 
tives of  Chili.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  in 
February  on  a  slight  hot-bed,  or  in  the  green- 
house, and  the  young  plants  should  be  planted 
out  in  May.  When  grown  in  pots  it  should  be 
frequently  shifted,  always  into  a  pot  only  a  lit- 
tle larger  than  the  previous  one,  so  as  to  make 
the  plant  bushy.  It  varies  very  much  accord- 
ing to  the  soil  and  situation  in  which  it  is 
grown;  and  if  kept  through  the  winter  in  a 
green-house,  it  will  become  partly  woody. 
There  are  many  different  kinds,  some  of  which 
are  made  species  by  some  botanists,  but  which 
are  now  generally  allowed  to  be  only  varieties. 
Many  gardeners  sow  the  seeds  in  autumn,  and 
keep  the  plants  in  frames  all  the  winter,  that 
they  may  flower  early  in  spring.  They  flower 
freely  in  autumn,  if  the  seed  is  sown  about  May 
where  it  is  to  grow.  Introduced  in  1824. 

Salsify.  Oyster  Plant.  See  Tragopogon  porrifo- 
lius.  Cultivation  same  as  for  Carrot  or  Parsnip. 

Sal  via.  Sage.  From  salvo,  to  save;  in  allusion 
to  the  healing  qualities  of  the  Sage.  Linn.  Di- 
andria-31onogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacecn. 

This  extensive  genus  is  composed  of  hand- 
some flowering  plants,  some  of  which  are  hardy 
and  herbaceous,  while, others  are  tender,  and 
assume  a  half  shrubby  character.  They  are  par- 
ticularly useful  for  filling  large  beds  in  the 
flower  garden  through  the  summer,  where  such  j 
kinds  as  S.  patens,  blue;  &  splendens,  scarlet; 
and  S.  fulgfns,  red,  are  very  showy.  8.  s)>le>iden.-> 
is  a  native  of  Mexico,  and  was  introduced  in  1822. 
It  is  one  of  the  best  for  garden  decoration.  Of 
S.  splendens,  within  the  past  few  years,  we  have 
had  many  singular  and  beautiful  varieties,  one 
being  pure  white,  another  scarlet  and  white 
striped,  and  last  year,  1879,  gave  us  a  distinct 
crimson  color.  There  are  also  several  beautiful 
species  that  were  grown  in  the  green-house  for 
the  sake  of  their  flowers  in  winter,  but  are  not 
much  valued  now  for  that  purpose.  S.cfficinQlis 
is  the  common  culinary  herb.  There  is  a  very 
pretty  variegated  variety  of  this,  grown  in  the 
border  as  an  ornamental  plant.  Propagated  by 
seeds  or  cuttings. 


SAN 

Sambucus.  Elder.  From  sambuca,  a  musical  in- 
strument, which  is  supposed  to  have  been  made 
of  Elder-wood.  Linn.  Penlandria-IYigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  CaprifoliacecK. 

The  common  Elder  of  our  hedgerows  is  S. 
Canadensis,  and  it  may  be  considered  typical  of 
the  order.  Few  of  the  species  are  considered 
of  much  value,  though  S.  Canadensis  is  used  to 
some  extent  to  make  a  domestic  wine.  The 
most  ornamental  of  the  species  is  ,S.  pubens, 
which  has  large,  loose  panicles  of  bright  scarlet 
berries.  This  species  is  occasionally  found  in, 
moist  high  grounds  from  New  York  southward. 
It  is  very  abundant  and  beautiful  on  the  slopes 
of  the  Alleghany  Mountains. 

Samphire.     See  Salicornia. 

Eanchesia.  Derivation  of  name  not  given.  Linn. 
Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AcanihaceoK. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  green-house  shrubs 
from  Bolivia.  There  are  but  two  described  spe- 
cies. S.  nobilis  varieyata,  the  only  one  intro- 
duced to  any  extent  into  our  green-housos,  is  a 
very  beautiful  free-growing  plant.  The  leaves 
are  large,  oblong,  deep  green,  and  boldly  striped 
with  rich  golden  yellow.  The  flowers  are  clear 
yellow,  issuing  from  crimson  bracts.  It  re- 
quires to  be  grown  in  a  warm,  moist  house,  in 
light,  rich  soil.  It  is  readily  increased  from 
cuttings. 

Sandal-wood.     See  tiantalum. 

Sanguinaria.  Blood-root.  From  sanguis,  blood; 
all  the  parts  of  the  plant  yield  a  red  juice  when 
cut  or  broken.  Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Papaveracece. 

The  only  described  species  of  this  genus  is  6'. 
Canadensis,  popularly  known  as  Blood-root.  It 
is  a  beautiful  hardy  herbaceous  plant,  found  in 
the  woods  throughout  the  United  States.  Ite 
flowers  are  pure  white,  borne  singly  on  a  slen- 
der stem  about  six  inches  high.  It  is  one  of  the 
earliest  and  most  attractive  "Wild  Flowers." 
It  can  be  easily  transferred  to  the  flower  gar- 
den. The  petals  are  greatly  increased  in  size 
and  number  by  good  cultivation.  It  should  be 
planted  in  rich  soil  and  partial  shade. 

Sanicula.  Sanicle,  Black  Snakeroot.  From  sano, 
to  heal ;  supposed  healing  effects  of  Sanicula 
Europea.  Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Apiacea;. 

A  genus  of  weeds  of  no  special  interest  beyond 
their  supposed  medicinal  qualities. 

Sanseviera.  In  honor  of  M.  Sansevier,  a  Swed- 
ish botanist.  Linn.  Ikxandrui-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LUiacece. 

A  very  singular  genus  of  plants,  found  chiefly 
in  Africa  and  the  East  Indies.  They  are  stem- 
less  perennial  plants,  throwing  out  runners,  and 
having  only  root-leaves,  which  are  thick,  fibrous, 
and  fleshy,  and  usually  sword  or  lance-shaped, 
from  two  to  three  feet  long,  and  from  two  to 
four  inches  wide.  When  young  they  are  marked 
with  pale-colored  cross-bands,  but  ultimately  a 
uniform  shining  green.  S.  Zeylanica  is  the  spe- 
cies mostly  grown  in  the  green-house,  the  mark- 
ings being  more  distinct  and  positive.  The  na- 
tives call  the  plant  Bow-string  Hemp,  because 
of  the  strong  and  fine  quality  of  the  fiber  it 
yields,  and  which  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
cordage  and  fine  string.  They  should  be  grown 
in  strong  heat,  with  plenty  of  moisture.  Propa- 
gated by  division.  Introduced  in  1731. 

Santalum.  Sandal-wood.  From  its  Persian 
name,  sandul,  signifying  useful.  Linn.  Tetran- 
dria-Monoytinia.  Nat.  Ord.  Santalacea*. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  trees  or  shrubs. 


202 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SAN 

natives  of  Asia,  Australia,  and  the  Pacific  Is- 
lands. The  flowers  of  S.  album,  the  true  Sandal- 
wood  are  small,  and  produced  in  spikes  or  ra- 
cemes ;  but  the  chief  value  of  the  plant  consists 
in  the  fragrance  of  the  wood,  which  is  so  great 
that  the  wood  is  burned  for  incense,  and  is  said 
to  be  destructive  to  all  noxious  insects.  The 
same  species  grown  under  glass  with  artificial 
heat,  has  very  little  of  the  fragrance  for  which 
the  species  is  remarkable. 

Santolina.  Lavender  Cotton.  From  sanctus, 
holy,  and  limm,  flax ;  in  allusion  to  its  medi- 
cinal qualities.  Linn.  Syngenesia-^qualis.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asteracftv. 

A  genus  of  dwarf  evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of 
the  south  of  Europe.  Some  of  the  species  are 
valuable  bedding  plants,  and  particularly  useful 
in  ribbon  borders,  contrasting  finely  with  plants 
of  dark  foliage.  Propagated  from  cuttings. 

Sanvitalia.  Derivation  unknown  ;  probably  a 
commemorative  name.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Super- 
fiua.  Nat.  Ord.  AsteracerK. 

S.  procitmbens  is  a  beautiful  little  Mexican  an- 
nual, well  adapted,  from  its  dwarf  and  compact 
habit  of  growth,  for  covering  a  bed  in  a  flower- 
garden.  The  flowers  are  large  in  proportion  to 
the  size  of  the  plant,  and  they  are  of  a  rich 
brown  and  yellow.  It  is  quite  hardy,  and  only 
requires  sowing  in  March  or  April  in  the  open 
border.  Introduced  in  1798. 

Saponaria.  Soapwort,  Bouncing  Bet.  From 
sapo,  soap  ;  the  bruised  leaves  of  S.  officinalis 
form  a  lather  like  soap,  when  agitated  in  water. 
Linn.  Decandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Caryophyl- 
lacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  herbaceous 
perennials,  mostly  natives  of  Europe.  One 
species,  S.  ocymoides,  deserves,  for  its  neat  hab- 
it, and  the  profusion  with  which  it  bears  its 
pretty  pink  flowers  in  summer,  to  be  cultivated 
in  every  garden.  It  is  a  trailing  plant,  and 
therefore  suitable  for  rock-work,  the  front  of  the 
borders,  or  for  small  beds ;  and  being  at  the 
same  time  quite  hardy,  and  not  particular  as  to 
soil  or  situation,  it  is  well  adapted  for  suburban 
gardens.  The  double  variety  of  S.  officinalis  is 
also  a  showy  plant,  of  the  easiest  management, 
and  continues  to  produce  its  numerous  flesh- 
colored  flowers  from  June  to  November.  This 
species  has  become  naturalized,  until,  notwith- 
standing its  beauty,  it  has  in  some  places  be- 
come troublesome  as  a  weed. 

Sarcanthus.  From  sarx,  flesh,  and  anthos,  a 
flower  ;  in  allusion  to  the  fleshiness  of  the  flow- 
ers. Linn.  (Jynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidat-ea'. 

A  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  natives  of  Chi- 
na and  the  East  Indies.  The  flowers  are  mostly 
small,  but  rather  showy.  S.  erinaceus  is  a  beau- 
tiful species,  with  pink  and  white  flowers  ;  lip 
with  purple  markings.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced freely  on  drooping  spikes.  There  are 
several  species  under  cultivation.  They  succeed 
best  when  grown  in  wooden  baskets  with  sphag- 
num moss.  They  require  plenty  of  heat  and 
copious  waterings.  During  their  season  of  rest 
they  may  be  kept  in  a  cool  house,  and  given 
but  very  little  water. 

Sarcochilus.  From  sarx,  flesh,  and  cheilos,  a  lip;  in 
allusion  to  the  fleshy  lip  or  labellum.  Linn.  Oy- 
nandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  small  epiphytal  Orchids  from  Aus- 
tralia and  the  East  Indies.  The  flowers  are 
white,  or  white  and  yellow.  The  species  are  not 
usually  found  in  collections. 


SAT 


Sarcopodium.  A  small  genus  of  Orchids,  now 
included  in  Bolbr.phyUum,  which  see. 

Sarmienta.  Named  after  Mart.  Sarmiento,  a  Span- 
ish botanist.  Linn.  Dvindrw-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  GesneracecK. 

S.  repens,  the  only  known  representative  of 
this  genus,  is  a  dwarf-trailing  Chilian  herb,  very 
beautiful,  and  suitable  for  growing  in  baskets. 
It  has  fleshy,  oblong  leaves,  about  an  inch  long, 
and  numerous  drooping,  tubular,  axillary  flow- 
ers of  a  xight  scarlet  color.  In  all  respects  it 
requires  the  same  treatment  as  the  Gesnera,  and 
is  propagated  in  the  same  manner.  Introduced 
in  1862. 

Sarracenia.  Side-saddle  Flower,  American  Pitch- 
er Plant.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Sarrasin,  a 
French  physician  at  Quebec.  Linn.  Polyandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sarmceniacece. 

A  small  genus  of  curious  and  interesting 
plants  common  in  boggy  situations  from  Maine 
to  Florida.  S.  purpurea  is  found  in  great  num- 
bers throughout  the  New  England  States,  New 
York,  and  New  Jersey,  S.flavannd  8.  rubra  being 
confined  to  the  Southern  States.  They  have  their 
leaves  folded  spirally,  in  the  manner  of  the  Pitch- 
er Plant,  Nepenthes.  They  are  of  various  heights, 
some  being  from  four  to  six  inches  Mgh,  while 
othera  are  nearly  or  quite  two  feet.  They  have 
no  proper  leaf  stems,  but  the  foot  stalk  is 
lengthened  in  some  cases  so  as  to  serve  the  same 
end.  The  flower  scape  is  in  all  the  species 
longer  than  the  leaves ;  the  flowers  are  globose, 
nodding,  colors  purple,  red,  or  yellow.  The 
curious  leaves  of  these  plants  are  often  partly 
filled  with  water  and  drowned  insects,  which 
has  given  them  a  reputation  for  usefulness  that 
is  to  be  taken  with  some  grains  of  allowance. 
The  same  may  be  said  of  the  medicinal  properties 
claimed  for  them. 

Sarsaparilla.     See  Smilax,  Sarza,  etc. 

Sarsaparilla,  False.     See  Aral'ui  nudicaulis. 

Sassafras.  The  name  is  said  to  be  a  corruption 
of  the  Spanish  word  for  Saxifrage.  Linn.  En- 
neandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.' Lauracece. 

S.  officinale,  the  only  known  species,  is  com- 
mon throughout  the  United  States.  In  the  more 
,  northern  parts  the  tree  is  small,  the  diameter 
rarely  exceeding  eight  inches;  but  in  the  South- 
ern States  it  attains  a  height  of  fifty  feet,  with  a 
diameter  of  trunk  more  than  two  feet.  The  Sas- 
safras is  well  known  by  its  aromatic,  spicy  bark, 
which  has  stimulant  and  sudorific  properties, 
and  is  extensively  used  in  medicine  and  confec- 
tionery. The  leaves  are  also  used  in  the  manu- 
facture of  "  Home-made  beer," and  also  in  some 
sections  as  a  seasoning  in  sauces,  while  their  mu- 
cilaginous properties  render  them  useful  in 
thickening  soups. 

Satin-wood.  A  beautiful  veneering  wood  of  In- 
dia, obtained  from  Chloroxylon  Swietenia,  which 


Satureia.     Savory. 

labiate  plants.     Linn.  Didyiwmut- 


From   Ssattar,   the    Arabic 
name  for  all  labiate  plants.     Linn. 
Oymnospermia.    Nat.  Ord.  Lamiftcece. 

The  Summer  Savory,  S.  hortcnsis,  is  a  hardy 
annual,  a  native  of  the  south  of  Europe,  and  has 
been  well-known  in  the  kitchen  garden  for  the 
last  three  hundred  years.  Having  escaped  from 
the  garden,  it  has  become  naturalized  in  many 
parts  of  this  country,  especially  in  Ohio  and  Il- 
linois. The  Winter  Savory,  /S.  montana,  is  a 
hardy  evergreen  shrub,  growing  about  a  foot 
high,  and  very  branching.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
south  of  France,  is  easily  cultivated,  and  hns  all 
the  essential  properties  of  the  Summer  Savory. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SAT 

Grown  from   seeds,  like   Thyme  and  Sage,  or 
other  herbs. 

Satyrium.  Supposed  to  be  from  satyrus,  a  satyr. 
Linn.  Gynondna-Monemdria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchid- 
aeeae. 

Terrestrial  Orchidaceous  plants  from  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  The  leaves  are  very  curious 
from  the  flat  manner  in  which  they  spread 
themselves  on  the  surface  of  the  pot;  and  the 
flowers,  which  are  generally  yellow,  are  very 
handsome.  They  should  be  grown  in  very 
sandy  loam  or  leaf  mould,  and  they  are  generally 
kept  in  a  green-house.  They  are  very  apt  to 
damp  off  if  over-watered.  Propagated  by  divi- 
sion. 

Savannah  Flower.     See  Echiies  suberecta. 

Savin.     See  Junipenis  sabina. 

Savory.     See  Satureia. 

Savoy  Cabbage.     See  Cabbage. 

Savoy  Spinach.     See  Spinacia. 

Saxifraga.  Saxifrage.  From  saxum,  a  stone,  and 
frango,  to  break;  its  reputed  medicinal  qualities 
in  that  disease.  Linn.  Decandria-Digynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Saxifragacece. 

In  this  very  extensive  genus,  numbering 
more  than  a  hundred  and  fifty  species,  we  have 
some  very  beautiful  hardy  perennials,  admir- 
ably suited  for  rock-work,  or  any  rough  bor- 
ders, where  it  is  difficult  to  make  most  plants 
grow.  Some  of  the  species  are  valuable  for  city 
gardens,  particularly  S.  umbrofa,  as  it  will 
grow  in  the  shade,  and  is  not  injured  by  soot 
or  smoke.  The  flowers  are  not  brilliant,  but  the 
whole  plant  is  showy  and  vigorous,  which  well 
compensates  for  a  short  season  of  flowers  of  a 
more  showy  character.  This  species  is  the  Lon- 
don Pride  of  our  gardens.  S.  sarmentosa,  a  na- 
tive of  China,  is  a  desirable  plant  for  hanging 
baskets,  or  other  rustic  designs.  It  is  a  pretty 
plant  when  in  flower.  It  is  popularly  known 
as  Strawberry  Geranium,  Beef-steak  Plant,  and 
several  other  local  names  without  much  signifi- 
cance. S.  sarmentosa  variegata,  a  variety  intro- 
duced in  1870,  has  beautiful  variegated  white 
and  rose-colored  markings  on  the  leaves,  but  is 
apt  to  run  back  to  the  original  species.  There 
are  several  very  pretty  species  of  Saxifraga  in 
our  woods  and  waste  places,  possessing  more 
real  beauty  than  some  more  sought  after.  All 
the  species  grow  with  very  little  care  or  atten- 
tion, requiring  only  -a  sandy,  moist,  and  shady 
situation.  Propagated  from  runners  and  divi- 
sion. 

Saxifrage.     See  Saxifraga. 

Scabipsa.  Scabious,  Mourning  Bride.  From 
scabies,  the  itch ;  the  common  kind  is  said  to 
cure  that  disorder.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Dipsacea*. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annual  and  herbace- 
ous perennials,  mostly  natives  of  Europe  and 
the  East  Indies.  S.  atropurpurea  is  the  well- 
known  Mourning  Bride.  All  the  species  grow 
freely  in  the  garden,  and  are  grown  from 
seeds  sown  early  in  spring.  The  German  flor- 
ists have  succeeded  in  raising  some  dwarf  vari- 
eties with  very  handsome  double  flowers  in  a 
variety  of  colors,  from  nearly  pure  white  to  dark 
purple  maroon.  It  is  a  useful  plant  for  sum- 
mer flowers. 

Scarlet  Geranium.     See  Pelargonium. 

Scarlet  Oak.     See  Qufrcus. 

Scarlet  Runner.     See  Phascolus  mult  i floras. 

Scirpus.      From   the  Celtic  ci'r.v,    rushes.     Linn. 
Trvmdria^Monogynia.    Nat.  Ord.  '///»/•>/< •••./•. 
A  genus  of  sedge  grasses,  usually  found  in 


SCH 

bogs.  This  genus,  as  adopted  by  some  authors, 
has  a  wide  geographical  distribution.  S.  lacus- 
tris,  the  well-known  Bulrush,  is  extensively 
used  for  making  bottoms  of  chairs,  floor  mats, 
etc.,  in  most  parts  of  Europe,  and  to  a  limited 
extent  in  this  country.  S.  Japonica  va  i  go,  a,  a 
beautiful  variegated  plant,  sent  home  from  Japan 
by  Mr.  Thomas  Hogg,  has  been  referred  to  this 
genus.  It  was  subsequently  sold  to  an  English 
florist  for  distribution.  It  is  a  plant  of  singular 
beauty.  The  variegation,  like  that  on  £»/<///</ 
zebrina,  instead  of  running  lengthwise,  runs  at 
right  angles  with  the  leaf;  or,  in  other  words, 
the  variegation  is  horizontal  instead  of  vertical. 
The  Eulalia  zebrina  and  the  Scirpus  are  the  only 
two  known  plants  that  are  striped  in  this  re- 
markable manner.  The  Scirpus  will  probably 
prove  to  be  hardy. 

Schizanthus.  From  schizo,  to  cut,  and  anthos,  a 
flower  ;  in  allusion  to  the  irregularly  divided 
corolla.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Scrophulariacece. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  half-hardy  annual 
flowers,  which  may  be  sown  either  in  autumn 
or  spring.  If  wanted  to  flower  in  spring,  the 
seed  should  be  sown  in  August  or  September  as 
soon  as  it  is  ripe,  in  light,  rich  mould;  and  the 
young  plants  should  be  kept  in  well-drained  pots 
in  a  frame  or  green-house  during  winter.  \\Tien 
the  seeds  are  sown  in  spring,  it  should  be  on  a 
hot-bed  or  in  the  green-house,  and  the  young 
plants  should  be  removed  into  the  open  air  in 
May,  when  they  will  flower  in  autumn.  The 
plants  are  much  larger  in  the  open  ground,  and 
the  flowers  are  finer,  if  the  soil  be  sufficiently 
rich  and  light ;  but  care  should  be  taken  to 
plant  them  in  a  sheltered  situation,  or  to  tie 
them  to  stakes,  as  the  stems  are  very  brittle  and 
liable  to  be  broken  off  by  high  winds.  The  prin- 
cipal kinds  of  Schizanthus  are  S.  ptmuBM,  with 
its  varieties,  all  of  which  have  purplish  flowers; 
jS'.  retusns,  with  scarlet  and  yellow  flowers;  and 
8.  Priestii,  with  white  and  yellow  flowers.  Of 
these,  S.  p'mnatus  and  its  allied  species  or  vari- 
ety, S.porrigens,  are  the  hardiest.  The  genus  is 
confined  to  South  America,  and  are  mostly  found 
in  Chili.  Introduced  in  1822. 

Schizopetalon.  From  schizo,  to  cut,  and  petcdon, 
a  petal;  the  petals  are  cut.  Linn.  Tetradynamia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Brassicacece. 

An  annual  flower,  with  curiously  cut  petals, 
and  a  strong  tap  root.  It  is  rather  difficult  to 
grow,  as  it  does  not  bear  transplanting  well, 
unless  when  quite  young.  It  should  be  sown 
in  spring,  and,  if  possible,  where  it  is  to  re- 
main. There  is  but  one  known  species,  S.  Wul- 

.  kerii,  a  native  of  Chili.  This  is  rather  a  singu- 
lar plant.  The  flowers  are  flat,  and  look  as  if 
they  had  been  cut  out  with  a  stamp.  The  color 
of  the  flower  is  white.  Introduced  in  1822. 

Schizophragma.  Climbing  Hydrangea.  Deriva- 
tion of  name  not  given.  Linn.  Decandria~Digy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  flydrang< •<«•«/. 

S.  Hydrangeoides  is  a  hardy  climbing  shrub, 
introduced  from  Japan  by  Thomas  Hogg.  It  is 
a  handsome,  rapid-growing  plant,  with  almost 
all  the  characters  of  the  Hydrangea,  having  simi- 
lar white  flowers  as  in  the  shrubby  species.  It 
clings  with  tenacity  to  any  tree  or  building  by 
which  it  may  be  planted,  and  attains  a  height 
of  fifty  feet.  It  remains  a  long  time  in  flower, 
making  it,  a  conspicuous  and  desirable  plant. 
It  is  perfectly  hardy.  It  is  rapidly  increased  by 
cuttings  or  by  seeds,  which,  however,  have  as  yet 
to  be  procured  from  its  native  country,  Japan. 


204 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SCH 

Schizostylis.  Derivation  of  name  not  known. 
Linn.  Trian>lria-.M<»i<><iynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Irviacea;. 

S.  coccinea,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  very 
pretty  half-hardy  Cape  bulb,  belonging  to  the 
Gladiolus  family.  The  leaves  are  neat  and 
glossy,  and  the  flowers  are  rosy-scarlet,  nro- 
duced  in  December.  Many  efforts  have  been 
made  to  bring  this  bulb  into  flower  in  summer 
or  autumn,  which  would  make  it  one  of  the 
most  popular  of  the  natural  order  to  which  it 
belongs.  Every  effort  has,  however,  failed,  and 
it  must  consequently  be  grown  in  the  green- 
house. It  is  rapidly  increased  by  offsets.  In- 
troduced in  1846. 

Schlimmia.  In  honor  of  M.  Schlimm,  one  of  M. 
Linden's  plant  collectors,  who  discovered  the 
plant.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orchidacea;. 

8.  jasminodora,  the  only  described  species  that 
composes  this  genus,  is  an  epiphytal  Orchid 
from  Central  America,  remarkable  for  its  ex- 
treme fragrance.  Its  flowers  are  pure  white, 
borne  on  flower-stalks  about  a  foot  high.  It  re- 
quires to  be  grown  in  a  warm  house. 
Schomburgkia.  Named  after  Sir  Robert  H. 
Schomburgk,  a  zealous  naturalist,  and  a  traveler 
in  British  Guiana  on  account  of  the  Royal  Geo- 
graphical Society. .  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacea;. 

A  very  handsome  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids, 
with  large  pseudo-bulbs,  and  strong,  leathery 
leaves.  The  flower  spikes  are  produced  from 
the  apex  of  the  pseudo-bulbs,  and  are  from  three 
to  four  feet  in  length,  bearing  large,  rich-color- 
ed flowers  of  singular  form.  The  plants  should 
be  attached  to  a  piece  of  cork  and  suspended 
from  the  roof  of  the  hot-house.  They  require  a 
high,  moist  atmosphere  in  the  growing  season, 
and  a  very  dry  one  when  at  rest.  There  are  but 
a  few  species  in  this  genus,  the  most  desirable 
being  ,S'.  tibitinus,  a  native  of  Honduras.  Intro- 
duced in  1834. 

Schrankia.  Sensitive  Brier.  In  honor  of  Fran- 
cis  Paula  von  Schrank,  a  famous  German  botan- 
ist, and  author  of  many  botanical  works.  Linn. 
Polygamin-Monoecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, common  from  Virginia  southward.  The 
flowers  are  small,  and  not  unlike  those  of  the 
Mimosa.  These  plants  are  very  interesting  on 
account  of  their  leaves,  which,  like  those  of  the 
Sensitive  Plant,  fall  at  the  slightest  touch.  A 
few  of  the  species  are  under  cultivation  in 
botanical  collections. 

Schubertia.  Named  after  M.  Schubert,  a  Polish 
botanist.  Linn.  Peniandrva-DigynvjL.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asc'epi/tdacea;. 

A  small  genus  of  hairy,  milky,  twining  shrubs 
from  South  America.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
and  the  flowers,  produced  in  handsome  umbels, 
are  cream-colored  and  white.  They  are  funnel- 
shaped,  large,  and  fleshy,  and  remarkable  for 
their  fragrance.  They  require  to  be  grown  in  a 
warm  house,  in  well-drained  pots.  Propagated 
by  cuttings. 

Sciadocalyx.  Derivation  of  name  not  given. 
Linn.  Dklynamia-Angios-permki.  Nat.  Ord.  Gesner- 
acecv. 

8.  Warscewiczii,  the  only  known  species  was  for- 
merly known  as  Ctarnera  Regdiana.  It  is  a  very 
ornamental  green-house  plant,  a  native  of  New 
Grenada,  and  conspicuous  for  its  bright  pink- 
ish-scarlet flowers,  which  are  produced  freely 
during  the  winter.  Like  all  the  plants  of  this 
natural  order,  it  requires  a  warm  house,  plenty 


SCO 


of  moisture,  and  partial  shade  to  grow  it  to  per- 
fection.    It  is  increased   by   cuttings  or  from 


Scilla.  Squill.  From  skyllo,  to  injure;  the  bulbs 
of  some  of  the  species  are  said  to  be  poisonous. 
Linn.  Hexandr'M-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Litincew. 
An  extensive  genus  of  very  pretty  bulbous 
plants,  nearly  all  of  which  are  hardy,  and  very  de- 
sirable on  account  of  their  early  habit  of  flowering. 
They  should  be  planted  in  October,  either  in  the 
open  ground  or  in  pots.  They  prefer  a  light, 
rich  soil.  Among  the  more  desirable  species 
are  8.  campanulaia,  a  native  of  Spain,  with  beau- 
tiful blue  flowers,  of  which  there  are  varieties 
with  white  and  pink  flowers.  8.  amoenrj,  with 
blue  flowers,  from  the  Levant,  is  a  very  early 
flowering  species.  S.  bifolia,  with  red,  blue,  or 
white  flowers.  8.  Siberica,  with  intense  blue 
flowers.  These  are  all  beautiful  plants,  and 
well  adapted  to  the  open  border.  They  come 
into  flower  with  the  Crocus,  and  continue  in 
bloom  much  longer.  They  may  remain  undis- 
turbed where  planted  for  a  number  of  years,  as 
crowding  from  their  natural  increase  does  not 
seem  to  injure  them.  &  Peruviana  is  one  of  the 
best  for  pot  culture.  It  is  a  native  of  Italy  and 
Spain,  and,  not  of  Peru,  as  is  generally  supposed, 
and  as  its  name  would  imply.  Its  flowers  are 
dark-blue,  produced  in  long  racemes.  S.  c'diaris 
is  also  desirable  for  growing  in  pots.  The  last 
two  are  not  hardy.  All  the  species  are  well 
worth  a  place  in  the  garden  or  green-house. 
Propagated  by  offsets. 

Scindapsus.      From     skinaapsos,     an      ivy-like 

'  climber.  Linn.  Monoecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Orontiacece. 

A  genus  of  climbing  herbaceous  plants,  na- 
tives of  India.  They  have  perforated  or  pinnated 
leaves,  on  long,  channeled  stalks.  The  species 
are  cultivated  in  their  native  countries  for  their 
fruit,  which  is  considered  to  have  powerful  me- 
dicinal properties.  They  are  mostly  known  un- 
der the  name  Pothos.  Several  of  the  species  are 
to  be  found  in  collections  of  plants  with  orna- 
mental foliage.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Scoke  Berry.     See  Phytolacca. 

Scolppendrium.  Hart's  Tongue.  From  scolopen- 
dria,  a  centipede;  the  appearance  of  the  seed  or 
spore-cases.  Linn.  Oryptoyamia-FUices.  Nat.  Ord. 
PolypodiacecK. 

A  genus  of  small-growing  Ferns,  which,  with 
one  exception,  are  hardy.  They  are  common  to 
Great  Britain.  One  of  the  species,  S.  vulgare, 
is  occasionally  met  in  Central  New  York  and 
some  other  localities  in  this  country.  They  are 
low-growing  plants,  requiring  a  moist,  somewhat 
shaded  situation.  They  are  very  desirable  for 
pot  culture. 

Scorpion  Grass.  A  popular  name  for  the  Myoso- 
tis,  which  see. 

Scorpion  Senna.     See  Coronilla  Emerus. 

Scorzonera.  Viper's  Grass.  From  scurzon,  a 
viper;  supposed  remedy  for  the  bite  of  a  viper. 
Linn.  Sytigenesia-sEyualis.  'Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 
Handsome  hardy  perennials,  with  purple, 
pink,  or  yellow  flowers.  They  are  indigenous 
to  the  south  of  Europe  and  temperate  parts  of 
Asia.  One  of  the  species,  8.  Hispanica,  is  grown 
to  some  extent  as  a  garden  vegetable,  under  the 
name  of  Black  Oyster  Plant.  Though  a  peren- 
nial, it  should  be  treated  like  an  annual  or  bien- 
nial, and  grown  in  the  same  manner  as  Salsify 
or  Carrot,  only  the  seed  should  not  be  sown  so 
early,  (in  the  latitude  of  New  York,  in  the  mid- 
dle of  May, )  as  the  plants  have  a  tendency  to 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


205 


SCO 

"run  up  "  to  seed,  which  renders  the  roots  unfit 
for  use.  There  are  other  species  under  cultiva- 
tion in  their  native  countries  as  articles  of  food, 
and  held  in  high  esteem. 

Scorpiurus.  Caterpillars.  From  scorpios,  a  scor- 
pion, and  oura,  a  tail;  alluding  to  the  twisted 
form  of  the  legumes.  Linn.  Diaddphia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  curious  half-hardy  an- 
nuals, natives  of  the  Mediterranean  regions. 
The  flowers  are  yellow,  pea-shaped;  the  pods 
have-  a  fancied  resemblance  to  caterpillars, 
whence  their  common  name.  The  pods  are 
used  to  garnish  dishes  of  salads  or  meats.  They 
may  be  cultivated  in  the  same  manner  as  Rad- 
ishes. 

Scotch  Pine.     See  Finns. 

Scotch  Thistle.    See  Onopordon. 

Scotch  Kale.    See  Brass'ica. 

Screw  Pine.    See  Fandanus. 

Scrub  Oak.    See  Quercus. 

Scurvy  Grass.    See  Cochlearia. 

Scutellaria.  Skull-cap.  From  scutella,  a  little 
saucer;  alluding  to  the  form  of  the  calyx.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Anfjiosperinia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacecv. 
An  extensive  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials, 
many  of  which  are  indigenous  to,  and  common 
throughout  the  United  States.  A  few  of  the 
species  are  suitable  for  edgings  to  flower-beds. 
The  hardy  kinds  have  their  flowers  for  the  most 
part  blue,  and  are  quite  showy.  Among  the 
tender  or  green-house  species,  S.  Mocciana  is 
bright  scarlet  and  exceedingly  handsome,  though 
often  affected  with  rust.  S.  pulchella,  another 
green-house  variety,  is  crimson.  Propagated 
by  cuttings. 

Scuticaria.  From  scutica,  a  whip;  leaves  round 
as  a  whipcord.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrcMdacece. 

S.  Steelii,  one  of  the  best  known  species  of  this 
genus,  is  an  epiphytal  Orchid  from  Demerara, 
with  long,  thong-like,  pendulous  leaves,  and 
large,  solitary,  dingy-yellow,  purple-spotted 
flowers,  which  grow  on  very  short  stalks.  There 
are  a  few  other  species  of  the  same  general  char- 
acter, but  which  are  rarely  cultivated. 

Scyphanthus.  From  scyphos,  a  cup,  and  anthos, 
a  flower;  in  reference  to  the  shape  of  the  flower. 
Linn  Polyadelphia-Folyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Loasa- 
cea;. 

A  small  genus  of  Chilian  and  Peruvian  plants, 
allied  to  Laosa,  and  formerly  included  in  that 
genus.  S.  degans  is  a  very  pretty  twining  an- 
nual, with  bright  yellow  flowers,  produced 
singly  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  This  is  a 
synonym  of  Grammatocarpus,  under  which  name 
it  is  pretty  generally  known. 

Seaforthia.  Named  after  Francis  Lord  Seaforth, 
a  patron  of  botany.  Linn.  Folygamia-Moncecia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Palmacea;. 

#.  elegans,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  native 
of  Australia,  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  Palm  family.  The  plant  attains  a  height  of 
thirty  feet,  with  leaves  from  two  to  ten  feet  in 
length.  "The  whole  plant  is  perfectly  smooth, 
leaves  drooping  and  feather-like,  and  is  one 
of  the  finest  subjects  in  cultivation  for  the  con- 
servatory, green-house,  or  sub-tropical  garden. 
It  may  be  placed  in  the  open  air  from  the  first 
of  June  until  the  first  of  October."  It  can  be 
kept  in  the  conservatory  or  ordinary  green- 
house during  winter.  It  is  of  rapid  growth. 
Plants  one  year  from  seed,  when  well  grown, 
attain  a  height  of  three  feet.  Propagated  by 
seeds  only.  Introduced  in  1822. 


SEC 

Sea  Bean.    See  Entada. 

Sea  Bean.    See  Onnosia. 

Sea  Daffodil.    See  Pancratium. 

Sea  Eryngo.    See  Erynyium. 

Sea  Heath.    See  Franlcenia. 

Sea  Holly.    See  Erynrtium. 

Sea  Island  Cotton.    See  Gossypium. 

Sea-Kale.  Crambe  maritima.  (See  Crambe.)  Sea-Kale 
is  only  cultivated  as  yet  in  the  United  States  by 
private  gentlemen  employing  gardeners,  and  is 
very  rarely  seen  in  our  markets.  Still,  there  is  no 
reason  why  it  may  not  be  cultivated  here  equally 
as  well  as  in  Europe,  as  it  grows  quite  as  freely 
during  our  aummer  months  here  as  there;  and 
being  perfectly  hardy,  it  can  be  got  into  condi- 
tion to  blanch— which  is  the  only  way  in  which 
it  is  used — the  first  season,  if  the  following  plain 
directions  are  strictly  followed:  Prepare  the 
ground  exactly  as  if  for  a  Cabbage  or  Cauliflower 
crop ;  for  it  is  a  plant  of  the  same  family,  and 
requires  very  similar  treatment.  As  early  as 
the  ground  is  dry  enough  to  Avork  in  spring, 
after  having  well  leveled  and  raked  the  soil, 
strike  out  lines  three  feet  apart,  and  of  any 
length  required,  and  at  these  lines  draw  shal- 
low drills,  two  or  three  inches  deep.  In  these 
drills  sow  the  Sea-Kale  seed  about  as  thick  as 
Turnip  seed;  say  one  ounce  to  every  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  of  drill.  After  sowing,  and  before 
covering,  tread  the  seed  in  the  drill  with  the 
foot,  and  then  cover  and  level  with  the  rake. 
After  the  plants  are  up,  and  show  the  rough 
leaf,  thin  put  to  eight  or  nine  inches  apart,  and 
keep  cultivating,  so  as  to  encourage  the  best 
growth  possible  during  the  summer.  The  plants 
will  have  completed  their  growth  by  November, 
when  the  leaves  will  begin  to  wither  and  dry 
off",  as  Rhubarb  or  Asparagus  does.  When  the 
leaves  have  become  completely  dried,  it  is  well 
to  cover  with  two  or  three  inches  of  leaves,  to 
prevent  them  being  frozen  hard.  About  the 
first  of  December,  or  first  of  January,  the  blanch- 
ing or  forcing  process  may  be  begun.  To  do 
this,  horse  manure  and  leaves  must  be  got  to- 
gether in  quantities  sufficient  to  heat,  and 
enough  to  cover  the  Sea-Kale  to  be  forced,  to  a 
depth  of  three  or  four  feet ;  but,  preparatory  to 
placing  this  hot-bed  over  them,  boxes  one  foot 
wide  and  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high  should 
be  placed  along  the  rows  of  the  Sea-Kale,  so  that 
the  manure  is  kept  off  them.  Into  these  boxes 
the  tender  white  shoots  of  the  Sea-Kale  will  be 
forced  up  and  protected  from  the  manure ;  or,  if 
the  expense  of  boxes  is  not  advisable,  strong 
bush  stakes,  such  as  are  used  for  staking  Pease, 
may  be  used;  in  fact,  anything  that  is  strong 
enough  to  prevent  the  hot-bed  pressing  against 
and  impeding  the  growth  of  the  plants.  The 
hot-bed  of  three  or  four  feet  high,  placed  over 
the  Sea-Kale  beds  in  December  or  January,  will 
produce  the  Sea-Kale  in  the  proper  blanched 
condition  in  from  ten  to  twelve  weeks.  If  not 
wanted  early,  it  may  be  blanched  by  covering 
with  boxes,  inverted  flower-pots,  leaves,  or  any- 
thing that  will  exclude  the  light,  placed  over 
the  plants  in  spring  at  the  time  they  start  to 

§row.     The  young  shoots,  when  cooked,  have  a 
avor  something  between  Asparagus  and  Cauli- 
flower, but  in  England  they  are  much  preferred 
to  either. 

Sea  Lavender.     See  Statice. 
Sea  Onion.    See  0 rnUho/ialum. 
Sea-Side  Grape.    See  Cuccoloba. 
Sechium.      Choko.     From  sekiio,  to  fatten;  the 
fruit  serves  to  fatten  hogs  in  the  mountains  and 


IM 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


inland  parts  of  Jamaica,  where  the  plant  is 
much  cultivated.  Eton.  Monatia-Monadelphta. 
Nat.  Ord.  Cucttrbitac(a>. 

S  edule,  the  type  of  this  genus,  is  an  annual  a 
native  of  the  West  Indies,  where  it  is  extensively 
grown  for  its  fruit,  which  is  considered  extreme- 
ly wholesome,  and  commonly  used  as  an  article 
of  food  by  all  classes.  The  plant  is  climbing 
supporting  itself  by  tendrils.  The  fruit  is  about 
four  inches  long,  nnd  in  substance  between 
succulent  and  fleshy,  and  is  exceedingly  nutri- 
tious. Besides  its  utility  as  food  for  man,  it  is 
much  used  for  fattening  animals.  The  roots  are 
large,  and  in  substance  resemble  the  Yam.  They 
are  also  used  as  an  article  of  food. 

Sedum.  Stonecrop.  From  sedere,  to  sit;  the  plants 
are  found  growing  upon  stones,  rocks,  walls,  and 
roofs  of  houses.  Linn.  Decandria-Pentagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  succulent  annual, 
hardy  herbaceous  perennial,  and  evergreen 
plants,  common  to  almost  every  country  and 
climate.  The  hardy  species  of  this  genus  are 
well  adapted  for  ornamenting  rock-work.  Some 
of  the  species  are  remarkable  for  their  varie- 
gated foliage,  of  which  S.  Sieboldii  variejatum  is 
one  of  the  prettiest.  It  grows  about  one  foot 
high,  the  leaves  being  blotched  with  yellow.  It 
is  hardy.  It  is  a  variety  of  S.  Sieboldii,  a  native 
of  Japan.  There  are  a  number  of  beautiful  spe- 
cies indigenous  to  this  country.  All  the  spe- 
cies are  of  the  easiest  culture,  and  may  be  grown 
from  cuttings  put  in  the  place  where  they  are 
to  grow,  or  by  division.  Nearly  all  the  species 
are  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  garden.  S.  Tele- 
phium  is  the  common  Live-forever  of  our  gar- 
dens, a  native  of  Europe,  but  has  escaped  from 
cultivation,  and  become  naturalized  in  many 
localities.  Most  of  the  species  are,  from  their 
succulent  character,  and  resisting  drought,  well 
adapted  for  vases,  or  for  covering  rough  walls 
or  rocks.  S.  acre,  a  beautiful  yellow  flowered 
variety,  is  a  well-known  type  of  the  genus,  and 
its  variety,  S.  acre  variegalum,  is  even  more  beau- 
tiful. S.  nlbida  has  beautiful  white  flowers  early 
in  spring.  Propagated  by  cuttings  or  division. 

Seeds.  Geographical  distribution  of  the  localities 
where  iliey  are  grown  in  the  United  Stales.  The 
subjoined  article  from  the  Report  of  the  De- 
partment of  Agriculture  at  Washington  for 
1878  was  written  by  us  in  that  year,  and  we  be- 
lieve it  will  be  found  to  be  of  sufficient  interest 
and  importance  to  warrant  a  place  here.  It  is 
entitled,  "IswWes  Best  Suited  for  Maturing  Seed," 
and  is  as  follows: 

Seed-growing  is  now  getting  to  be  one  of 
the  industries  of  the  United  States,  as  it  has 
long  been  of  Europe.  Our  great  variety  of  lati- 
tude, soil,  and  climate  is  such  that  in  many 
things  we  are  now  supplying  Europe  with  that 
which  a  few  years  ago  we  imported;  and  I  think 
it  is  safe  to  predict  that  in  a  majority  of  the 
seeds  of  the  garden  the  balance  of  trade  will 
ultimately  be  in  our  favor,  as  it  is  now  with  a 
majority  of  the  seeds  of  the  farm.  I  say  a  ma- 
jority, for  as  seed-growing  is  a  matter  of  lati- 
tude, there  always  will  be  some  kinds  that  will 
attain  perfection  better  in  Europe  than  America, 
particularly  such  seeds  as  require  a  low  tem- 
perature for  perfect  development.  Hence,  when- 
ever a  full  variety  of  seeds  is  attempted  to  be 
grown  in  any  one  district,  either  here  or  in  Eu- 
rope, some  crops  will  be  a  complete  failure  and 
many  partially  so,  for  we  might  as  well  attempt 
to  "acclimatize  "the  white  bear  of  Iceland  to  the 


SEE 

jungles  of  Africa,  or  the  Bengal  tiger  to  the  for- 
ests of  Norway,  as  to  perfectly  develop  the  seeds 
of  Oats  in  our  Southern  States,  or  the  seed  of 
Maize  in  Northern  Europe.  Still,  we  find  these 
attempts  are  made,  and  will  be  made  by  inex- 
perienced cultivators  of  seeds,  resulting  not 
only  in  ultimate  failure  to  the  grower,  but  also 
seriously  injuring  those  to  whom  such  unde- 
veloped seeds  are  sold.  When  seeds  are  grown 
in  a  latitude  unsuited  to  their  development, 
they  will  invariably  perpetuate  weak  progeny. 
A  marked  case  in  point  is  the  Oat,  a  grain  re- 
quiring a  low  temperature  for  perfect  develop- 
ment; hence  the  superiority  of  the  Scotch  or 
Irish  Oats  over  those  grown  in  the  hot  and  dry 
summers  of  the  United  States.  The  average 
weight  per  bushel  of  Scotch  Oats  may  be  given 
as  forty-four  pounds,  while  the  average  of  Oats 
grown  in  the  United  States  is  about  thirty-two 
pounds  per  bushel;  yet  we  find  that  Scotch  Oats 
weighing  forty-four  pounds  per  bushel,  when 
sown  in  the  Middle  States  under  favorable 
conditions,  deteriorate  to  forty  pounds  per 
bushel  during  the  first  season  from  the  imported 
seed;  that  product  being  again  sown,  they  still 
further  deteriorate  to  thirty-five  or  thirty-six 
pounds  per  bushel,  which  again  being  sown  the 
third  year,  falls  down  to  the  normal  condition 
of  the  American  Oats,  say  thirty  or  thirty-two 
pounds  per  bushel.  These  facts  suggest  the 
query  whether  it  would  not  pay  our  farmers  io 
import  their  seed  Oats  in  order  to  get  this  im- 
proved quality.  In  my  opinion  there  is  no  other 
way  to  do  it;  for  no  matter  how  carefully  the 
selection  of  seeds  is  made,  deterioration  will 
take  place  when  the  crop  is  grown  under  cir- 
cumstances uncongenial  to  it.  A  lifetime  spent 
in'  the  practical  study  of  horticulture,  which  is 
close  akin  to  agriculture,  has  forced  me  to  the 
conclusion  that  there  is  no  such  thing  as  accli- 
matization of  plants.  The  Maize  of  the  Ameri- 
can continent  resists  all  attempts  to  bring  the 
crop  to  full  maturity  in  the  climate  of  Great 
Britain,  while  the  Oat  (Avena  saliva)  gives  com- 
paratively abortive  results  when  grown  in  our 
semi-tropical  summers.  Hundreds  of  instances 
in  families  of  plants  grown  for  their  fruits,  flow- 
ers, or  seeds,  could  be  given  to  show  that,  when- 
ever any  attempt  is  made  to  change  character- 
istics incident  to  their  natural  origin,  no  per- 
ceptible advance  is  ever  made.  We  all  know 
that  in  attempts  to  acclimatize  the  Fig,  the 
Olive,  and  the  Orange  tree  in  the  open  air  in 
any  locality  where  the  thermometer  falls  below 
zero,  the  complete  destruction  of  the  trees  would 
be  the  result,  unless  artificially  protected.  This 
result  is  marked  and  complete,  and  is  univer- 
sally known,  even  to  such  as  have  not  made 
these  matters  a  special  study.  But  every  culti- 
vator of  large  experience  knows  that  the  eame 
rule  runs  through  all  grades  of  vegetation,  and 
that  the  hardening  or  acclimatizing  of  plants  has 
not  advanced,  as  far  as  the  records  go.  We  re- 
member when  the  Chinese  Wistaria  was  grown 
only  in  our  green-houses;  now  it  is  seen  every- 
where as  a  hardy  vine ;  but  it  was  in  ignorance 
of  its  hardy  nature  that  it  was  ever  protected, 
for  it  was  equally  as  "  hardy  "  the  day  of  its  first 
introduction  as  it  is  to-day.  The  garden  and 
farm  seeds  in  general  use  in  the  United  States, 
I  have  said,  are  mainly  grown  here,  though  some 
are  better  grown  in  other  countries.  I  will 
briefly  state  the  localities  so  far  found  to  be  best 
suited  to  the  greatest  development  of  the  differ- 
ent kinds,  and  the  sources  from  which  seedsmen 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


207 


SEE 

draw  their  supplies.  I  am  indebted  for  much 
information  on  this  subject  to  Mr.  William  Meg- 
gat,  seed-grower,  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  who  has 
given  this  subject  special  study  for  the  past 
twenty  years. 

Asparagus  is  grown  in  New  Jersey,  on  Long 
Island,  and  in  other  portions  of  New  York,  and 
probably  other  parts  of  the  Northern  and  Mid- 
dle States. 

Beets  are  grown  in  Central  New  York,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  Connecticut.  The  Mangel  and 
Sugar  Beets  are  as  yet  mostly  imported. 

Beans  (Bush)  are  mostly  grown  in  New  York 
State,  though  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Penn- 
sylvania are  beginning  to  grow  considerable 
quantities. 

Beans  (Pole)  are  grown  in  Connecticut,  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Delaware, 
and  States  further  south. 

The  Cabbage,  one  of  our  most  important  crops, 
gives  its  best  development  near  the  sea-coasfe. 
That  grown  on  rich  soils  inland  is  never  so  sat- 
isfactory. Hence  our  market  gardeners  and 
farmers  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York,  from  ex- 
perience dearly  bought,  prefer  their  Cabbage 
seed  for  an  early  crop  to  be  always  grown  on 
the  easterly  side  of  Long  Island,  on  the  Atlan- 
tic coast,  to  that  from  any  other  source.  There 
is  considerable  grown  in  Pennsylvania,  New 
Jersey,  Connecticut,  and  Rhode  Island,  but 
such  has  never  come  to  be  held  in  any  favor  by 
our  market  gardeners  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York,  who,  perhaps,  are  as  critical  in  such  mat- 
ters as  anywhere  in  the  world.  But  little  Cab- 
bage seed  is  now  imported,  though  it  is  sold 
much  cheaper  in  Europe  than  here  ;  but  the 
crop  is  too  important  to  risk  any  consideration 
of  price,  for  we  find  that  what  are  grown  as  the 
favorite  varieties  in  Europe  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared, for  our  purpose,  with  those  we  have  our- 
selves originated  here. 

Cauliflower  seed  is  all  imported  from  Europe. 
AH  attempts  that  we  have  made  to  grow  the  seed 
here  have  proved  nearly  abortive.  It  requires  a 
cool  and  rather  moist  climate,  and  even  under 
the  best  conditions  seeds  sparingly,  few  vari- 
eties being  imported  at  less  than  $6  per  pound, 
and  some  of  the  famous  early  kinds,  such  as 
"Snowball,"  costing  nearly  $100  per  pound  to 
import. 

Celery  is  another  important  crop  of  which  the 
seed  is  raised  almost  exclusively  here;  at  least 
that  in  use  among  commercial  gardeners,  many 
of  them  growing  a  few  pounds  for  their  own  use 
annually  at  five  times  the  cost  they  could  buy 
imported  seed  for;  the  danger  being  so  great  of 
getting  a  spurious  sort  that  they  prefer  doing  so 
rather  than  run  the  risk.  Now,  however,  as  the 
varieties  best  suited  for  our  climate  become 
known,  it  is  largely  grown  by  our  regular  seed- 
growers  in  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Connecti- 
cut, and  New  Jersey. 

Gicum'iers  are  now  grown  entirely  here,  except 
a  few  of  the  fancy  sorts.  The  best  seed  is  grown 
on  the  maiden  soil  of  the  prairies;  and  though 
still  grown  to  some  extent  in  Pennsylvania, 
Connecticut,  New  Jersey,  and  New  York,  Illi- 
nois and  Michigan  will,  in  all  probability,  event- 
ually be  the  section  used  to  grow  all  species  of 
the  so-called  "vine"  family  of  vegetables. 

The  Carrot  is  grown  almost  exclusively  in  the 
States  of  New  York,  Rhode  Island,  Massachu- 
setts, and  Connecticut. 

The  Bjij-plaitt,  as  yet,  is  mainly  grown  in 
Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  New  York,  and  Mary- 


SEE 

land,  but,  being  a  plant  of  tropical  origin,  the 
seeds,  no  doubt,  would  be  better  matured  if 
grown  further  south. 

The  Endive  is  all  imported  from  Germany  and 
France. 

The  Leek  is  partly  grown  here  in  the  Eastern 
and  Middle  States,  though  some  is  also  im- 
ported. The  American  grown  is  found  to  have 
the  greater  vitality. 

Lettuce,  when  grown  in  the  Atlantic  States, 
matures  best  in  the  vicinity  of  our  large  lakes, 
in  New  York,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Illi- 
nois. California,  however,  is  better  fitted  for 
seeding  Lettuce  than  any  of  the  Atlantic  States, 
and  large  quantities  are  already  being  grown 
there.  Quantities  are  yet  imported,  but  in  this 
case,  as  in  the  case  of  Cabbage  and  Celery,  mar- 
ket gardeners  rarely  risk  imported  Lettuce  until 
first  proving  the  variety  to  be  correct. 

Melon  (Nutmeg)  is  grown  the  same  as  the  Cu- 
cumber. 

Melon  (Water)  is  grown  the  same  as  the  Cu- 
cumber, though  rather  more  of  it  is  grown  in 
States  farther  south. 

Okra  is  of  tropical  origin,  and  the  seed  is  best 
grown  in  the  Southern  States. 

Onion  is  one  of  the  most  important  of  all  our 
vegetable  crops  grown  from  seed,  and  as  it  rap- 
idly loses  its  vitality,  being  of  little  value  the 
second  year,  it  is  now  almost  entirely  grown 
here.  The  seed  from  which  to  grow  Onions  of 
a  marketable  size  is  raised  mainly  in  Connecti- 
cut, Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  Michi- 
gan ;  while  that  raised  from  which  to  grow  Onion 
sets  is  mostly  grown  in  Pennsylvania  and  New 
Jersey.  California  has  begun  to  grow  Onion 
seeds  to  some  extent,  but  as  the  quality  of  the 
seed  greatly  determines  the  weight  of  crop, 
confidence  is  not  yet  fully  established  in,  the 
eeed  grown  there. 

Parsley  is  nearly  all  imported,  as  the  plant  is 
not  quite  hardy  enough  to  stand  our  northern 
winters,  while  the  hot  summers  of  our  South- 
ern States  is  against  its  irat  iring  there. 

The  Parsnip  is  grown  m  .inly  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, New  York,  Connecticut,  and  Rhode  Island. 
Pease,  a  most  important  crop,  are  mainly 
grown  in  Canada  and  in  New  York  State,  on 
the  immediate  line  of  Lake  Ontario.  Large 
quantities  are  yet  imported  from  Britain,  but 
the  great  bulk  used  are  grown  as  stated  above. 

Pepper  is  grown  mainly  in  New  Jersey,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  New  York,  but  may  be  grown  al- 
most anywhere. 

Radish  is  nearly  all  imported,  or  should  be; 
for  when  grown  in  this  climate,  like  Oats,  it  de- 
generates very  fast. 

Salsify  can  be  grown  anywhere  where  Let- 
tuce is  grown,  but  as  there  is  no  danger  of 
mixing  varieties,  it  is  cheaper  to  import  it  from 
France. 

Spinach  is  nearly  all  imported  from  England, 
France,  or  Germany,  as  it  cannot  be  so  profita- 
bly grown  here,  for  the  same  reason  that  we 
cannot  profitably  grow  Parsley,  mainly  because 
our  winters  in  the  North  are  often  such  as  to 
kill  off  the  plants,  while  in  the  Southern  sec- 
tion the  summers  are  too  hot  for  maturing  the 
seed. 

Tobacco  is  grown  in  Virginia,  Connecticut, 
and  Kentucky,  in  the  United  States,  and  in 
Cuba  and  other  tropical  latitudes.  It  is  some- 
times believed  to  be  a  peculiarity  of  Tobacco 
that  location  changes  the  character  of  the  varie- 
ty. This  we  are  inclined  to  doubt,  and  believe 


•20S 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


SEG 

that  the  varieties  grown  in  Cuba,  Connecticut, 
and  Virginia,  are  botanically  distinct,  and  are 
Buch  as  have  been  selected  as  the  kinds  best 
suited  to  the  sections  in  which  they  are  grown. 

Tomato  seeds  are  mostly  grown  in  New  Jersey, 
Connecticut,  Michigan,  and  Illinois ;  but  they 
may  be  grown  with  nearly  the  same  success  in 
almost  all  the  States  of  the  Union. 

Turnip  seeds  are  grown  in  Pennsylvania, 
Ehode  Island,  Connecticut,  and  Michigan.  A 
little  is  grown  in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  but 
that  is  less  popular  than  that  grown  farther 
north;  not  much  is  now  imported. 

Pearl  Millet  is  now  creating  a  wide-spread  in- 
terest. As  the  plant  is  tender,  we  are  inclined 
to  think  the  seeds  will  be  grown  exclusively  in 
Florida,  Georgia,  the  Carolinas,  and  other 
Southern  States,  as  a  long  season  and  high  tem- 
perature are  necessary  to  fully  mature  the  seed, 
though  the  plant  as  a  fodder-plant  does  well  in 
any  section  where  Maize  will  grow.  Last  sea- 
son, (1878,)  under  the  most  favorable  condi- 
tions, we  found  that  the  seed  did  not  ripen  with 
us  in  New  Jersey. 

Hungarian  Millet,  or  Hungarian  Grass,  is  en- 
tirely different  from  Pearl  Millet,  bearing  no  re- 
semblance to  it.  The  plant  is  hardy.  Saeds 
are  grown  in  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  in 
many  of  the  Western  States. 

Timothy  Grass  is  grown  largely  in  Illinois, 
Wisconsin,  and  New  York. 

Slue  Grass  is  grown  in  Kentucky,  Ohio,  and 
other  Western  States. 

Bed  Top  is  grown  in  New  Jersey,  Kentucky, 
Ohio,  and  Ehode  Island. 

Orchard  Grass  is  grown  in  Kentucky,  Ohio, 
and  the  Western  States. 

Red  Clover  is  grown  in  Michigan,  New  York, 
Ohio,  etc. 

White  Clover  is  grown  in  Wisconsin,  Illinois, 
and  Ohio,  but  the  greater  portion  of  it  is  yet 
imported  from  Germany  and  France. 

Lucerne,  or  Alfalfa,  is  grown  in  California 
mainly. 

These  localities  are  now  the  principal  ones 
where  seeds  of  commerce  are  grown ;  but  every 
year,  to  some  extent,  these  latitudes  are  chang- 
ing, as  we  find  that  other  latitudes  are  better 
suited  for  special  kinds.  For  example,  the  long, 
dry  seasons  of  California  are  found  to  mature 
many  kinds  of  seeds  far  better  than  any  section 
yet  tried  in  the  Atlantic  States,  particularly  so  in 
many  of  the  more  delicate  kinds  of  flower  seeds, 
that  are  yet  nearly  exclusively  grown  in  Ger- 
many and  France,  and  sold  to  us  at  rates  of 
many  times  their  weight  in  gold.  Tens  of 
thousands  of  acres  are  devoted  to  the  raising  of 
flower  seeds  in  Southern  Europe,  which  could 
probably  be  far  better  done  in  California;  but 
the  industry  must  be  one  of  slow  growth,  for 
seeds  are  different  from  nearly  all  other  mercan- 
tile commodities,  inasmuch  as  no  examination 
can  certainly  tell  whether  or  not  seed  will  ger- 
minate, or,  if  it  does  germinate,  can  it  be  known 
whether  it  is  the  variety  specified  until  it  ma- 
tures; hence  seed  merchants  dare  not  purchase 
from  the  growers  until  not  only  their  honesty, 
but,  what  is  of  equal  importance,  their  knowl- 
edge of  the  business  in  which  they  are  engaged 
is  assured. 

Segar  Plant.    See  Cuphea. 
Selaginella.     A  diminutive  of  Sdtuio,  an  ancient 
name  of  a  Lycopodium,  from  which  this  genus 
has  been  separated.     Linn.  Cryptogamto-Lycopo- 
dmea,    Nat.  Ord.  Lycopodiaceci, 


SEN 

A  genus  of  Club  Mosses,  formerly  included 
inthe  genus  Lycopodium,  and  differing  only  by 
their  two-ranked  stems,  and  the  form  of  the 
fruit.  Many  of  the  species  are  of  taller  growth, 
and  have  a  more  metallic  luster.  Many  of  them 
are  very  beautiful,  and  are  favorite  plants  for 
the  fern-house  or  Wardian  case.  £>'.  convoluta  has 
the  fronds  curiously  curled  in  and  contracted 
when  dry,  so  as  to  form  a  ball  somewhat  like 
the  Hose  of  Jericho,  but  expands  again  when 
moistened.  It  is  commonly  called  the  Resur- 
rection Plant,  and  is  a  native  of  Panama.  S.  mu- 
tabilis  has  the  remarkable  property  of  changing 
its  color  during  the  day:  in  the  morning  it  is  a 
bright  green,  but  as  the  day  advances  it  gradu- 
ally becomes  pale,  and  at  night  resumes  its 
deeper  tint.  ti.  ccesli  has  a  beautiful  metallic 
luster  ric*hly  shaded  wU.h  blue,  resembling  the 
tints  of  a  peacock's  feathers.  8.  ccesii  arborea 
has  the  same  beautiful  tints  as  the  preceding, 
but  is  a  climbing  plant  of  grand  proportions. 
These  two  should  be  grown  in  a  hot-house.  The 
nature  of  all  demands  a  moist  atmosphere  and 
partial  shade.  All  the  species  are  readily  in- 
creased by  cuttings,  which  strike  root  readily. 

Selago.  From  the  Celtic  st-l,  sight,  and  jach,  sal- 
utary; supposed  medicinal  qualities.  Linn.  Di- 
dynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Selaginacece. 

A  very  pretty  genus  of  low-growing  hardy 
green-house  shrubs  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  with  beautiful  spikes  of  rose-colored, 
yellow,  violet,  or  white  flowers.  They  require 
but  little  care  or  attention,  flowering  freely  in 
early  summer.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Self-heal.     See  Prunella. 

Semecarpus.  Marking  Nut-tree.  From  semeion, 
a  mark,  and  karpos,  fruit;  the  black,  acrid  juice 
of  the  nut  is  used  by  the  natives  for  marking 
cotton  cloths.  Linn.  Polygamia-Dicecia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Anacardiacece. 

\ small  genus  of  East  Indian  evergreen  trees, 
the  "unripe  fruit  of  which  is  employed  in  mak- 
ing a  kind  of  ink.  The  hard  shell  of  the  fruit 
contains  a  corrosive  juice,  which  is  employed 
externally  by  the  natives  for  sprains  and  rheu- 
matic affections.  When  dry  it  forms  a  black 
varnish,  much  used  in  India,  and,  among  other 
purposes,  it  is  employed,  mixed  with  pitch  and 
tar,  in  the  calking  of  ships.  The  seeds,  called 
Mulacca  Beans  or  Marsh  Nuts,  are  eaten,  and 
are  said  to  stimulate  the  mental  powers,  and  es- 
pecially the  memory. 

Sempervivum.  Houseleek.  From  semper  vivo, 
to  live  forever;  referring  to  the  tenacity  of  life 
of  these  plants.  Linn.  JDodecandria-Dodecagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Crassulacece. 

A  genus  of  shrubby,  herbaceous  succulent 
plants,  the  most  beautiful  of  which  are  natives 
of  the  Canary  Islands.  The  genus  is  composed 
chiefly  of  hardy  plants.  The  tender  kinds  are 
interesting  plants,  and  deserve  o  place  in  the 
green-house.  Many  of  the  hardy  kinds  are  ex- 
ceedingly pretty  when  in  flower,  and  some  be- 
come beautifully  tinted  in  winter  when  fully  ex- 
posed to  the  weather,  as  they  always  should  be, 
for  they  are  impatient  of  covering  of  any  kind. 
They  require  very  little  water,  except  when 
about  to  flower;  and  they  are  propagated  by 
cuttings,  which  must  be  laid  ta  dry  for  some 
days  before  they  are  planted.  They  are  very 
suitable  for  rock-work,  and  are  occasionally  used 
for  "carpet  bedding."  Young  plants  are  also 
freely  produced  by  su  jkers  from  the  old  ones. 

Seneca  Snake-root.     See  Poll/gala. 

Senecio.     Groundsel.    From  seiiex,  an  old  man; 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SEN 

the  receptacle  is  naked,  and  resembles  a  bald 
head.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Superflna.  Nat.  Ord. 
Agteraceoe. 

This  is  a  large  genus  of  varied  character,  some 
of  which  are  of  an  ornamental  character.  8.  ele- 
</ans,  a  native  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  was 
introduced  about  1700,  and  has  long  been  a  fa- 
vorite in  cottage  gardens  under  the  name  of  Ja- 
cobcea.  It  is  properly  an  annual,  though  easily 
kept  as  a  perennial,  and  made  to  assume  almost 
a  shrubby  appearance.  There  are  several  varie- 
ties of  the  species,  as  the  double  white,  double 
purple,  or  double  red,  all  of  which  are  pretty, 
and  useful  for  their  long-continued  flowering. 
S.  vul'jaris,  the  Groundsel  of  British  gardens,  is 
there  one  of  the  most  troublesome  weeds.  It 
has  been  introduced  here  by  seeds  in  the  soil  of 
imported  plants;  but,  fortunately,  does  not  in- 
crease freely  with  us.  There  are  several  spe- 
cies indigenous  to  this  country,  but  all  mere 
weeds. 

Senna.     See  Cassia. 

Sensitive  Brier.     See  Schrankia. 

Sensitive  Fern.     See  Onoclea  sensibilis. 

Sensitive  Plant.     See  Mimosa  pudica. 

Sequoia.  The  generic  name  is  a  supposed  modi- 
fication of  See-qua-yah,  the  name  of  a  celebrated 
Cherokee  chief.  Linn.  Moncecia-Octandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Coniferce. 

The  two  species  that  at  present  constitute 
this  genus  are  gigantic  evergreen  trees,  natives 
of  California.  8.  gigantea  is  the  far-famed  Mam- 
moth Tree,  which  was  discovered  by  an  Ameri- 
can hunting  party  in  the  Sierra  Nevada,  Upper 
California,  in  1850.  The  so-called  Mammoth 
Grove  is  in  Calaveras.  This  was  the  first  dis- 
covery; and  though  found  in  various  parts, 
none  have  attained  the  height  of  those  the  as- 
tonished hunters  first  beheld.  "The  tallest 
tree  of  the  Mammoth  Grove,  stripped  of  its  bark 
for  the  purpose  of  exhibition,  was  337  feet  high, 
and  at  the  base  was  90  feet  in  circumference. 
The  greatest  dimensions  seems  to  have  been  at- 
tained by  a  tree  which  was  found  broken  at  a 
height  of  300  feet,  and  which  measured  at  that 
place  eighteen  feet  in  diameter.  Considering 
it  was  one  hundred  and  twelve  feet  in  circum- 
ference at  the  base,  and  tapered  regularly  to  the 
point  where  broken,  it  is  calculated  to  have 
been,  when  in  the  fullness  of  its  growth,  four 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  high.  By  actual  count- 
ing of  the  concentric  rings,  this  tree  was  found 
to  have  been  1,100  years  old."  8.  sempervirens 
is  the  Redwood  of  the  timber  trade,  and  extends 
from  Upper  California  to  Nutka  Sound.  It  at- 
tains gigantic  dimensions,  being  frequently 
more  than  three  hundred  feet  high,  and  imparts 
to  the  woods  a  peculiar  character;  as  Douglas 
said,  '-Something  that  plainly  shows  we  are  not 
in  Europe."  This  species  furnishes  most  of 
the  lumber  used  in  house-building,  cabinet 
work,  and  for  various  other  work  in  which  pine 
is  employed  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
These  trees  have  been  introduced  into  our  nurs- 
eries, and  are  found  to  be  hardy  around  New 
York,  though  no  such  extraordinary  dimensions 
are  ever  likely  to  be  attained  as  in  their  native 
habitat. 

Sericographis.  From  serikos,  silk,  and  grapho, 
to  write.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat. 
Ord .  AcanihacecK. 

This  genus  consists  of  a  few  species  of  under- 
shrubs  and  herbaceous  evergreens.  >'.  (;/<;•*- 
breghtiann  is  a  handsome  winter-flowering  plant, 
requiring  the  same  treatment  as  the  Kuellia. 


SHE 

Service  Berry.     See  Amelanchier. 

Service  Tree.     See  Pyrus. 

Sesamum.  Bene  Plant.  From  sempsen,  the 
Egyptian  name  of  one  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Didy/»imi<t-A,»j!<>spermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pedaliacece. 
8.  Orientate,  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  is  the 
Bene  Plant  of  our  gardens,  and  of  domestic 
medicine,  being  used  with  excellent  results  in 
severe  cases  of  dysentery.  It  is  now  grown  for 
that  purpose  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  and 
other  large  cities.  A  dozen  leaves  put  in  a  tum- 
bler of  water  quickly  give  out  a  mucilaginous, 
starch-like  substance,  in  which  condition  it  can 
be  freely  used.  Cultivation  the  same  as  for  other 
tender  annuals,  that  is,  by  so  wing  in  March  in  a 
hot-bed,  if  wanted  early,  or  in  the  open  border 
in  May  for  general  crop.  It  is  a  tender  annual, 
with  flowers  of  a  whitish  color,  shaped  some- 
what like  those  of  the  Foxglove,  and  produced 
in  loose  terminal  spikes.  In  the  Southern 
States  and  in  Africa  this  species  was,  and  is  yet 
to  some  extent,  considerably  grown  for  the  oil 
the  seed  yields,  which  oil  will  keep  many  years 
•without  acquiring  any  rancid  taste  or  smell. 
"When  first  made  it  is  quite  heating,  and  is  used 
as  a  stimulant;  but  after  two  or  three  years  it 
becomes  quite  mild,  and  is  used  as  a  salad  oil. 
The  seeds  are  also  used  by  the  negroes  for  food, 
which  they  prepare  in  various  ways.  In  Japan 
the  oil  is  used  as  we  use  butter  in  cooking. 

Setania.  Bristly  Fox-tail  Grass.  From  seta,  a 
bristle;  the  involucrum  is  bristly.  Linn.  Trian- 
dria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  grasses,  mostly  annu- 
als, and  of  but  little  interest. 

Shad-Bush.     See  Amelanchier. 

Shaddock.     See  Citrus  decumana. 

Shallot.  Allium  Ascalonicum.  The  Shallot  is  a 
native  of  Palestine,  especially  near  the  once  fa- 
mous city  of  Ascalon,  whence  its  specific  name. 
It  was  first  introduced  into  England  in  1548, 
and  has  ever  since  been  cultivated  to  a  consid- 
erable extent,  and  used  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  Onion.  It  is  highly  esteemed  for  pickles. 
Several  varieties  have  been  noticed;  the  only 
difference,  however,  seems  to  be  in  the  size, 
which  may  properly  be  attributed  to  cultiva- 
tion, as  it  is  largely  upon  this  that  the  size  de- 
pends. Shallots  are  grown  to  a  considerable 
extent  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  The  bulbs 
are  planted  one  foot  between  the  lines  and  six 
inches  between  the  plants,  in  October,  and  are 
marketed  in  the  green  state  the  following  May. 
From  the  early  maturing  of  the  crop,  they  are 
always  very  profitable,  though  grown  to  a  much 
less  extent  than  Onions.  Increased  only  by 
division. 

Shamrock.  While  some  say  that  this  is  Trifolium 
repens,  others  assert  that  the  true  Shamrock  is 
Oxalis  acetoselUt.  The  preponderance  of  opinion 
is,  however,  that  it  is  T.  repens,  (Clover.)  The 
Shamrock  is  the  national  emblem  of  Ireland. 

Sheep  Berry.     See  Viburnum  lentago. 

Sheep  Laurel.     See  Kalmia  angustifdia. 

Sheep's  Scabious,     See  Jasione. 

Shepherd's  Purse.     Capsetta,  one  of  our  most 

common  weeds.     Introduced  from  Europe. 
Shepherdia.     Named  after  the  late  John  Shepherd, 
curator  of  the  Botanic  Garden  of    Liverpool. 
Linn.  Diwin-l'itrnmlnii.     Nat.  Ord.  Elceagnacece. 
A  small  genus  of  native  shrubs,  or  low-grow- 
ing trees,  common  on  the  banks  of  the  Missouri 
River.     They  are  favorite  shrubs  on  account  of 
their  blooming  very  early  in  spring,  and  their 
fine  appearance  in  autumn,  when  their  branches 


210 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SHE 

are  thickly  clad  with  rich  clusters  of  crimson 
berries,  resembling  somewhat,  in  color  and 
size,  the  common  red  Currant.  They  are  popu- 
larly known  as  Ahe  Buffalo-berry,  Babbit-berry, 
and  sometimes  as  Beef-suet  Trees. 

Shell-bark  Hickory.     See  Juglans. 

Shield  Fern.    See  Ajmdatm. 

Shooting  Star.  A  Western  name  of  the  Dodeca- 
i!i'''H  ineadi'i,  which  see. 

Showy  Orchis.     See  Orchis. 

Siberian  Crab.     See  Pyrus  prunifolia. 

Sibthorpia.  Named  after  Dr.  Humphrey  Sibihorp, 
formerly  Professor  of  Botany  at  Oxford.  Linn. 
Didynajnia-Angiospennia,  Nat.  Ord.  Scrophularia- 
cece. 

A  genus  of  trailing  herbaceous  plants,  natives 
of  South  America,  Europe,  and  Africa.  A  few 
of  the  species  are  under  cultivation.  S.  Europea 
is  a  very  pretty  low-growing  species,  with  yel- 
low flowers  and  dark  green  foliage.  It  is  a  good 
plant  for  the  shady  border  or  for  pot  culture. 
The  pot  being  suspended,  it  will  droop  all 
around  it  to  a  distance  of  three  feet.  There  is  a 
beautiful  variety,  with  variegated  foliage,  but  it 
is  more  difficult  to  grow. 

Sickle-pod.     See  Arabis  Canadensis. 

Side-saddle  Flower.     See  &irracenia. 

Sieversia.  Named  after  M.  Sievers,  a  Russian  bo- 
tanical collector.  Linn.  Icosandria-Polygynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Rosacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  peren- 
nials. The  species  from  Austria  and  Switzer- 
land have  large  yellow  flowers,  solitary,  and  are 
quite  handsome.  They  are  propagated  by  divi- 
sion. 

Silene.  Catchfly.  From  sialon,  saliva;  in  allu- 
sion to  the  viscid  moisture  on  the  stalks  of 
many  of  the  species,  by  which  the  smaller  kinds 
of  flies  are  entrapped;  and  hence  the  common 
name  of  the  genus,  Catcltfly.  Linn.  Decandria- 
Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Caryophyllacece. 

This,  the  type  of  an  extensive  and  highly  in- 
teresting order,  is  in  itself  a  genus  of  much 
beauty.  It  numbers  above  a  hundred  and  fifty 

E'  38,  which  are  chiefly  hardy  herbaceous 
},  or  annuals  of  the  same  character.  The 
,  however,  contain  many  which  are  mere 
weeds.  Bed  of  various  shades  is  the  prevailing 
color  of  the  flowers,  though  both  white  and  pur- 
ple are  found  in  it.  S.  viscosa  is  a  popular  bi- 
ennial, frequently  grown  for  the  backs  of  large 
borders,  and  the  old  Lobel's  Catchfly  (8.  armeria) 
is  still  occasionally  met  with.  8.  Sckafta  com- 
bines every  good  quality  to  be  desired  in  bor- 
der flowers,  being  hardy,  herbaceous,  trailing 
closely  to  the  ground,  and  bearing  a  profusion 
of  crimson  red  flowers.  It  is  easy  to  grow  either 
as  a  pot  plant  or  in  the  open  ground,  and  will, 
doubtless,  occupy  a  prominent  place  when  bet- 
ter known.  The  shrubby  species  of  this  genus 
are  easily  increased  by  cuttings;  and  though 
hardy  enough  to  resist  almost  any  amount  of 
frost,  they  are  sometimes  injured  by  excessive 
wet,  and  for  this  reason  a  few  should  be  potted 
and  kept  in  a  cold  frame.  Such  of  the  annuals 
as  are  worth  cultivating  need  only  to  be  sown  j 
where  they  are  to  flower.  Several  species  are  ' 
common  throughout  the  United  States,  but  they  ! 
are  of  less  importance  than  those  from  Southern  i 
Europe  and  Africa.  First  introduced  in  1640. 

Silk  Tree.  Acacia  Julibrissin,  a  native  of  the  Le- 
vant. See  Acacia. 

Silk  Oak.     See  Grevillea. 

Silk  Weed.     See  Asdepias  cornuti. 

Silphium.    Rosin  Plant,  Rosin  Weed,  Compass 


SIP 

Plant.  From  silphion,  the  Greek  name  applied 
to  an  Asafoetida  plant.  Linn.  tiyngenesia-Seces- 
saria.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  small  genus  of  strong-growing  herbaceous 
perennial  plants,  common  in  the  Western  and 
Southern  States,  ti.  laciniatum  is  said  to  present 
its  leaves  exactly  north  and  south,  which  gives 
it  the  name  of  Compass  Plant.  The  leaves  and 
stems  of  some  of  the  species  exude  a  large 
amount  of  resin,  whence  the  common  name 
Rosin  Weed.  All  the  species  are  of  far  more 
interest  to  the  botanist  than  the  florist. 

Silver  Balm.    See  Melissa. 

Silver  Bell  Tree.     See  Halesia. 

Silver  Fern.     See  Chettanthes. 

Silver  Fir.     See  Picea  and  Abies. 

Silver  Weed.     See  Impatiens. 

Sinapis.  Mustard.  From  the  Celtic  nap,  a  des- 
ignation applied  to  all  plants  resembling  the- 
Cabbage  or  Turnip.  Linn.  Tetradynamia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Brassicacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  yellow-flowered  annuals.  S. 
nigra  is  the  common  Black  Mustard,  and  S.  alba 
the  White  Mustard  of  commerce,  both  natives 
of  Europe,  and  most  common  on  the  shores  of 
the  Mediterranean.  The  former  yields  a  greater 
portion  of  the  Mustard  in  general  use.  Both 
species  are  extensively  grown  in  England  as 
field  crops,  and  also  in  many  other  parts  of 
Europe.  These  species  are  common  in  fields 
and  waste  places  in  this  country,  having  es- 
caped from  the  garden  and  become  naturalized. 
There  are  several  other  species,  but  they  are  all 
of  the  same  general  character. 

Sinningia.  In  honor  of  William  Sinning,  gardener 
to  the  University  of  Bonn,  on  the  Rhine.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gesneracetv. 
The  species  that  make  up  this  genus  are  now 
included  in  Gloxinia,  though  still  retaining  their 
old  name  in  many  of  the  dealers'  lists. 

Siphocampylus.  From  siphon,  a  tube,  and  kam- 
pylos,  curved;  in  allusion  to  the  curved  shape 
of  the  flower.  Linn.  Pentandria-Jfonogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LobeliacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  handsome  low-growing 
evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  South  America. 
The  flowers  are  mostly  tubular,  scarlet,  or  yel- 
low, solitary  on  axillary  stalks,  or  in  dense  ra- 
cemes or  clusters.  Several  of  the  species  are 
cultivated  for  their  showy  flowers,  among  whick 
is  S.  bicolor,  a  well-known  species.  They  are 
propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1842. 

Siphonia.  From  siphon,  a  tube  or  pipe  ;  the  use 
made  of  the  exudation,  which  constitutes  In- 
dia Rubber.  Linn.  Moncecia-Monadelphia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Eitphorbiacece. 

S.  Cahuchu,  an  evergreen  tree  indigenous  to 
tropical  South  America,  is  the  most  remarkable 
species  of  the  gfiius.  It  is  to  this  tree  that  we  are 
indebted  for  the  greater  part  of  our  supply  of 
Caoutchouc  or  India  Rubber.  It  is  a  native  of 
French  Guiana,  and  attains  a  height  of  seventy- 
five  feet,  rarely  a  hundred.  The  mode  in  which 
the  rubber  is  obtained  by  the  natives,  is  by 
making  incisions  through  the  bark  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  trunk  of  the  tree,  from  which  the  sap, 
which  is  a  fluid  resin,  issues  in  great  abundance, 
appearing  of  a  milky  whiteness  as  it  flows  into 
the  vessel  prepared  to  receive  it.  On  exposure  to 
the  air,  this  milky  juice  gradually  thickens  into 
a  soft,  reddish,  elastic  resin.  This  substance  is 
poured  into  a  mould,  in  small  quantities  at 
first,  and  is  then  exposed  to  a  dense  smoke,  pro- 
duced by  the  burning  of  nuts  from  several  of 
the  Palms,  until  it  is  sufficiently  hard  to  bear 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


211 


SIS 

another  coat,  when  the  process  is  repeated,  un- 
til the  mass  is  of  a  convenient  size  to  handle  for 
shipment.  There  are  several  other  species  of 
this  genus  that  yield  large  quantities  of  rubber, 
common  from  Central  America  to  Brazil.  The 
first  discovery  of  this  valuable  tree  and  its  uses 
was  made  by  M.  de  la  Condamine  in  1736,  but 
it  is  only  within  the  last  fifty  years  that  it  has 
become  an  important  article  of  commerce.  Ficus 
elastica  also  produces  the  India  Rubber  of  com- 
merce, and  is  the  best  known  of  the  rubber- 
producing  trees,  ;n  consequence  of  being  largely 
grown  under  glass  for  ornamental  purposes. 

Sisyrinchium.  Blue-eyed  Grass.  From  sys,  a 
pig,  and  rygchos,  a  snout  ;  so  called  on  account 
of  the  fondness  that  swine  have  for  the  roots. 
Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 
A.  genus  of  very  pretty  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  common  throughout  the  United  States. 
When  out  of  flower  the  plant  resembles  a  tuft  of 
low-growing,  coarse  grass.  The  flowers  are 
small,  of  a  delicate  blue,  changing  to  purplish, 
and  occasionally  pure  white.  This  genus  makes 
a  beautiful  clump  in  the  garden.  It  is  in  its 
greatest  perfection  of  flower  in  June,  but  will 
flower  sparingly  during  the  whole  summer. 

Skimmia.  From  Skimmia,  a  Japanese  word,  sig- 
nifying a  hurtful  fruit.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Aurantiacea>. 

A  genus  of  half-hardy  evergreen  shrubs,  na- 
tives of  Japan  and  Northern  India.  S.  Japonica 
is  a  pretty  dwarf-growing,  holly-like  shrub,  with 
dark,  shining,  evergreen,  entire  flat  leaves,  and 
clusters  of  bright  red  berries,  which  give  the 
plant  a  very  handsome  appearance.  It  would 
not  stand  our  winters  north  from  Washington. 
It  is  increased  from  seeds.  Introduced  in  1845. 

Skullcap.     See  Scutellaria. 

Skunk  Cabbage.     See  Symplocarpus  fostidus. 

Sleep- at-noon.     See  Tragopogon  pratensis. 

Slipperwort.     See  Calceolaria. 

Smart  Weed.     See  Polygonum. 

Smeathmannia.  In  honor  of  Smeathman,  a  natur- 
alist, who  traveled  in  Africa,  and  collected  many 
botanical  specimens.  Linn.  Polyandria-Polygy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Passifloraceee. 

A  small  genus  of  white-flowered  green-house 
evergreen  shrubs  from  Sierra  Leone.  Like  all 
this  natural  order,  the  flowers  are  quite  as  re- 
markable for  singularity  of  form  as  for  beauty. 
This  genus,  unlike  any  others  of  the  order,  are 
upright  shrubs  instead  of  twining  plants.  They 
require  a  warm  house,  and  to  be  well  cut  back 
to  force  into  flower.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Introduced  in  1823. 

Smilacina.  False  Solomon's  Seal.  From  smite, 
a  scraper;  alluding  to  the  roughness  of  the 
stems.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Liliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  plants, 
with  terminal  racemes  of  small  white  flowers. 
They  are  common  in  moist  woods  in  the  North- 
ern and  Western  States.  S.  bifolia  is  a  beautiful 
little  plant,  about  six  inches  high,  and  is  popu- 
larly known  in  the  New  England  States  as  Wild 
Lily  of  the  Valley.  All  the  species  are  worthy 
a  place  in  the  garden  for  their  long  bunches  of 
beautiful  light-red,  purple-speckled  berries. 
which  remain  until  late  in  autumn.  Propagated 
from  seed  or  root  division. 

Smilax.     See  Myrsiphyllum  asparagoides. 

Smilax.     Green   Brier,   Cat   Brier.     From  smilf, 
a  scraper ;  the  stems  are  rough  from  prickles. 
Linn.  DifKCM-Hexandria.     Nat.  Ord.  isruUucew. 
The  many  species  of  this  genus  are  coarse- 


SOB 

growing,  troublesome,  hardy  climbers,  justly 
regarded  as  pests  by  farmers  and  gardeners. 
The  common  Cat  Brier  of  our  hedgerows  and 
woods,  a  prominent  member  of  this  family,  has 
its  reputation  too  well  established  to  need  fur- 
ther description.  The  gjenus  includes  some  spe- 
cies celebrated  for  their  medicinal  properties. 
S.  officinalis,  a  native  of  Columbia,  Guatemala, 
and  Lima,  furnishes  the  drug  known  as  Sarsa- 
parilla ;  besides  this,  there  are  several  other 
species,  the  roots  of  which  are  sold  as  Sarsapa- 
rilla. 8.  medico,  is  the  Mexican  Sarsaparilla,  and 
8.  papyracea  is  the  Brazilian  Sarsaparilla.  8. 
China  has  esculent  roots,  which  are  eaten  by  the 
Chinese,  and  also  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
domestic  beer.  The  roots  of  several  species  of 
the  Aralia  are  used  in  the  adulteration  of  Sarsa- 
parilla. "  Smilax,"  popularly  known  as  such,  is 
the  plant  so  extensively  grown  for  festooning, 
and  is  described  under  its  proper  name,  Myr- 
sip!tyllum,  which  see. 

Smoke  Tree.     See  Khus  cotinus. 

Snail  Flower.     See  Phaseolus  Caracatta. 
'-   Snail  Plant.     Medicago  scutettata  and  M.  helix,  the 
pods  of  which  are  called  Snails  from  their  re- 
semblance to  those  mollusks. 

Snake  Gourd.     See  Trichosanthes. 

Snake  Root,  Virginian.  See  Aristdochia  serpen- 
taria. 

Snake  Boot,  White.     See  Eupatoriumageratoides. 

Snake's  Head.  See  Fritillaria  meleagris.  A.  local 
name  applied  also  to  Chelone,  which  see. 

Snake-wood.     See  Brosima. 

Snapdragon.     See  Antirrhinum. 

Sneezeweed.     See  Polygonum  bistorta. 

Sneezewort.     See  AcltVlea  Ptarmica. 

Snowball  Tree.     See  Viburnum  opulus. 

Snowberry.     See  Symphoricarpus. 

Snowdrop.     See  Galanthus  nivalis. 

Snowdrop  Tree.     See  Halesia. 

Snowflake,  Spring.    See  Leucojum. 

Snowflake  Flower.     See  Styrax  Japonica. 

Snowflower.     See  Chionanthus  Virginica. 

Soapwort.    See  Saponaria. 

Sobralia.  Named  after  Don  F.  M.  Sobral,  a  Span- 
ish botanist.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchidacece. 

The  flowers  of  the  principal  species  (S.  ma- 
crantha)  are  gorgeously  colored  of  a  rich  rosy  pur- 
ple and  the  most  intense  crimson,  and  they  are 
at  the  same  time  of  immense  size.  All  the  spe- 
cies belong  to  the  class  of  terrestrial  Orchids, 
being  found  on  the  margins  of  streams,  growing, 
like  our  reeds,  in  the  alluvial  deposit  common 
to  such  places.  This  habit  requires  to  be  im- 
itated in  cultivation,  and  it  is  therefore  best  to 
pot  them  in  very  sandy  loam,  and  either  to  place 
the  pot  for  a  few  inches-  of  its  depth  in  a  saucer 
of  water,  or  to  supply  the  roots  by  other  means 
abundantly  with  water  while  they  are  in  an  ac- 
tive state.  The  flowers  are  produced  near  the 
apex  of  the  long,  reed-like  stems,  and  in  the  spe- 
cies mentioned  are  produced  in  daily  succession, 
each  one  lasting  a  day,  when  it  has  been  ob- 
served necessary  to  remove  the  decaying  flower 
as  soon  as  its  beauty  is  past,  or  it  rots,  and  con- 
sequently spoils  the  next  in  succession.  Being 
natives  of,  the  milder  parts  of  Guatemala,  they 
do  not  require  a  very  high  temperature  at  any 
time,  the  ordinary  one  oC  a  green-house  being 
sufficient  in  summer,  and  from  45°  to  50°  in 
winter,  when  the  plants  should  be  kept  nearly 
dry.  There  are  three  other  species  known,  >'. 
decora,  >'.  l'>H<tstr>nii,  and  >'.  \cx.s-;/;.v,  all  of  them 
beautiful,  but  far  surpassed  by  the  first  men- 


212 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SOL 

tioned.     They  are  all  natives  of  Central  and 
South  America,  and  were  introduced  in  1836. 

Solandra.  Nightshade.  Named  after  Dr.  Solan- 
der,  a  Swede,  companion  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks  in 
his  voyage  around  the  world,  and  collector  of  the 
botanical  notes  made  during  the  expedition. 
They  are  preserved  in  the  British  Museum,  and 
exhibit  deep  learning  and  great  research.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Monoffynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece, 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing  green-house  ever- 
green shrubs  and  climbers,  natives  of  tropical 
America  and  the  East  Indies.  The  flowers  are 
large  and  trumpet  shaped,  like  the  Datura,  to 
which  they  are  allied.  They  grow  readily  in  the 
green-house,  and  make  showy  plants,  the  objec- 
tion to  them  being  that  they  are  coarse.  They 
are  increased  readily  from  cuttings.  Introduced 
in  1820. 

Solanum.  The  derivation  of  this  word  is  quite 
uncertain;  some  derive  it  from  Sol,  the  sun; 
others  say  it  is  Sulanum,  from  sus,  being  service- 
able in  the  disorders  of  swine;  and  others  assert 
that  it  is  from  solor,  to  comfort,  referring  to  its 
soothing,  narcotic  effects.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece. 

This  very  extensive  genus  is  composed  of  a 
great  number  of  varied  forms,  from  that  of  a 
tropical  tree  to  the  creeping  indigenous  weed, 
Nightshade ;  and  it  also  includes  plants  whose 
active  property  is  a  most  decided  poison,  and 
at  the  same  time  yields  several  very  important  ar- 
ticles of  food.  The  Potato,  S.  tuberosum,  the  Egg 
Plant,  8.  mdongena.  are  some  of  the  species,  and 
the  Tomato,  Lycopersicon  esculenlum,  is  hardly  a 
distinct  genus.  But  very  few  species  of  Solanum 
can  be  recommended  for  ornamental  purposes. 
S.  Jasminoides,  from  South  America,  is  a  desir- 
able climber  for  the  green-house.  It  produces, 
with  but  little  trouble,  an  immense  number  of 
axillary  clusters  of  pure  white  flowers,  and  the 
plant  continues  in  bloom  a  long  time.  It  is 
a  rapid  grower,  and  suitable  for  a  back  wall,  or 
to  train  around  pillars.  S.  Dulcamara  is  the 
ehrubby  Bitter-Sweet  of  the  hedges,  the  fruit  of 
which  is  a  deadly  poison.  It  is  not  indigenous, 
but  has  become  naturalized  from  Europe.  S. 
ciliatum,  a  native  of  China,  is  a  pretty  shrubby 
species,  on  account  of  its  fruit,  which  is  of  the 
size  of  the  Siberian  Crab  Apple,  of  a  bright  red 
color,  and  remarkable  for  the  long  time  it  lasts 
on  the  plant,  which  is  more  than  two  years.  S. 
capsicastrum  is  the  Jerusalum  Cherry  of  the 
cottage  garden.  S.  Carolinense,  or  Apple  of 
Sodom,  has  beautiful  scarlet  fruit,  and  is  well 
worthy  of  cultivation  as  an  ornament  for  our 
gardens  or  green-houses  at  the  north,  though  in 
some  of  the  Southern  States  it  is  deemed  one  of 
the  worst  weeds. 

Soldanella.  A  diminutive  of  solidus,  a  shilling- 
shape  of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Pe>itanfhia-Mononunia 
Nat.  Ord.  Primulacece. 

A  small  genus  of  beautiful  little  Alpine  plants 
very  suitable  for  rock-work.  They  are  half-hardy 
herbaceous  perennials,  with  purple  or  blue  flow- 
ers, natives  of  Switzerland.  They  will  not  stand 
the  hot,  dry  weather  of  this  country  unless  great 
care  is  taken  to  keep  them  shaded  from  the 
mid-day  sun,  and  they  must  not  be  allowed  to 
get  dry.  Propagated  by  division  or  from  seeds. 

Solea.   Green  Violet.   In  honor  of  W.  Sole,  author 
of  an  essay  o:  A  the  genus  Mentha.     Linn.  Pentan- 
dna-Monogynia.    Nat.  Ord.  ViolacecK. 
_   8.  concolor,  the  only  known  species,  is  common 
in  woods  from  New  York  southward. 

».  olidago.    Golden  Hod.    From  solidarc,  to  unite; 


SOP 

supposed  healing  properties.     Linn. 
Superflua.     Nat.  Ord.  AsteracecK. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  per- 
ennials, indigenous  to  and  common  throughout 
the  United  States.  There  are  fifteen  species  on 
Long  Island.  The  beauty  of  the  plant  would 
warrant  its  cultivation,  had  not  nature's  hand 
rendered  it  entirely  unnecessary. 

Sollya.  Named  in  honor  of  Richard  Horsman 
Solly,  a  vegetable  physiologist  and  anatomist. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Pittos- 
poracecK. 

A  small  genus  of  slender,  twining  evergreen 
shrubs  of  much  beauty.  Their  leaves  are  nar- 
row, quite  smooth,  of  a  deep  glossy  green  on  the 
upper  surface,  and  paler  beneath.  The  flowers 
are  deep  blue,  and  produced  in  terminal  cymes 
or  clusters  of  from  six  to  ten  flowers  each.  Though 
properly  green-house  plants,  they  are  well  adapt- 
ed for  summer  flowering  in  the  open  border.  8. 
heterophylla,  typical  of  the  genus,  is  a  native  of 
the  Swan  River  country,  where  all  the  species 
are  found.  It  was  discovered  by  Mr.  Drummond, 
and  sent  to  England  in  1836.  It  is  increased 
either  by  cuttings  or  from  seed,  the  latter  being 
preferable.  All  the  species  are  hardy  from  Vir- 
ginia southward. 

Solomon's  Seal.     See  Polygonaium  multiflorum. 

Sonchus.  Sow  Thistle.  From  somphos,  hollow; 
the  stems  are  hollow.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteraceoe. 

The  more  common  species  of  tl  is  genus  are 
coarse  roadside  weeds,  naturalized  from  Europe. 
One  or  two  species  with  yellow  flowers,  from  the 
Madeira  and  Canary  Isles,  are  very  ornamental. 
They  belong  to  the  green-house,  but  are  rarely 
met. 

Sonerila.  From  Sootli-Soneri-tta,  the  Khassee  name 
of  one  of  the  species.  Linn.  Ociandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Mdastomaceas. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  East  Indian  plants, 
remarkable  in  the  order  for  having  all  the  sev- 
eral parts  of  their  flowers  in  whorls  of  three, 
or  trimerous,  as  it  is  technically  called.  The 
plants  are  mostly  herbaceous,  though  sometimes 
sub-shrubby,  and  of  variable  habit;  some  with 
and  others  without  stems;  some  glabrous  and 
others  hirsute;  and  some  with  different  kinds  of 
leaves  on  the  same  plant.  Their  flowers  are 
mostly  purple  or  violet,  borne  on  a  scaphoid  ra- 
ceme. Some  of  the  hot-house  species  are  beau- 
tiful plants,  8.  Hendersonii,  with  its  handsomely 
marked  foliage,  being  one  of  the  best.  It  re- 
quires a  warm,  moist  atmosphere  to  succeed 
well.  It  will  grow  best  in  a  soil  composed 
chiefly  of  leaf  mould  and  sand.  Propagated  by 
cuttings  and  from  seeds. 

Sophora.  Altered  from  sophera,  the  Arabic  name 
of  a  leguminous  tree.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  deciduous  trees,  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  and  green-house  evergreens.  The  Sopho- 
ra Japonica  is  a  medium  sized  tree,  grows  freely, 
and  produces  its  large  bunches  of  cream-colored 
flowers  in  August  and  September.  The  droop- 
ing Sophora,  however,  though  only  considered  a 
variety  of  the  tree,  is  very  distinct.  It  is  a  trail- 
ing shrub,  sending  out  shoots  six  feet  or  eight 
feet  long  in  a  single  season;  and  when  it  is  graft- 
ed on  a  stock  of  8.  Japonica,  ten  or  twelve  feet 
high,  these  long,  sweeping  shoots,  the  bark  of 
which  is  a  bright  green,  have  a  peculiarly  graceful 
appearance.  The  Sophora  will  grow  in  any  soil, 
but  a  poor  one  suits  it  better  than  a  rich  one,  its 
leaves  seldom  drop  even  in  the  driest  seasons. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


213 


SOP 

The  evergreen  species  are  not  considered  worth 
the  attention  they  demand. 

Sophronitis.  From  sophrona,  modest;  referring 
to  the  pretty  little  flowers  of  the  original  spe- 
cies. Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacecK. 

Pretty  little  epiphytes,  having  a  creeping 
stem,  which  should  be  attached  to  a  block  of 
wood,  on  which  the  root  soon  securely  fastens 
itself.  The  leaves  are  sessile  and  comparatively 
small,  while  the  flowers,  especially  those  of  8. 
grundifiora,  are  large  and  very  handsome,  of  a 
rich  orange-red,  marked  with  darker  bars. 
The  plants  should  have  the  treatment  of  the 
smaller  kinds  of  Cuttleya,  and  are  well  deserving 
adoption.  The  four  species  included  in  this 
genus  are  natives  of  Brazil.  Introduced  in  1827. 

Sorghum.  From  Sorghi,  its  Indian  name.  Linn. 
Poli/gamia-Monoecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

A  genus  of  strong-growing,  reed-like  grasses, 
chiefly  represented  in  this  country  by  8.  saccha- 
ratum,  our  well-known  Broom  Corn,  a  native  of 
India,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  into  Eu- 
rope in  1759.  The  introduction  of  Broom  Corn 
into  this  country  as  an  agricultural  product  is 
attributed  to  Dr.  Franklin.  He  is  said  to  have 
accidentally  seen  an  imported  whisk  of  corn  in 
the  possession  of  a  lady  of  Philadelphia,  and 
while  examining  it  as  a  curiosity,  found  a  seed, 
which  he  planted,  and  from  that  single  seed  has 
sprung  this  important  article  of  agriculture  and 
manufacture  in  the  United  States.  This  spe- 
cies is  grown  almost  exclusively  for  the  manu- 
facture of  brooms;  the  seed  is,  however,  valued 
highly  for  feeding  to  sheep,  cattle,  and  fowls. 
The  seed  crop  is  a  precarious  one,  often  com- 
pletely failing,  being  injured  by  the  frost  before 
it  is  ripe.  The  crop  is  usually  harvested  before 
the  seed  is  fairly  ripe;  hence  there  is  consider- 
able loss  in  that  way.  The  seed-crop  is,  how- 
ever, only  a  secondary  matter,  and  the  profit  that 
accrues  from  the  seed  is  regarded  an  extra  divi- 
dend on  the  profits  of  the  farm.  8.  sucre  is  the  Chi- 
nese Sugar  Cane,  or  Imphee,  a  species  introduced 
into  the  United  States  from  France  in  1856,  and 
distributed  by  the  Patent  Office  Department  at 
Washington,  but  more  extensively  by  an  enter- 
prising publisher  in  New  York  as  a  premium  to 
his  subscribers  throughout  the  United  States, 
for  the  purpose  of  growing  the  plant  for  the 
manufacture  of  sugar  in  our  Northern  States, 
which  its  advocates  said  could  be  done  more 
profitably  than  sugar  was  produced  at  the 
South  from  the  ordinary  cane.  The  Abolition- 
ists at  the  North,  who  could  not  conscientiously 
use  the  products  of  slave  labor,  were  particularly 
active  in  introducing  Sorghum,  and  were  greatly 
disappointed  when  they  found  that  the  labor  of 
the  slave  was  not  to  be  lessened  by  the  with- 
drawal from  the  South  of  one  of  its  most  profit- 
able industries.  8.  vulyare,  another  species,  is 
the  grand  Millet  of  Arabia,  known  here  as 
Durra,  and  has  been  introduced  into  the  United 
States,  Southern  Europe,  China,  and  the  West 
Indies,  where  it  is  extensively  grown  and  much 
esteemed  as  food  for  laborers,  and  is  called  in 
the  latter  country  Negro  Guinea  Corn.  It  is  also 
grown  extensively  as  a  forage  plant.  8.  halepense 
is  naturalized  in  the  Southern  States,  where  it 
is  known  as  Guinea  Grass  or  Cuba  Grass.  8. 
cernuum  is  also  grown  there,  and  is  known  as 
Drooping  Sorghum  and  Pampas  Rice.  All  the 
species  are  grown  in  the  same  manner  as  our 
common  field  corn.  The  cultivation  of  Sorghum 
for  the  production  of  sugar  and  syrup  has  re- 


SOR 

ceived  a  good  deal  of  attention  within  a  few 
years  past,  and  many  experiments  have  been 
made,  and  continue  to  be  made,  with  various 
kinds  of  Sorghum,  to  ascertain  not  only  their 
adaptability  to  particular  soils  and  locality,  but 
their  sugar-producing  capacity.  The  "Report 
of  the  Department  of  Agriculture  "  for  last  year 
contains  a  very  interesting  and  instructive  re- 
port from  the  chemist  of  the  department,  giving 
the  results  not  only  of  the  yield  per  acre  of  the 
four  leading  kinds  of  Sorghum,  as  grown  on  the 
experimental  grounds,  but  also  the  quantity  of 
sugar  and  syrup  extracted  from  each  kind.  The 
report  is  accompanied  by  many  very  useful  tables. 
Believing  the  matter  of  this  report  to  be  valuable 
to  those  interested  in  the  culture  of  Sorghum, 
we  have  condensed  a  portion  of  it,  and  herewith 
present  it:  "During  the  past  season  (1879) 
there  have  been  made  several  series  of  investi- 
gations for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  de- 
velopment of  sugar  in  the  juices  of  several  vari- 
eties of  Sorghum,  Maize,  and  Pearl  Millet.  These 
investigations  appear  to  demonstrate  that  there 
exists  little  difference  between  the  various  kinds 
of  Sorghum  as  sugar-producing  plants;  and, 
what  is  quite  a  surprising  result,  each  of  them 
is,  at  a  certain  period  of  its  development,  nearly, 
if  not  quite,  as  rich  in  sugar  as  the  very  best 
of  Sugar-cane.  It  is  a  matter,  also,  of  extreme 
practical  importance  that  this  maximum  content 
of  sugar  is  maintained  for  a  long  period,  and  af- 
fords sufficient  time  to  work  up  a  large  crop. 
Another  result  of  these  investigations  has  been 
to  satisfactorily  explain  the  cause  of  repeated 
failure  in  the  production  of  sugar  during  the 
past  quarter  of  a  century,  and  to  give  the  as- 
surance that,  in  the  future,  such  failure  need 
not  attend  this  industry.  For  the  purpose  of 
making  clear  the  above  points,  the  results  ob- 
tained in  the  laboratory  and  in  out-of-door  ex- 
periments are  appended.  The  varieties  of  Sor- 
ghum grown  and  subjected  to  continuous  inves- 
tigation during  the  season  were  Early  Amber, 
White  Liberian,  Chinese,  and  Honduras,  and  the 
Pearl  Millet.  Besides  the  above  there  were 
made  very  many  examinations  of  other  speci- 
mens of  Sorghums  and  Corn-stalks;  all  the  re- 
sults of  which  only  confirmed  the  general  prin- 
ciple above  stated,  viz.,  the  practical  equality 
and  great  value  of  every  variety  of  this  plant. 
The  Early  Amber  Sorghum  is  the  favorite  vari- 
ety with  planters  in  Minnesota  and  the  North- 
west. What  is  now  called  the  Minnesota  Early 
Amber  cane  is  claimed  as  an  improvement  upon 
the  Early  Amber  varieties  grown  formerly  in 
different  parts  of  Minnesota,  by  Hon.  Seth  M. 
Kenny  and  Mr.  C.  F.  Miller  of  that  State.  Act- 
ing on  the  theory  that  cane  in  a  high  latitude 
will  degenerate  if  grown  continuously  from  its 
own  seed,  these  gentlemen  selected  the  finest 
specimens  of  seed  from  their  own  crops,  and 
sent  them  to  a  southern  latitude  to  be  grown. 
The  seed  product  of  this  southern  growth  was 
returned  to  Minnesota.  By  this  alternation  of 
seed,  and  by  other  intelligent  processes  of  cul- 
ture, they  have  succeeded  in  establishing  a  new 
and  permanent  variety,  which  they  claim  to  be 
more  productive  in  weight  of  cane  and  to  con- 
tain a  higher  per  cent,  of  saccharine  matter  than 
any  other  grown  in  that  State.  This  claim 
needs  to  be  substantiated  by  more  careful  and 
extended  observations  before  it  can  be  said  to 
be  fully  established.  Messrs.  Kenny  and  Mil- 
ler describe  the  Early  Amber  cane  as  presenting 
'the  characteristics  of  both  Sorgho  and  Imphee.' 


214  ' 


HENDEBSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SOU 

^  the  White  Liberian  and  its  kindred 
Afr?can  varieties.  The  Early  Amber  receives  its 
name  from  its  early  ripening,  and  from  the 
bright  amber  color  which  characterizes  its  syrup 
whfn  properly  made.  The  Early  Amber  cane 
on  the  department  grounds  did  not  grow  quite 
so  tall  as  the  White  Liberian.  Its  seed-heads 
were  of  moderate  fullness  and  of  very  dark 
color  The  Chinese  Sorghum  grew  on  the  de- 
partment grounds  to  about  the  same  height  as 
the  Early  Amber.  Its  seed-heads  are  fuller  and 
more  compact,  and  somewhat  resemble  a  head 
of  Sumac;  hence  the  synonym,  'Sumac  Cane 
It  is  also  known  as  '  Chinese  Cane.'  The  White 
Liberian  Sorghum  is  rather  taller  than  the 
Early  Amber.  The  stalk  curves  at  the  top, 
leaving  the  head  pendent;  hence  the  synonym, 
'  Gooseneck.'  The  seed-heads  are  shorter,  more 
compact,  and  of  lighter  color  than  the  Early 
Amber.  The  Honduras  Sorghum  grows  about 
one-half  taller  than  either  of  the  above  varieties. 
Its  seed-top  is  reddish-brown  and  spreading; 
hence  the  synonym,  '  Sprangle  Top.'  It  is  also 
called  'Mastodon'  and  'Honey  Cane.'  The 
results  of  the  analysis  of  each  of  the  plants  in 
the  successive  stages  of  development  show  that 
the  amount  of  glucose  (or  uucrystallizable  sugar) 
diminishes,  and  the  amount  of  sucrose  (or  true 
cane  sugar)  increases.  It  may  also  be  observed 
that  the  plants  differ  widely  in  the  date  when 
the  sucrose  is  at  its  maximum,  but  are  alike  in 
this,  that  this  maximum  is  attained  at  about  the 
same  degree  of  development  of  the  plant,  viz., 
at  full  maturity,  as  indicated  by  the  hard,  dry 
seed,  and  the  appearance  of  offshoots  from  the 
upper  joints  of  the  stalk.  It  may  also  be  ob- 
served that  the  heavy  frost  of  October  24,  which 
was  sufficient  to  produce  one-half  inch  of  ice, 
did  not  cause  any  marked  diminution  of  sugar. 
For  the  purpose  of  comparison  analyses  were 
made  of  three  varieties  of  Sugar-cane  received 
from  Louisiana,  which  arrived  in  excellent  con- 
dition, and  doubtless  fairly  represented  the  av- 
erage character  of  this  famous  sugar-plant.  It 
will  be  understood  that  the  results  are  to  be 
taken  as  a  whole,  since  it  was  practically  impos- 
sible to  secure  in  each  case  specimen  stalks  for 
examination  in  the  laboratory,  the  development 
of  which  in  every  case  corresponded  to  the  date 
when  the  plant  was  cut,  and,  therefore,  it 
doubtless  happened  that  plants  taken  from  the 
same  row  upon  September  15,  for  example,  were 
in  reality  no  further  developed  than  those  se- 
lected a  week  earlier;  but,  taken  as  a  whole,  the 
several  series  of  analyses  are  convincing,  as 
showing  the  rate  and  progress  of  development 
of  saccharine  matter  in  the  plant.  The  analyses 
of  the  several  Sorghums  under  date  of  October 
29  were  made  after  they  had  been  subjected  to 
a  very  hard  frost,  sufficient  to  have  formed  ice 
one-half  inch  in  thickness,  and  this  cold  weath- 
er continued  for  four  days  before  this  examina- 
tion was  made.  There  appeared  to  be  no  dimi- 
nution of  sucrose  in  either  of  the  stalks  exam- 
ined, and  no  increase  of  glucose,  as  the  result 
of  this  freezing  and  continued  exposure  to  a  low 
temperature.  An  examination  was  made  on  the 
8th  of  November,  after  a  few  days  of  warm 
weather  had  followed  this  cold  spell,  and  the 
influence  of  this  subsequent  thaw  was  notice- 
able in  the  diminution  of  sucrose  and  the  in- 
crease of  glucose  in  each  specimen  examined. 
From  this  it  would  appear  that  the  effect  of  cold, 
even  protracted,  is  not  injurious  to  the  quality 


SOU 

of  the  canes,  but  that  they  should  be  speedily 
worked  up  after  freezing  and  before  they  have 
again  thawed  out.  This  is  a  matter  of  such 
practical  importance  that  some  experiments 
should  be  made  to  learn  whether  the  syrup  pre- 
pared from  the  juice  of  frozen  cane  diners  from 
that  prepared  from  cane  not  frozen,  but  in  other 
respects  of  like  quality.  The  Early  Amber, 
Chinese,  Liberian,  and  Honduras  Sorghums 
and  the  Pearl  Millet  examined,  mentioned  as 
having  been  grown  upon  the  department  grounds, 
were  all  planted  the  same  day,  May  15,  1879. 
The  relative  weights  of  the  different  kinds  of 
Sorghum  experimented  upon  are  as  follows: 

Pounds. 

Early  Amber,  average  of  40  stalks 1.73 

White  Liberian,  average  of  38  stalks 1.80 

Chinese,  average  of  25  stalks 2.00 

Honduras,  average  of  16  stalks 3.64 

Since  these  were  all  grown  side  by  side,  and 

afford  the  data  for  calculating  the  relative 
amount  of  each  variety  to  be  grown  per  acre. 
For  more  clearly  presenting  the  facts  developed 
by  the  examinations  of  the  four  kinds  of  Sor- 
ghum, it  may  be  observed  that  the  Early  Amber 
and  Liberian  correspond  in  their  development, 
being  almost  identical,  and  yet  clearly  distinct 
varieties.  It  may  also  be  stated,  that  while  these 
two  varieties  attain  a  content  of  sugar  in  their 
juices  equal  to  the  average  content  in  the  juice 
of  Sugar-cane  by  the  middle  of  August,  the  Chi- 
nese does  not  reach  this  condition  until  the  last 
of  September,  while  the  Honduras  does  not 
reach  this  point  until  the  middle  of  October. 
After  having  attained  approximately  the  max- 
imum content  of  sugar,  this  condition  is. main- 
tained for  a  long  period,  affording  ample  time 
to  work  up  the  crop.  It  is  doubtless  true  that, 
had  the  season  been  longer,  it  would  have  been 
found  that  the  Chinese  and  Honduras,  having 
once  attained  this  full  development  of  sugar, 
would  also  have  retained  it;  but  the  heavy 
frosts  and  subsequent  warm  weather,  which  hap- 
pened about  November  24,  caused  a  rapid  dimi- 
nution of  sucrose  in  each  variety,  and  a  corre- 
sponding increase  of  glucose.  The  converse  of 
what  is  found  true  of  the  sucrose  is  true  as  to 
the  development  of  the  glucose,  and  a  minimum 
quantity,  once  attained,  is  continued  along  time, 
and  this  minimum  is  quite  as  low  as  the  average 
amount  found  present  in  the  sugar-canes.  It  is 
obvious  that  the  results  are  not  to  be  taken  as 
entirely  exact,  but  the  general  fact  is,  without 
doubt,  true.  An  average  of  all  the  examinations 
made  of  these  four  Sorghums  during  the  periods 
when  they  were  suitable  for  cutting,  gives  the 
following  results:  Early  Amber,  from  August 
13  to  October  29  inclusive,  15  analyses,  extend- 
ing over  78  days,  14.6  per  cent,  sucrose.  Libe- 
rian, from  August  13  to  October  29  inclusive,  13 
analyses,  extending  over  78  days,  13.8"  per  cent, 
sucrose.  Chinese,  from  September  13  to  Octo- 
ber 29  inclusive,  7  analyses,  extending  over  46 
days,  13.8  per  cent,  sucrose.  Honduras,  from 
October  14  to  October  29  inclusive,  3  analyses, 
extending  over  16  days,  14.6  per  cent,  sucrose. 
Besides  the  investigations  above  mentioned, 
there  have  been  made  35  experiments  in  making 
sugar  from  Corn-stalks,  Sorghums,  Pearl  Millet, 
etc.,  in  all  of  which  there  have  been  used  over 
23  tons  of  stalks.  The  result  of  these  experi- 
ments has  been  to  fully  confirm  all  the  experi- 
ments not  only  of  the  previous  year,  but  also  to 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


215 


SOR 

help  towards  the  Solution  of  Certain  questions  of 
the  highest  practical  importance.  In  every  case 
it  has  been  found  that  the  quality  of  the  syrup 
obtained  has  been  precisely  such  as  the  previous 
analysis  in  the  laboratory  of  the  juice  used  made 
probable.  An  average  of  the  nine  best  syrups 
obtained  showed  a  percentage  of  Cane  sugar 
present  equal  to  92.7  of  the  amount  originally 
present  in  the  juice,  while  an  average  of  the 
nine  poorest  (i.  e.,  containing  the  lowest  per- 
centage of  Cane  sugar)  showed  a  percentage  of 
Cane  sugar  present  equal  to  90.1  of  the  amount 
present  in  the  juice.  This  must  not  be  under- 
stood to  mean  that  there  has  been  no  loss  of 
sugar  in  the  process  of  manufacture,  as  such 
conclusion  would  be  quite  erroneous.  An  ex- 
periment was  also  made  to  determine  whether 
splitting  the  canes  before  they  were  passed 
through  the  mill  would  increase  the  percentage 
of  juice  obtained  from  the  stalks.  One  hun- 
dred pounds  of  butt  ends  of  Honduras  Sorghum 
were  split  lengthwise,  and  then  passed  through 
the  mill.  Another  parcel  of  one  hundred  pounds 
of  butts  of  the  same  variety  of  Sorghum,  equal 
in  all  respects  to  the  previous  lot,  was  passed 
through  the  mill  without  splitting  them.  The 
results  obtained  were  as  follows:  Percentage  of 
juice  obtained  from  split  stalks,  54  per  cent.; 
percentage  of  juice  obtained  from  unsplit  stalks, 
57  per  cent. ;  from  which  it  would  appear  that 
in  this  case  at  least  the  previous  splitting  of  the 
stalks  occasioned  an  appreciable  loss  in  jivce. 
A  few  of  the  experiments  made  giveareasonuole 
basis  for  estimating  the  probable  yield  of  syrup 
and  sugar  to  the  acre;  and,  therefore,  an  ap- 
proximate estimate  of  the  cost  of  producing  su- 
gar. Below  is  a  tabulated  result  of  a  few  of  the 
experiments  from  stalks  grown  upon  the  grounds 
of  the  department.  These  stalks  were  grown  in 
rows  three  feet  apart  and  in  drills,  and  although 
a  good  crop,  there  is  no  doubt  but  that,  upon 
good  land,  the  estimated  yield,  to  the  acre  could 
be  obtained: 


The  first  and  second  columns  give  the  results 
actually  secured,  but  the  several  juices  were  not 
in  their  best  condition.  The  third  column  is 
the  amount  of  syrup  the  same  weight  of  stalks 
would  have  yielded  had  they  been  cut  at  the 
proper  time.  The  juice  obtained  from  the  stalks 
by  the  imperfect  means  at  command  of  the  de- 
partment was  little  more  than  half  the  amount 
present  in  the  stalks.  The  fourth  column  rep- 
resents the  results  attainable  by  the  use  of  a 
mill  that  would  give  70  per  cent,  of  juice  from 
the  stalks;  a  result  which  is  possible,  and  which 
is  claimed  by  manufacturers  of  mills.  There  is 
no  doubt  that,  when  the  present  industry  shall 
have  secured  the  employment  of  the  capital  and 
scientific  ability  which  have  developed  the  beet- 


Varieties. 

Founds  stalks 
per  acre. 

Syrup  obtained. 

jj 

Syrup,  Juice  _ 
!i>  per  cent. 

Chinese  Sorghum  

38,600 
33  727 

2,096 

2  472 

2,397 
2  609 

3,673 

Early  Amber  Sorghum  
Honduras  Sorghum  
Pearl  Millet 

32,415 
66,151 

2,100 
3,652 

2,615 
5,168 
3  128 

3,661 
7,537 

JFieldCorn  

27  240 

1  166 

SPA 

sugar  industry,  even  these  results,  which  may 
appear  extravagant  to  many,  will  be  assured." 
There  is  much  more  of  this  report,  but  so  inti- 
mately connected  with  large  tabular  statements 
that  the  two  could  not  be  separated,  and  the 
tables  are  too  large  to  be  transferred  to  these 
columns.  We  therefore  suggest  to  all  engaged 
in  the  cultivation  of  Sorghum  to  procure  this 
report.  It  will  be  of  great  assistance  to  them  in 
helping  to  determine  many  points  relating  to 
culture  and  the  manufacture  of  syrup  and  sugar. 

Sheep  Sorrel.  See  Rumex  acetosa,  the  common 
Field  Sorrel. 

Sorrel.     See  Rumex. 

Sorrel  Tree.  See  Oxydendrum  arbvreum,  (Androm- 
eda nrborea.) 

Sour  Gum.     See  Nyssa. 

Sour  Gum  Tree.     See  Nyssa. 

Southern  Wood.     See  Arttmesia  Abrotanum. 

Sow  Bread.     See  Cyclamen  Europceum. 

Sow  Thistle.     See  txmchus. 

Spanish  Bayonet  Plant.     See  Yucca. 

Spanish.  Lily.     See  Hymenocallis. 

Sparaxis.  From  sparasso,  to  tear;  alluding  to 
the  lacerated  spathes.  Linn.  Triandria-Afono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

This  genus  is  fast  rising  in  the  estimation  of 
both  the  florist  and  the  gardener.  Varieties, 
very  pleasing  in  color,  are  annually  raised  in 
Europe.  It  is  a  dwarf  bulbous  family  of  plants 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  producing  flowers 
about  the  size  and  shape  of  those  of  the  Crocus, 
the  colors  of  which  are  now  of  infinite  variety; 

Eure  white,  yellow,  orange,  red,  purple,  and  vio- 
;t,  are  to  be  found.either  separate  or  blended  in 
pleasing  variations.  They  succeed  best  planted 
in  a  frame,  where  they  can  have  a  slight  protec- 
tion during  winter.  They  succeed  well  also 
grown  in  pots  in  a  cool  green-house.  The  bulbs 
should  be  potted  in  September,  and  kept  under 
a  bench  until  they  begin  to  grow,  when  they 
should  be  given  light  and  water.  Three  or  four 
bulbs  may  be  put  into  a  five-inch  pot  with  good 
effect.  They  increase  rapidly  by  offsets.  In- 
troduced in  1811. 

Sparganium.  Bur  Reed.  From  spargan&n,  a 
fillet;  because  of  the  ribbon -like  leaves.  Linn. 
Moncecia-Triandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Typhacece. 

A  genus  of  marsh  plants,  of  which  the  Bur 
Heed  is  typical,  found  in  almost  every  part  of 
the  world.  The  root  of  8.  ramosum  and  of  S. 
simplex  was  formerly  used  medicinally  under 
the  name  of  Radix  sparganii,  and  was  supposed 
to  cure  snaKe  bites.  The  stem  has  been  used  for 
making  paper. 

Sparmannia.  In  honor  of  Dr.  A.  Sparmann,  a 
Swedish  botanist,  who  accompanied  Captain 
Cook  in  his  second  voyage  around  the  world. 
Linn.  Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  FUiacea;. 
S.  Africana,  the  only  described  species  of  this 
g  nus,  is  a  very  beautiful  evergreen  green -house 
shrub,  introduced  into  Europe  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  in  1790.  It  is  a  shrub  from  six  to 
twelve  feet  high,  with  long-stalked,  heart-shaped 
leaves,  and  clothed  with  soft,  downy,  and  pretty 
white  flowers  in  umbels.  It  is  an  old  favorite 
in  the  green-house.  Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Spartina.  Cord  Grass.  From  spartine,  a  rope 
made  from  broom.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynta. 
Nat.  Ord.  GrnminacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  perennial  grasses,  com- 
mon throughout  North  America  and  some  parts 
of  Europe.  They  chiefly  inhabit  wet  or  marshy 
places.  Some  o  the  species  furnish  a  valuable 
fiber. 


216 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SPA 


Suatalanthus.     From  spalnlos,  delicate,  and  <m- 
thos,  a.  flower.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Triandria.  Nat. 

A  very  rare  and  beautiful  Cape  bulb,  allied  to 
Trichonema.  There  is  but  one  species  known, 
and  that  is  rare  in  its  own  country.  The  flow- 
ers are  red,  with  a  yellow  and  black  star  in  th< 


duced  in  1825. 

Spathoglottis.  From  sjxtthe,  a  spathe,  and  glottis, 
a  tongue.  Linn.  Gynandria-Jfonandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Asiatic  terrestrial  Orchids, 
allied  to  BMia.  They  have  generally  yellow 
flowers,  and  are  not  of  special  interest  in  the 
Orchid  House. 

Spatter  Dock.    See  Nuphar. 
Spear  Grass.    See  Poa. 
Spearmint.     See  Mentha  viridis. 
Spearwort.     See  Ranunculus. 
Specularia.      From  the  ancient  name  Speculum 
Veneris,  or  Venus's  Looking-Glass.     Linn.  Pen- 
tandria-Monogynia.    Nat.  Ord.  Campanulacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  formerly  in- 
cluded in  Campanula.  S.  speculum  is  a  distinct 
and  pretty  species,  with  purplish-lilac  flowers, 
varying  to  rose-colored  and  white.  They  are 
among  the  many  old  garden  favorites  now  rarely 
met,  though  deserving  a  place  in  the  border. 
They  grow  readily  from  seed,  and  a  succession 
of  sowings  will  keep  up  a  continuance  of  bloom 
during  the  whole  summer.  One  of  the  species, 
•S.  perfoliata,  is  a  native  of  this  country;  the 
others  are  from  Central  and  Southern  Europe. 
Speedwell.  See  Veronica. 

Sphagnum.  A  name  given  by  Pliny  for  some 
Idnd  of  moss.  Linn.  Cryptogamia-Pentagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Bryacece. 

The  species  belonging  to  this  genus  are  found 
in  bogs  or  swamps  ut  all  seasons.  S.  palustre 
is  a  white-leaved  species.  The  Gray  Bog  Moss 
is  S.  obiusifdium.  It  is  an  excellent  material  for 
packing  plants  in,  being  extremely  retentive  of 
moisture,  and  yet  contains  so  much  astringency 
as  to  check  decay.  It  is  also  used  for  potting 
Orchidaceous  and  some  other  plants.  This 
material  has  been  long  used  in  the  packing 
of  plants  by  both  florists  and  nurserymen, 
and  in  various  other  operations  connected  with 
Horticulture;  but  it  was  only  in  1880  that  we 
began  to  use  it  extensively  as  a  mulch,  to  be 
placed  on  the  top  of  the  soil  of  plants  in  pots, 
and  in  beds  planted  out,  a  description  of  which 
we  published  in  the  October  number  of  the 
"Gardener's  Monthly"  of  that  year,  and  which 
we  here  give  at  length. 

Moss  Mulching.— For  want  of  a  better  name  we 
have  given  this  to  a  practice  that  we  have  recent- 
ly introduced  into  our  green-house  department. 
Some  time  about  the  first  of  January  of  this  year 
one  of  our  young  men  suggested  mulching  with 
Moss  (Sphagnum)  a  lot  of  Roses,  grown  in  seven- 
inch  pots,  that  had  become  somewhat  exhausted 
by  being  forced  for  flowers  for  the  holidays.  Be- 
lieving the  idea  to  be  a  good  one,  we  at  once  had  a 
lot  of  nearly  three  thousand  plants  so  mulched, 
mixing,  however,  with  the  Moss  a  good  portion  of 
bone  dust,  perhaps  one  part  weight  of  bone  dust 
to  thirty  parts  of  Moss.  In  two  weeks  the  effect 
began  to  be  easily  perceived  on  all  the  Roses 
that  had  been  so  mulched,  and  without  shifting 
they  were  carried  through  until  May  with  the 
most  satisfactory  results,  many  of  the  plants 


SPH 

having  by  that  time  attained  a  height  of  four  and 
five  feet;  and  though  they  had  bloomed  profusely 
during  a  period  of  nearly  six  months,  they  were 
in  the  most  perfect  health  and  vigor.  Believing 
that  if  this  system  proved  so  satisfactory  in  a 
plant  refusing  such  careful  handling  as  the  Rose, 
that  doubtless  it  would  do  well  with  many  other 
plants,  we  at  once,  almost  without  exception, 
adopted  the  Moss  and  bone  mulch  on  nearly 
every  plant  cultivated,  whether  planted  out  in 
borders  or  grown  in  pots,  and  the  result,  with- 
out a  single  exception,  has  been  in  the  highest 
degree  satisfactory.  Among  the  plants  so  treated 
are  Azaleas,  Begonias,  Caladiums,  Carnations, 
Crotons,  Dracaenas,  Eucharis,  Gloxinias,  Palms, 
Pandanus,  Poinsettias,  Primulas,  Roses,  hot- 
house Grape  Vines,  and  hundreds  of  other  gen- 
era. All  plants  are  mulched  as  soon  as  we  can 
reach  them,  from  three-inch  pots  upward.  In 
strong-growing  plants  the  roots  can  be  seen, 
striking  upward  into  the  mulch  in  four  or  five 
days  after  it  is  put  on,  and  in  nearly  all  cases 
•within  two  weeks.  One  great  advantage  is,  that 
by  this  system  plants  can  be  grown  as  large  and 
fine  in  a  four-inch  pot  as  in  a  six-inch  pot  with- 
out the  mulch,  for  the  reason  that  the  plant  is 
now  fed  by  the  Moss  and  bone  from  the  surface 
of  the  pot,  the  best  feeding  point,  as  most  cul- 
tivators of  experience  well  know.  Another 
advantage  of  the  mulching  system  is  its  great 
saving  of  labor,  for  it  just  takes  about  one-fourth 
of  the  time  to  mulch  the  surface  of  a  pot  as  it 
does  to  shift  it.  Another,  its  saving  of  watering: 
the  Moss  acts  as  a  sponge,  retaining  and  giv- 
ing out  the  moisture  to  the  plant  just  as  it  is 
wanted.  Another,  that  it  crowds  down  all 
weeds,  and  does  away  with  the  necessity  of  stir- 
ring the  soil  in  the  pots  or  borders.  Another 
and  most  important  advantage  to  us  who  are 
shippers  is,  that  it  lightens  the  weight  of  our 
goods  by  one-half;  that  is,  we  get  as  large  a 
plant  with  half  the  weight  of  soil.  For  ama- 
teurs who  grow  plants  in  rooms,  or  small  con- 
servatories, who  have  not  the  conveniences  at 
hand  to  shift  their  plants  when  their  condition 
demands  it,  this  Moss  mulching  will  be  of  great 
advantage,  not  only  in  keeping  plants  in  good 
growing  condition  for  many  months  longer  with- 
out re-potting,  but  also  in  the  great  advantage  it 
has  in  counteracting  the  dry  atmosphere  usual- 
ly found  in  rooms  or  small  conservatories.  In 
my  practice  of  thirty  years  I  have  never  seen  a 
method  of  culture  that  I  believe  to  be  of  such 
importance ;  hundreds  who  have  visited  us  this 
season  have  been  equally  impressed  with  its 
value,  for  the  "proof  of  the  pudding"  is  most 
apparent  in  its  results.  We  have  used  already 
over  twenty  team  loads  of  Moss,  and  about  one 
ton  of  bone  dust,  but  never  before  have  we  made 
an  investment  that  has  been  so  satisfactory.  If 
any  think  we  are  too  sanguine  in  this  matter, 
we  cordially  invite  them  to  come  and  examine. 
It  may  be  that  this  Moss  and  bone  mulching  is 
nothing  new  in  the  culture  of  plants,  as  it  is  an 
idea,  from  its  simplicity,  that  may  very  likely 
before  have  occurred  to  others,  and  may  have 
been  long  ago  practiced ;  but  it  is  new  with  us 
and  new  to  us,  and  if  any  one  has  before  done 
so  and  withheld  the  knowledge  from  the  pub- 
lic, more  shame  to  him,  if  the  result  with  him 
has  been  as  gratifying  as  it  has  been  to  us. 
In  our  uses  of  Sphagnum  we  found  another 
method  of  using  it,  the  value  of  which  will  be 
apparent  to  those  who  have  had  experience  in 
raising  seeds  under  glass.  Our  method  is  as 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


217 


SPH 

follows:  in  preparing  the  soil  for  seeds  we  get 
it  as  fine  and  rich  as  possible,  passing  it  through 
a  very  fine  sieve.  This  soil  is  placed  in  boxes 
only  two  or  three  inches  deep,  and  it  is  then 
made  perfectly  level  and  as  smooth  as  possible; 
on  tjis  smooth  surface  of  soil  the  seeds  are 
sown,  and  then  pressed  down  into  the  soil  with 
a  smooth  board.  The  seed  being  thus  sunk 
just  to  the  surface  of  the  soil,  we  now  sift  dry 
Sphagnum,  that  has  been  run  through  a  mos- 
quito net  wire,  over  the  seed,  just  thick  enough 
to  well  cover  it.  This  Moss  forms  a  light, 
spongy  covering,  and  affords  just  the  best  con- 
dition needed  for  germination;  and  we  have 
found  that  any  seeds  having  any  vitality  in  them 
are  certain  to  germinate  by  this  method. 

Sphserogyne.  From  sphaira,  a  globe,  and  gyne, 
a  female.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  6rd. 
NdaxtomacecK. 

This  genus  is  remarkable  for  the  color  of  its 
foliage.  8.  latifolia  has  large,  broad,  and  flat 
leaves,  deep  green  on  top,  the  under  side  cinna- 
mon brown,  the  leaves  and  stem  being  very 
hairy.  It  makes  a  magnificent  specimen  plant. 
A  few  other  species  are  to  be  found  in  choice 
collections  of  ornamental-leaved  plants.  They 
are  natives  of  tropical  America.  Propagated  by 
cuttings.  Introduced  in  1864. 

Sphenogyne.  From  sphen,  a  wedge,  and  gyne,  a 
female.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Frustranea.  Nat.  Ord. 
Asteracecp,. 

A  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and  green-house 
evergreen  perennials,  mostly  natives  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  They  have  large,  spreading, 
rayed  flower-heads,  of  an  orange  color  barred 
with  black.  They  are  rarely  cultivated.  8. 
speciosa  is  a  showy  annual,  a  native  of  South 
America,  and  resembles  the  Anthemis.  First 
introduced  in  1768. 

Spice  Bush.     See  Lindera. 

Spiderwort.     See  Tradescanlia. 

Spigelia.  Worm  Grass.  Named  after  Adrian 
Spigdius,  a  botanist  at  Padua.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
JUonogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Loganiacea*. 

An  extensive  genus  of  half-hardy  annuals  and 
herbaceous  perennials,  some  of  which  are  or- 
namental border  plants.  The  Pink  Root,  Worm 
Grass,  or  Indian  Pink,  is  S.  Ufarilandica,  com- 
mon in  Pennsylvania  and  southward.  It  is  well 
known  for  its  medicinal  properties. 

Spikenard.    See  Aralia  racemosa. 

Spinach.    See  Spinacia  oleracea. 

Spinacia.  From  spina,  a  prickle;  in  allusion  to 
the  prickly  processes  of  the  seeds.  Linn.  Dice- 
cia-Peniandria.  Nat.  Ord.  ChenopodiacecK. 

The  common  Spinach  is  a  hardy  annual,  and 
supposed  to  be  a  native  of  Western  Asia,  from 
the  fact  that  in  the  early  works  of  the  Arabian 
physicians  this  plant  is  mentioned  in  connec- 
tion with  its  medicinal  properties,  without  the 
slightest  allusion  to  its  uses  as  a  vegetable. 
Spain  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  Euro- 
pean country  into  which  it  was  introduced;  for 
many  of  the  old  botanists  call  it  Olus  Hispanicum, 
and  some  of  the  old  writers  call  it  Hispanach,  or 
Spanish  plant.  Beckmann,  who  wrote  about  1790, 
says  the  first  notice  of  its  being  used  as  a  vege- 
table was  in  1351,  in  a  list  of  the  different  vege- 
tables consumed  on  fast  days  by  the  monks. 
Turner,  who  wrote  in  England  in  1538,  men- 
tions its  being  in  common  cultivation,  and  pre- 
pared for  the  table  in  precisely  the  same  man- 
ner as  it  is  at  present.  Spinach  is  an  annual 
plant,  having  large  and  succulent  leaves;  the 
flower-stems  rise  to  the  height  of  two  or  three 


SPI 

feet.  The  male  and  female  flowers  grow  on 
different  plants,  the  female  yielding  the  seed. 
The  former  are  produced  in  long,  terminal 
spikes,  and  the  latter  in  close  clusters  at  the 
joints  of  the  stem  or  axils  of  the  leaves  or 
branches.  8.  oleracea  is  the  only  known  spe- 
cies, and  from  this  the  several  garden  varieties 
have  been  obtained.  The  smooth  Round  Leaf 
is  the  variety  mostly  grown  for  market;  the 
Prickly  Leaved  is  more  hardy,  and  is,  there- 
fore, the  kind  which  used  to  be  sown  in  the  fall 
for  a  first  early  spring  crop,  until  the  variety 
known  as  the  Savoy  Spinach  was  introduced  in 
1875.  This  has  a  crumpled  leaf  resembling  Savoy 
Cabbage,  and  is  now  extensively  cultivated,  par- 
ticularly as  a  fall  or  winter  sort,  as  it  has  proved 
hardier  than  any  of  the  others,  and  produces  a 
greater  weight  of  crop.  It  has  the  fault,  how- 
ever, of  running  up  sooner  to  seed  than  the 
Round  Leaved,  and,  for  that  reason,  is  not  so 
good  to  sow  in  spring.  Spinach  in  the  latitude 
of  New  York  should  be  sown  from  the  5th  to 
the  15th  of  September,  in  rows  twelve  to  fifteen 
inches  apart.  It  is  important  with  this,  as  with 
most  other  seeds,  to  firm  the  soil  by  treading 
on  the  rows  with  the  feet,  or  using  a  heavy 
roller  after  sowing,  as  otherwise,  if  the  weather 
is  dry,  the  seed  may  be  shriveled  so  that  it  will 
not  germinate  if  loosely  covered.  In  all  sections 
of  the  country  where  the  thermometer  falls  be- 
low zero,  and  where  there  is  not  a  certainty  of 
snow  for  a  covering,  the  Spinach  should  be  cov- 
ered up  on  the  approach  of  severe  weather 
(which  is  usually  about  the  middle  of  Decem- 
ber) with  hay,  straw,  or  leaves,  to  the  depth  of 
two  or  three  inches,  which  covering  should  be 
allowed  to  remain  until  the  Spinach  begins  to 
show  green  through  it  in  the  spring.  The 
Viroflay  and  the  Thick  Leaved  Spinach  are 
promising  new  kinds  of  French  origin. 
Spindle  Tree.  See  Euonymus. 
Spiraea.  From  speirao,  to  become  spiral;  in  al- 
lusion to  the  flexile  branches  being  suitable  for 
twisting  into  garlands.  Linn.  Icosandria-Dipen- 
tagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  ftosacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants  and  deciduous  shrubs.  Of  the  former,  S. 
lobala,  Queen  of  the  Meadows,  is  one  of  our  best 
hardy  plants,  and  the  most  stately  of  all  the 
herbaceous  Spiraeas.  (Dr.  Gray  gives  the  com- 
mon name  as  Queen  of  the  Prairies;  but  we  are  in- 
clined to  think  this  a  misprint. )  It  is  common  in 
meadows  in  Pennsylvania,  and  south  and  west- 
ward. The  flowers  are  very  handsome,  of  a  deep 
peach-color,  produced  in  clustered  panicles  on 
long,  naked  peduncles.  It  is  greatly  improved 
by  garden  cultivation.  There  are  many  who 
think  it  finer  than  S.  palmata,  a  species  from 
Japan,  and  not  so  recent  as  some  think  it.  8. 
ulmaria,  flowers  white,  is  the  Meadow  Sweet.  It 
is  a  native  of  Britain.  8.  JUipendida,  also  white, 
and  a  native  of  Britain,  is  known  as  Drop  Wort. 
Many  of  the  shrubby  species,  with  white  and 
pink  flowers,  make  beautiful  clumps  for  the 
lawn  and  shrubbery,  as  they  grow  without  diffi- 
culty, and  continue  a  long  time  in  bloom.  Some 
of  the  best  species  are  indigenous  to  the  Mid- 
dle States.  Several  choice  species  have  been  in- 
troduced from  Japan,  among  which  may  be 
mentioned  S.  Reevesiana,  S.  prunifolia,  S.  Doug- 
lasii,  S.  Thunbei-gii,  8.  callosa,  etc.  8.  Japonica, 
sometimes  called  AstUbe  and  Holeia  Japonica,  and 
Aslilbe  barbata,  though  best  known  here  as  Spiraea 
Japonica,  is  the  most  useful  of  the  genus.  It 
belongs  to  the  herbaceous  division,  forms  a  most 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


SPI 

beautiful  hardy  border  plant,  about  two  feet  in 
height,  with  branching  spikes  of  pure  white, 
feather-like  flowers.  This  species  is  most  ex- 
tensively forced  for  winter  flowers,  and  is  one 
of  the  plants  most  used  for  decoration  at  the 
Easter  Holidays.  Although  it  can  be  grown 
nearly  as  well  here  as  in  Europe,  still,  at  pres- 
ent, the  demand  for  it  is  so  great  that  our  home- 
crown  stock  has  been  altogether  insufficient  to 
meet  the  demand,  and  probably  50,000  roots  are 
annually  imported  from  England,  Holland,  and 
Germany.  The  roots  best  suited  for  pot  cul- 
ture are  those  having  a  diameter  of  from  four  to 
six  inches.  These  are  potted  in  five  and  six 
inch  pots  in  fall,  and  covered  up  so  that  they 
do  not  freeze,  but  yet  have  no  artificial  heat. 
A  dry,  sheltered  spot  against  a  south  fence  or 
wall  is  best;  then,  covered  with  ten  or  twelve 
inches  of  leaves,  they  can  be  got  at  at  any  time 
during  winter,  and  should  be  taken  into  a  cool 
house— say  an  average  of  45°  at  night— and  wa- 
tered sparingly  until  free  indications  of  growth 
are  shown.  When  well  rooted,  and  the  flower 
stems  begin  to  show,  they  will  stand  a  higher 
temperature,  but  at  no  time  should  it  be  higher 
than  55°  at  night,  if  the  best  development  of 
flower  is  desired.  It  is  not  very  easy  to  say 
what  time  it  takes  the  plant  to  be  at  its  best 
flowering  from  the  time  it  is  placed  in  the 
green-house ;  hence  it  is  best  to  have  them  come 
in  in  succession.  At  an  average  of  50°  at  night 
and  ten  degrees  higher  during  the  day,  from 
four  to  ten  weeks  will  be  required  to  get  the 
plant  in  full  development  of  bloom.  A  beauti- 
fully variegated  leaved  variety  of  S.  Japonica  was 
introduced  into  the  United  States  about  1865, 
from  Japan,  but  it  did  not  take  kindly  to  our 
hot  and  dry  climate,  and  has  now  nearly  disap- 
peared; but,  we  believe,  in  the  more  congenial 
atmosphere  of  Britain,  it  makes  a  beautiful 
plant,  as,  added  to  its  fine  variegation,  the 
flower  spikes  are  more  dense  and  compact  than 
in  the  plain-leaved  species.  Another  Spiraea, 
sent  to  the  United  States  some  ten  years  ago 
from  London  as  S.  palmata,  is  now  well  known, 
more  from  the  fact  of  its  being  sent  out  as  new, 
and  at  a  very  high  price,  than  as  being  of  any 
special  merit  in  itself.  The  facts  of  the  case  are, 
that  8.  pcdmata  had  been  introduced  into  En- 
gland as  early  as  1822,  and  was  to  be  found  in 
every  herbaceous  plant  collection  in  Britain,  of 
any  note.  Some  one  had  probably  again  found 
it  in  its  native  habitat,  had  not  known  of  its 
long  introduction,  offered  it  as  a  new  plant  to 
some  not  over-scrupulous  or  not  too  well-posted 
nurseryman  in  London,  and  out  it  came  on  us 
at  the  modest  price  of  half  a  guinea  apiece,  and 
sickly  little  morsels  at  that,  while  the  same 
plant  was  offered  with  the  same  name  in  half  a 
dozen  catalogues  at  one-twentieth  the  price. 
We  never  yet  have  been  able  to  understand  this 
error,  if  error  it  was,  as  it  was  virtually  endorsed 
by  a  score  of  the  leading  nurserymen  in  En- 
gland, by  their  offering  it  as  new  in  their  cata- 
logues, besides  being  described  and  lauded  in 
several  of  the  leading  horticultural  and  botani- 
cal magazines  in  Europe  as  well  as  in  this  coun- 
try. Evidently  the  botanist  (?)  who  collected 
it  was  a  tyro  at  his  work,  or  he  would  have 
known  enough  to  look  up  the  genus,  so  as  not 
to  stumble  on  some  old  name  for  his  new-found 
bantling;  but  this  he  evidently  did  not  do;  for, 
if  he  had  looked  up  London's  Encyclop£edia  of 
Plants,  or  any  of  the  more  recent  works,  he 
would  have  seen  that  S.  palmata  was  introduced 


SPU 

in  1822;  and  if  he  had  carried  his  investigations 
further,  he  would  have  found  that  his  S.  palmata 
was  identical  with  that  of  1822.  Our  excuse  for 
treating  this  matter  at  leugth  is,  that  many  are 
not  yet  aware  of  the  true  state  of  the  case,  and 
continue  to  import  S.  palmata  as  a  comparatively 
new  plant,  and  yet  at  a  high  price.  We  may 
state  further,  that  all  the  plants  of  this  division 
of  the  genus  are  unsuited  to  our  hot,  dry  cli- 
mate, unless  planted  in  partial  shade. 

Spiranthes.  Lady's  Tresses.  From  speira,  a  spi- 
ral, and  anthos,  a  flower;  in  allusion  to  the  spi- 
ral manner  in  which  the  flowers  are  arranged. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orcliid- 
acece. 

A  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids,numbering  about 
fifty  species.  Some  require  green-house  treat- 
ment, and  others  are  perfectly  hardy  herbaceous 
plants.  All  the  species  are  very  pretty,  but  not 
of  sufficient  merit  to  warrant  their  introduction 
into  the  green-house.  Of  the  hardy  species, 
several  are  indigenous  in  the  Middle  States, 
three  or  four  being  found  on  Long  Island.  The 
flowers  are  small  and  white,  produced  on  a  spi- 
rally-twisted spike,  by  which  the  genus  is  easily 
recognized.  S.  cernua  is  a  pretty  native  species. 

Spleenwort.     See  Aspleninm. 

Spqndias.  Hog  Plum.  The  Greek  name  for  a 
Kind  of  plum;  the  fruit  resembles  a  plum.  Linn. 
Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anacardiacece. 
A  genus  of  evergreen  trees  common  in  the 
tropics  of  both  hemispheres,  chiefly  interesting 
for  their  fruits.  S.  Mombin  yields  an  eatable 
fruit,  called  Hog  Plum  in  the  West  Indies.  The 
taste  is  said  to  be  peculiar,  and  not  very  agree- 
able to  strangers.  They  are  chiefly  used  to  fat- 
ten swine.  S.  dulcis,  a  native  of  the  Society 
Islands,  yields  a  fruit  the  flavor  of  which  is 
compared  to  that  of  the  Pineapple.  The  flower 
buds  of  S.  Mombin  are  used  as  a  sweetmeat  with 
sugar.  Several  of  the  species  are  esteemed  for 
their  medicinal  properties,  and  one  or  two  are 
cultivated  as  ornamental  plants. 

Sponge  G-ourd.     See  Luffa. 

Spoonwood.     See  Kalmia  latifoUa. 

Sprekelia.  Named  after  Dr.  Sprekel,  a  German 
botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Amaryllidacece. 

8.  formosissima,  commonly  known  as  Amaryllis 
formosissima,  or  Jacdbcean  LUy,  the  only  described 
species  of  this  genus,  is  a  bulbous  'plant,  with 
splendid  dark  scarlet  flowers.  It  is  called  Ja- 
cobsean  on  account  of  the  brilliant  scarlet  of  its 
flowers,  which  the  Spaniards  in  Peru  thought 
resembled  the  scarlet  swords  worn  by  the  knights 
of  the  order  of  St.  James,  (Jacobasus.)  These 
bulbs  succeed  well  planted  in  the  open  border 
in  May.  They  produce  their  flowers  in  June, 
and  the  bulbs  ripen  off  by  fall,  when  they 
should  be  taken  up  and  dried  with  the  tops  on, 
and  stored  in  a  dry  room  free  from  frost,  until 
time  for  planting  out  again.  They  are  desirable 
for  pot  culture,  or  for  growing  in  glasses  like 
Hyacinths,  requiring  the  same  culture.  They 
are  increased  by  offsets.  They  are  natives  of 
Guatemala.  Introduced  in  1658. 

Spotted  Cowbane.     See  Cicuta  maculata. 

Spotted  Wintergreen.  See  Chimaphila  maculata. 

Spring  Beauty.  A  local  name  for  Claytonia, 
which  see. 

Spring  Snowflake.     See  Leucojum  vernum. 

Spruce.  The  popular  name  of  the  genus  Abies, 
which  see. 

Spurge.     See  Euphorbia. 

Spurge  Nettle.     See  Jatropha  and  Lrora. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


219 


SPU 

Spurred  Gentian.     See  Ilalenia  deftexa. 

Squash.  (L'ucurbita  melopepo.)  The  history  of  the 
Squash  is  more  obscure  than  that  of  any  other 
vegetable  of  equal  importance  in  the  garden.  It 
•was  found  in  cultivation  by  the  Indians  on  the 
Island  of  Nantucket  by  the  earliest  settlers; 
there  was,  however,  but  one  kind,  the  small 
warted  Pumpkin.  From  this  peculiar  variety 
the  common  Field  Pumpkin  is  supposed  to 
have  originated.  Several  varieties  have  been 
introduced  from  South  America,  and  among 
them  the  Mammoth  Squash  from  Valparaiso,  the 
seed  of  which  was  sent  here  by  Commodore 
Perry.  Several  other  of  our  best  sorts  have  been 
received  from  there  and  the  West  Indies.  Their 
parentage,  however,  is  entirely  unknown.  A 
large  number  of  varieties  are  grown  under  dis- 
tinctive names,  many  of  which  are  cross-breeds. 
One  hybrid  variety  of  superior  quality  has  been 
produced  by  one  of  our  seedsmen,  who  has 
made  that  vegetable  a  specialty. 

Squaw  Root.     See  Canopholis. 

Squaw  Weed.     See  Senecio  aureus. 

Squill.     See  Sc'dla. 

Squirrel  Corn.     See  Dicentra  Canadensis. 

Squirrel  Tail  Grass.     See  Hordeum. 

Stachys.  Hedge  Nettle.  From  stachys,  &  spike; 
their  manner  of  flowering.  Linn.  Didynamia- 
Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacecv. 

A  genus  of  shrubby  and  herbaceous  plants, 
common  throughout  the  United  States  and  Eu- 
rope. None  of  the  species  has  any  special  merit, 
except  S.  lanala,  which  is  used  to  a  considerable 
extent  in  the  formation  of  white  lines  for  rib- 
bon borders  or  massing.  Propagated  by  cut- 
tings. 

Stadmannia.  In  honor  of  M.  Siadmann,  a  Ger- 
man botanical  traveler.  Linn.  Octandria-Mono- 
r/ynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Sapindacece. 

A  genus  of  lofty-growing  trees,  with  large, 
showy  leaves,  natives  of  Australia.  The  species 
have  been  united  with  Cupania  by  modern  bot- 
anists. See  Cupania. 

Staff  Tree.    See  Cdastrus. 

Stag's  Horn  Fern.     See  Plalycerium  alcicorne. 

Stagger  Bush.     See  Andromeda  mariana. 

Standing  Cypress.     See  Ipomopsis. 

Stanhopea.  In  compliment  to  Earl  Stanhope. 
Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  (hchtda- 
cece. 

A  very  beautiful  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids, 
remarkable  for  their  extraordinary  flowers,  curi- 
ous in  form  and  richly  colored,  and  also  for  their 
singular  habit  of  throwing  the  flower-stem 
from  the  base  of  the  pseudo-bulbs  in  a  down- 
ward direction.  When  first  introduced  (1830) 
the  plants  were  placed  in  pots  in  the  usual  man- 
ner, and  were  supposed  to  be  difficult  to  flower, 
•until  the  accidental  breaking  of  a  pot  exposed 
the  flowers  perishing  in  the  soil  beneath  the 
plants.  This  circumstance  led  to  the  prevalent 
method  of  growing  them  in  baskets  made  of 
small  sticks  of  Cedar,  Locust,  or  other  woods 
not  liable  to  decay,  which,  being  open  at  in- 
tervals, allows  the  flower  spikes  to  protrude 
in  their  natural  position.  Baskets  about  a  foot 
and  a  half  in  diameter  and  six  inches  deep  are 
sufficiently  large  for  well-grown  specimens.  The 
soil  should  be  leaf  mould  and  sphagnum  moss, 
about  one-fourth  of  the  latter,  with  small  pieces 
of  charcoal  intermixed  for  perfect  drainage. 
Some  successful  growers  use  only  the  moss  and 
charcoal,  or  potsherds.  Stanhopeas  require 
plenty  of  water  while  growing.  The  moss  should 
be  thoroughly  soaked  every  day,  and  a  slight 


STA 

syringing,  or,  what  is  better,  a  dense  applica- 
tion of  steam  every  night  and  morning.  Most 
of  the  species  make  two  growths  in  a  year,  and, 
with  proper  management,  will  also  bloom  twice ; 
but  some  care  is  required  to  have  the  latter 
growth  duly  formed  before  the  winter  sets  in, 
or  there  is  much  danger  of  their  rotting.  If  an 
active  growth  can  be  started  about  the  first  of 
February,  the  first  pseudo-bulbs  will  be  formed, 
and  the  flowers  fully  perfected  in  May,  which 
leaves  good  time  to  complete  the  second  flower- 
ing. A  temperature  of  from  70°  to  85°  will  grow 
them  best,  and  for  the  winter,  or  resting  period, 
from  55°  to  60°  is  sufficient.  They  do  not  re- 
quire to  be  frequently  shifted,  but  when  this 
is  done,  the  plant  should  be  put,  basket  and 
all,  into  a  larger  one,  as  it  is  impossible  to  re- 
move them  without  serious  injury  to  the  roots. 
They  are  increased  by  division. 

Stapelia.  Named  by  Linnceus  after  Boderus 
Mapel,  a  physician  of  Amsterdam  and  commen- 
tator on  Theophrastus.  Linn.  Pentandria-D'ujy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Asclepiadacece. 

This  is  a  genus  of  very  curious  green-house 
plants,  with  showy,  star-like  flowers  proceeding 
from  the  base,  which  smell  so  much  like  carrion 
that  flies  have  been  known  to  lay  their  eggs  up- 
on them.  As  these  plants  are  very  succulent, 
they  are  apt  to  damp  off  if  they  are  grown  in 
rich  soil  or  receive  too  much  water.  They  are 
propagated  by  cuttings,  which  should  be  laid 
on  the  shelf  for  two  or  three  days  tt  shrivel  be- 
fore they  are  planted.  All  the  Stapelias  are  na- 
tives of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers 
are  very  singular  as  well  as  showy,  and  would  be 
highly  prized  were  it  not  for  their  offensive 
odor;  but,  notwithstanding,  they  are  very  inter- 
esting plants,  and  the  odor  is  of  no  long  contin- 
uance. Introduced  in  1710. 

Staphylea.  Bladder  Nut.  Abridged  from  Staphy- 
loaendron,  its  ancient  name,  from  staphyle,  a 
bunch,  and  dendron,  a  tree;  the  flowers  and  fruit 
are  disposed  in  clusters.  Linn.  Pentandria-  Trlgy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Staphykuxce. 

A  genus  of  deciduous  shrubs,  which  are 
widely  dispersed.  One  species,  IS.  trifoliata,  is 
indigenous  in  the  United  States.  It  is  a  hand- 
some shrub,  with  terminal  panicles  of  white 
flowers,  produced  in  May. 

Star  Flower.    See  Trientalis  Americana. 

Star  Grass.     See  Hypoxis. 

Star  of  Bethlehem.     See  Ornithogalum. 

Star  Thistle.    See  Ceniaurea  Calcitrapa. 

Starwort.    See  Aster  and  Stettarla. 

Statice.  Sea  Lavender,  Marsh  Rosemary.  From 
statizo,  to  stop ;  in  allusion  to  the  powerful  as- 
tringency  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Penian- 
dria-Pdygynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Plumbaginacece. 

Singular  plants,  the  foot-stalks  of  the  flowers 
of  which  are  colored  so  as  to  resemble  flowers, 
while  the  real  flowers  are  the  white  part  at  the 
extremity  of  the  purple.  The  handsomest  spe- 
cies belonging  to  the  genus  is  <S.  arboreti,  a  na- 
tive of  the  Canaries,  which  is  quite  shrubby. 
This  splendid  plant  should  have  plenty  of  room 
for  its  roots,  and  thus,  when  there  is  not  a  con- 
servatory for  it  to  be  planted  in,  it  does  better 
in  the  open  border,  with  a  sli ght  protection  dur- 
ing winter,  than  in  a  pot  in  a  green-house.  The 
common  kinds  of  Statice  are  generally  increased 
by  seeds,  or  by  dividing  the  root,  and  they 
should  be  allowed  plenty  of  space,  as  they  are 
easily  killed  when  crowded  by  other  plants.  S. 
Limonium,  the  only  species  that  is  a  native  of 
this  country,  is  common  in  salt  marshes  along 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


STA 

the  Southern  coast,  and  is  gathered  in  consid- 
erable quantities  for  making  winter  bouquets. 

Stauntonia.  In  honor  of  Kir  George  Staunton, 
Bart.,  who  introduced  numerous  plants  from 
China.  Linn.  Monoecia-Hexandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Lardizabalacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  but  two  known  spe- 
cies, both  woody  climbing  shrubs,  from  China 
and  Japan.  The  flowers  are  produced  from  the 
axils  of  the  leaves,  and  are  apetalous.  The 
plants  are  of  easy  culture,  but  of  no  special  in- 
terest, excepting  in  botanical  collections. 

Stellaria.  Chickweed,  Star  Wort.  From  steUa,  a 
star;  the  flowers  are  star-like.  Linn.  Decandria- 
Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Caryophyllacece. 

With  the  exception  of  «S.  Holostea,  a  pretty  lit- 
tle white,  early  spring  flower,  this  genus  is  a 
family  of  weeds  of  the  most  troublesome  charac- 
ter. There  are  several  species  indigenous  in 
this  country,  all  well  known.  &  media,  common 
Chickweed,  is  the  most  troublesome  weed  of 
the  garden,  particularly  in  the  fall  months. 

Stenactis.  Probably  from  stene,  narrow,  and  ak- 
tin,  a  sunbeam;  from  the  narrow  and  sunlike 
rays  of  the  expanded  flower.  Linn.  Syngenesia- 
Superftua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

A  small  genus  of  California  hardy  herbaceous 
perennials.  The  flowers  are  purple  and  showy. 
It  is  a  desirable  plant  for  the  border.  Propa- 
gated by  division  or  from  seed. 

Stenia.  From  slenos,  narrow ;  in  allusion  to  the 
form  of  the  pollen  masses.  Linn.  Gynandria-Mo- 
nandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  epiphytal 
Orchids  from  New  Grenada.  S.  fimbrwia  is  a 
very  showy  plant.  The  leaves  are  long,  narrow, 
and  dark  green;  the  flowers  are  blight  yellow, 
with  a  paler  lip,  beautifully  spotted  with  car- 
mine, and  are  produced  on  slender  scapes. 
There  are  one  or  two  other  species  under  culti- 
vation. Propagated  by  division. 

Stenomesson.  From  stenos,  narrow,  and  messon, 
the  middle  ;  the  flowers  contracted  in  the  mid- 
dle. Linn.  JIcxandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
AmaryUidacece. 

A  genus  of  very  pretty  half-hardy  South 
American  bulbs,  with  orange,  scarlet,  and  yel- 
low flowers,  in  umbels  on  a  slender  scape.  The 
bulbs  may  be  planted  out  in  early  spring  in  a 
moist  situation,  and  they  will  soon  come  into 
flower.  They  require  perfect  rest  during  win- 
ter. Propagated  from  offsets.  Introduced  from 
Peru  in  1843. 

Stephanophysum.  From  Stephanos,  a  crown,  and 
physa,  a  bladder  ;  alluding  to  the  inflorescence. 
Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acan- 
thacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  herbaceous  plants,  natives 
of  Central  America  and  Africa.  The  flowers  are 
mostly  scarlet,  produced  in  axillary  clusters. 
They  are  very  rarely  cultivated. 

Stephanotis.  From  stephnnos,  a  crown,  and  olotis, 
eared;  the  ear-like  processes  on  the  crown  of 
the  stamens.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asdepladacece. 

These  noble  green-house  climbers  grow  with 
great  freedom  when  allowed  sufficient  root  room. 
They  may  either  be  planted  in  the  border  of  the 
house,  and  trained  over  the  pillars  and  roof  or 
placed  in  a  large  pot  having  a  good-sized  trellis 
attached  to  it.  In  either  position  the  effect  pro- 
duced by  their  deep  green  and  ample  fleshy 
leaves,  enriched  by  numerous  clusters  of  pure 
white  waxy  flowers,  is,  perhaps,  unsurpassed. 
The  flowers  of  6'.  jlorttmnda  have  a  strong,  deli- 


STO 

cious  perfume,  and  are  much  valued  by  the  bou- 
quet-makers. This  species  was  introduced  from 
Madagascar  in  1830,  and  is  the  only  one  gener- 
ally cultivated.  It  is  much  subject  to  the  insect 
known  as  Mealy  Bug,  and  to  keep  it  in  health 
this  insect  must  be  sponged  off  the  stems  and 
leaves  as  soon  as  it  is  seen.  Propagated  by  seeds 
or  cuttings. 

Sternbergia.  Named  in  honor  of  Count  Caspar 
Sternberg,  a  celebrated  German  botanist.  Linn. 
Hexandna-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryUidacece. 
This  genus  is  usually  known  as  Amaryllis  Men, 
and  is  sold  as  such  by  the  seedsmen.  There 
are  only  a  few  species,  and  but  little  difference 
between  them  ;  none  that  an  amateur  would  be 
likely  to  notice.  They  are  perfectly  hardy,  and 
flower  in  the  autumn  before  the  leaves  start. 
The  flowers  are  pure  golden  yellow,  much  like 
a  Crocus,  but  larger,  and  the  petals  more  fleshy. 
In  the  latitude  of  New  York  the  bulbs  should 
have  a  generous  covering  of  salt  hay  or  coarse 
litter  before  the  ground  freezes  hard  in  the  early 
winter.  They  are  natives  of  the  South  of  Europe 
and  Africa.  Introduced  in  1596. 

Steudnera.  A  genus  of  Aracece,  closely  resem- 
bling the  Colocasia,  which  see. 

Stevensonia.  A  synonym  of  Phcenicophorium, 
which  see. 

Stevia.  In  -honor  of  Peter  James  Esteve,  M.D., 
Professor  of  Botany  at  Valencia.  Linn.  Syngene- 
sia-jEqualis.  Nat.  Ord.  A&teracece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  perennials, 
nearly  all  natives  of  Mexico,  and  chiefly  white 
flowered.  8.  compacta,  early  flowering,  and  S. 
serrata  are  grown  in  large  quantities  by  the  flor- 
ists of  New  York  for  cut  flowers  for  early  winter 
sales.  8.  serrata  variegata,  a  recent  introduction, 
has  beautiful  white  and  green  foliage,  the  white 
predominating,  and  it  is  now  used  very  largely 
as  a  white-leaved  plant  for  massing.  It  can  be 
used  at  any  height  from  one  to  three  feet,  by 
ciitting  back.  Its  flowers  are  equally  useful  as 
the  green-leaved  variety.  The  species  are  all  of 
easy  culture,  and  are  propagated  by  cuttings. 

Stigmaphyllon.  From  stigma,  a  stigma,  and 
phytton,  a  leaf  ;  the  stigma  foliaceous.  Linn.  De- 
cundriu-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  MalpighiacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  trees  and  shrubs. 
Some  of  the  latter  are  clambers.  They  are  na- 
tives of  Brazil  and  the  West  Indies.  A  few  of 
the  species  are  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  their 
fine  yellow  flowers  and  beautiful  foliage. 

Stipa.  Feather  Grass.  From  stipe,  feathery  or 
silky.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gram- 
inacecB. 

8.  pennata,  the  species  chiefly  grown  as  an  or- 
namental plant,  is  a  hardy  herbaceous  perennial, 
a  native  of  Great  Britain,  and  is  grown  for  the 
sake  of  its  beautifully  feathered  beards,  which 
are  used  for  winter  bouquets,  both  in  the  nat- 
ural color  and  dyed.  This  species  is  propa- 
gated by  division,  or  from  seeds  sown  in  spring. 

Stitchwort.    See  SteUaria. 

Stock  and  Stock-Gilliflower.     See  Mathiola. 

Stokesia.  In  honor  of  Dr.  Jonathan  Stokes,  the 
coadjutor  of  Withering  in  his  arrangement  of 
British  plants.  Linn.  tSyngenesia-^Equalis.  Nat. 
Ord.  Asteracece. 

S.cyanea,  the  only  knbwn  species,  is  a  pretty  lit- 
tle herbaceous  perennial  evergreen,  found  rarely 
in  the  wet  pine  barrens  of  South  Carolina  and 
westward.  Flowers  bright  blue,  produced  in 
large  terminal  heads.  Propagated  by  division 
or  from  seeds. 

Stone  Crop.    See  Sedum. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


221 


STO 

Storax.     See  Styrax. 

Stork's-Bill.     See  Pelargonium. 

Stramonium.     See  Datura. 

Stratiotes.  Water  Soldier.  From  stratos,  an  army; 
in  allusion  to  its  long,  sword-like  leaves.  Linn. 
Dioecia-Dodecandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Hydrocharidacece. 
A  genus  of  hardy  aquatics.  S.  aloides,  a  native 
of  England,  is  a  very  singular  plant.  It  resem- 
bles our  Aloes  in  miniature  ;  hence  its  specific 
name.  It  is  attached  to  the  mud  by  a  cord-like 
runner,  or  is  suspended  free  in  the  water, 
elevating  only  its  flowers  and  a  portion  of  its 
leaves  above  the  surface.  It  increases  very  fast, 
and  will  grow  freely  in  the  aquarium.  It  in- 
creases too  fast  for  small  ponds,  as  it  will  soon 
choke  out  all  other  plants. 

Strawberry.  See  Frayaria.  Strawberries  will 
grow  on  almost  any  soil,  but  it  is  all-important 
that  it  be  well  drained,  either  naturally  or  arti- 
ficially; in  fact,  this  is  true  for  the  well-being 
of  nearly  all  plants,  as  few  plants  do  well  on 
soils  where  the  water  does  not  freely  pass  off. 
Thorough  culture  requires  that  the  soil  should 
be  first  dug  or  plowed,  then  spread  over  with  at 
least  three  inches  of  thoroughly  rotted  stable 
manure,  which  should  be  dug  or  plowed  under, 
so  far  as  practicable,  to  mix  it  with  the  soil.  If 
stable  manure  cannot  be  had,  artificial  manure, 
such  as  ground  bone  dust,  etc. ,  should  be  sown 
on  the  dug  or  plowed  ground,  thick  enough  to 
nearly  cover  it, then  harrowed  or  chopped  in  with 
a  fork,  so  that  it  is  well  mixed  with  the  soil  to 
at  least  six  inches  in  depth.  This,  then,  is  the 
preliminary  work  before  planting,  to  insure  a 
crop  the  next  season  after  planting — in  nine  or 
ten  months.  The  plants  must  be  such  as  are 
layered  in  pots,  and  the  sooner  they  are  planted 
out  after  the  loth  of  July,  the  better,  although, 
if  not  then  convenient,  they  will  produce  a  crop 
the  next  season  even  if  planted  as  late  as  the  mid- 
dle of  September;  but  the  sooner  they  are  planted 
the  larger  will  be  the  crop.  They  may  be  set 
from  pot  layers  either  in  beds  of  four  rows  each, 
fifteen  inches  apart,  and  fifteen  inches  between 
the  plants,  leaving  two  feet  between  the  beds 
for  pathway;  or  be  set  out  in  rows  two  feet  apart, 
the  plants  in  the  rows  fifteen  inches  apart;  and 
if  the  plants  are  properly  set  out,  ( care  being 
taken  to  firm  the  soil  around  the  plant,  which 
is  best  done  by  pressing  the  soil  against  each 
plant  with  the  foot, )  not  one  plant  in  a  thous- 
and of  Strawberry  plants  that  have  been  grown 
in  pots  will  fail  to  grow.  For  the  first  three  or 
four  weeks  after  planting  nothing  need  be  done 
except  to  hoe  the  beds,  so  that  all  weeds  are 
kept  down.  Be  careful  to  do  this  once  in  every 
ten  days;  for  if  the  weeds  once  get  a  start,  it 
will  treble  the  labor  of  keeping  the  ground 
clean.  In  about  a  month  after  planting  they 
will  begin  to  throw  out  runners,  all  of  which 
m<tst  be  pinched  or  cut  off  as  they  appear,  so  that 
by  the  end  of  the  growing  season  (1st  of  Novem- 
ber) each  plant  will  have  formed  a  complete 
bush  one  foot  or  more  in  diameter,  having  the 
necessary  matured  "crowns"  for  next  June's 
fruit.  By  the  middle  of  December  the  entire 
beds  of  Strawberry  plants  should  be  covered  up 
with  salt-meadow  hay  (straw,  leaves,  or  any- 
thing similar  will  do  as  well)  to  the  depth  of 
two  or  three  inches,  entirely  covering  up  the 

giants  and  soil,  so  that  nothing  is  seen  but  the 
ay.     By  April  the  plants  so  protected  will  show 
indications  of  growth,  when  the  hay  around  each 
plant  is  pushed  a  little  aside,  to  assist  it  in  getting 
through  the  covering,  so  that  by  May  the  fully 


STK 

developed  plant  shows  on  the  clean  surface  of 
the  hay.  This  "  mulching,"  as  it  is  called,  is 
indispensable  to  the  best  culture,  as  it  protects 
the  plants  from  cold  in  winter,  keeps  the  fruit 
clean,  keeps  the  roots  cool  by  shading  them 
from  the  hot  sun  in  June,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  saves  nearly  all  further  labor  after  being 
once  put  on,  as  few  weeds  can  push  through  it. 
By  this  method  we  prefer  to  plant  new  beds 
every  year,  though,  if  desired,  the  beds  once 
planted  may  be  fruited  for  two  or  three  years, 
as  by  the  old  plans ;  but  the  fruit  the  first  sea- 
son will  always  be  the  largest  in  size,  if  not 
greatest  in  number.  Another  advantage  of  this 
system  is  that,  where  space  is  limited,  there  is 

?uite  time  enough  to  get  a  crop  of  Potatoes, 
ease,  Beans,  Lettuce,  Radishes,  or,  in  fact,  any 
summer  crop  off  the  ground  first  before  planting 
the  Strawberries,  thus  taking  two  crops  from 
the  ground  in  one  year,  if  desired,  and  there  is 
also  plenty  of  time  to  crop  the  ground  with  Cab- 
bage, Cauliflower,  Celery,  or  other  fall  crop  after 
the  crop  of  Strawberries  has  been  gathered. 
The  plan  of  getting  the  pot  layers  of  Straw- 
berries is  very  simple.  Just  as  soon  as  the 
fruit  is  gathered,  if  the  beds  are  well  forked  up 
between  the  rows,  the  runners  or  young  plants 
will  begin  to  grow,  and  in  two  weeks  will  be  fit 
to  layer  in  pots.  The  pots,  which  should  be 
from  two  to  three  inches  in  diameter,  are  filled 
with  the  soil  in  which  the  Strawberries  are 
growing,  and  "plunged  "or  sunk  to  the  level 
of  the  surface;  the  Strawberry  layer  is  then  laid 
on  the  pot,  being  held  in  place  with  a  small 
stone.  The  stone  not  only  serves  to  keep  the 
plant  in  its  place,  so  that  its  roots  will  strike 
into  the  pot,  but  it  also  serves  to  mark  where 
each  pot  is ;  for,  being  sunk  to  the  level  of  the 
surface,  rains  wash  the  soil  around  the  pots, 
so  that  they  could  not  well  be  seen  unless 
marked  by  the  stone.  In  ten  or  twelve  days  after 
the  Strawberry  layers  have  been  put  down  the 
pots  will  be  filled  with  roots.  They  are  then 
cut  from  the  parent  plant,  placed  closely  to- 
gether, and  shaded  and  watered  for  a  few  days 
before  being  planted  out.  Some  plant  them  out 
at  once  when  taken  up,  but,  unless  the  weather 
is  very  suitable,  some  loss  may  occur  by  this 
method;  by  the  other  plan,  however,  of  harden- 
ing them  for  a  few  days,  not  one  in  a  thousand 
will  fail.  Strawberries  for  field  culture  are  usu- 
ally planted  from  the  ordinary  layers,  either  in 
August  and  September  in  the  fall,  or  in  March, 
April,  or  May  in  the  spring.  They  are  usually 
planted  in  rows,  two  to  three  feet  apart,  and 
nine  to  twelve  inches  between  the  plants.  In 
planting,  every  plant  should  be  well  firmed,  or 
great  loss  is  almost  certain  to  ensue,  as  the 
Strawberry  is  a  plant  always-  difficult  to  trans- 
plant. They  are  usually  worked  by  a  horse  cul- 
tivator, and  generally  two  or  three  crops  are 
taken  before  the  beds  are  plowed  under;  but 
the  first  crop  given  (which  is  in  the  second  year 
after  planting)  is  always  the  best.  The  same 
care  must  be  taken  as  in  planting  by  pot  layers, 
the  ground  must  be  kept  clear  of  weeds,  and 
the  runners  pinched  or  cut  off  to  make  fruiting 
crowns.  By  the  usual  field  method  of  culture, 
it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  a  loss  of  one  season 
in  about  three;  for  in  the  year  of  planting  no 
fruit,  of  course,  is  produced,  and  for  this  reason 
we  incline  to  the  belief  that,  if  a  portion  were 
set  aside  to  produce  early  plants,  so  that  pot 
layers  could  be  set  out  by  the  15th  of  July,  a 
full  crop  of  the  finest  fruit  could  be  had  every 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


STK 

season,  and  with  less  cost,  we  think;  for  the 
only  labor  after  planting  is  to  keep  the  ground 
clean  and  pinch  off  the  runners  from  July  to 
October,  with  the  certainty  of  getting  a  full  crop 
next  June,  or  in  less  than  a  year  from  the 
time  of  planting,  while  by  planting  by  ordinary 
layers,  if  planted  in  August,  we  have  three 
months  of  fall  culture,  and  six  or  seven  months 
of  the  next  summer's  culture,  before  a  crop  is 
produced.  Again,  if  the  crop  is  continued  to 
fruit  the  second  or  third  year,  every  one  who 
has  had  experience  with  the  nature  of  the  plant 
knows  that  the  labor  of  keeping  the  plants  free 
from  weeds  is  enormous;  while  by  the  pot  lay- 
ering method  of  taking  a  fresh  crop  each  year, 
all  such  labor  is  dispensed  with.  It  is  useless 
to  name  any  special  varieties  of  the  Strawberry 
as  best  to  cultivate.  We  have  now  thousands 
under  cultivation,  and  such  kinds  as  we  might 
now  name  as  the  best  will,  a  few  years  hence, 
be  superseded.  It  is  best  to  select  from  the  an- 
nual catalogues  of  some  responsible  nurseryman 
or  florist,  where  descriptions  are  usually  fully 
given. 

Strawberry  Bush.     See  Eaonymus  Americanus. 

Strawberry  Shrub.     See  Calycanthus  floridus. 

Strawberry  Tomato.     See  Physalis  Alkekengi. 

Strelitzia.  Named  in  honor  of  the  Queen  of 
George  ILL.,  from  the  house  of  Mecklenburgh- 
Strelitz.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Musacece. 

These  are  handsome  plants,  with  large,  pale- 
green  leaves,  and  singular,  richly-colored  flow- 
ers. S.  regince  is  the  most  common,  and  per- 
haps the  most  beautiful ;  its  flowers  are  bril- 
liant orange  and  purple.  It  is  usual  to  grow  the 
species  as  hot-house  plants,  but  they  succeed 
almost  equally  well  in  the  green-house,  placed 
in  large  pots  of  rich  loam,  and  kept  in  a  light 
part  of  the  house  at  all  times,  except  for  a  couple 
of  months,  between  June  and  September,  when 
they  are  best  out  of  doors.  They  will  thus 
grow  and  flower  finely.  The  species  are  all  na- 
tives of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  were  intro- 
duced in  1773.  Propagation  is  slow,  and  is 
effected  by  suckers,  or  from  seed,  when  it  can  be 
obtained. 

Streptocarpus.  From  streptos,  twisted,  and  car- 
pos,  a  fruit;  referring  to  its  long,  twisted  seed 
pods.  Linn.  Diandria  -  Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


A  very  neat  and  pretty  dwarf  plant,  with  vel- 
vety leaves  and  lilac  flowers,  produced  freely 
all  the  summer.  It  may  be  grown  in  the  green- 
house, or  used  as  a  bedding  plant  for  the  open 
border,  where,  in  a  warm  situation,  it  will  pro- 
duce a  multitude  of  flowers.  It  will  bear  almost 
any  treatment,  but  does  best  in  pots  of  light, 
sandy  soil,  and  with  plenty  of  heat  in  the  early 
stages  of  its  growth,  say  from  March  to  May, 
after  which  a  cool  house  or  the  open  air  will 
preserve  its  flowers  for  a  long  time,  and,  being 
produced  in  rapid  succession,  the  plant  will 
be  an  object  of  beauty  for  at  least  four  or 
five  months.  They  should  have  rest  during 
winter,  like  other  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials. They  are  all  interesting  plants.  In- 
troduced from  Natal  in  1854.  Propagated  by 
division. 

Strumaria.  From  struma,  a  tubercle;  the  style  is 
enlarged  at  the  bottom.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  AmaryQidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  interesting  bulbs  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flowers  are  red,  white, 
or  pink,  somewhat  resembling  the  Nerine,  to 


STY 

which  this  genus  is  allied.  They  are  of  dwarf 
habit,  well  adapted  for  green-house  culture, 
and  succeed  with  but  little  care,  the  main  requi- 
site being  to  secure  a  good  growth  of  foliage  af- 
ter flowering,  as  the  flowers  for  the  coming  sea- 
son will  correspond,  in  size  and  strength,  to  the 
growth  of  leaves.  Propagated  by  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1812. 

Struthiopteris.  From  strmdhws,  an  ostrich,  and 
pteris,  a  fern  ;  resemblance  of  the  leaves,  or 
fronds,  to  its  feathers.  Linn.  C'ryptogamia-FUices. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  Ferns,  with  strong, 
erect-growing  fronds.  S.  Germanica,  popularly 
known  as  the  Ostrich  Fern,  is  common  in  most 
of  the  Northern  States.  The  species  are  also  to 
be  found  in  India  and  Japan.  Professor  Gray 
makes  S.  Pennsylvania,  Willd.,  and  Onocka 
Struthiopteris,  L.,  synonymous  with  S.  Germanica. 
Strychnos.  Nux  Vomica.  The  Greek  name  of 
the  Solanum.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Apocynacece. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  trees,  natives  of 
the  East  Indies.  S.  Nux-vomica  is  well  known, 
from  the  seeds  that  bear  that  name,  and  which 
contain  an  active  principle  called  Strychnia,  a 
virulent  poison.  This  species  is  a  tree  of  mod- 
erate size,  much  branched,  and  covered  with 
dark  gray,  smooth  bark.  The  flowers  are  small, 
bell-shaped,  and  nearly  white.  The  tree  has 
nothing  of  special  interest,  if  we  except  its 
power  for  evil.  The  seeds  of  -S.  potatorum  show 
a  marked  contrast  to  the  preceding.  They  are 
an  important  article  of  merchandise  in  the  In- 
dian bazaars,  being  sold  for  the  purpose  of 
clearing  muddy  water,  the  vessels  containing  the 
water  being  rubbed  for  a  minute  or  two  round 
the  inside  with  one  of  the  seeds;  after  which, 
by  allowing  the  water  to  settle  for  a  short  time, 
however  impure  and  muddy  it  may  have  been 
before,  it  becomes  clear  and  wholesome. 
Stuartia.  Named  after  John  Stuart,  Marquis  of 
Bute.  Linn.  Monaddphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
TernstromiacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  shrubs, 
with  axillary  white  flowers.  They  are  indige- 
nous in  Virginia  and  southward. 
Stylidium.  From  stylos,  a  column ;  the  stamens 
and  style  are  joined  into  a  column  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Diandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Stylidiacecv. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  and  herbaceous  plants 
from  New  Holland.  They  are  all  neat  little  green- 
house plants,  each  of  the  numerous  stems  pro- 
ducing a  copiously-filled  spike  of  small  rose- 
colored  flowers.  They  should  be  cut  down  an- 
nually after  flowering,  and  require  some  care  to 
preserve  them  free  from  mildew  through  the 
damp  weather  of  winter.  A  light,  airy  shelf  is 
the  best  preventive,  and  a  sprinkling  of  sulphur 
on  the  affected  parts  will  generally  remove  it. 
Propagated  by  cuttings  of  young  shoots.  In- 
troduced in  1824. 

Styphelia.  From  slyphelos,  hard ;  referring  to  the 
wood.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
EpacridacecK. 

A  genus  of  green-house  evergreen  shrubs, 
harsh,  erect,  and  low-growing.  They  have  usu- 
ally pink  or  scarlet  flowers,  axillary  and  droop- 
ing. <S.  tubiftora  and  a  few  other  of  the  species 
are  very  beautiful  plants,  their  showy  flowers 
completely  covering  the  stems,  and  remaining 
several  weeks  in  perfection.  They  should  be 
grown  and  propagated  like  the  Epacris. 
Styrax.  Storax.  From  the  Arabic.  Linn.  Decan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Styracece. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


sue 

A  genus  of  handsome  flowering,  hardy  decidu- 
ous shrubs  and  low-growing  trees,  well  adapted 
for  the  shrubbery  border.  Several  of  the  spe- 
cies are  common  on  the  margins  of  swamps  from 
Virginia  southward.  The  most  important  spe- 
cies is  8.  Benzoin,  a  native  of  Borneo  and  Su- 
matra. It  yields  the  resin  called  Benzoin,  which 
is  employed  medicinally,  and  also  in  the  manu- 
facture of  perfumes.  It  is  used  in  the  Bx>man 
Catholic  Churches  in  the  composition  of  in- 
cense. iS.  qfficinale,  a  native  of  the  Levant, 
yields  a  balsamic  resin  called  Storax.  Among 
some  of  the  species  of  recent  introduction  is  <S. 
Japonica,  known,  from  its  feathery  white  blos- 
soms, as  "Snow-flake  Flower."  It  is  a  shrub 
growing  about  four  feet  in  height,  and  is  hardy 
in  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  All  are  propagated 
freely  from  cuttings. 

Succory.     See  Cichorium. 

Sugar  Beet.     See  Beta. 

Sugar  Berry.  The  fruit  of  Celtis  occidentals, 
which  see. 

Sugar  Cane.     See  Saccharum  officinarum. 

Sumach.     See  Rhus. 

Summer  Savory.     See  Satureta  hortensis. 

Sundew.     See  JJrosera. 

Sundrops.     See  (Enotliem  fruticosa. 

Sunflower.     See  Hdianthus. 

Sun  Rose.     See  Hdianthemum. 

Sutherlandia.  Named  in  honor  of  James  Suther- 
lawl,  one  of  the  first  superintendents  of  the 
Royal  Botanical  Garden  at  Edinburgh,  and  au- 
thor of  a  botanical  catalogue.  Linn.  Diaddphia- 
Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

Very  showy  half-hardy  evergreen  shrubs,  pro- 
ducing freely  during  summer  axillary  clusters 
of  scarlet  flowers.  The  plants  are  too  large  for 
ordinary  green-house  culture,  and  do  not  repay 
the  cost  of  winter  protection  in  the  border. 
S.  microphylla  is  one  of  the  best.  Introduced 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1800. 

S  wainsonia.  In  honor  of  Isaac  Suxtinson,  F.R.S., 
L.S.,  a  celebrated  cultivator  of  plants  about  the 
end  of  the  last  century.  Linn.  Dladelplda-Decan- 
drifi.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacecv. 

This  genus  closely  resembles  the  preceding. 
It  is,  however,  better  adapted  for  pot  culture  in 
the  green-house,  in  which  case  the  young  wood 
should  be  frequently  cut  back  in  spring;  and 
after  flowering  the  stems  should  be  cut  down  to 
prevent  the  plants  from  becoming  straggling 
and  unsightly.  There  are  four  species  under 
cultivation,  having  purple,  red,  or  white  flowers, 
produced  singly  or  in  pairs  on  short  axillary  pe- 
duncles. S.  galegifolia  is  a  well-known  species. 
They  are  all  from  Australia.  Propagated  from 
cuttings  and  by  seeds.  Introduced  in  1826. 

Swamp  Honeysuckle.     See  Azalea  viscosa. 

Swamp  Moss.     See  Sphaynum. 

Swamp  Sassafras  or  Laurel.  See  Magnolia 
glanca. 

Sweet  Alyssum.     See  Koniga. 

Sweet  Basil.     See  Ocynwm. 

Sweet  Bay.  See  Lauras  nobilis  and  Magnolia 
(fauna, 

Sweet  Brier.     See  Rosa  rublginosa. 

Sweet  Cicely.     See  OsmorhiM, 

Sweet  Clover.     See   Meliloii.is  alba. 

Sweet  Fern.     See  Comptonia. 

Sweet  Flag.     See  Acorus. 

Sweet  Gale.     See  Myrica  gale. 

Sweet  Gum  Tree.     See  Liquidambar  styraciflna. 

Sweet  Leaf.  See  fym/JnC'is  tnidoria,  the  leaves  of 
which  are  sweet,  and  greedily  eaten  by  cattle. 

Sweet  Marjoram.     See  Origanum  majorana. 


SIM 

Sweet  Pea.     See  Lathyrus  odoratus. 

Sweet  Pepperbush.     See  Clethra. 

Sweet  Potato.     See  Potato. 

Sweet-scented.  Shrub.    See  Calycanthus  noridus. 

Sweet  Sultan.     See  Centaurea  moschala. 

Sweet  Vernal  Grass.    See  A,itko.cantham  odoratum. 

Sweet  William.     See  Diunihua  barbatus. 

Swertia.  Named  after  E.  Sucert,  a  famous  cultiva- 
tor of  bulbs  and  flowers  in  Holland.  Linn.  Pen- 
iandriu-Diyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  GentianacecK. 

A  genus  of  herbaceous  perennials,  mostly 
hardy.  They  are  natives  of  Europe,  Asia,  and 
Northern  India.  The  leaves  are  used  in  their 
native  countries  medicinally.  None  of  the  spe- 
cies are  valuable  as  flowering  plants. 

Swietenia.  Mahogany.  In  honor  of  Gerard  Van 
Swieten,  a  Dutch  botanist  and  author.  Linn.  De- 
candria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  CedrdacecK. 

"The  Mahogany  Tree,  -S.  mahagoni,  is  a  native 
of  the  West  Indies,  Central  America,  and  Mex- 
ico, and  is  one  of  the  most  majestic  of  trees;  for 
though  some  rise  to  a  greater  height,  this  tree, 
like  the  Oak  and  the  Cedar,  impresses  the  spec- 
tator with  the  strongest  feelings  of  its  firmness- 
and  duration.  In  the  rich  valleys  among  the 
mountains  of  Cuba,  and  those  that  open  upon 
the  Bay  of  Honduras,  the  Mahogany  expands  to 
so  huge  a  trunk,  divides  into  so  many  massive 
arms,  and  throws  the  shade  of  so  many  shiny 
green  leaves,  spotted  with  tufts  of  pearly  flow- 
ers, over  so  vast  an  extent  of  surface,  that  it  is 
difficult  to  imagine  a  vegetable  production  com- 
bining in  such  a  degree  the  qualities  of  elegance 
and  strength,  of  beauty  and  sublimity.  The 
Mahogany  tree  is  found  in  great  quantities  on 
the  low  and  woody  lands,  and  even  upon  the 
rocks  in  the  countries  upon  the  western  shores 
of  the  Caribbean  Sea,  about  Honduras  and  Cam- 
peachy.  It  is  also  abundant  in  the  islands  of 
Cuba  and  Hayti,  and  it  used  to  be  plentiful  in 
Jamaica,  where  it  was  of  excellent  quality,  but 
most  of  the  larger  trees  have  been  cut  down.  It 
was  formerly  abundant  on  the  Bahamas,  where 
it  grew  to  a  great  height,  with  the  trunks  four 
feet  in  diameter.  When  it  grows  in  favorable 
situations  the  timber  is  larger  and  plain;  the 
better  portion,  such  as  is  used  for  veneers, 
comes  from  the  junction  of  the  branches  with 
the  body,  or  crotches,  as  they  are  commonly 
termed.  The  trees  that  grow  in  rocky  and  ex- 
posed situations  do  not  grow  as  large,  but  the 
timber  is  more  solid,  has  a  greater  variety  and 
shade  of  grain,  is  much  stronger,  and  in  all 
ways  preferable  for  cabinet  work."  The  Bay- 
wood  and  Spanish  Cedar  of  commerce  are  of  the 
same  species,  but  are  of  larger  growth,  and  the 
wood  is  very  coarse  and  soft.  It  is  used  princi- 
pally in  making  segar  boxes  or  similar  work. 

Swiss  Chard.     See  Seta. 

Sycamore.     See  Plattmus  occidentalis. 

Symphoricarpus.  Snowberry.  From  symphareo, 
to  accumulate,  and  karpos,  a  fruit ;  in  allusion 
to  its  clustered  bunches  of  fruit.  Linn.  Pentan- 
ilrin-MoiiO'ii/iii'i.  Nat.  Ord.  Caprifoliucece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  shrubs,  common 
in  most  of  the  States.  Some  of  them  are  quite 
ornamental,  and  are  cultivated  in  the  shrubbery 
border.  They  grow  so  freely,  and  sucker  so- 
much,  that  it  is  difficult  to  keep  them  under 
subjection.  >'.  ;•'«•••,, /<>.•.-(«,  the  Snowberry,  has 
pinkish  flowers,  disposed  in  loose  racemes,  which 
are  succeeded  by  large  white  berries,  which  are 
very  ornamental,  and  remain  on  the  bush  un- 
til nearly  winter,  making  it  conspicuous  in  the 
border.  The  variegated  variety  is  a  fine  plant. 


224 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SYM 

Symphytum.  Comfrey.  From  symphyo,  to  make 
unite,  and  phyton,  a  plant  ;  in  reference  to  the 
healing  qualities  of  the  plant.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Boraginacece.  . 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing,  weedy  plants,  for- 
merly esteemed  for  their  medicinal  properties, 
and  of  the  first  importance  in  a  collection  of 
herbs.  They  have  become  naturalized  in  this 
country  from  Europe,  and  are  common  around 
old  gardens  and  in  moist  places.  S.  asperrimum 
was  introduced  into  this  country  for  use  as  a 
forage  plant  in  1875,  but  does  not  as  yet  seem 
to  be  much  valued.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  by 
roots. 

Symplocarpus.  Skunk  Cabbage.  From  symploke, 
connection,  and  karpos,  fruit;  descriptive  of  the 
plant.  Linn.  Tetrandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
OronliacccK. 

A  worthless,  coarse-growing  weed,  common  in 
swamps  and  wet  meadows  from  Virginia  to 
Maine.  S.fcetidus,  the  only  known  species,  is  the 
common  Skunk  Cabbage,  and  is  readily  known 
by  its  skunk-like  odor  when  the  leaves  are 
bruised. 

Synadenium.  A  genus  of  Euphorbiacece,  closely 
allied  to  Euphorbia,  and  of  which  there  are  but 
three  species  known.  S.  Grantii,  an  African 
species,  introduced  in  1867,  is  cultivated  for  its 
bright  crimson  flowers,  which  are  showy  and 
attractive. 

Syngonium.  From  syn,  together,  and  gonu,  an 
angle.  Linn.  Moncecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Aracece. 

&  auritum,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  na- 
tive of  South  America,  and  has  been  a  long 
time  under  cultivation  as  Caladium  auritum. 

Syringa.  The  Lilac.  From  syrinx,  a  pipe;  the 
branches  are  long  and  straight,  and  filled  with 
medulla;  hence  the  old  name  of  the  Lilac,  Pipe 
Tree.  The  English  name  of  the  genus  is  from 


TAG 

lilac  or  lUag,  the  Persian  word  for  the  flower. 
Linn.  Diandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Oleacece. 

A  genus  of  well-known  deciduous  shrubs, 
with  purplish  or  white  flowers,  natives  of  South- 
eastern Europe,  Persia,  Northern  India,  and 
China.  All  the  species  are  perfectly  hardy,  and 
are  easily  grown.  S.  vulg&ris,  the  common  L/ilac, 
with  purple  or  white  flowers,  is  of  doubtful  ori- 
gin, though  generally  credited  to  Persia.  It 
has  been  under  cultivation  for  more  than  three 
hundred  years,  and  from  the  species  several  va- 
rieties have  been  obtained,  but  without  any 
marked  peculiarities.  IS.  Chinensis  is  an  allied 
species,  differing  only  in  size.  It  does  not  grow 
as  high,  has  narrower  leaves,  and  the  inflores- 
cence is  more  profuse,  and  of  a  reddish- violet 
hue.  S.  Persica,  Persian  Lilac,  is  a  very  distinct 
species,  of  much  smaller  size,  rarely  growing 
more  than  six  feet  high;  the  branches  are  slender 
and  straight,  the  leaves  are  smaller  and  nar- 
rowed at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  produced  in 
looser  panicles,  and  the  florets  are  smaller,  giv- 
ing the  whole  plant  a  more  graceful  appearance. 
The  white  Persian  Lilac  is  now  forced  for  winter 
flowers,  which  are  highly  prized  for  baskets  and 
bouquets.  A  great  variety  of  well-marked  seed- 
lings has  recently  been  raised  by  a  Canadian 
nurseryman,  some  of  which  promise  well.  All 
the  species  are  rapidly  increased  from  layers,  or 
from  suckers,  the  only  trouble  being,  that  they 
increase  so  fast  as  to  be  troublesome.  That  the 
Lilac  has  been  cultivated  for  centuries  there  is 
plenty  of  evidence.  We  have  personally  gathered 
specimens  growing  with  Parsley  (Apiumpetroseli- 
nurri)  in  the  debris  of  castles  in  Great  Britain  that 
had  been  in  ruins  for  over  three  hundred  years, 
showing  that  the  warlike  barons,  or  their  wives, 
had  some  taste  for  the  ornamental  as  well  as 
the  useful,  even  in  those  early  days. 
Syringa.  See  Philadelphus. 


T. 


rpabernsemontana.    Named  in  honor  of  James 
Ji      Theodore  Taberncemontanus,  a  celebrated  phy- 
sician and  botanist.    Linn.  Pentandria~Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacecv. 

This  genus  is  composed  of  very  handsome 
hot-house  shrubs,  with  deep  green  foliage  and 
large  white  or  yellow  flowers  possessing  an 
agreeable  fragrance.  After  blooming  they  should 
receive  a  moderate  pruning  to  keep  them  bushy 
and  increase  the  number  of  flower  heads.  The 
large,  leathery  leaves  of  this  and  other  similar 
genera  are  inducements,  in  the  way  of  shelter, 
to  many  troublesome  insects,  such  as  thrips, 
scale,  and  mealy  bug ;  to  eradicate  these,  and 
keep  the  plants  healthy, they  should  be  frequently 
•washed,  each  leaf  separately,  with  a  sponge  and 
soap  and  water,  or  the  latter  alone,  and  at  inter- 
vals receive  a  sprinkling  with  a  syringe  to  clean 
them  of  dust,  which  in  itself  is  prejudicial  to  all 
plants,  and  gives  encouragement  to  the  insects 
by  causing  a  languid  action  in  the  leaves  The 
several  species  are  mostly  natives  of  the  East 
Indies,  but  a  few  are  distributed  throughout 
the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  Propa- 
gated by  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1770. 
Tackamahack,  Balsam  Poplar.  See  Populus 
balsamijera. 


Tacca.  The  Malay  name  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Hexandria-Mbnogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Tuccacece. 

A  genus  of  East  Indian  plants,  grown  by  the 
natives  for  their  bulbs,  which  resemble  new 
Potatoes,  and  contain  a  large  amount  of  starch. 
The  various  species  grow  in  the  open  country. 
T.  pinnatifida  is  generally  found  in  sandy  places 
near  the  sea.  The  leaf-stalks  of  this  spe'cies  are 
plaited  into  bonnets  by  the  natives  of  the  Socie- 
ty Islands,  but  the  principal  use  made  of  all  the 
species  is  that  of  their  tubers,  which,  resembling 
new  Potatoes,  contain  a  great  deal  of  starch, 
known  as  South  Sea  Arrowroot,  and  far  prefera- 
ble to  any  other  Arrowroot  in  cases  of  dysen- 
tery. The  tubers  are  dug  up  after  the  leaves 
have  died  away,  and  are  rasped  and  macerated 
four  or  five  days  in  water,  when  the  fecula  sep- 
arates in  the  same  manner  as  Sago  does.  It  is 
largely  employed  as  an  article  of  diet  through- 
out the  tropics,  and  is  a  favorite  ingredient  for 
puddings  and  cakes  in  the  South  Seas.  The 
species  are  rarely  seen  in  plant  collections. 

Tacsonia.  From  Tacso,  the  name  of  one  of  the 
species  in  Peru.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Pentandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Passiftoracea;. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  climbing  plants, 
closely  related  to  Passiftora,  having  the  same 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TAG 

general  appearance,  and  the  same  structure  of 
stamens,  pistils,  and  fruit,  but  differing  in  the 
usually  long,  cylindrical  tube  of  the  calyx, 
which  is  furnished  with  two  crowns,  one  at  the 
throat,  and  the  other  near  its  base.  In  T.  mani- 
cata,  however,  a  very  handsome  species,  the 
tube  scarcely  exceeds  in  length  that  of  a  Passion 
Flower.  The  species  are  natives  of  Central 
America  and  the  West  Indies.  The  fruits  of 
several  of  them,  as  T.  mollissima,  T.  Iripartila,  and 
T.  speciosa,  are  edible.  T."  Buchanuni  is  now 
Passiflora  racemosa,  and  is  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful plants  of  the  order.  (See  Passiflora.)  It 
was  raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  Isaac  Buchanan  of 
New  York.  The  Tacsonias  are  all  beautiful 
plants,  and  worthy  of  a  place  in  any  collection. 
They  require  the  same  general  treatment  as 
Passiflora,  and  are  propagated  in  the  same  way. 
Introduced  in  1815. 

Tagetes.  Marigold.  From  the  beauty  of  its 
flowers,  this  genus  was  named  after  Tages,  a 
Tuscan  divinity.  Linn.  Syngenesia-Superftua. 
Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

Marigolds  are  old  favorites  in  our  gardens, 
particularly  those  known  as  African  and  French 
Marigolds.  The  former  (T.  ereclft)  have  uni- 
formly large  yellow  or  orange-colored  flowers, 
and  usually  attain  a  couple  of  feet  in  height; 
the  latter  (  T.  patula)  are  more  dwarf,  and  have 
their  flowers  striped  of  a  deep  brown  purple  and 
yellow.  They  are  all  showy,  especially  in  mass- 
es, and  are  effective  for  distant  groups.  There 
is,  however,  another  species,  T.  tenuifolia  or  T. 
signaki,  preferable  for  bedding;  it  ia  more  com- 
pact in  habit;  and  though  its  flowers  do  not 
boast  the  vivid  coloring  of  the  French  Marigolds, 
(being  entirely  yellow,)  yet  they  are  produced 
in  such  long  succession  as  to  amply  compen- 
sate for  the  deficiency;  besides  which,  the  scent 
so  frequently  complained  of  in  the  others  is  in 
this  so  much  reduced  as  to  be  no  longer  un- 
pleasant. The  pheasant-eyed  variety  of  T. 
daucioides  is  also  occasionally  grown  in  gardens, 
and  is  very  showy.  These  comprise  all  that 
are  worth  cultivating  as  ornamental  plants,  and 
require  precisely  the  same  treatment  as  other 
hardy  annuals. 

Talinum.  Supposed  to  be  from  thalia,  a  green 
branch ;  referring  to  its  durable  verdure.  Linn. 
Dodecandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Portulacacece. 
A  genus  of  annual  and  biennial  succulent 
plants,  inhabiting  the  warmer  parts  of  both 
hemispheres,  but  chiefly  confined  to  sub-tropi- 
cal America.  T.  patens,  with  its  variety  with 
variegated  foliage,  a  native  of  Brazil,  is  a  desir- 
able plant  for  the  border,  or  as  a  basket  or  vase 
plant,  being  well  adapted  to  stand  hot,  dry 
weather,  and  does  not  suffer  badly  if  neglected. 
The  variegated  variety  is  often  used  as  a  white 
line  for  ril/bon  borders.  This  species  is  used  in 
Brazil  as  a  pot-herb.  They  are  readily  propa- 
gated by  seeds  or  cuttings.  Introduced  in  1776. 

Tallow  Tree.     See  Xtillingia. 

Tamarack.  American  or  Black  Larch,  Hack- 
matack. See  Larix  Americana. 

Tamarind.     See  Tamarindus. 

Tamarindus.  Tamarind  Tree.  Tamar,  in  Arabic, 
is  the  name  of  the  Date,  and  Indus,  Indian,  In- 
dian Date.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  PapilionacecK. 

The  tree  that  furnishes  the  Tamarinds  for  pre- 
serves is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  West 
Indies,  Egypt,  and  Arabia.  It  is  a  large,  spread- 
ing, and  beautiful  tree,  and  its  graceful  pinnat- 
ed foliage,  and  racemes  of  fragrant  flowers, 


TAB 

which  are  yellow  striped  with  red,  with  purple 
stamens,  give  it  an  elegant  appearance.  T.  In- 
dica  is  the  only  known  species,  and  this  varies 
but  little  in  the  different  countries  in  which  it 
abounds.  Propagated  from  cuttings  and  by 
seeds.  Introduced  in  1633. 

Tamarisk.     See  Tamarix. 

Tamarix.  Tamarisk.  From  Tamaris,  now  Tam- 
bro,  the  name  of  a  river  where  it  grows,  on  the 
borders  of  the  Pyrenees.  Linn.  Pentaiidria-Tri- 
rjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Tamaricacecn. 

Tall-growing  shrubs,  mostly  natives  of  Eu- 
rope. A  great  many  species  are  enumerated,  but 
two  only  are  usually  met  in  collections  of  orna- 
mental shrubs.  These  are  T.  Gallica,  the  French 
Tamarisk,  and  T.  Gennanica,  the  German 
Tamarisk.  The  French  Tamarisk  is  far  the 
handsomest,  and  will  thrive  in  almost  any  soil 
or  situation ;  in  bleak  exposed  places  on  the  sea- 
shore, in  the  poorest  sandy  soils,  it  never  fails 
to  succeed,  and  produce  its  long,  terminal, 
graceful  spikes  of  pinkish  flowers.  It  will  do 
equally  well  in  city  yards,  that  are  exposed  to 
sun,  soot,  and  smoke.  It  is,  in  short,  one  of 
our  most  valuable  ornamental  shrubs.  The 
Manna  of  Mount  Sinai  is  produced  by  a  variety 
of  T.  Gallica;  it  consists  wholly  of  pure,  mucilag- 
inous sugar.  T.  Africana  is  quite  commonly 
grown.  The  plants  are  increased  by  cuttings 
taken  off  in  the  fall  and  put  out  in  nursery  rows. 

Tampico  Fiber.     See  Leopoldinia. 

Tanacetum.  Tansy.  Derivation  of  name  un- 
known. Said  to  be  altered  from  Athanasia. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-Superftua.  Nat.  Ord.  AsteracecK. 
All  the  species  that  compose  this  genus  are 
hardy  herbaceous  plants,  or  what  might  properly 
be  called  weeds.  T.  vulgare  is  the  common 
Tansy  of  the  old  gardens  and  roadsides.  It 
was  formerly  introduced  as  a  garden  plant,  and 
took  a  prominent  position  among  domestic 
medicines,  but  is  now  pretty  generally  discard- 
ed. It  has  escaped  from  the  gardens,  and  has 
long  been  naturalized  in  the  United  States.  It 
is  a  native  of  Europe. 

Tansy.     See  Tanacetum. 

Tape  Grass.     See  VaUisneria. 

Tapioca.     See  Jatropha. 

Taraxicum.  Dandelion.  Name  supposed  to  be 
from  the  Greek  taraxo,  to  disquiet  or  disorder; 
in  allusion  to  the  medicinal  effects  of  the  plant. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-^Efjualis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteraceai. 

The  common  Dandelion,  T.  Dens-leonis,  is  a 
native  of  Europe,  but  has  become  so  thoroughly 
naturalized  as  to  be  a  very  troublesome  weed. 
The  roots  have  powerful  medicinal  properties, 
and  are  held  in  high  esteem  by  the  Eclectic 
practitioners.  .The  leaves  are  used  as  a  pot-herb, 
for  which  purpose  the  plants  are  grown  in  frames 
by  the  market  gardeners  of  nearly  all  large 
cities.  It  is  also  used  as  an  early  spring 
"greens,"  and  is  cultivated  for  this  purpose  in 
both  private  and  market  gardens.  This  was  one 
of  the  plants  selected  by  Linnaeus  for  his  floral 
clock,  as  the  flowers  open  and  close  at  a  regular 
hour,  morning  and  evening.  Propagated  by 


Tare.     See  Vicea  sativa. 

Tarragon.  (Artemisia  Dracunculus.)  This,  like 
many  garden  plants  that  have  been  under  culti- 
vation for  at  least  400  years,  is  of  unknown  origin. 
Opinions  are  divided  as  to  whether  it  is  a  na- 
tive of  Siberia  or  the  south  of  Europe.  It  is  a 
hardy  herbaceous  perennial,  cultivated  for  its 
leaves  and  young  shoots,  both  of  which  are  used 
as  an  ingredient  in  salads,  soups,  stews,  pickles, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TAR 

and  various  other  compounds.  Tarragon  vin- 
egar, so  much  esteemed  as  a  fish-sauce,  is 
made  by  an  infusion  of  the  leaves  in  common 
vinegar.  It  is  propagated  from  seeds,  or  from 
pieces  of  the  root,  every  portion  of  which,  how- 
ever small,  will  grow  if  a  single  bud  is  left  on. 

Tartarian  Lamb.    See  Cibotium. 

Taxodium.  Bald  Cypress,  Deciduous  Cypress. 
From  taxus,  the  Yew,  and  o'ules,  like ;  trees  re- 
sembling the  Yew.  Linn.  Monoecia-Odandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Pinacece. 

T.  distichum,  the  deciduous  Cypress,  abounds 
in  the  Southern  States,  growing  as  far  north  as 
Delaware  and  Southern  Illinois.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  trees  for  timber,  and  is  consider- 
ably grown  as  an  ornamental  tree  for  the  lawn. 
It  is  perfectly  hardy  as  far  north  as  New  York. 
Beautiful  specimens  are  often  seen  on  lawns, 
where  their  feathery  foliage  renders  them  at- 
tractive objects. 

Taxus.  Yew.  From  taxon,  a  bow ;  the  wood  an- 
ciently used  for  bows;  or  from  taxis,  arrange- 
ment, the  leaves  being  arranged  on  the  branches 
like  the  teeth  of  a  comb.  Yew  is  supposed  to 
be  from  the  Celtic  word  iw,  signifying  verdure ; 
alluding  to  the  Yew  being  an  evergreen.  Linn. 
D'uecia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Taxacece. 

A  genus  of  well-known  evergreen  trees,  popu- 
larly known  as  the  Irish  Yew.  They  are  com- 
pact in  habit,  their  branches  being  densely 
crowded  with  leaves;  they  are  also  upright,  the 
branches  all  perpendicular,  giving  the  tree  a 
small  circumference  for  its  height.  On  this  ac- 
count, it  is  a  favorite  tree  for  cemeteries  and 
church-yards.  There  is  a  native  species,  T.  bac- 
cata,  var.  Canadensis,  commonly  known  as 
Ground  Hemlock  or  American  Yew,  common  in 
the  more  Northern  States,  on  moist  banks  and 
hills.  It  rarely  grows  more  than  tour  feet  high, 
and  is  branching  and  straggling  in  habit.  T.  bac- 
cata,  the  Common  Yew  of  England,  is  the  spe- 
cies from  which  the  ancient  English  bows  were 
made.  Loudon  says:  "  In  the  days  of  archery 
the  Yew  was  the  principal  wood  used  for  the 
bow  in  Britain,  and  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VTTT. 
of  England,  the  demand  was  so  great  that  it  had 
to  be  imported  from  the  Continent  of  Europe 

•  into  England,  and  various  laws  were  passed 
concerning  it  from  the  days  of  Edward  IV.  to 
Elizabeth/' 

Tea.    See  Thea. 

Tea- Berry.  A  local  name  sometimes  given  to  the 
NYmtergreen,  Gaultheria,  procumbens,  which  see 

Teak  Tree.     See  Teciona. 

Tear  Thumb.  A  name  commonly  applied  to 
several  species  of  Polygonum,  on  account  of  their 
rough  bearded  stems,  which  lacerate  when 
handled. 

Teasel.    See  Dipsacus. 

Tecoma.  From  TecomaxochUl,  the  Mexican  name 
of  tho  species.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Bignoniacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  and  green-house 
evergreen  climbing  shrubs,  consisting  of  up- 
ward of  fifty  species.  They  are  mostly  South 
American  plants.  T.  radioing,  or  Trumpet 
Creeper,  m  general  cultivation,  is  a  native  spe- 
cies common  from  Pennsylvania  to  Illinois  and 
southward  It  is  well  adapted  for  covering 
walls  or  arbors  IE  the  open  border,  being  per- 
fectly hardy  and  a  rapid  grower;  the  flowers 
are  large,  tubular,  and  a  brilliant  orange  T 
arancliflora  is  nearly  allied  to  T.  radians',  but 
has  larger  flowers,  of  a  deeper  shade  of  orange 
These  two  species  are  commonly  known  among  us 


TEP 

as  Bignonias.  Some  of  the  green-house  species 
are  objects  of  great  beauty,  but  as  they  flower 
in  summer,  they  are  not  as  generally  grown  as 
they  should  be.  All  the  species  are  propagated 
from  cuttings  of  the  root  or  suckers. 

Tectona.  Teak  Tree.  From  Tekka,  its  Malabar 
name.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Verbenucece. 

This  is  a  celebrated  timber  tree  of  the  East 
Indies,  used  for  ship-building  in  preference  to 
all  other  woods,  -because  of  its  strength,  great 
durability,  the  ease  with  which  it  can  be  worked, 
and  its  non-liability  to  be  injured  by  the  attacks 
of  Fungi.  Some  of  the  species  have  been  intro- 
duced into  the  green-house.  They  are  very 
handsome  trees,  with  purple  or  white  flowers. 
Their  size  prevents  their  general  introduction. 

Telfairia.  Named  in  honor  of  Mrs.  Tel/air.  Linn. 
Diwcia-Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord.  Cucurbitacece. 

T.  pedfita,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  tall 
climbing  plant,  a  native  of  Zanzibar,  introduced 
in  1825,  but  rarely  grown,  the  room  and  care  re- 
quired in  the  green-house  being  considered  too 
valuable  for  a  plant  only  remarkable  for  its  curi- 
ous fruit,  which  often  grows  three  feet  long, 
and  six  to  eight  inches  in  diameter,  containing 
upward  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  circular  seeds, 
about  an  inch  in  diameter.  These  seeds  yield 
an  excellent  oil,  and  they  are,  moreover,  as  palat- 
able as  almonds.  See  Joliffia. 

Telopea.  Warratah.  From  telopas,  seen  at  a  dis- 
tance; alluding  to  the  great  distance  at  which 
its  crimson-colored  flowers  may  be  seen  in  its 
native  country.  Linn.  Telrandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Proteacecv. 

The  brilliant  scarlet  flowers  of  this  plant, 
which  are  conspicuous  even  at  a  great  distance, 
are  said  to  have  been  one  cause  why  the  coast  of 
New  South  Wales  was  distinguished  by  its  first 
visitors  as  Botany  Bay  in  allusion  to  the  great 
accession  to  botany  likely  to  be  denved  from  a 
country  where  the  plants  appeared  so  different 
from  those  of  Europe.  The  flower  of  the  War- 
ratah may  be  compared  to  a  gigantic  head  of 
clover  of  the  most  intense  and  brilliant  scarlet, 
but  it  is  not  common,  probably  because  it  is  a 
very  difficult  plant  to  man  ige.  The  first  point 
to  be  attended  to  is  to  have  the  pot  in  which  it 
is  grown  thoroughly  well  drained,  and  the  next, 
to  allow  it  abundance  of  light  and  air.  It  is 
propagated  by  cuttings  or  suckers,  which  it 
throws  up  in  abundance.  It  should  be  regular- 
ly watered  in  the  flowering  season,  but  it  may 
be  kept  almost  dry  during  the  winter  months. 

Teosinte.  Euchlceana  luxurians.  The  seeds  of  this 
were  received  here  in  1879  from  the  Royal  Gar- 
dens at  Kew,  England.  It  had  been  previous- 
ly sent  to  the  British  colonies  in  Africa  and 
other  tropical  latitudes,  where  the  reports 
from  it  as  a  fodder  crop  were  of  the  most 
extravagant  kind.  When  fully  developed,  it 
reaches  a  height  of  twelve  feet,  each  seed 
making  a  plant  having  from  one  hundred  to 
one  hundred  and  twenty  shoots,  when  planted 
five  or  six  feet  apart.  It  somewhat  resembles 
the  Pearl  Millet,  and,  like  it,  will  admit  of  re- 
peated cuttings  during  the  growing  season. 
Although  perennial,  it  will  probably  do  better 
if  treated  as  an  animal,  sowings  to  be  made 
every  season,  as  any  plant  of  that  luxuriance 
would  quickly  exhaust  the  soil  if  allowed  to  re- 
main the  second  year.  As  it  is  closely  allied 
to  our  Maize,  or  Indian  Corn,  it  will  likely  be 
best  suited  for  the  Southern  States. 

Tephrosia.     Hoary  Pea,  Goat's  Rue.     From  te- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TER 

phros,  ash-colored:  in  allusion  to  the  color  of  the 
foliage  of  some  of  the  species.  Linn.  Diadelphia- 
Dodecandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  and  green-house 
herbaceous  plants.  Of  the  hardy  species,  T.  Vvr- 
giniana  is  the  more  common  and  beautiful.  It 
is  usually  found  in  clumps  from  one  to  six  feet 
in  diameter,  growing  on  dry,  sandy  soils,  in 
which  it  succeeds  finely,  and  is  a  valuable  bor- 
der plant.  Its  flower  stalks  are  about  a  foot 
high,  and  flowers  creamy  white  and  rosy  pur- 
ple, produced  in  terminal  clusters  in  July.  It 
is  very  common  in  the  Northern  States,  and 
is  far  more  showy  and  attractive  than  many  of 
our  prominent  garden  flowers.  The  tender  va- 
rieties, requiring  the  protection  of  the  green- 
house, are  difficult  to  manage,  and  do  not  repay 
the  trouble  by  their  short  season  of  flowers. 

Terminalia.  From  terminus,  end ;  the  leaves  are 
in  clusters  at  the  ends  of  the  branches.  Linn. 
Polytjamia-Moncecia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gombretacecti. 

An  extensive  genus  of  tropical  evergreens, 
found  occasionally  in  botanical  collections.  The 
fmits  of  several  of  the  species  form  an  import- 
ant article  of  commerce  in  India,  being  exten- 
sively used  for  tanning  and  dyeing  purposes. 
They  are  known  in  commerce  under  the  name 
of  Myrobalans,  and  are  used  by  calico-printers 
for  the  production  of  a  permanent  black. 

Testudinaria.  Elephant's  Foot.  From  testudo,  a 
tortoise;  resemblance  of  the  outside  roots.  Linn. 
Diaecia-IIexandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Dioscoreacece. 

A  very  singular  genus  of  plants,  with  enor- 
mous scaly  roots  above  ground,  some  of  the  spe- 
cies resembling  an  elephant's  foot,  whence  the 
common  name.  From  these  roots  rise  slender 
climbing  stems  to  the  height  of  thirty  or  forty 
feet,  with  small  heart-shaped  leaves,  and  axil- 
lary racemes  of  inconspicuous,  greenish-yellow 
flowers.  The  plants  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  and  are  rarely  met  in  collections. 

Tetragonia.  New  Zealand  Spinach.  From  letra, 
four,  and  gonia,  an  angle;  in  allusion  to  the 
fruit  being  four  angled.  Linn.  Icosandna-Di- 
penlagynia.  Nat.  Ord  Tetragoniacece. 

Plants  not  worth  cultivating,  except  T.  ex- 
pansa,  which  is  used  as  a  Spinach.  See  New 
Zealand  Spinach. 

Teucrium.  Germander,  Wood  Sage.  Named 
after  Teucer,  a  Trojan  prince,  who  first  used  it 
medicinally.  Linn.  Didynamut  -  Gymnospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacece. 

Hardy,  half-hardy,  and  tender  perennial,  bi- 
ennial, annual,  and  shrubby  plants,  the  smaller 
kinds  of  which  are  suitable  for  rock-work. 
Some  of  the  kinds  are  showy  border  flowers, 
and  others  handsome  green-house  shrubs,  par- 
ticularly those  that  are  natives  of  Madeira.  "  T. 
Betonicum  is  perhaps  one  of  the  best  of  thece, 
as  it  has  loose  spikes  of  fragrant  crimson  Covers. 
T.  Qtnadense,  American  Germander,  is  common 
in  low  grounds,  along  fence-rows  or  waste 
places.  It  is  a  species  that  will  become  trouble- 
some if  not  exterminated.  It  is  not  worthy  a 
place  in  the  garden. 

Thalia.  Named  in  honor  of  J.  Thaliits,  a  German 
physician.  Linn.  Monandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Marantacece. 

A  small  genus  of  aquatic  plants,  natives  of 
South  Carolina  and  the  West  Indies.  T.  deal- 
bata  is  an  aquatic  plant,  a  native  of  South  Caro- 
lina, with  very  curious  black  and  white  fragrant 
flowers.  It  is  about  as  hardy  as  Richardia  jElhio- 
pica,  and  requires  the  same  treatment. 

Thalictrum.    Meadow  Rue.    From  thaUo,  to  grow 


THE 


green;  in   allusion  to  the_color  of  the  young 

nculacew. 


shoots.     Linn.  Pdyandria-Polygyma.     Nat. 


A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  common 
throughout  the  United  States  and  Europe.  None 
of  our  native  species  have  been  much  intro- 
duced into  the  flower  garden,  although  many  of 
them  are  worthy  of  a  place  there.  T.  alpinum 
is  a  dwarf  species  with  white  or  yellow  flowers, 
and  makes  a  pretty  plant  for  rock-work.  There 
are  several  of  the  species  that  are  grown  for  the 
same  purpose.  T.  aquilegifolium,  &  native  of  Aus- 
tria, is  a  very  pretty  border  plant,  with  light  pur- 
ple flowers.  It  is  propagated  by  division  or  from 
seeds. 

Thatch  Palm.    See  Sabal  Blackburniana. 

Thea.  Tea.  From  Tcha,  the  Chinese  name  for 
Tea.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Polyandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
Ternstromiacece. 

Thea  and  Camellia  belong  to  the  same  natural 
order,  and  there  is  so  little  difference  between 
the  two,  botanically,  that  they  were  formerly 
classed  as  one.  Besides  the  well-known  Tea 
plant,  there  are  but  five  species,  all  natives  of 
India,  China,  and  Japan.  They  are  all  ever- 
greens, either  shrubs  or  small  trees,  with  thick, 
shining  leaves,  and  white  or  rose-colored  flow- 
ers. We  are  indebted  to  the  Treasury  of  Botany 
for  the  following  concise  history  of  this  plant: 
"  The  native  country  of  the  Tea  plant,  like  that 
of  many  others  which  have  long  been  cultivated 
by  man,  is  uncertain.  Hitherto  the  only  coun- 
try in  which  it  has  been  found  in  a  really  wild 
state  is  Upper  Assam ;  but  China,  where  it  has 
for  so  many  centuries  been  most  extensively 

"  cultivated,  has  not  yet  received  so  thorough  an 
exploration  by  botanical  travelers  as  to  warrant 
the  assertion  that  it  is  not  indigenous  to  any 
part  of  that  vast  empire.  A  Japanese  tradition, 
however,  which  ascribes  its  introduction  into 
China  to  an  Indian  Buddhist  priest  who  visited 
that  country  in  the  sixth  century,  favors  the 
supposition  of  its  Indian  origin.  It  was  at  one 
time  commonly  supposed  that  the  two  well- 
marked  sorts  of  Tea,  Black  and  Green,  were  the 
produce  of  distinct  species;  but  Mr.  Fortune 
has  proved  that  the  Chinese  manufacture  the 
different  kinds  indiscriminately  from  the  same 
plant;  and  botanists  are  now  pretty  generally 
agreed  that  the  two  supposed  Chinese  species, 
called  T.  Bohea  and  T.  viridis,  are  nothing  more 
than  varieties  of  one  and  the  same  species,  for 
which  the  Linnaean  name,  T.  Chinensis,  is  adopt- 
ed, and  of  which  the  Assam  Tea  plant  (some- 
times called  T.  Assamica)  is  merely  a  third  va- 
riety, or  perhaps,  indeed,  the  wild  type.  Though 
the  produce  of  the  same  variety  of  the  Tea 
plant,  the  Black  and  Green  Teas  prepared  for 
exportation  are  mainly  the  growth  of  different 
districts  of  China,  the  Black  Tea  district  being 
situated  in  the  provinces  of  Fokien  and  Kiangsi, 
and  the  Green  in  Chekiang  and  Nganwhi ;  but 
the  two  kinds  may  be  produced  in  either  dis- 
trict, the  difference  being  caused  solely  by  the 
diverse  methods  of  preparation.  For  the  manu- 
facture of  Black  Tea,  the  freshly-gathered  leaves, 
freed  from  extraneous  moisture  by  a  short  ex- 
posure in  the  open  air,  are  thrown,  in  small 
quantities  at  a  time,  into  round,  flat  iron  pans, 
and  exposed  to  gentle  tire-heat  for  about  five 
minutes,  which  renders  them  soft  and  pliant, 
and  causes  them  to  give  off  a  large  quantity  of 
moisture.  After  this  they  are  emptied  out  into 
bamboo  sieves,  and  while  still  hot,  repeatedly 
squeezed  and  rolled  in  the  hands  to  give  them 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


THE 

their  twist  or  curl.  They  are  next  shaken  out 
into  large  screens,  and  placed  in  the  open  air  m 
the  shade  for  two  or  three  days;  and  finally  ex- 
posed in  iron  pans  to  a  slow  and  steady  fire-heat 
until  completely  dried,  care  being  taken  to 
keep  them  in  constant  motion  to  prevent  burn- 
ing. The  chief  difference  in  the  manufacture 
of  genuine  Green  Tea  consists  in  the  leaves  be- 
ing so  long  exposed  to  the  air  after  rolling  that 
fermentation  does  not  take  place,  and  in  not 
being  subjected  to  such  a  high  temperature  in 
the  final  drying;  but  the  greater  part,  if  not  the 
whole,  of  the  Green  Tea  consumed  in  Europe 
and  America  is  colored  artificially  by  the  Chi- 
nese to  suit  foreign  trade.  The  Chinese  distin- 
guish a  great  number  of  varieties  of  Tea,  some 
of  which  sell  for  $12.50  per  pound;  but  these 
fine  kinds  will  not  bear  a  sea-voyage,  and  are 
used  only  by  the  wealthier  classes  in  China  and 
Russia,  to  which  country  they  are  carried  over- 
land. In  ordinary  commerce  four  kinds  of 
Black  and  six  of  Green  Tea  are  recognized ;  but 
the  difference  Between  them  consists  chiefly  in 
size,  the  seven*!  kinds  being  obtained  by  sift- 
ing." The  Agricultural  Department  at  Wash- 
ington in  the  past  four  years  has  distributed 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  Tea  plants  in  differ- 
ent sections  of  the  Southern  States,  and  experi- 
ments a'j  this  date  of  writing  are  under  way  that 
may  yet  result  in  great  value  to  the  country. 

Thepbroma.  Chocolate  Tree.  Linnaeus  named 
this  tree  fromTheos,  a  god,  and  broma,  food;  poet- 
ically, food  for  the  gods.  Chocolate  ic  the  Mex- 
ican name  of  the  beverage  made  from  the 
pounded  seeds.  Linn.  Polyaddphia-Decandria. 
Nat.  Ord.  Sterculiacea}. 

T.  Cacao  is  the  important  species  of  this  genus, 
a  native  of  the  West  Indies  and  Central  and 
South  America.  It  is  a  u  Dutiful  tree,  growing 
from  twelve  to  sixteen  feet  high ;  the  leaves  are 
lanceolate,  oblong,  bright  green ;  the  flowers  are 
small,  reddish,  and  quite  inodorous.  The  fruit 
is  smooth,  of  a  yellow  or  red  tinge,  from  six  to 
ten  inches  in  length,  and  about  three  inches  in 
diameter;  the  rind  is  fleshy,  about  half  an  inch 
in  thickness;  within  the  flesh  is  a  white  sub- 
stance of  the  consistence  of  butter,  separating 
from  the  rind  when  ripe,  and  adhering  only  to 
it  by  filaments,  which  penetrate  it  and  reach  to 
the  seeds.  Hence  it  is  known  when  the  seeds 
are  ripe  by  the  rattling  of  the  capsule  when 
shaken.  The  pulp  has  a  sweet  and  not  unpleas- 
ant taste,  with  a  slight  acidity.  It  is  sucked  and 
eaten  raw  by  the  natives.  The  seeds  are  about 
seventy-five  in  number.  When  fresh  they  are 
of  a  flesh-color;  gathered  before  being  quite 
ripe,  they  make  a  delicious  preserve.  The  tree 
bears  leaves,  flowers,  and  fruit,  all  the  year 
through ;  but  the  principal  seasons  for  gather- 
ing tho  fruit  are  June  and  December.  When 
ripe,  the  fruit  turns  yellow  outside,  and  is  then 
gathered  by  hand,  and  afterward  split  open 
and  the  seeds  removed.  They  are  then  made 
to  undergo  a  slight  amount  of  fermentation,  or 
sweating,  lasting  from  one  to  two  days,  for  the 
purpose  of  developing  their  color,  and  are  after- 
ward exposed  to  the  sun  daily  for  about  two 
weeks,  or  until  they  are  thoroughly  dry,  when 
they  are  packed  for  exportation. 

Theophrasta.  Named  after  Theophrastus,  the 
father  of  natural  history.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Myrsinacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  shrubs,  with  un- 
branched  stems,  bearing  on  top  tufts  of  holly- 
like  leaves,  from  the  axils  of  some  of  which  the 


THU 

racemes  of  flowers  are  produced.  Several  of  the 
species  are  in  cultivation  in  the  green-house, 
and  are  highly  esteemed  for  their  beautiful  foli- 
age. One  of  the  species,  T.  Jussieui,  a  native  of 
San  Domingo,  yields  a  seed  from  which  the  na- 
tives make  a  kind  of  bread.  Young  plants  are 
obtained  from  seeds  or  from  cuttings.  Intro- 
duced in  1818. 

Thibaudia.  Named  in  honor  of  Thldbaut  de  Ber- 
neaud,  Secretary  of  the  Linnaean  Society  of  Paris, 
and  a  botanical  writer.  Linn.  Octandria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vaccinwcece. 

A  beautiful  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  in- 
habiting Peru  and  New  Grenada,  a  few  species 
being  also  found  in  the  East  Indies.  They  have 
thick,  leathery  leaves,  and  axillary  racemes  of 
very  handsome  tubular  flowers,  mostly  scarlet, 
sometimes  tipped  with  green  or  yellow.  But 
few  of  the  species  are  under  cultivation. 

Thimble-bci  ^y .     Sec  llubus  occidentalis. 

Thin  Grass,     See  Ayrostis  perennnis. 

Thistle.     Se3  drsium. 

Thorn.     See  Cratasgus. 

Thorn  Apple.     TJee  Datura. 

Thoroughwort.     See  Eupatorium  perfoliatum. 

Three-leaved  Ni<?  it-shade.     See  Trillium. 

Three-seeded  Mercury.     See  Acalypha. 

Three-thorned  Acacia,  or  Honey  Locust.  See 
Gkditschia. 

Thrinax.  From  thrinax,  a  fan;  the  shape  of  the 
leaves.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Palmacecv, 

A  genus  of  West  Indian  Palms,  commonly 
called,  in  Jamaica,  Thatch  Palms,  from  their 
leaves  being  used  for  thatching.  One  of  the 
species,  T.  argentea,  the  Silver  Thatch  Palm,  fur- 
nishes the  leaves,  which  are  cut  before  they  ex- 
pand, that  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of  Palm- 
leaf  hats,  or  chip  hats.  This  species  is  often 
met  in  the  green-house  in  a  collection  of  Palms. 
It  is  increased  by  seeds.  Introduced  in  1778. 

Thuja.  Arbor  Vitae.  From  thyon,  a  sacrifice-, 
the  resin  of  the  Eastern  variety  is  used  instead 
of  incense  at  sacrifices.  Linn.  Monoecia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Pinacece. 

This  well-known  genus  of  evergreens  includes 
some  of  the  most  beautiful  and  useful  evergreen 
shrubs  we  have  in  cultivation,  not  only  for  sin- 
gle plants  for  the  lawn,  but  for  hedges,  either 
high  or  low,  for  which  they  are  most  admirably 
adapted.  The  common  Arbor  Vitae,  T.  occidenta- 
lis, is  the  parent  of  most  of  the  varieties  grown 
for  ornamental  purposes.  It  is  common  from 
New  York  to  Maine,  in  moist  or  swampy  lands. 
In  some  localities  it  makes  a  tree  of  considerable 
size,  valuable  for  the  timber  it  yields,  known  as 
White  Cedar.  Of  this  species  there  is  a  beauti- 
ful sport,  of  globular  form,  with  golden  green 
foliage,  known  as  Parson's  Arbor  Vitae.  It  is  of 
slow  growth,  broad  and  compact,  and  suitable 
for  cemeteries,  or  any  situation  where  a  beauti- 
ful evergreen  is  wanted.  Hovey's  Arbor  Vitae  is 
a  seedling  from  the  common  Arbor  Vitse.  Its 
dwarf,  compact  habit  of  growth  makes  it  a  splen- 
did plant  for  growing  in  tubs  for  winter  decora- 
tion. There  are  other  varieties,  with  golden  fo- 
liage, which  are  very  beautiful.  The  Siberian 
Arbor  Vitae  is  one  o'f  the  best  for  hedges  or 
lawns.  It  is  perfectly  hardy,  has  a  deeper  color, 
is  more  compact,  and  in  most  respects  is  more 
desirable  than  the  common  sort.  Where,  when, 
or  how  this  species  or  variety  originated  is  un- 
known to  the  best  authority  we  have  on  ever- 
greens, Josiah  Hoopes,  who  claims  it  to  be  a  va- 
riety of  T.  occidentalis.  That  it  did  act  come  from 


HENDEUSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


THU 

Siberia,  as  its  name  would  indicate,  is  certain. 
There  are  several  species  from  the  Pacific  coast, 
and  from  China.  Biaia  orienlalis,  known  as  the 
Chinese  Arbor  Vitae,  is  peculiar  from  its  flattened 
branches.  Thirty  years  ago,  when  flat  bouquets 
were  in  fashion,  this  was  iised  almost  exclusively 
as  a  "  back  "  or  "  frame  "  for  the  flowers,  and  is 
yet,  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  used  for  that 
purpose.  There  are  a  number  of  seedling  vari- 
eties, differing  considerably  in  habit,  form,  and 
shades  of  color  of  foliage,  all  desirable,  and  well 
adapted  for  ornamental  purposes. 
Thunbergia.  Named  in  honor  of  Charles  P.  Thun- 
berg,  a  celebrated  botanist  and  traveler.  Linn. 
Didynamia-Angiospermia.  Nat.  Ord.  Acanthacece. 
A  genus  of  very  handsome  climbing  plants. 
Some  of  the  species,  such  as  T.  alata,  T.  alba,  T. 
aurantiaca,  and  the  varieties  of  the  same,  maybe 
treated  as  half-hardy  annuals.  They  usually 
seed  freely ;  the  seed  should  be  sown  in  March  in 
heat,  bringing  the  young  plants  forward  in  the 
same  temperature  till  May,  when  they  may  either 
be  transferred  to  the  borders  of  the  flower  gar- 
den to  be  trained  against  a  wall,  or  suffered  to 
creep  over  rock-work,  or  they  may  be  placed  in 
large  pots  having  a  trellis  attached,  where  they 
form  very  ornamental  subjects  for  the  green- 
house through  the  summer.  The  remaining 
species,  as  they  do  not  produce  seed  in  any 
quantity,  require  to  be  grown  in  the  green- 
house. They  should  be  frequently  syringed  to 
keep  down  attacks  of  red  spider.  At  the  end  of 
the  growing  season  they  should  be  pruned 
closely  back,  and  kept  dormant  through  the 
winter.  The  green-house  species,  T.  chrysops, 
however,  does  better  when  allowed  to  grow  on 
without  pruning,  nor  should  it  be  re-potted 
more  than  once  a  year,  or  it  will  not  flower. 
T.  Harrisit,  of  recent  introduction  here,  with 
flowers  tubular  in  form,  two  inches  in  length,  of 
a  bright  porcelain  blue,  with  yellow  throat,  is 
one  of  the  best  green-house  climbers  we  have. 
It  is  a  rapid  grower,  and  continues  in  flower  the 
whole  summer.  It  blooms  in  profusion  from 
November  to  May,  its  rare  blue  color  making  it 
one  of  the  most  attractive  green-house  plants. 
Propagated  by  cuttings. 
Thyme.  See  Thymus. 

Thymus.  Thyme.  From  thumos, courage,  strength, 
the  smell  of  Thyme  being  reviving ,  or  from  thuo, 
to  perfume;  being  formerly  used  for  incense  in 
the  temples.  Linn.  Didynamia-Gymnospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceai. 

The  common  Thyme  of  our  gardens  is  a  low- 
growing  under-shrub,  a  native  of  Spain  and 
Italy,  and  has  been  known  for  centuries.  The 
lemon-scented  Thyme  is  a  hardy  trailing  ever- 
green, and  possesses  the  most  agreeable  per- 
fume of  any  of  the  species.  There  are  probably 
a  hundred  acres  of  Thyme  grown  in  the  vicinity 
of  New  York,  and  dried  for  flavoring  purposes. 
The  spreading  variety  is  the  kind  used,  the  up- 
right being  useless  for  this  purpose.  The  seed 
is  thickly  sown  as  soon  as  the  ground  gets 
warm  in  spring,  and  the  plants  are  transplanted 
in  July,  in  rows  one  foot  apart,  with  nine  inches 
between  the  plants.  The  crop  matures  by  Oc- 
tober of  the  year  it  is  planted.  It  is  common 
throughout  Europe,  and  has  to  some  extent  be- 
come naturalized  in  this  country.  The  varie- 
gated-leaved varieties  of  this  species— the  Gold 
and  Silver  variegated-leaved  varieties  —  make 
pretty  border  plants,  and  are  also  used  in  bas- 
kets and  rustic  designs. 
Thyrsacanthus.  From  thyrsos,  a  thyrse,  and 


TIL 

acanthus.     Linn.  Diandria-Jfonogynia.     Nat.  Ord. 
Acanthacece. 

A  fine  genus  of  hot-house  plants,  containing  a 
number  of  shrubs  or  herbs,  natives  of  tropical 
America.  They  have  large  leaves,  and  red  fas- 
cicled or  cymose  flowers,  in  a  long,  terminal  ra- 
ceme. The  calyx  is  divided  to  the  middle  into 
five  equal  short  lobes ;  the  corolla  is  tubular  and 
incurved,  with  a  five-lobed  or  two-lipped  spread- 
ing limb,  and  the  two  fertile  stamens  are  usually 
included,  and  have  parallel  anther  cells,  blunt 
at  the  base.  The  upper  portion  of  the  capsule  is 
without  seeds,  while  the  lower  portion,  being 
swollen,  gives  it  a  spathulate  form ;  it  contains 
only  four  (sometimes  two)  seeds.  T.  rut'dans 
is  one  of  the  finest,  and  highly  prized  for 
its  long  racemes  of  carmine-scarlet  flowers. 
They  require  the  same  treatment  as  Justicia. 
First  introduced  in  1823. 

I  Thysanotus.  From  thysanotos,  fringed;  the  three 
inner  sepals  being  fringed.  Linn.  Uexandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous  per- 
ennials from  New  South  Wales,  producing  sin- 
gular, purple,  Iris-shaped  flowers,  on  slender 
scapes  about  a  foot  high.  They  are  not  much 
cultivated.  Introduced  in  1823. 

Tick  Trefoil.     See  Desmodium. 

Tiger  Flower.     See  Tigridia. 

Tigridia.  Tiger  Flower.  Fron  tigris,  a  tiger,  and 
eidos,  like;  in  reference  to  the  spotted  flowers. 
Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ir'ulacein. 
A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  Mexican  bulbs, 
introduced  in  1796.  The  flowers  are  indeed  re- 
markable; and  though  they  are  of  very  short 
duration,  lasting  only  about  half  the  day,  they 
are  produced  in  such  abundance  in  succession 
as  to  make  their  culture  desirable  and  interest- 
ing. One  plant  will  continue  flowering  for  two 
or  three  months  in  succession,  and  during  the 
whole  of  that  time  will  make  a  splendid  display 
in  the  garden.  Of  the  several  species  or  varie- 
ties introduced  into  the  garden  there  are  but 
two  that  succeed  really  well,  and  they  rarely,  if 
ever,  fail  of  producing  an  abundance  of  flowers; 
these  are  T.  conchiflora,  with  yellow  flowers,  and 
T.  pai-onia,  with  bright,  dark  orange-red  flow- 
ers. T.pavonia  grandiflora,  a  variety  of  the  pre- 
ceding, has  larger  flowers  of  the  same  color. 
Each  of  these  is  spotted,  characteristic  of  the  or- 
der. They  grow  freely  with  ordinary  garden 
culture,  preferring  a  light,  rich,  and  moist  soil, 
and  will  not  succeed  in  a  very  dry  situation. 
These  bulbs  flower  during  the  rainy  season  in 
Mexico,  and  they  consequently  require  consid- 
erable water  when  under  cultivation.  The 
bulbs  require  to  be  taken  up  soon  after  the  first 
frost,  tied  up  in  bunches  of  convenient  size, 
without  cutting  off  the  stems,  and  hung  up  in 
any  dry  room  free  from  frost,  where  they  can 
remain  until  the  time  for  re-planting.  A  place 
must  be  selected  where  they  cannot  be  reached 
by  mice,  which  are  very  destructive  to  the  bulbs. 

Tile-root.     See  Gkissorhiza. 

Tilia.  Basswood,  Linden.  Derivation  of  name 
unknown;  in  Dutch  it  is  called  Linden,  in  Anglo- 
Saxon  Lind,  and  in  English  Lime  Tree.  Linn. 
Polyandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  TUiacece. 

A  genus  of  tall-growing  deciduous  trees  com- 
mon throughout  this  country  and  Europe.  The 
European  Linden,  '/.  £urop<ra,  has  larger  leaves 
than  our  native  species,  and  is  the  one  that  is 
usually  planted  as  an  ornamental  tree.  T.  Amer- 
icana grows  to  a  great  size  in  this  country,  and 
furnishes  a  large  amount  of  lumber,  used  chiefly 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TIL 

in  cabinet  work.  It  is  soft,  of  <i  reddish  tinge, 
and  unfit  for  work  requiring  strength,  or  where 
it  is  exposed  to  the  weather.  This  is  the  species 
so  extensively  used  as  a  street  tree  at  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  where  it  luxuriates.  T.  heterophylla 
has  larger  leaves  than  the  preceding;  they  are 
smooth  and  bright  green  above,  and  silvery 
white  underneath.  It  does  not  grow  to  so  great 
a  size,  but  the  lumber  is  far  more  valuable,  be- 
ing almost  pure  white,  and  works  more  easily 
and  smoother.  The  two  species  are  designated 
as  Red  and  White  Basswood.  The  inner  bark 
of  the  Linden  is  popularly  known  as  Bass,  and 
was  formerly  much  used  for  tying,  but  is  now 
almost  entirely  superseded  by  Kqffia,  which  see. 

Tillandsia.  Long  Moss,  Black  Moss,  Gray  Moss, 
and  Florida  Moss.  Named  in  honor  of  Elias 
Tillands,  Professor  of  Physic  at  Abo.  Linn.  Hex- 
andria-Monoyynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Bromeliacece. 

An  interesting  genus  of  epiphytal  plants,  na- 
tives of  the  United  States  from  the  Carolinas  and 
southward,  the  West  Indies,  and  South  America. 
They  generally  grow  upon  trees  in  dense  forests. 
"Some  of  these  plants  serve  as  reservoirs  for 
water,  which  flows  down  the  channeled  leaves  ; 
these  are  dilated  at  the  base,  so  as  to  form  a 
bottle-like  cavity  capable  of  holding  a  pint  or 
more.  Travelers  tap  these  vegetable  pitchers 
for  the  sake  of  the  grateful  fluid  they  contain. 
T.  utriculata,  a  native  of  Jamaica,  and  many 
others,  have  this  desirable  property  of  storing  up 
water.  Dr.  Gardner,  in  his  Travels  in  Brazil,  re- 
lates that  a  certain  species  of  Utricularia  grows 
only  in  the  water  collected  in  the  bottom  of  the 
leaves  of  a  large  Tillandsia.  The  aquatic  plant 
throws  out  runners,  which  direct  themselves  to 
the  nearest  Tillandsia,  and  there  form  new  plants; 
and  in  this  way  no  less  than  six  Tillandsias  may 
sometimes  be  seen  connected  together."  Florida 
Moss  is  T.  tutneoides,  and  grows  as  far  north  as 
the  Dismal  Swamp  in  Virginia.  It  is  collected 
in  great  quantities,  steeped  in  water,  or  buried 
in  the  earth,  until  the  outer  surface  is  rotted  off, 
when  it  leaves  a  dark,  coarse,  tough  fiber,  not 
unlike  horse-hair,  which  is  used  for  stuffing 
cushions,  mattresses,  and  various  forms  of  up- 
holstery. This  moss,  as  gathered,  is  used  to  or- 
nament frames  or  rustic  work  in  drawing-rooms, 
and  for  these  and  other  ornamental  purposes 
large  quantities  of  it  are  sent  annually  to  all  our 
large  cities.  In  moist  rooms  like  a  conservatory, 
it  will  grow  very  well  when  thrown  loosely  over 
a  frame,  or  suspended  in  any  other  way.  It  is  a 
singular  circumstance  that  two  such  widely  dif- 
ferent-appearing plants  as  the  "Florida  Moss" 
and  the  delicious  Pineapple  should  belong  to 
the  same  natural  order. 

Timothy.  Herd's  Grass, PMeumpratense, which  see. 

lipilaria.  Crane-Fly  Orchis.  Name  from  a  fan- 
cied resemblance  of  the  flowers  to. insects  of  the 
genus  Tipitla.  Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria  Nat 
Ord.  OrckidacfCK. 

A  low-growing  Orchid,  rarely  met,  a  native  of 
the  Northern  States  from  Massachusetts  to  Mich- 
igan. The  flower  scape  is  from  twelve  to  eigh- 
teen inches  high,  and  bears  numerous  small 
greenish  flowers  tinged  with  purple. 

Toad  Flax.     See  Linaria. 

Toad  Stools.  The  common  name  of  various  spe- 
cies of  Fungi,  frequently  mistaken  for  Mush- 
rooms. 

Tobacco.     See  Nicoliana. 

Todea.  In  honor  of  Hmry  Julius  Tode,  of  Meck- 
lenburg, an  able  and  experienced  mycologist. 
Linn.  Oryplogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiacece. 


TOE 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  Ferns  from 
Africa  and  New  Zealand.  They  are  only  oc- 
casionally met  in  choice  collections  in  this  coun- 
try, but  are  now  beginning  to  receive  the  atten- 
tion they  deserve.  They  require  special  treat- 
ment, however,  and  are  rarely  found  in  good 
condition,  unless  in  places  where  great  care  and 
attention  can  be  given. 

Tofieldia.  False  Asphodel.  Named  after  Mr. 
Tqfteld,  an  English  botanist  of  the  last  century. 
Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat. Ord. Melan thacea;. 
A  small  genus  of  native  herbaceous  perennials. 
The  flowers  are  small  and  whitish,  borne  on 
slender  racemes.  The  plants  are  not  very  orna- 
mental. 

Tomato.  (Lycopersicum  escidentum.)  The  Tomato 
belongs  to  the  Nat.  Ord.  Solanacece,  and  to  the 
class  Feniandria,  and  order  Monogynia,  of  the 
Linnaean  arrangement.  The  genus  is  composed 
of  a  number  of  species,  all  natives  of  South 
America.  The  name  is  derived  from  lykos,  a 
wolf,  and  persicon,  a  peach;  in  allusion  to  the 
beautiful  appearance  and  deceitful  value  of  the 
fruit.  This  application;  at  the  present  day,  when 
we  consider  the  importance  of  the  Tomato  to 
the  household,  seems  to  be  rather  inappropriate. 
Its  first  introduction  into  England  was  in  1596, 
and  it  was  for  many  years  grown  only  as  an  or- 
namental plant,  or  for  its  medicinal  properties. 
It  was  then  known  by  the  common  name  of  Love 
Apple.  The  "  Virtues  "  of  the  Tomato  were  de- 
scribed as  follows  by  Parkinson  in  1629:  '  In  hot 
countries,  where  they  naturally  growe,  they  are 
much  eaten  of  the  people,  to  coole  and  quench 
the  heate  and  thirst  of  their  hot  stomaches.  The 
Apples  are  also  boyled,  or  infused  in  oyle  in  the 
sunne."  The  Tomato  was  first  used  as  a  vege- 
table in  Italy,  and  soon  after  in  France  and  Eng- 
land; it  is,  however,  but  comparatively  little 
grown  in  the  open  air  in  England,  as  their  sum- 
mers are  not  warm  enough  to  ripen  the  fruit  to 
anything  like  perfection;  but  it  is  a  favorite 
food  there  grown  under  glass.  The  Tomato  has 
not  been  in  general  use  in  this  country  for  more 
than  fifty  years,  and  most  of  our  choice  varieties 
are  of  recent  introduction.  New  varieties,  ob- 
tained by  selection,  are  offered  annually,  each 
one  claiming  to  be  superior  in  earliness  and 

Sroductiveness ;  but  there  has  really  been  but 
ttle  improvement  in  the  past  ten  years,  and 
we  are  almost  inclined  to  believe  that  we  have 
reached  the  point  where  "improvement"  must 
stop.  Tomatoes  are  now  extensively  grown  for 
canning,  and  tens  of  thousands  of  acres  are  used 
in  growing  them  for  that  purpose. 

Tonquin  Bean.     See  Dipterix,  odorata. 

Toothache  Grass.     See  Otenium  Americanum. 

Toothache  Tree.     See  Zanthoxylum. 

Toothwort,  Pepper-root.     See  Dentaria. 

Torenia.  In  honor  of  Olof  Toren,  a  Swedish  cler- 
gyman, who  discovered  T.  Asiatica  and  other 
plants  in  China.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacen. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  trailing  an- 
nuals and  perennials,  natives  of  China  and  the 
East  Indies.  For  the  green-house  or  conserva- 
tory these  plants,  with  their  numerous  dark 
purple  flowers,  are  a-  great  attraction.  They 
also  succeed  well  in  a  moist,  shady  border,  but 
will  not  endure  our  hot,  sunny  weather.  They 
are  all  readily  increased  by  cuttings  or  from 
seed.  T.  Fbttrnierii,  of  recent  introduction,  is  an 
upright-growing  plant,  of  branching  and  grace- 
tul  habit,  with  a  profusion  of  beautiful  violet 
flowers.  T.  Baillonia,  introduced  in  1878,  is  an 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


231 


TOU 

entirely  distinct  species,  having  deep  yellow 
and  maroon-colored  flowers.  All  make  excellent 
basket  or  vase  plants.  They  must  be  kept  at  a 
temperature  in  winter  of  not  less  than  60°  at 
night,  and  they  are  at  all  times  impatient  of  being 
chilled.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  cuttings. 

Touch-me-not,  Balsam,  Jewel  Weed,  is  Impa- 
tii  us  i a ,/i-i/i-  -tii nijere,  a  marshy  plant,  common 
from  New  York  southward.  See  Imputiens. 

Torreya.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  John  Torrey, 
one  of  the  most  distinguished  of  American  bot- 
anists. Linn.  Dioecia-Monadelphia.  Nat.  Ord. 
TaxacecK. 

This  genus  is  a  branch  of  the  Yew  family, 
and  is  represented  in  this  country  by  T.  taxifu- 
li.a,  a  native  of  Florida,  a  perfectly  hardy  and 
beautiful  species,  and  one  of  the  most  attractive 
and  desirable  evergreens.  T.  Calif ornica  is  known 
as  the  California  Nutmeg. 

Tournefprtia.  In  memory  of  Joseph  Pitton  de 
Tournefort,  the  distinguished  author  of  an 
arrangement  of  plants  under  the  title  of  "Insti- 
tutiones  Rei  Herbaria],"  and  other  botanical  works, 
from  1694  to  1717;  his  first  work,  the  "Institu- 
tiones,''  laid  the  foundation  of  the  arrangement 
now  followed,  called  the  Jussieuan  or  Natural 
i-iystem.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
EhretiacetK. 

A  genus  of  evergreen  twining  shrubs  inhabit- 
ing the  tropics  of  both  hemispheres,  and  ex- 
tending as  far  north  as  the  Canaries  and  Central 
Russia.  T.  heliotropioides,  from  Buenos  Ayres, 
is  a  very  beautiful  species,  and  is  occasionally 

frown  in  the   green-house  for    its    pale    lilac 
owers,  which  are  arranged  similar  to  those  of 
the  Heliotrope.     Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Tower  Mustard.     See  Arabis  perfoliata. 

Toxicodendron.     See  Rhus  toxicodendron. 

Trachelium.     Throatwort.      From  Irachelos,  the 
neck;  in  allusion  to  the  efficacy  of  the  plant  in   j 
diseases  of  the  throat;  hence  the  common  name,    i 
Throatwort.     Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.      Nat.    I 
Ord.  Carnpanulacece. 

Very  pretty  half-hardy  biennial  plants,  with    ! 
showy  bell-shaped  blue  flowers,  varying  from 
very  dark  blue  to  nearly  white.     They  are  na- 
tives of  the  Mediterranean  coast.    Seeds  should    ! 
be  sown  in  spring  for  flowering  the  next  season, 
and  the  plants  protected  by  a  frame  in  winter. 

Tradescantia.      Spiderwort.     Named  after  John   j 
Tradescant,  gardener  to  Charles  I.     Linn.  Hex- 
andna-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  CommdynacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  green-house  and  hardy 
herbaceous  perennials.     Of  the  tender   sorts, 
T.  zebrina,  a  native  of  South  America,  and  its   ; 
varieties,  are  grown  largely  for  basket  plants,    i 
and  also  as  a  house  plant,  thriving  well  in  a   ' 
shady,   moist  place.      T.   Buchanani  resembles 
the  preceding,  but  is  a  stronger  grower    T.  I  "/;•- 
ginica,  and  its  varieties,   are  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  interesting  for  the  border,  on  account  of 
the  continual  succession  of  their  blue  or  white 
flowers,  which  are  produced  every  morning  from 
May  to  September.     They  have  long,  grass-like 
foliage,  and  the  flowers  are  borne  on  stems  from 
one  to  two  feet  high  in  terminal  clusters.     T.    ' 
repent*  vittutd,    'J'.   m/i/a/ica,  and  their  varieties,    ; 
are  among  the  best  known  of  our  house  plants,    i 
•where  they  are  known  as   "Wandering  Jew." 
They  grow  freely  in  water,  making  n  drooping 
fringe  of  from  two  to  four  feet,  and  are  used  in  a 
variety  of  forms  in  the  window  culture  of  plants. 
The  green-house  species  are  propagated  readily 
by  cuttings,  and  the  hardy  species  by  division 
in  early  spring.     First  introduced  in  1629. 


TRI 

Tragopogon.  Goat's  Beard,  Vegetable  Oyster. 
From  tragos,  a  goat,  and  pogon,  a  beard  ;  in  al- 
lusion to  the  long,  silky  beards  of  the  seeds. 
Linn.  Syngenesia-^Equalis.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 
Ornamental  biennial  plants,  natives  of  Eu- 
rope, which  only  require  to  receive  the  usual 
treatment  of  similar  plants.  Of  the  British  spe- 
cies, the  most  remarkable  are  T.  pratensis,  the 
popular  name  of  which  is  Go-to-bed-at-noon, 
from  the  flowers  closing  in  the  middle  of  the 
day,  and  which  has  large  yellow  flowers,  and  a 
very  curious  feathery  head  of  seeds;  and  T.  pvr- 
rifolius,  the  common  Salsify,  or  Oyster  Plant, 
which  has  purple  flowers,  and  the  roots  of 
which  are  extensively  grown,  and  highly  valued 
as  a  vegetable.  It  is  a  hardy  biennial,  native  of 
Great  Britain  and  most  other  parts  of  Europe. 
The  seeds  should  be  sown  early  in  deep,  rich 
soil.  Culture  the  same  as  for  Carrots  or  Parsnips. 
Trailing  Arbutus.  See  Epigcea  repens. 
Trapa.  Water  Caltraps,  Water  Chestnut.  From 
calcilrapa,  an  ancient  instrument  in  warfare 
with  four  spikes;  fruit  of  some  species  armed 
with  four  spikes  or  horns.  Linn.  Tetrandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Haloragacece. 

A  genus  of  aquatic  plants,  natives  of  Europe, 
India,   China,   and  Japan.     They  are  remark- 
able for  the  shape  of  their  seeds,  some  of  which 
resemble  a  bullock's  head    and    horns.      The 
seeds  of  all  these  plants  abound  in  starch,  and 
are  much  used   as  food.     Those  of  T.  natans, 
called  Jesuit's  Nuts  at  Venice,  are  ground  into 
flour  and  made  into   bread   in   some  parts  of 
Southern  Europe.     In  Kashmir,  a  large  portion 
of  the    inhabitants  subsist  on  these  nuts  for 
several  months  in  the  year. 
Traveler's  Joy.    See  Clematis  vitaJba. 
Traveler's  Tree.    See  Urania. 
Treacle  Mustard.     See  Erysimum. 
Tread-Softly.      Spurge    Nettle.      See    Jatropha 

wens. 

Tree  of  Heaven.    See  Ailantus. 
Trefoil.    See  Trifolium. 

Tremandra.  From  tremo,  to  tremble,  and  andros, 
a  male;  the  anthers  vibrate  with  the  least  move- 
ment of  the  air.  Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Tremandracecp. 

This  genus  consists  of  but  two  known  species, 
both  small  green-house  shrubs,  natives  of  New 
Holland.  They  are  delicate  shrubs,  covered 
with  stellate  down,  and  have  axillary  purple 
flowers.  They  are  but  rarely  cultivated,  except 
T.  verticillata,  which  is  a  very  beautiful  plant, 
and  has  long  been  a  favorite  in  choice  collec- 
tions. Propagated  by  cuttings.  Introduced  in 
1845.  See  Tetratheca. 

Trichinium.  From  trichinos,  hairy  ;  flowers  cov- 
ered with  knotted  hairs.  Linn.  Pentandria- 
Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amarantacece. 

A  genus  of  annuals  and  herbaceous  perenni- 
als from  Australia.  The  flowers  of  some  of  the 
species  are  extremely  ornamental.  Their  yel- 
low, crimson,  white,  or  pink  flowers,  are  pro- 
duced in  terminal  heads  or  spikes.  The  peren- 
nials require  to  be  grown  in  the  green-house. 
The  annuals  should  be  started  in  seed  boxes  in 
February,  as  our  seasons  are  too  short  for  their 
development  if  the  seed  is  sown  in  the  border. 
Trichocentron.  From  thrur,  a  hair,  and  centron, 
a  spur  or  center;  reference  not  clear.  Linn. 
Gynandria-Mnnandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacew. 

A  considerable  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids 
from  South  and  Central  America.  Most  of  the 
species  are  not  considered  worth  growing.  T. 
atropurpureum,  from  the  Rio  Negro,  is  an  ex- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TRI 

ceedingly  beautiful  plant.  Petals  maroon 
brown  inside,  and  yellowish  green  outside;  lip 
large,  white,  with  two  bright  purple  spots. 
One  or  two  other  species  have  very  beautiful 
flowers.  They  should  be  grown  on  blocks  or 
cork,  or  in  small  baskets  in  a  moderate  tempera- 
ture. They  bloom  freely,  and  require  but  little 
care.  Introduced  in  1835. 

Tricholeena.  From  thrix,  a  hair,  and  cUaina,  a 
cassock.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
tframinaceai. 

A  small  genus  of  very  pretty  grasses,  gener- 
ally included  in  the  genus  Panicnm.  A  few  are 
found  in  collections  of  ornamental  grasses  in  the 
green-house. 

Trichomanes.  From  thrix,  a  hair,  and  manos, 
soft;  the  shining  stems  appear  like  soft  hair. 
Linn.  Cryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Polypo- 
diacece. 

An  extensive,  varied,  and  beautiful  genus  of 
Ferns,  found  abundantly  in  the  moist,  shady 
woods  of  the  tropics  in  both  the  Old  and 
New  Worlds.  T.  radicans,  a  beautiful  species, 
is  found  on  the  coast  of  Ireland.  Many  of  the 
species  are  cultivated  for  the  beauty  of  their 
fronds,  which  have  an  almost  transparent  ap- 
pearance. Propagated  by  division  or  from 
spores. 

Trichonema.  From  ihrix,  a  hair,  and  nema,  a 
filament;  stamens  clothed  with  minute  hairs. 
Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 
A  genus  of  beautiful  little  crocus-like,  bulbous 
plants,  with  red,  yellow,  purple,  and  white 
flowers,  borne  singly  on  slender  scapes.  They 
are  natives  of  Spain,  Italy,  and  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.  Like  most  bulbs  from  those  localities, 
they  require  to  be  grown  in  the  green-house. 
Propagated  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1818. 
Trichopilia.  From  Ihrix,  a  hair,  andpilion,  a  cap  ; 
in  allusion  to  the  anther  being  concealed  below 
a  cap  surmounted  by  tufts  of  hair.  Linn.  Gy- 
nandria-lfonandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  epiphytaFOr- 
chids,  natives  of  Central  America  and  the  West 
Indies.  The  flowers  are  white,  yellow,  pale 
pink,  or  greenish  white.  T.  snavis,  a  species 
from  Central  America,  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the 
genus.  Its  flowers  are  very  large,  pale  nankeen 
color,  with  white  lip  very  clearly  marked  with 
clear  lilac.  It  is  very  beautiful  and  fragrant. 
All  the  species  may  be  grown  in  a  cool  house, 
and  succeed  best  in  pots. 

Tricb.08antb.es.  Snake  Cucumber.  From  thrix,  a 
hair,  and  anthos,  a  flower  ;  the  flowers  are  ciliat- 
ed. Linn.  Monoecia^Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Cacur- 
bitacefK.. 

A  genus  of  climbing  annuals  from  China  and 
the  East  Indies,  commonly  known  as  Snake  Cu- 
cumbers. T.  colubrina  is  a  very  curious  plant 
with  white  flowers,  every  petal  of  which  appears 
surrounded  with  long,  knotted  fringe.  The 
leaves  and  tendrils  resemble  those  of  the  com- 
mon Cucumber;  but  the  fruit  is  curiously 
striped,  and  is  so  long  and  narrow  as  to  resem- 
ble a  snake.  Specimens  have,  indeed,  been 
grown,more  than  8ix  feet  Ion8>  and  not  thicker 
than  the  body  of  a  common  snake.  The  plant 
is  an  annual,  a  native  of  China,  and  it  should  be 
grown  like  a  common  Cucumber  or  Melon.  It 
is  of  no  use,  and  only  worth  cultivating  as  an 
object  of  curiosity. 

Tricyrtis.  From  treis,  three,  and  kurtos,  convex  ; 
alluding  to  the  three  outer  sepals  having  bags 
at  their  bases.  Linn.  HemndrUi-Trigynia  Nat. 
Ord.  Afelanthacece. 


TRI 

T.  hirfa,  the  best  known  species,  is  a  very- 
beautiful  hardy  herbaceous  plant,  found  in 
China  and  Japan.  The  flowers  are  axillary,  in 
panicles  about  six  inches  long,  resembling,  in 
their  peculiar  form  and  markings,  some  of  the 
more  singular  Orchids.  This  plant  is  very  de- 
sirable for  the  open  border.  It  produces  its 
flowers  in  October  and  November,  at  which  time 
the  plant  may  be  removed  to  the  sitting  room, 
and  they  will  remain  several  weeks  in  flower, 
after  which  they  may  again  be  returned  to  the 
border.  It  is  much  used  by  the  bouquet  mak- 
ers in  the  fall  months.  Propagated  by  division. 
Introduced  in  1855. 

Trifolium.  Clover,  Trefoil.  From  treis,  three, 
and  folium,  a  leaf ;  three-leaved.  Linn.  Diadd- 
phia-Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacem. 

Of  this  very  extensive  genus  there  are  several 
species  under  cultivation  as  forage  plants.  They 
include  T.  pratense,  the  common  Red  Clover,  a 
native  of  Great  Britain;  T.  reflexum,  Buffalo  Clo- 
ver, indigenous  in  New  York  and  westward  ;  T. 
repens,  White  Clover,  introduced  from  Europe, 
but  indigenous  in  the  Northern  States  ;  and  T. 
hybridum,  or  Alsike  Clover,  a  hybrid  variety  in- 
troduced from  near  Stockholm,  Sweden.  Be- 
sides these  there  are  a  number  of  other  species 
that  have  been  considerably  cultivated,  but  those 
named  are  almost  wholly  preferred  for  pasture 
and  hay.  Those  who  are  accustomed  to  consider 
the  Trefoil  as  only  the  common  Clover  of  the 
meadows,  will  probably  be  surprised  to  learn 
that  there  are  nearly  a  hundred  and  fifty  spe- 
cies, all  more  or  less  ornamental.  Some  of  these 
are  perennials  and  some  annuals;  and  the  color 
of  their  flowers  varies  from  dark  crimson,  and 
sometimes  scarlet,  to  purple  on  the  one  hand, 
and  to  white,  cream-color,  and  pale  yellow  on 
the  other.  Some  of  our  dealers  in  hardy  herba- 
ceous plants  have  catalogued  some  of  the  more 
showy  species,  and  highly  recommend  them  for 
border  plants. 

Trillium.  From  irttix,  triple  ;  the  parts  of  the 
flowers  in  threes :  the  calyx  has  three  sepals, 
the  corolla  three  petals,  the  pistil  three  styles, 
and  the  stem  three  leaves.  Linn.  Hexandria- 
Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  TrUliacece. 

A  singular  and  beautiful  genus  of  hardy  herba- 
ceous plants,  belonging  exclusively  to  the  United 
States  and  the  Canadas.  The  stems  have  three 
leaves,  and  the  flowers  three  petals.  The  flow- 
ers are  large,  white,  purple,  or  pink,  produced 
from  April  to  June.  They  are  common  in  moist 
woods,  but  are  improved  with  ordinary  garden 
cultivation.  They  are  tuberous  rooted,  and  do 
not  divide  readily,  but  may  be  increased  rapidly 
from  seed,  which  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe 
in  a  frame,  where  it  may  be  shaded,  or  sown  in 
the  open  ground  and  slightly  covered  with  leaves. 
Triosteum.  Feverwort,  Horse  Gentian.  From 
tre'is,  three,  and  osieon,  a  bone ;  three  bony 
seeds.  Linn.  Pentandria-Mbnogynia,.  Nat.  Ord. 
Caprifoliacece. 

A  genus  of  coarse-growing,  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  common  in  the  Middle  and  Southern 
States.  The  roots  of  one  of  the  species  were  es- 
teemed by  the  Indians  as  a  medicine.  They 
are  not  now  considered  either  ornamental  or 


Triteleia.  From  treis,  three,  and  teleios,  complete ; 
parts  of  the  flower  and  fruit  in  threes.  Linn. 
Hexandria-^^onogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  LUiaccce. 

A  small  family  of  very  pretty  bulbs,  natives  of 
California  and  South  America.  They  are  quite 
hardy.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  blue,  and  white. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TEI 

T.  uniflora  has  very  pretty  white  flowers  with  a 
greenish-gray  stripe  on  each  petal.  They  are 
borne  on  slender  scapes.  The  plants  continue 
in  flower  a  long  time,  and  in  the  open  border 
appear  early  in  spring.  T.  laxa,  the  Californian 
species,  has  glaucous  leaves,  and  a  inany-flow- 
ered  umbel  of  deep  blue  flowers.  All  the  spe- 
cies are  desirable,  and  suited  either  to  green- 
house culture  or  the  open  border.  Propagated 
by  offsets.  First  introduced  in  1832. 

Triticum.  Wheat.  From  tritum,  rubbed;  in  al- 
lusion to  its  being  originally  rubbed  down  to 
make  it  eatable.  Linn.  Triandria-Digynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Grantinacece. 

This  genus  includes  annual  and  perennial 
grasses,  some  of  which  are  the  most  useful  and 
important  plants  in  cultivation,  while  others 
are  the  most  troublesome  pests  the  farmer  and 
gardener  have  to  contend  against.  T.  vulgare, 
Wheat,  has  more  intrinsic  value  than  any  other 
plant  grown.  The  native  country  of  the  Wheat 
is  unknown.  In  its  present  form  it  is  older 
than  history.  There  is  no  record  of  its  having 
been  found  growing  icild.  Those  who  have 
given  the  most  time  and  study  to  ascertain  its 
origin,  presume  it  is  a  native  of  Southern  Europe 
and  Western  Asia,  a  development  of  the  genus 
JEijilops.  This  is,  however,  mere  speculation. 
Many  varieties  of  Wheat  have  been  produced  by 
culture  and  cross-breeding,  without,  however, 
materially  changing  the  grain.  T.  repens  is  the 
pest  commonly  known  as  Couch  or  Quick  Grass, 
a  perennial  that  is  most  tenacious  of  life,  and 
which,  when  once  established,  will  destroy  all 
other  crops,  and  can  be  exterminated  only  with 
the  greatest  exertion  and  difficulty. 

Tritoma.  From  treis,  three,  and  tenmo,  to  cut  ; 
in  allusion  to  the  three  sharp  edges  at  the  ends 
of  the  leaves.  Linn.  Hexandria-Afonogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LiliacecB. 

The  Tritoma,  or  Red-Hot  Poker  plant,  and  also 
Flame  Flower,  as  it  is  popularly  known,  is  a 
very  beautiful  half-hardy  herbaceous  plant,  na- 
tive of  the  South  of  Africa.  The  genus  consists 
of  about  half  a  dozen  species,  the  finest  being 
T.  uvaria  grandiflnra,  a  plant  admirably  adapted 
for  single  clumps  on  the  lawn,  or  among  shrub- 
bery, where  its  tall  spikes  of  orange-red  flowers 
make  an  effective  display  from  August  until  De- 
cember. This  plant  will  usually  live  through  the 
winter  in  the  latitude  of  New  York  without  pro- 
tection, if  planted  in  a  dry  soil;  but  it  will  well 
repay  the  slight  protection  required  (by  three  or 
four  inches  of  dry  leaves  around  the  root)  to 
secure  it  against /all  danger  from  frost.  The 
flowers  are  not  at'all  injured  by  a  few  degrees  of 
frost,  and  it  is  not  an  uncommon  sight  to  see  its 
tall  spikes  in  perfect  flower  in  December.  They 
are  readily  increased  by  seed  or  by  division  of 
the  roots,  which  should  be  done  in  early  spring. 
.This  genus  was  first  introduced  in  1707,  though 
it  has  not  been  long  common  in  our  gardens 
here. 

Tritonia.  From  trtton,  a  weather-cock;  in  allusion 
to  the  variable  direction  of  the  stamens  in  the 
various  species.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  IridacecK. 

A  very  pretty  genus  of  low-growing  bulbous 
plants  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  flow- 
ers are  tubxiliir,  borne  on  slender  scapes,  the 
colors  being  orange,  white,  yellow,  and  blue. 
They  are  half-hardy,  and  should  have  the  pro- 
tection of  a  frame  during  winter,  and  may  be  al- 
lowed to  remain  undisturbed  for  a  number  of 
years.  T.  aurea,  bearing  beautiful  orange-col- 


TRU 

ored  flowers,  is  one  of  the  best,  and  much  es- 
teemed. This  is  now  Crocosmia  aurea.  They 
are  increased  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1815. 

Trollius.  Globe  Flower.  From  fro/,  the  German 
for  round;  globular  flowers.  Linn.  Polyandria- 
Polygynla.  Nat.  Ord.  Ranuncidacece. 

A  genus  of  hardy,  yellow-flowered,  herbaceous 
plants.  T.  laxus,  the  only  native  species,  has 
flowers  twice  the  size  of  the  Buttercup,  of  a  pale 
greenish-yellow  color.  T.  Earopceus,  a  native  of 
Great  Britain,  has  much  larger  flowers,  and  of  a 
brighter  color,  and  is  common  in  old  cottage 
gardens.  Propagated  by  seeds  or  division. 

Tropeeolum.  Nasturtium.  From  tropaion,  a 
trophy;  the  leaves  resemble  a  buckler,  and  the 
flowers  an  empty  helmet.  Linn.  Octandria-Mo- 
nogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Tropceolacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals  and 
green-house  tuberous  and  herbaceous  peren- 
nials, all  natives  of  tropical  America.  The 
tuberous-rooted  varieties  are  confined  to  Peru. 
The  well-known  annual  plants  called  the  Nas- 
turtium are  common  in  every  garden,  and  only 
require  sowing  with  the  other  hardy  annuals  in 
spring.  There  were  formerly  only  two  kinds 
of  the  annual  Tropreolums,  T.  major  and  T. 
minor,  but  since  1830  numerous  varieties  have 
been  raised.  One,  with  very  dark  flowers,  is 
called  T.  minor  atrosanguineum,  and  another, 
with  dark  stripes,  is  T.  minor  venustiim.  The 
young  shoots  of  these  plants  are  succulent,  and 
taste  like  the  common  land  Cress,  the  botanical 
name  of  which  is  Nasturtium,  and  hence  they 
have  received  their  popular  name.  Besides  the 
hardy  annual  kinds,  there  are  several  tender 
species,  most  of  which  are  kept  in  the  green- 
house. The  best  known  of  these  is  Tropeeolum 
tricolorum,  with  flowers  marked  red,  black,  and 
yellow,  which  has  tuberous  roots,  and  such  very 
weak  and  slender  stems,  that  it  is  found  neces- 
sary always  to  train  them  over  a  wire  frame,  as 
they  are  quite  unable  to  support  themselves. 
In  Paxtons  "Magazine  of  Botany"  it  is  stated 
that  the  tuber  of  the  root  should  not  be  buried, 
but  only  placed  on  the  surface  of  the  soil,  so  that 
the  fibrous  roots  may  penetrate  it.  This,  it  is 
said,  will  enlarge  the  size  of  the  tuber  in  "  a  truly 
astonishing  manner;"  and  though  the  plants 
will  not  appear  healthy  the  first  season,  they 
will  afterward  become  extremely  vigorous.  It 
is  also  recommended  to  use  double  pots  for 
these  plants,  and  fill  up  the  interstices  w.ith 
river  sand,  which  should  always  be  kept  moist. 
Substantially  the  same  plan  has  been  followedin 
this  country  for  many  years,  and  found  to  succeed 
well.  T.  brackyceras  may  be  treated  in  the  same 
manner,  and  it  would  probably  succeed  with  T.  tu- 
berosum,  aspecies  which  it  is  very  difficult  to  throw 
into  flower  under  ordinary  treatment,  but  which 
grows  best  in  the  open  ground,  in  rich  soil,  and 
with  plenty  of  air  and  light.  T.  peregrinum, 
the  Canary  Bird  Flower,  was  formerly  considered 
a  green-house  plant,  but  it  is  now  found  much 
better  to  treat  it  as  a  half-hardy  annual,  raising 
the  seeds  on  a  hot-bed,  and  planting  them  out 
in  May  near  some  trellis-work  or  other  sup- 
port, which  the  plant  will  soon  cover  in  the 
most  graceful  manner,  producing  hundreds  of 
its  elegant,  fringe-likes  pale-yellow  flowers. 
Propagated  from  cuttings  and  by  seeds.  Intro- 
duced in  1596. 

Truffle.  (See  Tuber.)  A  species  of  Fungus  found 
in  various  parts  of  Europe,  and  much  esteemed 
as  a  rare  dish.  It  grows  under  the  ground,  and 
was  formerly  sought  after  with  dogs  trained  for 


234 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TUB 

the  purpose,  but  is  now  usually  discovered 
by  a  particular  species  of  fly  hovering  over  the 
place  of  its  growth.  It  is  said  that  the  Truffle 
has  been  found  in  the  State  of  New  York. 

Tuber.  Truffle.  An  ancient  Koman  name.  Lirm 
Cnil>togamia  Fungi-Gasteromycetes.  Nat.  Ord.  Hel- 
veuacta'. 

T.  cfarium,  a  native  of  Europe,  is  the  well- 
known  Truffle,  which  see. 

Trumpet  Creeper,  Trumpet  Honeysuckle.  b« 
Tccoma. 

Trumpet  Flower.     See  Tecoma. 

Trumpet  Lily.     See  Lilium  longiftorum. 

Trumpet  Weed.     See  Eupatorium  purpureum. 

Tuberose.     See  Polianthes  tuberosa. 

Tulbaghia.  In  honor  of  Tulbagh,  a  Dutch  gov- 
ernor of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Linn.  Hexan- 
dria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  evergreen  perennials,  natives 
of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  T.  violacea  is  a  very 
beautiful  plant.  The  flowers  are  violet-purple, 
produced  in  many-flowered  umbels,  somewhat 
like  those  of  the  Agapanthus,  to  which  the  genus 
is  allied.  Propagated  by  division. 

Tulip.     See  Tulipa. 

Tulipa.  The  Tulip.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  LiliacecK. 

The  Tulip  derives  its  name  from  the  Persian 
word  Thoulyban,  a  turban;  an  Eastern  head- 
dress, sometimes  made  in  the  form  of  a  well- 
shaped  Tulip.  Tulips  are  divided  into  several 
classes,  and  of  these  we  shall  speak  in  the  order 
of  their  flowering.  The  single  and  double  vari- 
eties of  the  Due  Van  Thol,  of  which  the  type  is 
Tulipa  suaveolens,  (from  the  Latin  suavis,  sweet,) 
are  the  earliest  and  most  suitable  for  pot  culture 
or  forcing.  If,  in  autumn,  they  are  planted 
singly,  in  small  pots  of  light,  rich  soil,  they 
will  flower  extremely  well  in  an  ordinary  room, 
and  contrast  finely  with  Hyacinths  in  glasses. 
They  should  be  frequently  exposed  to  fresh  air, 
and  will  flower  in  water  like  the  Hyacinth,  but 
with  less  certainty  and  less  luxuriance;  hence 
they  are  better  grown  in  pots  of  soil.  The  Due 
Van  Thol  was  introduced  into  English  gardens 
from  the  South  of  Europe  in  1603.  The  Single 
Early  Tulip,  ( Tulipa  Gesneriana, )  the  parent  of 
our  ordinary  garden  varieties,  is  a  native  of  Asia 
Minor,  the  Caucasus,  Calabria,  and  Central  Italy. 
Conrad  Gesner,  a  Swiss  naturalist,  in  whose 
honor  it  was  named,  first  made  it  known  by  a 
description  and  drawing  in  April,  1559.  He 
obtained  his  specimen  in  a  garden  at  Augsburg, 
where  it  was  grown  from  seed  brought  from 
Constantinople.  It  was  first  flowered  in  Eng- 
land by  Mr.  James  Garret,  an  apothecary,  in 
1577.  Of  this  class  of  Early  Single  Tulips  there 
is  almost  an  endless  variety.  They  have  received, 
for  more  than  two  hundred  years,  all  the  care 
and  attention  that  could  possibly  be  bestowed 
on  a  plant,  not  only  by  the  Dutch  florists,  but 
by  every  skilled  gardener  throughout  the  Old 
World.  Notwithstanding  the  "mania"  has 
safely  passed  over,  one  of  the  Haarlem  florists 
this  season  (1880)  offers  eighteen  hundred  vari- 
eties. To  select  from  a  list  s.o  large  with  a  view 
of  pleasing,  or  of  securing  the  most  desirable, 
•would  be  to  play  a  game  of  chance.  Every  color 
and  shade,  except  black,  is  represented,  either 
alone  or  mixed,  striped,  or  shaded ;  in  fact,  every 
possible  combination  of  color  may  be  obtained. 
Double  Tulips  are  almost  as  common  as  the  sin- 
gle, many  of  them  very  showy  and  desirable. 
But,  like  all  others  who  have  made  a  specialty 
of  the  Tulip,  we  could  never  admire  the  double 


TUL 

as  much  as  the  single  varieties.  Late  flowering 
or  Show  Tulips,  of  which  so  much  has  been  said 
and  written,  have  been  grown  from  seed  by 
millions,  the  result  of  which  has  been  the  acqui- 
sition of  many  superb  varieties.  There  is  a 
singularity  in  Tulips  which  belongs  to  no  other 
flower.  The  seedlings  generally,  when  they 
first  bloom,  produce  flowers  without  any  stripes 
or  markings,  but  with  a'  yellow  base,  the  up- 
right portion  of  the  petals  being  self-colored, 
brown,  red,  purple,  scarlet,  or  rose.  In  this 
state,  when  they  have  been  grown  for  years 
without  variation,  they  are  called  Breeders  or 
Mother  Tulips.  These  are  planted  every  year 
Tintil  they  break  into  stripes,  when,  if  the  mark- 
ings are  fine,  or  different  from  any  known,  they 
are  named.  It  is  often  so  many  years  before 
they  break,  and  the  multiplication  in  the  breeder 
state  is  so  rapid,  that  the  border  soon  becomes 
filled  with  this  self-colored  variety.  Each  per- 
son who  has  broken  one  claims  and  has  a 
perfect  right  to  give  it  a  name;  but  much  con- 
fusion naturally  exists,  because  of  the  fact  that 
different  names  have  been  given  to  those  that 
have  broken  almost  exactly  alike.  In  a  bed  of 
a  hundred  seedlings,  it  is  not  probable  that  any 
two  will  be  very  nearly  alike  in  their  markings. 
This  uncertainty  adds  greatly  to  the  charm  of 
Tulip  cultivation.  The  hope  of  something  new 
in  the  markings  and  penciling  is  a  sufficient 
stimulant  for  the  enthusiast  to  persevere  in  his 
labor  of  love  until  he  has  found  one  worthy  of  a 
name.  One  singular  feature  in  the  Tulip  is, 
that  after  it  breaks  it  ever  remains  the  same. 
Show  Tulips  are  divided  into  three  classes:  1. 
Byblcemens,  such  as  have  a  white  ground,  varie- 
gated with  purple,  the  edges  well  feathered,  the 
leaflets  erect,  and  the  whole  forming  a  perfect 
cup.  2.  Bizarres,  having  a  yellow  ground,  varie- 
gated with  scarlet,  purple,  rose,  or  violet.  3. 
Roses,  with  white  ground,  variegated  with  rose- 
color,  scarlet,  or  crimson.  The  properties  of  a 
good  Tulip,  as  a  florist's  flower,  are:  1.  The  cup 
should  form,  when  quite  expanded,  from  half  to 
a  third  of  a  round  ball.  To  do  this,  the  petals 
must  be  six  in  number,  broad  at  the  ends, 
smooth  at  the  edges,  and  the  divisions  between 
the  petals  must  scarcely  show  an  indenture.  2. 
The  three  inner  petals  should  set  closely  to  the 
three  outer  ones,  and  the  whole  should  be 
broad  enough  to  allow  of  the  fullest  expansion 
without  quartering,  as  it  is  called,  or  exhibiting 
any  vacancy  between  the  petals.  3.  The  petals 
should  be  thick,  smooth,  and  stiff,  and  keep 
their  form  well.  4.  The  ground  should  be  clear 
and  distinct,  whether  white  or  yellow.  The 
least  stain,  even  at  the  lower  end  of  the  petal, 
renders  a  Tulip  of  less  value.  5.  Whatever  be 
the  disposition  of  colors  or  marks  upon  a  Tulip, 
all  the  six  petals  should  be  marked  alike,  and 
be,  therefore,  perfectly  uniform.  6.  The  feath- 
ered flowers  should  have  an  even,  close  feath- 
ering all  round;  and  whether  narrow  or  wide, 
light  or  heavy,  should  reach  far  enough  round 
the  petals  to  form,  when  expanded,  an  unbroken 
edging.  7.  If  the  flower  have  any  marking  be- 
sides the  feathering  at  the  edge,  it  should  be  a 
bold  mark  down  the- center,  but  not  reaching 
the  bottom  of  the  cup.  The  mark  must  be  simi- 
lar in  all  the  six  petals.  8.  Flowers  not  feath- 
ered, and  with  the  flame  only,  must  have  no 
marks  on  the  edges  of  the  flowers.  None  of  the 
colors  must  break  through  to  the  edge.  The 
color  may  be  disposed  in  any  form,  so  that  it 
be  perfectly  uniform  in  all  the  petals,  and  does 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


235 


TUL 

not  go  too  near  the  bottom.  9.  The  color,  what- 
ever it  may  be,  must  be  dense  and  decided. 
Whether  it  be  delicate  and  light,  or  bright,  or 
dark,  it  must  be  distinct  in  -its  outline,  and  not 
shaded,  or  flushed,  or  broken.  10.  The  height 
should  be  eighteen  to  thirty-six  inches;  the 
former  is  right  for  the  outside  row  in  a  bed, 
and  the  latter  is  right  for  the  highest  row.  11. 
The  purity  of  the  white  and  the  brightness  of 
the  yellow  should  be  permanent;  that  is  to  say, 
should  stand  until  the  petals  actually  fall. 
Where  Parrot  Tulips  originated  we  have  not 
learned.  They  are  ignored  by  those  florists 
Avho  claim  the  right  to  say  what  is  and  what  is 
not  beautiful.  Not  being  bound  to  observe  the 
"laws"  that  regulate  the  form,  shape,  and 
"perfect  markings,"  we  prize  this  class  very 
highly,  on  account  of  their  singularly  pictur- 
esque appearance.  The  flowers  are  very  large, 
and  the  colors  exceedingly  brilliant.  They  are 
unequaled  for  groups  in  mixed  borders,  or  con- 
spicuous places  in  front  of  shrubs.  The  vari- 
eties of  this  class  are  limited,  but  they  are,  nev- 
ertheless, particularly  beautiful. 

Culture  of  the  Tulip.— The  best  soil  for  the  cul- 
ture of  the  Tulip  is  a  rich,  rather  light,  well- 
drained  loam.  A  bed  of  sufficient  size  for  plant- 
ing the  bulbs  should  be  dug  at  least  twelve  inches 
deep.  The  Tulips  should  then  be  planted  six 
inches  apart  each  way;  pressed  deep-enough  to 
keep  them  in  their  places,  and  covered  with  ; 
mould  to  the  depth  of  three  inches  on  the  sides 
of  the  bed,  and  five  inches  in  the  center.  This 
precaution  is  necessary,  that  water  may  not  stand 
on  the  bed  during  the  winter.  When  the  bed  is 
planted  and  covered,  it  maybe  left  to  the  weath- 
er until  the  Tulips  come  up,  or  about  the  first  of 
March.  A  slight  protection  of  litter  is  then  re- 
quired, as  the  frost  has  a  tendency  to  check  the 
bloom.  Our  climate  is  so  variable — cold  at  night 
and  hot  at  mid-day — that  it  will  well  repay  the 
cost  to  cover  at  night  and  remove  in  the  morning. 
Leaving  them  covered  during  the  day  has  a  ten-  ; 
dency  to  draw  them  up  and  otherwise  weaken  '•. 
them.  When  the  flowers  appear,  if  they  are 
protected  from  the  sun  by  a  light  canvas,  the 
period  of  bloom  may  be  kept  up  for  three  or  four 
weeks.  The  colors  are  generally  better  if  not 
shaded  at  all,  but  in  that  case  the  bloom  would 
be  soon  over.  Sometimes  a  single  day's  hot  sun 
would  completely  spoil  them.  When  the  flow- 
ers begin  to  fade,  they  should  be  cut  away 
and  removed  from  the  bed.  As  soon  as  the 
stems  of  the  Tulip  turn  yellow,  and  the  leaves 
begin  to  dry,  they  may  be  taken  up  and  put  in 
a  cool,  dry  place.  When  dry,  thoroughly  clean 
off  the  old  skin  and  dirt,  and  put  in  paper  bags, 
ready  for  planting  out  again  in  October.  The 
Tulip  is  also  now  extensively  forced  for  cut 
flowers  during  the  winter  and  spring  months.  ! 
The  method  of  culture  is  identical  with  that  of 
the  Roman  Hyacinth  and  Paper  Narcissus.  The  i 
only  important  point  is  to  grow  only  the  kinds  j 
known  as  Kindle  Early,  such  as  "Snow  Flake," 
"  Marechal  Neil,"  "  Rose  Queen,"  etc. 

Tulip  Tree.     See  Liriodendron. 

Turmeric.     See  Curcuma. 

Tunica.  From  tunica,  a  coat;  referring  to  the  j 
calyx.  Linn.  Decandria-  Triyyaia.  Nat.  Ord.  Gary-  \ 
ophyQaoece. 

Hardy    herbaceous    perennials,     natives    of 
Southern  Europe  and  Central  Asia,  and  allied 
to  Dianthus.     A  few  of  the  species  have  showy   j 
flowers  in  spring.     They  are  increased  by  divi- 
sion or  from  seed. 


TUR 

Tupelo.     See  Nyssa. 

Tupa.  Tupa  is  the  name  of  T.  Faillei  in  Chili. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Lobdia- 
cece. 

This  is  a  genus  of  pretty  plants,  chiefly  natives 
of  Chili  and  Peru.  They  are  worth  cultivating 
on  account  of  the  beauty  and  singularity  of  their 
flowers.  They  are  treated  and  propagated  like 
the  Lobelia. 

Turkey's  Beard.     See  Xerophyllum. 

Turkish  Rhubarb.     See  Rhubarb. 

Turnera.  Dedicated  by  Linnaeus  to  the  memory 
of  William  Turner,  Prebendary  of  York,  Canon  of 
Windsor,  etc.,  and  author  of  "A  New  Herbal," 
1551.  Linn.  Pentandria-Trigynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Tur- 
neracecK. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome  plants  when  in 
flower.  Some  are  annuals,  and  others  green- 
house shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants,  with  yel- 
low flowers,  some  of  which  resemble  those  of 
the  Thunbergia.  They  should  be  grown  in  a 
light,  rich  soil.  They  are  propagated  by  cut- 
tings or  by  seeds.  Introduced  from  South  Amer- 
ica in  1774. 

Turnip.  (See  Brassica.)  The  field  and  garden 
Turnip  is  supposed  to  have  originated  by  long 
cultivation  of  the  wild  Brasslca  raf>a,  a  native 
of  Great  Britain  and  other  parts  of  Europe.  At 
what  period  it  was  first  brought  into  notice  in 
its  native  countries,  or  how  its  improvement 
from  its  native  wild  and  useless  state  was 
brought  about,  is  entirely  unknown.  It  was  in 
use  as  a  vegetable  before  the  Christian  era,  but 
we  have  no  account  of  its  being  cultivated  to 
any  extent  as  a  field  crop  previous  to  1 300.  It 
does  not  seem  that  there  was  any  rapid  develop- 
ment in  its  improvement  worthy  of  mention  by 
the  early  writers  previous  to  1650,  but  from  that 
period  its  increase  in  cultivation  was  rapid,  and 
many  new  sorts  are  mentioned.  At  the  present 
day,  every  country  adapted  to  its  growth  boasts 
of  the  varieties  it  has  produced.  The  Swedish 
Turnip,  or  Ruta  Baga,  one  of  the  best  known, 
originated  from  B.  campestris;  its  varieties 
are  numerous,  and  generally  cultivated.  The 
French  Turnip  is  considered  sweeter  and  freer 
from  any  acrid  properties  than  most  others,  and 
is  highly  prized  for  the  table.  Several  varie- 
ties are  designated  as  American,  and  the  Pur- 
ple and  White  Strap-leafed  Turnips  justly  so, 
but  where  or  by  whom  they  originated,  or  the 
parentage,  we  are  without  knowledge.  We  only 
know  that  they  were  long  grown  here  previous 
to  their  being  known  in  Europe,  and  that  they 
have  always  been  regarded  as  American  varieties 
there.  A  variety  of  recent  introduction,  known 
as  the  White  Egg  Turnip,  is  one  of  the  best  for 
the  table.  The  Turnip  is  used  both  as  a  spring 
and  fall  crop.  For  spring,  sow  as  early  as  the 
ground  is  dry  enough,  and  for  fall,  in  the  lati- 
tude of  New  York,  sow  Ruta  Bagas  in  July,  and 
other  varieties  during  the  latter  part  of  August 
and  in  September,  according  to  the  kind.  Seeds 
may  be  sown  as  the  ground  becomes  vacant.  In 
every  case,  when  the  soil  is  dry,  firm  the  seeds 
well  in  the  soil  by  the  feet  or  by  rolling. 
Turreea.  Named  in  honor  of  George  Turra,  once 
Professor  of  Botany  at  Padua  and  author  of  sev- 
eral botanical  works.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Hex- 
andria.  Nat.  Ord.  Meliacece. 

A  genus  of  tropical  shrubs  and  large  trees  con- 
fined to  the  old  world.     Some  of  the  species 
have  edible  fruit,  and  a  few  are  grown  for  the 
beauty  of  their  flowers. 
Turpentine.     See  Pinus. 


HENDEESON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


TUB 

Turtle-Head.  One  of  the  popular  names  for 
CheUme,  which  see. 

Tussilaeo.  Colt's  Foot.  From  lussis,  a  cough;  for 
curing  which  the  flowers  have  been  employed. 
Linn.  Sunqenes ia-  Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracca?. 
Hardy  'and  half-hardy  perennials,  natives  of 
Central  Europe.  One  of  the  species,  T.  Farfara, 
is  common  in  wet  places  in  the  Middle  and  New 
England  States,  having  become  thoroughly  nat- 
uralized. They  all  grow  readily  in  the  garden, 
and  some  of  them  are  quite  ornamental.  Prop- 
agated by  division  of  the  roots,  which  are  in- 
clined to  increase  rapidly. 

Twayblade.    See  Listera. 

Twig  Rush.  The  popular  name  of  the  common 
bog  or  marsh  plant,  Cladium  mariscoides. 

Twin  Flower.  A  name  applied  to  Linnaxi  bore- 
<dis,  which  see. 

Twin  Leaf.  The  local  name  of  the  genus  Jeffer- 
sonia,  which  see.  The  plant  is  also  sometimes 
called  hheumatism  Root. 

Tydsea.  Derivation  not  given.  Linn.  Didynamla- 
Dlfjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Qesmracece. 

A  genus  of  beautiful  herbaceous  plants,  na- 
tives of  the  mountains  of  New  Grenada.  There 
are  at  present  only  four  described  species,  which 


UMB 

are  better  known  under  their  old  name  of  Achi- 
menes,  the  best  known  being  T.  picta.  ' '  They  ore 
erect,  robust  herbs,  with  fine  blotched  leaves,  and 
axillary,  bright-colored  flowers.  The  calyx  is  con- 
nate with  the  ovary,  the  corolla  almost  fun- 
nel-shaped, and  five-lobed ;  the  stamens  are  in- 
cluded, the  ovary  surrounded  by  five  glands, 
the  stigma  five-cleft,  and  the  fruit  a  capsule." 
The  Gesneracece  have  been  much  cut  up  and  di- 
vided of  late  years,  so  that  one  hardly  knows 
where  to  look  for  the  plant  he  wants  to  find. 
See  Achimenes  and  Gesnera. 

Typha.  Cat-Tail  Flag.  From  typhos,  a  marsh; 
referring  to  the  habitat  of  the  species.  Linn. 
Moncecia-Triandr'M.  Nat.  Ord.  Typhacece. 

T.  latifolia,  the  common  Cat-Tail  Flag  of  our 
marshes,  a  native  of  Europe  and  the  East,  has 
become  naturalized  in  almost  all  parts  of  the 
United  States.  It  is  also  common  in  Europe. 
A  species  with  narrow  leaves  is  more  rare.  The 
pollen  of  Typha  is  inflammable,  like  that  of  Ly- 
copodium,  and  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  it.  The 
"  Cat-Tail,"  in  the  minds  of  most  boys,  is  closely 
associated  with  the  "Fourth  of  July,"  being 
largely  used  by  them  for  "setting  off"  their 
fireworks  and  crackers. 


u. 


TTlex.     Furze.     Said  to  be  taken  from  the  Celt- 

U  ic  ac,  a  point  ;  in  allusion  to  its  prickly 
branches.  Linn.  Monadelphia-Decandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  genus  of  very  beautiful  evergreen  shrubs, 
with  yellow  flowers,  both  double  and  single, 
indigenous  to  Great  Britain  and  the  South  of 
Europe.  They  are  highly  esteemed  for  hedge 
plants,  and  the  young  tops  are  cut  and  fed  to 
cattle  and  horses  ;  but  their  value  as  a  food 
plant  is  considerably  questioned.  None  of  the 
species  thrives  in  this  country,  being  too  tender 
for  our  Northern  States,  and  too  impatient  of 
our  tropical  summers  in  the  South. 

Ulmus.  Elm.  Supposed  to  be  from  the  Saxon 
word  dm  or  vim,  a  name  which  is  applied,  with 
very  slight  alterations,  to  the  trees  of  this  genus 
in  all  the  dialects  of  the  Celtic  tongue.  Linn. 
Pentandria-Digynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Ulmacece. 

This  genus  takes  the  first  rank  in  the  great 
army  of  American  trees.  When  asked,  ' '  What 
is  the  handsomest  tree  in  America?"  we  unhes- 
itatingly say,  "  U.  Americana,  the  American 
Weeping  or  White  Elm."  Of  the  several  species 
that  make  up  this  genus,  none  in  any  respect 
compares  with  this.  U.  fulua  is  the  common 
Red  or  Slippery  Elm.'  U.  racemosa  is  tho  Corky 
White  Elm.  U.  alata  is  the  Winged  Elm  or 
Whahoo  of  the  South  and  West.  The  celebrated 
English  Elm  is  U.  campestris.  All  the  species 
are  propagated  from  seeds. 

Umbilicus.  From  umbilicus,  the  navel;  in  allu- 
sion to  the  concave  leaves  of  some  of  the  species. 
Linn.  Decandria-Tetragynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Crassula- 
cece. 

A  genus  of  interesting  plants,  natives  of  South- 
ern Europe,  the  Levant,  and  tropical  Africa,  and 
now  usually  placed  in  Cotyledon,  which  see.  In 
some  of  the  species  the  radical  leaves  are  rosu- 
late,  or  disposed  like  the  petals  in  the  flower  of 


a  double  Rose;  others  have  them  alternate  on 
the  stalk;  in  all  they  are  fleshy.  The  flowers, 
which  are  either  white  or  yellow,  grow  in  branch- 
ed or  simple  racemes.  They  grow  naturally  in 
dry,  stony  places,  and  are  used  in  rock-work, 
and  lately  have  come  into  use  in  England  for 
'  carpet  "  work  and  edging.  They  grow  well  in 
pots,  and  require  the  same  treatment  as  Echeve- 
rias  and  Sewpervivums.  Introduced  in  1732. 
Umbrella  China  Tree.  Melto  Azedarach.  Linn. 
Didynimia-D;cagynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Meliacece. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical  trees  and  shrubs, 
with  alternate  pinnate  or  bipinnate  leaves,  and 
flowers  borne  in  panicles.  M.  Azedarach,  com- 
monly known  as  the  Pride  of  India,  False  Syca- 
more, Holy  Tree,  Arbre  a  Chapelet,  Bead  Tree, 
Hill  Margosa,  and  in  our  Southern  States  also 
as  Umbrella  China  Tree  and  China  Berry,  is, 
says  Dr.  Masters,  widely  diffused  over  the  globe, 
having  been  carried  to  America,  Africa,  and  dif- 
ferent parts  of  Southern  Europe.  It  is  from 
thirty  to  fifty  feet  high,  with  bipinnate  leaves, 
and  large  bunches  of  fragrant,  lilac-colored 
flowers,  which  are  sucaeeded  by  a  fruit  about 
the  size  of  a  Cherry,  with  an  external  pulp  and 
a  hard  nut  •within.  In  Southern  France  and 
Spain  the  tree  thrives  well  in  the  open  air,  as  it 
does  in  our  Southern  States.  The  Arabic  name, 
Azedarach,  implies  a  poisonous  plant,  and  the 
fruit  is  generally  considered  so.  The  root  is 
bitter  and  nauseous,  and  is  used  as  an  anthel- 
mintic.  The  tree  is  supposed  to  possess  febri- 
fugal properties,  andNa  decoction  of  the  leaves  is 
used  as  a  remedy  for  hysterics.  From  a  recent 
number  of  the  American  Agriculturist  we  make 
the  following  extract:  "The  tree  is  not  hardy 
north  of  Virginia,  but  southward  it  is  a  com- 
mon street  tree,  and  frequent  ar6und  country 
places.  The  ease  with  which  it  may  be  trans- 
planted and  its  rapid  growth  are  somewhat  off- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


237 


UMB 

set  by  the  readiness  with  which  its  branches  are 
broken  by  high  winds.  Its  wood  makes  excel- 
lent fuel,  is  durable,  and  is  used  for  furniture. 
There  has  been  introduced  from  Texas,  within 
a  few  years,  a  marked  variety  called  the  Um- 
brella China  Tree.  Several  years  ago  we  saw  a 
small  specimen  of  this  in  the  extensive  collec- 
tion of  P.  J.  Berckmans,  near  Augusta,  Ga., 
which  promised  to  be  valuable,  and  now  we 
have  a  photograph  of  a  tree  in  Abbeville,  Ala., 
taken  by  J.  C.  Mangold,  to  show  the  remarkably 
compact  habit  and  umbrella-like  form.  Mr.  J. 
A.  Clendinen  sends  an  account  of  the  tree,  from 
which  we  learn  that  the  foliage  is  so  dense  that 
it  will  turn  almost  any  rainfall.  It  does  not 
fruit  so  abundantly  as  the  ordinary  form  of  the 
tree,  but,  what  is  quite  remarkable,  the  variety 
is  reproduced  from  the  seed.  This  variety  of  the 
favorite  China  Tree  will  commend  itself  to  our 
readers  in  the  Southern  States,  as  it  has  natu- 
rally the  com  pact  habit  that  is  sometimes  imper- 
fectly produced  in  the  ordinary  form  of  the  tree 
by  severe  cutting.  China  Berries,  as  the  fruit 
of  the  tree  is  usually  called,  are  eaten  by  sheep 
and  goats,  which  in  winter  require  but  little 
other  food;  cows  are  fond  of  them,  but  they  im- 
part an  unpleasant  taste  to  the  milk.  The  hard 
stone  is  sometimes  bored  and  strung  to  make 
'  rosaries '  and  necklaces,  hence  the  tree  is 
known  in  some  countries  as  the  Bead  Tree." 

Umbrella  Grass.  The  common  name  of  Fuirena, 
squarrosa,  which  see.  It  is  common  in  sandy 
wet  places  from  Massachusetts  southward. 

"Umbrella  Palm.    See  Kentea. 

Umbrella  Tree.     See  Magnolia  umbrdla. 

Unicorn  Plant.    See  Martynia. 

Upas  Tree.     See  Antiaris. 

Urania.  Traveler's  Tree.  From  ouranios,  sub- 
lime ;  in  allusion  to  the  stateliness  of  the  tree. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monocjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Musacece. 
U.  speciosa,  the  only  known  representative  of 
this  genus,  was  formerly  called  ftavenata  Mada- 
gascariensis.  It  is  a  magnificent  plant,  having  a 
palm-like  appearance,  and  is  called  in  Madagas- 
car the  Traveler's  Tree,  because  the  leaves,  when 
cut,  yield  an  abundant  and  refreshing  juice, 
with  which  travelers  allay  their  thirst.  The 
leaves  are  of  gigantic  size,  somewhat  like  those 
of  Musa  ensete,  but  arranged  in  two  rows  on  op- 
posite sides  of  the  stems.  Young  plants  are  ob- 
tained by  suckers  or  from  seed. 

Urceolina.  From  urceolus,  a  small  cup  or  pitcher  ; 
in  allusion  to  the  smallness  of  the  cup,  or  nec- 
tary, inside  the  flower.  Linn.  Hemndria-Mono- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Amarylliducece. 

A  small  genus  of  handsome  summer-blooming 
Peruvian  bulbs.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  red, 
and  green.  They  grow  freely  in  the  open  bor- 
der, and  require  a  long  season  of  rest.  They 
may  be  kept  during  winter  like  the  ligridias, 
and  planted  out  in  the  border  after  all  danger 
from  frost  is  past.  Propagated  by  offsets.  In- 
troduced in  1837. 

Uropedium.  From  oitra,  a  tail,  and  podlon,  a 
slipper  ;  in  allusion  to  the  long-tailed  petals. 


VAC 

Linn.    Oynandria-Digynia.       Nat.    Ord.    Orchida- 
cea'. 

A  genus  of  terrestrial  Orchids  nearly  related 
to  Cypripedium.  It  consists  of  only  one  described 
species,  U.  Lindeni,  a  native  of  New  Grenada, 
and  is  found  growing  at  an  elevation  of  8,500 
feet  above  the  sea  level.  It  differs  from  Cypripe- 
dium in  its  broader,  flattened  lip,  and  extremely 
long-tailed  petals.  The  leaves  are  about  a  foot 
long,  oblique  at  the  extremity,  shining,  and 
fleshy  in  texture.  The  flowers  are  solitary,  pro- 
duced on  long  peduncles;  the  sepals  are  ovate- 
lanceolate,  yellow,  streaked  with  orange  ;  the 
petals  are  linear-lanceolate,  extended  into  a  long, 
narrow  tail,  a  foot  or  more  in  length,  and  pur- 
ple orange  at  the  base.  This  is  a  remarkable  and 
very  interesting  plant,  which  should  find  a  place 
in  every  collection.  It  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment as  Cypripedium.  Introduced  in  1849. 

Uropetalon.  From  oura,  a  tail,  and  petition,  a 
petal;  the  petals  are  lengthened  into  tail-like 
appendages.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monoyynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  LiliacecB. 

A  small  genus  of  Cape  bulbs,  very  singular 
and  interesting.  The  flowers  are  green,  or  green 
and  orange,  borne  on  slender  scapes  in  terminal 
racemes.  They  are  tender,  and  must  be  kept 
warm  and  dry  during  winter,  and  planted  out 
in  the  border  in  early  spring.  Propagated  by 
offsets.  Introduced  in  1808. 

Urtica.  Nettle.  From  uro,  to  burn ;  in  reference 
to  the  stinging  properties  of  most  of  the  species. 
Linn.  Monaecla-  Tetrandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Urticacecp. 

The  Roman  Nettle,  U.  pilitlifera,  is  sometimes 
grown  in  gardens  as  an  ornamental  annual,  but 
the  sting  is  much  worse  than  that  of  U.  dioir,a, 
the  common  Nettle.  Some  of  the  exotic  species 
are  very  handsome  ;  as,  for  example,  U.  reticu- 
lata,  a  native  of  Jamaica,  which  has  red  and  yel- 
low flowers  and  deep  green  leaves.  There  are 
several  native  and  naturalized  species,  all  trou- 
blesome weeds. 

Utricularia.  Bladderwort.  From  utriculus,  a  lit- 
tle bladder;  applied  to  the  small  inflated  ap- 
pendages of  the  roots.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogy- 
nia.  Nat.  Ord.  Anonacect}. 

A  genus  of  curious  aquatic  plants,  common 
throughout  the  United  States.  They  are  with- 
out interest,  except  that  during  the  early  rtage 
of  the  plant,  the  small,  bladder-like  appendages 
at  the  roots  are  filled  with  water;  but  when  the 
flowers  are  ready  to  expand  they  become  filled 
with  air.  After  the  season  of  flowering,  the 
vesicles  become  again  filled  with  water,  and  the 
plant  descends  to  ripen  its  seeds  at  the  bottom. 

Uvularia.  Bellwort.  The  plants  were  formerly 
used  in  diseases  of  the  uvula ;  whence  the  name. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacern. 
A  small  genus  of  very  handsome  hardy  herba- 
ceous perennials,  with  lily-like  flowers,  borne 
solitary,  or  rarely  in  pairs,  on  slender  peduncles, 
from  the  uppermost  leaves.  The  flowers  are 
bright  and  greenhh  yellow.  There  are  several 
species  common  throughout  the  United  States, 
in  rich,  rather  moist  woods. 


Y. 


Vaccaria.      Cow  Herb.      Named  from   vecca,  a 
cow.      Linn.   Dexindria-Digynict.      Nat.   Ord. 
Caryophyllacea;. 
A  coarse-growing  hardy  herbaceous  perennial, 


formerly  called  Saponaria  Vaccaria.    It  was  in- 
troduced into  the  garden,  but  has  escaped  and 
become  common  in  waste  places. 
Vaccinium.      High-bash  Cranberry,  Blueberry, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


VAL 

Bilberry.  An  ancient  Latin  name,  whether  of  a 
berry  or  a  flower  is  not  satisfactorily  known. 
Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vaccini- 
acece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  interesting  shrubs, 
many  of  which  are  indigenous  to  the  United 
States,  and  others  to  Europe  and, the  East  and 
West  Indies.  V.  macrocarpa  is  the  High-bush 
Cranberry,  common  in  bogs  North  and  West. 
V.  stamineum  is  the  Squaw  Huckleberry,  com- 
mon in  dry  woods  from  Maine  to  Michigan. 
V.  uUginosum  is  the  Bog  Bilberry,  a  low-growing 
species,  common  in  high  elevations  in  New 
England  and  New  York.  V.  corymbosum  is  the 
common  or  Swamp  Blueberry,  everywhere  com- 
mon except  southward.  There  are  many  other 
species  and  varieties,  the  slight  difference  in 
them  noticeable  only  by  the  botanist.  For  the 
common  Cranberry  and  its  culture,  see  Oxy- 
coccus. 

Valerian.     See  Valeriana. 

Valeriana.  Said  by  some  to  be  named  after  Va- 
lerius, who  first  used  it  in  medicine;  others  as- 
sert that  it  is  derived  from  yalere,  to  be  in 
health,  on  account  of  the  medicinal  qualities  of 
V.  officinalis.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord?  ValerianacecK. 

Hardy  perennials,  most  of  them  showy  border 

-  plants  of  easy  culture.  Some  of  them  have  long 
been  in  cultivation.  Those  best  known  are  na- 
tives of  Switzerland.  There  are  several  native 
species,  from  which  the  tincture  of  Valerian  is 
obtained.  All  the  species  are  propagated  by 
division. 

Valerianella.  Lamb's  Lettuce,  Fetticus,  Corn 
Salad.  A  diminutive  of  Valerian.  Linn.  Trian- 
dria- \fonofjynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vulerianacece. 

A  small  genus  of  succulent  herbs,  natives  of 
Great  Britain.  V.  olitoria,  generally  known  here 
as  Fetticus,  is  largely  grown  under  glass  as  an 
early  spring  crop.  The  cultivation  is  very  sim- 
ilar to  Spinach.  Several  of  the  species  are  under 
cultivation. 

Vallisneria.  Eel  Grass,  Tape  Grass.  Named  in 
honor  of  A.  VaUisneri,  an  Italian  botanist.  Linn. 
Dicecia-Diandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Hydrocharidacece . 

A  genus  of  aquatic  plants,  common  in  slow- 
running  waters,  remarkable  on  account  of  the 
extremely  curious  manner  in  which  the  process 
of  fertilization  is  effected.  The  male  and  female 
floweraare  on  different  plants,  and  the  latter 
rise  on  long  spiral  stalks,  which  gradually  un- 
coil above  the  surface  of  the  water,  while  the 
latter  are  produced  at  the  bottom.  Before,  how- 
ever, the  anthers  burst  to  discharge  the  pollen, 
the  male  flowers  detach  themselves  from  their 
stalks  and  rise  up  to  the  surface,  on  which  they 
float  like  little  white  bubbles.  After  the  pollen 
has  been  distributed  over  the  stigmas,  the  male 
flowers  wither,  and  the  spiral  stalks  of  the  fe- 
males coil  up  again  so  as  to  draw  the  seed-vessel 
under  the  water,  that  it  may  ripen  at  the  bottom, 
and  burst  when  just  in  the  proper  place  to  de- 
posit its  seeds.  Nothing  can  be  more  beautiful 
than  the  whole  arrangement;  and  nothing  can 
show  more  strikingly  the  admirable  manner  in 
which  the  wonderful  economy  of  nature  is  car- 
ried on.  V.  spircdia,  the  best  known  and  only 
species  in  our  waters,  is  admirably  adapted  for 
growing  in  the  aquarium.  Besides  being  a  beau- 
tiful evergreen,  one  of  the  essentials  for  the 
aquarium,  one  can,  by  growing  it,  witness  that 
wonderful  and  interesting  phenomenon  in  plant 
life. 

Vallota.    Named  in  honor  of    Pierre    VaUot    a 


VAN 

French   botanist.      Linn.    Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Amaryllidacea;. 

V.  purpurea,  the  only  known  species,  is  a  na- 
tive of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  where  it  is 
found  in  boggy  places.  It  is  an  evergreen 
bulb,  producing  its  splendid  spikes  of  brilliant 
scarlet  blossoms  (not  purple,  as  the  name  im- 
plies) in  August,  and  occasionally  at  other 
periods.  It  is  one  of  the  most  showy  of  the  in- 
teresting family  to  which  it  belongs,  and  the 
little  care  required  to  grow  it  makes  it  particu- 
larly desirable.  It  does  best  with  ordinary  pot 
culture,  requiring  liberal  watering,  except  a  few 
months  in  winter.  The  bulbs  should  not  often 
be  separated,  but  occasionally  shifted  into  larger 
pots  when  they  become  thoroughly  root-bound. 
Too  frequent  shiftings  are  injurious  to  this  bulb; 
they  do  much  better  when  pinched,  and  it  is  not 
an  uncommon  occurrence  to  see  twenty-five 
flower  spikes,  with  five  to  eight  flowers  each, 
at  one  time,  from  a  ten-inch  pot  of  the  bulbs. 
They  increase  rapidly  from  offsets,  which  may  be 
picked  off  the  top  of  the  pot  without  disturbing 
the  main  bulbs.  They  may  be  grown  success- 
fully in  the  border,  and  dried  off  in  winter  like 
the  Gladiolus,  except  that  they  should  be  taken 
up  after  a  slight  frost  and  packed  away  in  boxes 
of  earth,  without  disturbing  the  tops,  watering 
only  once  or  twice  during  the  winter.  There 
are  two  or  three  varieties,  differing  only  in  the 
size  of  the  flowers.  Introduced  in  1774. 

Vanda.  Vanda  is  the  Sanscrit  name  of  the  origi- 
nal species  of  this  genus.  Linn.  Gymndria- 
Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidacece. 

A  genus  of  magnificent  epiphytal  Orchids 
from  tropical  Asia.  Several  of  the  species  are 
found  in  our  best  Orchid  houses,  where  they  are 
most  conspicuous  objects,  both  on  account  of 
the  size  and  beautiful  colors  and  markings  of 
the  flowers,  and  for  their  delicious  fragrance. 
The  plants  may  be  attached  to  blocks  of  wood 
or  cork,  and  suspended  from  the  roof  of  the 
house.  From  March  till  May  the  heat  should 
range  from  70°  to  90°.  or  even  more  in  sunny 
weather,  and  every  morning  and  evening  they 
should  be  surrounded  with  vapor,  besides  an 
application  of  water  from  the  syringe  once  a 
day.  From  May  till  September,  which  with  us 
is  the  blooming  season,  the  same  degree  of  heat 
should  be  maintained,  but  with  a  diminution  of 
the  moisture  as  the  flowers  advance;  and  after- 
ward, through  the  winter,  moisture  may  be 
withheld,  and  the  temperature  reduced  to  60°. 
Some  of  the  species  have  been  under  cultiva- 
tion since  1810.  V.  tricolor,  one  of  the  best,  was 
introduced  in  1846.  Of  this  species  there  are 
some  fifteen  or  more  varieties,  all  of  great 
beauty.  They  are  propagated  by  carefully  de- 
taching the  lateral  shoots  when  about  six  inches 
long,  and  fastening  them  to  a  cork. 

Vanilla.  An  alteration  of  Vaynilla,  which  is  a 
diminutive  of  Vaina,  a  Spanish  word,  signifying 
a  sheath;  in  reference  to  the  cylindrical  pod 
being  like  the  sheath  of  a  knife.  Linn.  Gynan- 
dria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Orchidftfea;. 

A  small  genus  of  tropical,  climbing  Orchids, 
one  of  the  most  important  of  the  whole  family, 
not  because  of  its  flowers,  but  for  the  commer- 
cial value  of  the  fruJt,  which  is  universally  used 
in  the  preparation  of  extracts  for  flavoring. 
The  best  Vanilla  is  the  produce  of  V.  planifolia, 
a  native  of  Mexico,  but  several  other  South 
American  species  are  also  used.  The  flowers 
of  this  genus  are  white  striped  with  red,  and 
quite  insignificant;  these  flowers  are  succeeded 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


VAN 

by  pods  about  six  inches  in  length  and  one- 
fourth  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  pod  con- 
tains, besides  its  numerous  seeds,  a  substance 
which  is  black,  oily,  and  balsamic;  and  when 
recently  gathered  this  is  humid,  and  its  odor  is 
said  to  produce  intoxication.  The  pods  are 
gathered  during  the  last  three  months  of  the 
year,  and  are  carefully  dried  by  exposure  to  the 
sun  s  rays  until  they  are  made  warm,  in  which 
state  they  are  wrapped  in  woolen  cloths  to  pro- 
mote and  absorb  evaporation.  When  thoroughly 
cured,  they  are  ready  for  shipment.  The  extract 
is  obtained  by  cutting  the  pods  in  small  pieces, 
and  pulverizing  in  a  mortar  containing  about 
four  parts  of  fine  glass  to  one  of  Vanilla.  It  re- 
quires a  great  amount  of  labor  to  get  the  Vanilla 
fine  enough  for  the  dilute  alcohol  to  act  upon  it 
in  a  manner  that  will  secure  the  whole.  After 
the  pulverized  mass  has  been  in  alcohol  for 
several  days,  it  is  filtered  through  paper,  and  is 
fit  for  use. 

Vanilla  or  Seneca  Grass.  See  Hierochloa  borealis. 
Vanilla  Plant.      The   popular  name  of  Liatris 

odor  at  is  sun  a,  which  see. 
Variegated  Bulrush.     See  Scirpus. 
Variegated  Laurel.     See  Aucuba. 
Vegetable  Oyster.     See  Trayopogon  porrifolius. 
Vegetable  Hair.     See  T'dlandsia  usneoides. 
Vegetable  Ivory  Nut.      See  Phytelephos  macro- 
cur  pa. 

Vegetable  Marrow.     See  Persea. 
Vegetable  Marrow.     An  English  name  for  a  va- 
riety of  summer  Squash.  The  one  usually  grown 
is  about  nine  inches  long  and  four  to  five  in  di- 
ameter.    It  is  used  in  every  stage  of  its  growth, 
and  is  particularly  tender  and  sweet.     It    is 
grown  in  all  respects  like  the  several  varieties 
of  our  summer  Bush  Squashes. 
Vegetable  Mercury.     See  Franciscea. 
Veitchia.     A  name  applied  by  Dr.  Lindley  to  a 
curious  Japanese   conifer,  since   proven  to    be 
merely  a  deformed  state  of  some  Abies. 
Vellozia.     Derivation  of  name  unknown.     Linn. 
Hexandria-Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  HcemodoracecK. 
The  Vellozias  are  like  perennial  Lilies,  and 
grow  from  two  to  ten  feet  high,  having  trunks 
as  large  as  a  man's  body,  branching,  and  having 
tufts  of  leaves  on  the  top  like  the  Yucca.     The 
flowers  are  large,  white,   blue,  or  violet,  pro- 
duced singly  or  on  slender  scapes  from  the  tips 
of  the  branches.    They  are  showy  and  attractive 
features  in  the  mountain  regions  of  Brazil  and 
Australia. 

Veltheimia.  Named  in  honor  of  F.  A.  VeUheim, 
a  German  botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  LUiacecv. 

Large-growing  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.     The  flowers  are  flesh-color  and  of  but 
little   beauty,   though  of  long  duration.     The 
bulbs  rest  the  entire  summer,  and  come  into 
bloom  in  early  winter.  They  are  grown  from  seed, 
which  they  produce  freely.      The  bulbs  rarely 
divide  or  make  offsets.     Introduced  in  1781. 
Velvet  Grass.     See  Holcos. 
Venus's  Fly-trap.     See  Dionwa  muscipula.. 
Venus's  Looking-Glass.  See  Specularia  speculum. 
Venus's  Navelwort.     See  Omphalodes. 
Venus's  Slipper.     See  Cypripfdium  insigne. 
Veratrum.      Hellebore.     From  vere,    truly,   and 
a'.ex,  black;  in  allusion  to  the  color  of  the  roots. 
Linn.  Polygamm-Monoida.  Nat.  Ord.  Melaiithacece. 
A  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous,  coarse-growing 
plants,  with  large,  coarse,  fibrous  roots,  which 
are  very  poisonous.      V.  viride,  a  species  com- 
mon in  swamps  and  marshy  grounds,  is  popu- 


VER 

larly  known  as  White  Hellebore  or  Indian  Poke. 
The  powdered  roots  of  this  species  are  used  to 
destroy  Caterpillars,  Rose  Beetles,  and  other  in- 
sects. It  is  the  base  of  some  of  the  so-called 
Persian  Insect  Powders,  which  should  there- 
fore be  used  with  care. 

Verbascum.  Mullein.  Said  to  be  from  barbas- 
cum,  bearded;  in  allusion  to  the  bearded  fila- 
ments. Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Scrophulariacece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  coarse-growing,  weedy 
biennial  herbs,  common  in  neglected  fields  and 
roadsides.  They  are  natives  of  Europe,  but 
thoroughly  naturalized  in  most  parts  of  this 
country. 

Verbena.  Vervain.  Said  to  be  from  its  Celtic 
name,  terfaen.  Linn.  Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Verbenacece. 

The  beauty  of  this  extensive  genus  is  well 
known,  and  needs  no  comment.  They  are  all 
peculiarly  adapted  for  growing  in  beds  in  the 
flower-garden,  and  are  extensively  grown  for 
that  purpose.  As  a  garden  plant  they  are,  com- 
paratively, of  recent  introduction.  Our  garden 
varieties  have  all  originated  from  the  following 
species:  V.  melindres,  a  low,  creeping  plant, 
with  intense  scarlet  flowers,  introduced  from 
Buenos  Ayres  in  1827.  V.  Tweediana,  of  freer 
growth  and  more  upright  habit,  umbels  larger, 
and  florets  more  profuse,  but  of  a  less  vivid 
color,  was  introduced  in  1834  from  Brazil.  V. 
teucrioides,  a  taller  growing  species,  of  much 
coarser  habit,  with  flowers  of  pure  white,  in  nar- 
row-pointed spikes,  and  very  fragrant,  was  in- 
troduced from  Monte  Video  in  1837.  V.  mullifida, 
with  lilac-purple  flowers,  was  introduced  from 
Peru  in  1818.  The  late  Robert  Buist,  Sr.,  of 
Philadelphia,  was  the  first  to  introduce  Verbena 
culture  into  this  country.  He  received  seeds 
from  South  America  of  the  species  named,  and 
from  these  have  sprung  the  many  thousand 
named  varieties  that  have  from  time  to  time 
been  offered  for  sale  by  plant-growers.  Several 
species  have  been  found  in  the  United  States, 
and  among  them  V.  montana,  a  hardy  perennial 
from  the  Rocky  Mountains,  a  very  free-flower- 
ing species,  with  flowers  of  a  bright  rose,  chang- 
ing to  lilac;  a  decided  acquisition  to  the  flower- 
garden.  V.  aubletia,  with  spikes  of  showy  pur- 
ple flowers,  a  hardy  biennial,  is  found  in  Illinois 
and  westward.  Verbenas  are  easily  grown  from 
seed,  which  should  be  sown  in  a  hot-bed  or  the 
green-house  in  early  spring,  and  at  once  prick- 
ed out  before  planting  in  the  flower-bed.  Plants 
from  seed  will  be  more  vigorous  than  from 
cuttings;  but  when  special  colors  are  wanted 
seedlings  cannot  be  depended  upon.  At  the 
low  price  the  plants  are  now  sold  in  the  markets, 
it  is  cheaper  to  buy  them  than  to  grow  them 
from  seed;  but  when  the  amateur  is  not  con- 
venient to  the  florist,  the  supply  can  be  easily 
kept  up  from  seed.  In  growing  Verbenas,  suc- 
cessive plantings  should  not  be  made  on  the 
same  ground ;  the  less  frequently  the  better.  It 
is  not  that  they  exhaust  the  soil  that  renders  a 
change  necessary,  but  when  grown  more  than 
once  on  the  same  spot,  they  are  far  more  liable 
to  be  attacked  by  the  Aphis  at  the  roots,  which 
is  fatal  to  them.  The  varieties  selected  by  florists 
in  the  United  States  are  far  superior  to  those  of 
Europe,  so  that  for  the  past  ten  years  hardly  any 
importations  have  been  made  of  either  seeds  or 
plants.  The  plant  is  better  suited  to  our  cli- 
mate, and  is  far  more  extensively  cultivated  here 
than  in  Europe.  The  Verbena  delights  in  a. 


240 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


sweet,  turfy  loam;  clayey  or  sandy  soils  should 
be  avoided  in  the  selection  of  the  bed. 

Verbena,  Sweet-Scented.    See^l%sia. 

Verbena,  Lemon.     See  Aloysia. 

Veronica.  Speedwell.  The  derivation  of  the 
word  is  unknown.  Linn.  Diandria-Monogyniu. 
Nat.  Ord.  Scrophulariacea>. 

An  extensive  genus  of,  for  the  most  part, 
hardy  ornamental  plants,  well  adapted  for  the 
borders  of  the  flower  garden.  Their  stature  va- 
ries from  creeping  plants  to  others  three  or  four 
feet  high.  The  prevailing  color  is  blue,  though 
white,  pink,  red,  and  purple  are  found  among 
them.  The  green-house  species  deserve  atten- 
tion, being  easy  to  grow  and  flower,  and  they 
are  handsome  in  foliage,  habit,  and  inflorescence. 
This  class  delights  in  a  mixture  of  leaf  mould  and 
loam,  and  with  plenty  of  root  room  speedily 
make  fine  specimens.  The  species  usually  met 
in  the  green-house  are  from  New  South  Wales. 
The  hardy  herbaceous  species  are  distributed 
throughout  the  temperate  regions  of  both  conti- 
nents. Propagated  by  cuttings. 

Vervain.     See  Verbena. 

Verschaffeltia.  A  genus  of  very  beautiful  Palms 
from  the  Seychelle  Islands,  formerly  known  as 
Regelia. 

Vetch.     See  Ficia. 

Vetchling.     Everlasting  Pea.     See  Laihyras. 

Viburnum.  Arrow-wood,  Laurestinu8t  From 
weo,  to  tie,  because  of  the  pliability  of  some  of 
the  branches.  Linn.  Pentandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  CaprifoliacecK. 

An  extensive  genus  of  ornamental  shrubs,  gen- 
erally with  terminal  corymbs  of  white  flowers. 
One  of  the  best  known  species  is  V.  tinus,  popu- 
larly  known  as  Laurestinus,  an  evergreen  bush 
or  low  shrub,  with  white  flowers  that  are  rose- 
colored  in  the  bud.  It  is  a  desirable  house 
plant,  (when  it  can  be  kept  at  a  low  tempera- 
ture,) as  it  is  easy  of  cultivation  and  keeps  in 
flower  nearly  the  whole  winter.  It  will  thrive 
finely  in  the  Southern  States,  planted  in  the 
open  border.  V.  Lentago,  a  native  species,  com- 
mon from  Maine  to  Georgia,  is  a  very  handsome 
low-growing  tree,  and  well  worth  a  place  on  the 
lawn.  Its  rich  green  foliage  and  profusion  of 
flowers  in  spring,  its  numerous  clusters  of  fruit 
and  richly- colored  foliage  in  autumn,  enhance 
its  value  as  an  ornamental  tree.  This  is  com- 
monly known  as  Sweet  Viburnum,  or  Sheep  Berry 
The  Wayfaring  Tree,  or  Wild  Guelder  Rose,  (  V, 
lanianoidei, )  is  another  interesting  small  tree ;  and 
V.  cotinlfolium  is  a  beautiful  species  from  Nepal 
The  most  interesting  kind  of  Viburnum  grown 
in  small  gardens  is,  However,  the  Guelder  Rose, 
or  Snowball  Tree,  V.  opulus.  This  is  a  deciduous 
shrub,  a  native  of  Europe  and  part  of  Asia,  and 
is  usually  found  in  swampy  thickets.  In  a  wild 
state  its  principal  beauty  lies  in  its  bright  red 
berries;  but  m  a  state  of  cultivation  its  heads  of 


most  desirable  of  the  species,  and  is  of  a  better 
nabit  than  the  preceding.  Most  of  the  Vibur- 
nums are  hardy.  They  are  generally  propagated 
by  layers  but  cuttings  will  strike  freely  if  kept 
moist,  and  in  a  shady  situation.  When  trans- 
planted, the  evergreen  species  should  be  re- 
moved m  October  or  November,  as  they  have 
lew  fibrous  roots,  and  are  very  apt  to  be  killed 
by  a  continuance  of  dry  weather  if  they  are 
transplanted  in  spring. 
Vicia.  Vetch.  From  vincio,  to  bind  together;  re- 


VIO 

ferring  to  the  clasping  tendrils.     Linn.  Diadel- 
phia-Decandria.    Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  very  extensive  genus  of  hardy  climbing 
annuals* and  herbaceous  climbing  perennials. 
Some  are  common  weeds,  while  others  are  grown 
for  food  for  all  kinds  of  cattle.  They  are  mostly 
natives  of  Europe,  one  or  two  only  being  found 
in  this  country.  The  ornamental  species  are 
generally  pretty  climbing  plants,  with  purplish 
flowers.  They  are  natives  of  Europe.  Some  of 
the  kinds,  however,  have  white,  some  pink, 
others  blue,  and  others  pale  yellow  flowers.  All 
the  kinds  grow  freely,  though  they  thrive  best 
when  the  soil  is  deep  and  sandy.  They  are  prop- 
agated by  seeds  or  division  of  the  roots. 
Victoria.  Named  in  honor  of  her  Majesty,  Queen 
Victoria  of  England.  Linn.  Polyandria-M&no- 
gynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Nymphcnacece. 

A  magnificent  genus  of  plants,  consisting  of 
one  species,  as  some  think,  or  three  species,  ac- 
cording to  others.  Dr.  Masters,  in  the  Treasury 
of  Botany,  speaking  of  these  noble  plants,  says: 
"They  are  aquatic  plants,  with  thick,  fleshy 
root-stocks,  marked  with  the  scars  of  former 
leaves,  and  sending  upward  numerous  long, 
cylindrical  leaf-stalks,  which  are  traversed  in 
the  interior  by  several  air-canals,  the  larger  of 
them  arranged  with  much  regularity,  and  are 
thickly  covered  on  the  outside  by  stout  conical 
prickles.  These  prickles  have  spiral  vessels  and 
a  small  cavity  in  their  interior,  opening  by  a  little 
pore  at  the  top.  From  the  under  surface  of  the 
base  of  the  leaf-stalks  numerous  adventitious 
roots  are  given  out.  The  blade  of  the  leaf  is  pel- 
tate, circular  in  outline,  and  when  fully  developed 
is  from  six  to  twelve  feet  in  diameter,  its  mai-gin 
uniformly  turned  upward  to  the  extent  of  two 
or  three  inches,  so  that  the  leaves,  when  float- 
ing, have  the  appearance  of  so  many  large,  shal- 
low trays.  The  upper  surface  of  the  leaf  is  of  a 
rich  green  color,  and  studded  with  little  boss- 
like  prominences.  The  lower  surface  is  of  a 
deep  purple  or  violet  hue,  and  traversed  by 
several  very  prominent  nerves,  which  radiate 
from  the  center  to  the  margin  of  the  leaf,  and 
are  connected  one  with  another  by  smaller 
nerves  running  transversely,  so  that  the  whole 
of  the  under  surface  is  divided  by  compart- 
ments into  a  number  of  irregularly  quadrangu- 
lar spaces  or  cells.  The  nerves  themselves  are 
permeated  by  air  canals,  and  covered  by  strong 
spines.  Thus  the  enormous  leaves  are  well 
adapted  to  float  on  the  water;  and  the  extent  of 
surface  exposed  is  so  great  that  a  considerable 
weight  can  be  supported  without  submerging 
them.  Even  a  child  of  twelve  years  of  age  may 
be  borne  up,  if  the  precaution  be  taken  of  first 
placing  on  the  leaf  a  small  piece  of  board,  to 
prevent  the  feet  from  tearing  and  slipping 
through  its  surface.  The  flower-stalk  has  a 
similar  outward  appearance  to  that  of  the  leaf, 
but  is  stouter,  and  its  air-canals  are  arranged  in 
a  different  manner.  The  flower  bud  before  ex- 
pansion is  pear-shaped.  The  calyx  is  adherent 
below  to  the  ovary,  and  is  here  covered  with 
prickles;  its  limb,  however,  is  destitute  of  these 
appendages,  and  is  divided  into  four  ovate  de- 
ciduous sepals,  of  n,  rich  purple  tint  externally, 
and  whitish  internally.  The  petals  are  very 
numerous,  in  several  rows,  and  (as  in  our  com- 
mon Water  Lily)  exhibit  a  gradual  transition 
in  their  form  to  that  of  the  stamens,  so  that  it 
is  somewhat  difficult  in  all  cases  to  decide  where 
the  one  set  of  parts  ceases  and  the  others  begin. 
The  outer  petals  are  rather  larger  than  the  sepals 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


241 


VIC 

or  lobes  of  the  calyx,  oblong,  concave,  and  white, 
the  inner  ones  gradually  becoming  narrower, 
more  pointed,  and  of  a  beautiful  deep  rose  color. 
When  fully  expanded  the  outer  petals  are  bent 
downward,  while  the  central  rose-colored  ones, 
with  the  stamens,  remain  erect;  and  thus  a  no- 
ble appearance  is  presented,  as  of  a  central  rose- 
colored  crown  supported  by  a  series  of  pure 
white  and  most  gracefully  curved  petals.  The 
stamens  are  numerous,  the  outer  ones  some- 
what lance-shaped,  gracefully  curved,  of  a  fine 
rose-color,  and  having  two  linear  anther  cells 
on  the  inner  face,  near,  but  not  quite  extending 
to  the  top.  Within  these  fertile  stamens  are 
other  sterile  ones,  smaller  in  size,  less  highly 
colored,  arching  over  the  stigmas,  to  which  they 
approximate  also  in  color  and  form.  The  ovary 
is  adherent  to  the  calyx  tube,  somewhat  globular 
or  top-shaped,  its  upper  portion  hollowed  like  a 
cup,  and  presenting  in  the  center  a  little  round- 
.  ed  or  conical  knob.  Along  the  upper  margin  of 
the  cup  are  placed  the  stigmas,  fleshy,  pointed 
"bodies,  somewhat  flattened  at  the  sides,  and 
bent  in  the  middle,  so  that  their  points  project 
over  the  cup  toward  the  center.  Each  stigma 
has  a  prominent  line  along  its  upper  surface, 
running  down  to  the  central  knob,  which  is 
thus  the  focus  of  a  series  of  ridges,  radiating 
toward  the  stigmas.  The  interior  of  the  ovary 
contains  numerous  cavities  corresponding  to 
the  stigmas,  and  each  containing  several  ovules. 
The  fruit,  when  ripe,  is  a  sort  of  globular  berry, 
thickly  beset  with  formidable  prickles.  The 
seeds  escape  by  the  rotting  of  the  outer  por- 
tions of  the  fruit.  These  noble  plants  inhabit 
the  tranquil  rivers  of  South  America,  especially 
those  which  are  tributary  to  the  Amazon.  They 
differ  in  the  size  of  the  seeds  and  other  particu- 
lars; but  when  it  is  remembered  how  variable 
aquatic  plants  are,  it  is  better,  for  the  present 
at  least,  to  consider  them  as  forms  of  one  rather 
than  as  distinct  species.  Generically,  Victoria  is 
most  nearly  allied  to  Euryale,  but  it  is  distinguish- 
ed by  the  deciduous  sepals,  by  the  gradual  transi- 
tion in  the  form  of  the  petals  to  that  of  the  sta- 
mens, by  the  more  numerous  cavities  of  the 
ovary,  and  other  particulars.  The  leaf  of  Eury- 
ale is,  however,  an  exact  miniature  copy  of  that 
of  the  Victoria,  save  that  it  is  not  turned  up  at 
the  margin. 

"  The  earliest  traveler  who  discovered  this  plant 
was  Hasnke,  in  1801.     Bonpland  subsequently 
met  with  it;  but  M.  D'Orbigny  was  the  first  to 
send  home  specimens  to  Paris  in  1828.     They 
were,  however,  neglected  or  overlooked.     In  a    ! 
work  published  some  few  years  after  this  time,    j 
M.  D'Orbigny  mentions  having  discovered  the    | 
plant  in  the  River  Parana  in  Guiana.     It  was   j 
known,  he  says,  to  the  natives  by  the  name  of  j 
Irupe,  in  allusion  to  the  shape  of  the  leaves,    j 
which  resembles  that  of  the  broad  dishes  used   j 
in  the  country.     The  Spaniards  call  the  plant   | 
Water  Maize,  as  they  collect  the  seeds,  and  eat   i 
them  roasted.     In  1832  a  German  traveler  found    ! 
it  in  some  tributaries  of  the  Amazon;  but  it  was    , 
not  until  the  late  Sir  Robert  Schomburgk  dis- 
covered it  in  the   Berbice   River,    in    British 
Guiana,  in  the  year  1837,  that  public  attention   j 
was    drawn  to    the    magnificent    plant."      Sir   \ 
Robert,  in  a  letter  to  the  Royal  Geographical   i 
Society,    thus  describes  his   first  sight  of  the    i 
plant:   "It  was  on  the  first  of  January,  1837, 
while  contending  with  the  difficulties  that  na- 
ture interposed  in  different  ways  to  hinder  our 
progress  up  the  River  Berbice,  that  we  arrived   i 


VIC 

at  a  part  where  the  river  expanded  and  formed 
a  currentless  basin.     Some  object  on  the  south- 
ern extremity  of  this  basin  attracted  my  atten- 
tion, and  I  was  unable  to  form  an  idea  what  it 
could  be;  but,  animating  the  crew  to  increase 
the  rate  of  their  paddling,  we  soon  came  oppo- 
site the  object  which  had  raised  my  curiosity, 
and,  behold,  a  vegetable  wonder!    All  calami- 
ties were  forgotten.     I  was  a  botanist,  and  felt 
myself  rewarded !    There  were  gigantic  leaves, 
five  to  six  feet  across,  flat,  with  a  broad  brim, 
light  green  above  and  vivid  crimson  beneath, 
floating  on  the  water;  while,  in  character  with 
the  wonderful  foliage,  I  saw  luxuriant  flowers, 
each  consisting  of  numerous  petals,  passing  in 
alternate  tints  from  pure  white  to  rose  and  pink. 
The  smooth  water  was  covered  with  the  flowers; 
and  as  I  rowed  from  one  to  the  other  I  always 
found    something    new  to  admire."     In  1845 
Mr.  Bridges,  an  English  traveler,  while  riding 
along  the  River  Yacouma,    a  tributary  of  the 
Mamore,  came  across  a  large  colony  of  the  Victo- 
ria, and  succeeded  in  collecting  a  quantity  of 
the  ripe  seeds,  which  he  took  with  him,  soon 
thereafter,  to  England.     Some  of  them  he  in- 
trusted to  Sir  Joseph  Paxton  at  Chatsworth,  who 
succeeded  in  producing  the  plant  in  November, 
1849,  and  presented  a  flower  to  the  Queen  at 
Windsor  Castle,  where  a  brilliant  assemblage 
met  to  admire  the  new  and  beautiful  treasure. 
The  Victoria  regia  has  been  successfully  grown 
in  several  private  collections  of  plants  in  the 
United  States,  and  about  twenty  years  ago  was 
publicly  exhibited  at  Tripler  Hall,  in  the  City  of 
New  York,  by  the  New  York  Horticultural  Soci- 
ety, where  it  attracted  thousands  of  wondering 
admirers.  There  was  a  little  romance  connected 
with  this  exhibition  of  the  plant,  the  particulars 
of  which  have  been  furnished  by  Mr.  Peter  B. 
Mead,  as  follows:  "I  will  tell  you  briefly  the 
particulars  connected  with  the  exhibition  of  the 
Victoria  reqia  by  the  New  York  Horticultural  So- 
ciety at  Tripler  Hall.     I  was  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  arrangements.  Mr.  Caleb  Cope,  of 
Philadelphia,  was  the  first  to  grow  and  flower 
the  Victoria  in  the  United  States.     I  was  one  of 
his  correspondents,  and  just  at  the  time'of  our 
exhibition  he  informed  me  that  his  Victoria  was 
in  full  bloom .    I  wrote  him,  begging  a  leaf  and 
a  flower  for  our  exhibition.     The  answer  came, 
with  a  liberality  that  always  characterized  Mr. 
Cope,  that  I  could  have  a  plant,  with  all  the 
flowers  and  buds,  if  I  would  send  for  it.    I  con- 
cluded to  go  myself,  and  my  associates  under- 
took to  build  a  tank  some  twenty-five  feet  in  di- 
ameter, and  send  notices  to  all  the  papers  that 
the    Victoria  regia  would  be  on  exhibition  the 
next  day.     I  took  Mr.  Lenoir  with  me,  and  we 
met  Mr.  Cope  at  Tacony  (opposite  Philadelphia) 
waiting  for  us.  We  rode  up  to  Mr.  Cope's  coun- 
try seat,  where,  to  my  surprise,  I  found  the  Vic- 
toria already  splendidly  packed  in  moss  in  a 
box  about  seven  feet  square  and  nearly  two  feet 
deep.     There  was  about  an  hour  to  spare,  and 
that  was  devoted  almost  entirely  to  the  large 
Lily  house,  built  expressly  for  the  Victoria,  but 
containing  many  other  aquatics,  Ferns,  Orchids, 
etc.     The  tank  was  about  thirty  feet  in  diame- 
ter, the  chill  taken  off  the  water  by  a  hot-water 
pipe,  and  the  water  kept  in  motion  by  a  small 
water-wheel  placed  at  the  point  where  the  water 
entered  the  tank.     It   was  a  miniature  of  the 
water-wheel  that  you  will  see  at  almost  any  grist 
mill.     The  whole  house  was  so  fascinating  that 
even  now  it  makes  me  forget  my  adventure  with 


242 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


VIC 

the  plant  in  the  box.  The  plant  had  preceded 
us  to  the  railroad  station,  and  when  we  arrived 
there  I  immediately  sought  the  conductor,  to 
make  arrangements  for  the  transportation  of  the 
box  He  said  his  train  was  a  passenger  train, 
and  he  could  not  take  it.  I  explained  to  him 
the  nature  and  urgency  of  the  case,  and  pointed 
to  an  empty  truck  as  being  just  the  thing.  He 
began  swelling  fearfully  with  the  pride  of  a  lit- 
tle brief  authority,  as  most  small  men  do,  said 
he  would  not  take  it  anyhow,  and  walked  off.  I 
felt  that  I  was  in  a  '  fix.'  I  looked  at  Lenoir,  he 
looked  at  me,  but  neither  said  a  word.  There 
was  no  freight  train  till  past  midnight.  The 
time  was  getting  short,  as  the  boat  with  the 
Philadelphia  passengers  was  approaching  the 
dock.  I  looked  again  at  the  empty  truck,  and  in 
doing  so  saw  two  idle  men  near  by.  In  an  in- 
stant I  had  made  up  my  mind  what  to  do.  I  re- 
quested Mr.  Lenoir  to  take  a  seat  in  the  car.  I 
approached  the  two  men,  put  a  liberal  amount 
of  money  in  their  hands,  and  told  them  I  want- 
ed that  box  put  on  the  empty  truck.  I  waited 
till  the  conductor  was  out  of  sight,  and  just  then 
the  train  began  to  move.  I  gave  the  word  to  the 
men,  the  box  went  on  the  truck,  and  I  went  on 
the  top  of  the  box,  and  there  I  remained  till  the 
train  reached  Jersey  City,  about  midnight,  de- 
termined that  the  box  should  not  go  off  unless  I 
went  with  it,  and  that  I  would  not  go  without  a 
fight.  I  had  a  dismal  time  of  it,  for  the  night 
was  dark  and  chilly;  but  I  had  Her  Majesty,  Vic- 
toria reqia,  under  my  care,  and  did  not  mean  to 
abandon  her;  besides,  I  was  anxious  that  the  So- 
ciety should  keep  its  faith  with  the  public.  In 
a  certain  sense  it  was  an  affair  of  honor.  I  was 
in  a  measure  cheered  by  seeing  Lenoir's  anxious 
face  occasionally  at  the  door  of  the  car  immedi- 
ately in  front  of  me.  The  darkness  favored  me, 
for  it  was  not  till  we  reached  Elizabeth  that  the 
conductor  discovered  me  on  the  box.  He  came 
near  me  with  his  lantern,  but  seemed  suddenly 
to  change  his  mind,  and  walked  away.  After  a 
while  I  began  to  suspect  that  he  was  fixing  a 
trap  for  me.  Arrived  at  Jersey  City,  Lenoir 
came  to  me  immediately.  I  told  him  to  go  quick 
for  some  men,  and  he  soon  returned  with  three. 
They  took  off  the  box,  and  we  got  to  the  gate 
just  as  the  last  two  passengers  went  out,  and  the 
keeper  was  closing  the  gate  after  them.  I  took 
hold  of  the  gate  and  told  him  to  stop,  as  I  want- 
ed to  get  that  box  through.  He  pushed  and  I 
pulled.  He  said  the  conductor  had  ordered  him 
not  to  let  the  box  pass.  I  thought  I  was  caught 
at  last,  but  my  good  nature  (or  good  genius)  did 
not  at  this  moment  desert  me;  if  it  had,  the  pub- 
lic of  New  York  would  have  missed  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  the  most  magnificent  of  water  plants. 
I  said  to  the  man,  coaxingly,  '  See  here,  neigh- 
bor; the  conductor  don't  understand  this  thing 
at  all.  That  box  contains  a  very  valuable  plant, 
and  it  will  die  in  that  box  before  morning.  Now 
do  move  a  little  further  back,  so  the  men  can 
get  through.'  All  this  time  I  was  pushing  him 
back. gently,  till  at  length  the  gate  was  open 
wide  enough  for  the  box  to  pass,  when  I  said  to 
the  men,  'Now  quick,  or  the  boat  will  be  off.' 
I  ran  ahead,  paid  the  fares,  had  the  large  gate 
opened,  and  the  box  was  placed  on  the  boat  just 
as  it  was  leaving  the  bridge;  but  the  men  got 
caught,  and  had  to  go  to  New  York;  and  I  was 
soon  glad  of  it,  for  they  proved  to  be  very  helpful 
on  the  other  side.  Lenoir  and  I  went  into  the  cab- 
in, and  congratulated  ourselves  on  the  end  of  our 
troubles;  but  we  anticipated,  for  the  end  was  not 


VIL 

yet.  On  arriving  in  New  York,  not  a  vehicle  of 
any  kind  was  to  be  found,  owing  to  the  lateness 
of  the  hour.  We  were  in  a  quandary,  but  I  said 
to  Lenoir,  '  Well,  we've  got  so  far,  and  that  box 
is  going  to  Tripler  Hall  to-night,  somehow.' 
Just  then  a  hack  hove  in  sight,  and  was  stopped. 
I  told  the  driver  I  wanted  him  to  take  that  box 
to  Tripler  Hall.  He  said  he  couldn't.  I  thought 
this  was  my  last  chance,  and  told  him  he  must. 
It  all  ended  by  placing  the  box  on  the  top  of  the 
hack,  and  securing  it  by  ropes  and  straps.  Le- 
noir and  I  got  inside,  and  we  all,  box  included, 
arrived  safely  at  Tripler  Hall  about  half  past 
twelve,  and  were  warmly  congratulated.  The 
tank  was  done  and  filled  with  water.  The  box 
was  soon  unpacked,  and  Lenoir  and  I  had  the 
supreme  pleasure  of  seeing  the  magnificent 
plant,  with  its  charming  flower  and  buds,  peace- 
fully floating  in  its  native  element.  We  were 
abundantly  rewarded  for  all  our  anxiety  and 
trouble.  It  will  give  point  to  this  little  adven- 
ture when  I  state  that  I  dared  not  leave  the  box 
long  enough  to  purchase  a  ticket,  and  Victoria 
and  myself  consequently  came  through  without 
paying  so  much  as  a  penny.  At  that  time  Mr. 
Geo.  Win.  Curtis  was  our  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary, and  also  city  editor  of  the  New  York  Tribune* 
He  waited  at  the  Hall  until  our  return;  and 
after  hearing  our  adventures,  went  to  the  office, 
and  the  whole  thing  appeared  in  print  the  next 
morning,  and  had  something  to  do  with  the 
great  crowds  that  for  three  days  came  to  see  the 
Victoria.  And  this  is  how  the  plant  came  to  be 
exhibited  by  the  New  York  Horticultural  Socie- 
ty. Mr.  Cope  very  kindly  gave  me  two  young 
plants  of  the  Victoria,  and  some  ripe  seeds.  One 
of  these  was  presented  to  the  late  William  Niblo, 
who  made  a  small  tank  for  it ;  but  in  a  couple  of 
years  it  outgrew  the  tank,  became  sickly,  and 
died,  and  a  similar  fate  overtook  the  other.  I 
succeeded  in  growing  some  of  the  seeds  in  a 
firkin  filled  one-third  with  leaf  mould  and  sand 
and  the  rest  water.  The  plants  died  for  want  of 
room.  The  Victoria  was  grown  one  season,  if 
not  more,  in  a  tank  in  the  open  air;  but  the 
proper  place  for  it  is  under  glass.  Its  manage- 
ment is  not  so  difficult  as  was  at  first  supposed, 
and  it  may  now  be  found  in  several  collections. 
It  requires  treatment  similar  to  that  of  the 
NelunHAum. 

Vieusseuxia.  Named  in  honor  of  M.  Vieussewx, 
a  Swiss  botanist.  Linn.  Triandria- Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Iridacecc. 

Small  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
usually  known  as  the  Peacock  Iris,  on  account 
of  their  very  brilliant  flowers,  varying  from 
white  to  crimson  and  purple.  They  are  not 
hardy,  but  will  grow  well  with  partial  protec- 
tion, like  most  of  the  Cape  bulbs.  They  are  rap- 
idly increased  by  offsets.  Introduced  in  1776. 

Vigna.  In  memory  of  Dominic  Vigni,  a  commen- 
tator on  Theophrastus.  Linn.  Diadelphia-Decan- 
dria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  few  trailing  and  climbing  plants,  allied  to 
Dolichos,  the  principal  distinction  being  the 
yellow  flowers  and  cylindrical  seed  pods,  while 
the  Dolichos  has  purple  and  white  flowers,  and 
flattened  pods.  The  genus  is  chiefly  South 
American,  one  or  two  species  being  found  in 
the  Southern  States.  Propagated  by  seeds. 

Vilfa.     See  Rash  Grass. 

Villarsia.     Named  in  honor  of  D.  ViUars,  a  fa- 
mous French  botanist.     Linn.  Pentandria-Mono- 
gynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Gentianacece. 
A  small  genus  of  aquatic  plants  and  herba- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


243 


VIN 

ceous  perennials.  The  flowers  are  in  axillary 
clusters  or  terminal  panicles,  and  mostly  of  a 
yellow  color.  V.  nymphoides,  a  native  of  Eng- 
land, and  one  of  the  finest  species,  is  an  aquatic 
of  easy  culture,  and  well  adapted  for  the  aqua- 
rium. 

Vinca.  Periwinkle,  Creeping  Myrtle.  Probably 
from  vinculum,  a  band ;  in  allusion  to  the  suit- 
ableness of  the  shoots  for  making  bands.  Linn. 
Pentandrla-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Apocynacece. 

A  well-known  genus  of  hardy  herbaceous,  ever- 
green, trailing  plants,  and  green-house,  low- 
growing,  woody  herbs.  V.  major  and  V.  minor 
are  respectively  the  Large-leaved  Periwinkle  and 
the  Cjmmon  Periwinkle,  known  in  cottage  gar- 
dens as  Myrtles.  They  are  natives  of  Europe, 
and  have  long  been  in  cultivation.  They  are 
much  used  in  cemeteries  for  covering  graves, 
the  deep  green  of  the  leaves  contrasting  with 
the  delicate  blue  flowers.  There  are  varieties 
with  gold  and  silver-edged  leaves,  not  quite 
hardy  in  the  Northern  States,  but  considerably 
grown  for  basket  plants  and  conservatory  deco- 
ration. V.  rosea  is  a  beautiful  green-house 
plant,  with  flowers  pure  white,  white  with  rose 
eye,  and  plain  rose-colored.  They  grow  from 
twenty  to  thirty  inches  high,  and  are  com- 
pletely covered  with  flowers  the  entire  sum-  I 
mer.  They  do  quite  as  well  planted  in  the 
open  border  as  when  grown  in  the  green-house. 
They  are  natives  of  the  East  indies,  and  are, 
consequently,  tender,  requiring  nearly  as  high 
a  temperature  as  Coleus  or  Bouvardia.  Intro- 
duced in  1776.  These  plants  may  be  grown 
from  cuttings  or  from  seed,  the  latter  being 
preferable.  The  seed  should  be  sown  in  the 
hot-house  or  hot-bed  about  the  first  of  January, 
in  an  average  temperature  of  not  less  than  70°, 
and  grown  on  in  the  same  manner,  and  planted 
in  the  flower  garden  at  the  same  time  as  other 
tender  bedding  plants.  Planted  eighteen  inch- 
es apart  each  way,  they  completely  cover  the 
ground. 

Vine.     See  VUis. 

Viola.    Violet,  Heartsease,  Pansy.    Latin  name  of 
the  flowers.     Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.     Nat.    ! 
Ord.  Violacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  more  than  one  hundred 
and  fifty  species,  indigenous  in  North  America, 
Europe,  Asia,  China,  and  Japan.     Some  of  the 
species  occupy  a  prominent    position   in  the 
flower  garden  and  the  commercial  green-house. 
The    genus    includes     V.    odorata,     the     well- 
known  hardy  English  Violet,  and  its  many  vari- 
eties, so  common  in  cultivation.     This  species, 
by  common  consent   called  English  Violet,  is    , 
indigenous  throughout  Europe,  parts  of  Asia,    i 
China,   and  Japan.     It  is  unquestionably  the   j 
Violet  of  the   ancients,  as  it  is   correctly  de-    i 
scribed  by  Dioscorides,  who  recommends  it  for 
its  medicinal  virtues,  as  well  as  for  its  fragrance    i 
and  beauty.     Of  this  species  there  are  many 
varieties,   and  of  these  some   are  white,   some    ] 
blue,  some  purple,  light  and   dark,   and  both   ; 
single  and  double.     The  most  interesting  and 
the  most  generally  cultivated  are  the  Neapolitan 
and  Russian  Violets,  and  of  each  of  these  there 
are  varieties  with  distinctive  names,  and  among 
them  the  Maria  Louise,  a  dark  purple,  is  promi- 
nent.    (The  Russian  Violets  are  credited  to  the 
species    V.  suavis  by  some  writers.     Loudon, 
however,  says  they  are  varieties  of  V.  odorata.) 
The  Neapolitan,  light  blue,  and  Maria  Louise, 
dark  blue,  are  the  Violets  most  generally  culti- 
vated, as  they  can  be  made  to  flower  all  the  win-  I 


VIR 

ter.  They  are  grown  in  frames  and  in  green- 
houses with  and  without  artificial  heat.  For- 
merly they  were  more  grown  in  cold  frames  than 
in  green-houses,  but  many  of  the  growers  have 
abandoned  frames,  and  grow  them  in  small 
houses,  giving  only  sufficient  heat  to  protect  the 
plants  from  frost.  Some  grow  them  in  pots, 
while  others  plant  them  out  on  the  bench; 
each  way  has  its  earnest  advocates,  and  either 
way  will  give  good  flowers,  largely  in  propor- 
tion to  the  care  given;  and  there  is  no  plant 
grown  that  requires  more,  or  will  usually  better 
repay  that  which  is  given.  The  essential  in 
Violet  culture  is  a  strong  calcareous  soil,  one 
that  will  retain  moisture  without  becoming  sod- 
dened;  a  low  temperature  (not  to  exceed  40°  at 
night  or  60°  during  the  day,  ventilating  when- 
ever practicable)  without  bottom  heat,  the  water 
applied  without  wetting  the  foliage,  and  the 
plants  kept  clean  from  decayed  leaves  and  run- 
ners. With  these  attentions,  failures  in  Violet 
culture  will  be  rare;  without  them  success  will 
be  equally  rare.  Thus  far  there  have  been  no 
free-flowering  double  white  varieties  worthy  of 
cultivation.  There  are  several  of  our  native 
species  worthy  of  cultivation  in  the  border,  par- 
ticularly where  there  is  considerable  shade;  the 
best  of  these  is  Viola  pedata,  or  Bird's-foot  Violet, 
a  species  that  abounds  in  many  parts  of  the 
country,  but  nowhere  more  plentifully  than  what 
is  termed  the  Plains  of  Long  Island,  where,  in 
early  spring,  may  be  seen  acres  of  ground  com- 
pletely covered  with  these  mauve-colored  flow- 
ers, sparingly  mixed  with  its  varieties,  with  pure 
white,  and  light  blue  with  purple  striped  flow- 
ers. This  species  improves  by  cultivation,  and 
can  be  removed  from  its  native  home  without  the 
slightest  danger  of  failure.  An  important  feat- 
ure is  that  it  will  grow  anywhere,  in  Bun  or 
shade,  preferring  a  light  sandy  soil.  In  a  favor- 
able situation  the  flowers  will  be  an  inch  across, 
and  produced  in  such  abundance  as  to  com- 
pletely cover  the  bed.  Where  they  can  be  used 
as  a  border  plant,  they  are  very  effective.  The 
species  of  the  greatest  importance  as  a  florist's 
or  as  a  garden  flower  is  V.  tricolor,  or  Pansy, 
which  see.  All  of  the  species  are  interesting, 
but  too  numerous  to  be  specially  noticed. 

Viper's  Bugloss.     See  Echium. 

Virgilia.  1  ellow  Wood.  Lamarck  dedicated  this 
genus  to  the  poet  Virgil,  whose  "Georgics" 
contain  many  things  interesting  to  botanists. 
Linn.  Decandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  FabacecK. 
This  genus  includes  several  species,  none  of 
which  are  of  special  interest  excepting  V.  hitea, 
a  native  species,  indigenous  in  East  Kentucky 
and  southward.  It  is  a  moderate-sized  tree, 
with  a  compact  head,  which  usually  has  a  ten- 
dency to  be  heavier  on  one  side  than  the  other. 
It  has  compound  leaves,  not  unlike  the  Hickory, 
though  of  a  brighter  color,  which  it  retains  un- 
til frost.  The  flowers  appear  in  May,  in  large 
panicles  or  clusters,  from  six  to  eight  inches 
long,  pure  white,  pea-shaped,  and  in  such  pro- 
fusion as  to  almost  clothe  the  tree,  making  it  a 
beautiful  object  for  the  lawn.  A  noticeable  fea- 
ture of  this  tree  is,  that  it  commences  to  flower 
when  only  a  small  shrub,  making  it  desirable 
for  the  lawn.  It  seems  to  be  perfectly  hardy, 
though  in  many  places  it  does  not  thrive  well; 
but  for  that  it  would  have  few  superiors  for  the 
lawn.  Recent  botanists  have  transferred  Virgilia 
lutea  to  Uadrastift  tindoria,  a  new  genus.  Propa- 
gated from  cuttings  or  from  seed. 

Virginia  Cowslip  or  Lungwort.    The  common 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


VIB 

MW  of  Mertensia  Virginica,  sometimes  called 
Pulmonaria  rmjinica,  a  rather  pretty  herbaceous 
plant,  occasionally  grown  in  the  ornamental 
border.  See  Mertentia  and  Pulmonaria. 

Virginia  Creeper.     See  Ampelopsis  hederacea. 

Virginian  Snakeroot.      See  Aristolochia  serpen- 

Virgin's  Bower.     See  Clematis  Virginiana. 

Virginian  Stock.     See  Malcomia. 

Viscaria.  Rock  Lychnis.  From  viscus,  bird- 
lime; in  allusion  to  the  glutinous  stems  of  the 
species.  Linn.  Decandria-Decagynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
(Mruophyllacecp,. 

These  are  handsome  hardy  annuals,  particular- 
ly V.  ocidata,  whose  pretty  pink  and  purple  flow- 
ers are  very  pleasing.  They  make  the  best  ap- 
pearance when  sown  in  masses,  which  may  be 
done  in  April  and  May,  to  afford  a  display 
through  the  whole  of  the  summer  months. 
Many  of  the  plants  of  this  genus  are  now  in- 
cluded in  Lychnis,  which  see. 

Viscum.  Mistletoe.  From  viscus,  bird-lime;  on 
account  of  the  sticky  nature  of  the  berries. 
Linn.  Viwcia-Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Loranthacece. 
We  copy  from  Mrs.  Loudon's  "  Gardening  for 
Ladies  "a  description  of  V.  album:  "This  curi- 
ous parasite  can  hardly  be  called  ornamental, 
though  it  may  be  sometimes  introduced  with 
effect'  to  give  an  air  of  antiquity  to  newly- 
planted  pleasure-grounds.  It  grows  best  on  old 
cankered  Apple  Trees,  but  it  may  be  made  to 
take  root  on  even  a  young  tree,  by  pressing  a 
berry  on  a  crack  in  the  bark,  and  then  tying 
oiled  paper  over  it.  As,  however,  the  male  and 
female  flowers  of  the  Mistletoe  are  on  separate 
plants,  the  berries  are  not  always  fertile.  It  is 
a  vulgar  error  to  suppose  that  the  Mistletoe 
grows  generally  on  the  Oak,  as  it  is  extremely 
rare  on  that  tree  in  England.  It  is  found  most 
commonly  on  the  Apple,  and  next  on  the  Haw- 
thorn ;  it  is  also  found  on  the  Lime,  the  Syca- 
more, the  Willow,  the  -Poplar,  and  the  Ash, 
occasionally  on  the  Cherry  and  sometimes, 
though  rarely,  on  Pines  and  Firs.  When  the 
seeds  begin  to  grow,  they  send  out  first  one  or 
two  roots,  which  ascend  for  a  short  time,  and 
then  turn  back  to  the  bark,  on  which  they  fix 
themselves,  like  the  sucker  of  an  insect.  The 
other  end  afterward  detaches  itself  from  the 
tree,  and  becomes  leaves  and  shoots.  The  roots 
of  the  Mistletoe  descend  between  the  bark  and 
the  young  wood,  and  no  intimate  union  takes 
place  between  the  old  wood  of  the  parasite  and 
its  supporter.  The  wood  of  the  Mistletoe  is  of 
a  very  fine  pale  yellowish  tinge,  and  it  is  as  hard 
and  of  as  fine  a  grain  as  box,  which  it  greatly  re- 
sembles, while  that  of  the  thorn  is  dark  brown." 
The  never-lessening  demand  for  the  Mistletoe 
for  use  at  the  Christmas  Holidays  in  England 
has  of  late  years  induced  nurserymen  to  begin 
its  cultivation  on  the  Apple,  which  is  now  done 
to  an  extent  that  keeps  the  "  boughs  "  at  a  rea- 
sonable rate.  The  English  steamers  often  bring 
over  a  supply  for  Christmas  in  New  York,  but  we 
have  never  seen  it  arrive  in  perfection,  the  ber- 
ries, the  chief  attraction  of  the  plant,  having  most- 
ly dropped  off.  The  American  Mistletoe,  or  False 
Mitlletoe,  is  Pluoradendron  fl'ivescens,  common  in 
New  Jersey,  southward  and  westward,  where  it 
has  in  many  instances  proved  destructive  to  the 
forest  trees  upon  which  it  fastens  itself.  In  the 
more  northern  sections  where  it- grows,  it  is  oc- 
casionally killed  out  by  severe  cold  weather,  but 
soon  reappears.  It  is  the  most  destructive  to 
the  Elms,  Hickories,  and  Wild  Cherries.  It  is 


VTT 


not  so  ornamental  as  the  English  Mistletoe,  and 
cannot  be  used  as  a  substitute. 

!  Vitex.  From  vieo,  to  bind;  in  allusion  to  the 
flexible  branches.  Linn.  Didynamia-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Verbenacece. 

A  genus  of  interesting  plants.  They  are 
mostly  tender  evergreen  shrubs,  natives  of  the 
tropical  regions  of  both  hemispheres.  They  are 
aromatic  plants.  V.  Agnus  Gastus,  with  whitish- 
blue  flowers,  is  perhaps  the  best-known  species. 
Propagated  from  cuttings. 

|  Vitis.  The  Vine.  From  the  Celtic  gwid,  pro- 
nounced vid,  signifying  the  best  of  trees.  Wine 
is  derived  from  the  Celtic  word  gwin.  Linn.  Pen- 
tandna-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Vitacecv. 

Although  the  hardy  varieties  of  Grapes  do 
well  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  country,  there  are 
few  sections,  with  the  exception  of  California, 
where  the  European  or  foreign  Vine  does  well 
in  the  open  air.  For  this  reason,  the  only  cer- 
tain method  of  obtaining  these  fine  varieties  in 
Perfection  is  by  the  use  of  the  Cold  Grapery. 
here  is  no  addition  to  a  country  home  from 
which  such  a  large  amount  of  satisfaction  cnn  be 
obtained  at  so  small  an  outlay  as  from  a  Grapery 
for  growing  the  different  varieties  of  foreign 
Grapes.  Besides  the  luxury  of  the  European 
Grape  as  a  table  fruit,  the  Vines,  when  loaded 
with  the  ripe  fruit  of  the  various  rich  colors 
found  in  the  foreign  Grape,  are  ornaments  more 
pleasing  to  most  people  than  the  gaudy  flowers 
of  the  conservatory.  And  as  this  fruit  can  be 
obtained  at  a  trifling  original  outlay,  and  with 
but  little  attention  in  the  cultivation  afterward, 
we  will  briefly  describe  the  methods  in  use 
here,  which  are  much  simpler  than  those  in  Eu- 
rope, from  our  having  brighter  sunshine  during 
the  summer  months.  Our  climate  being  so  well 
adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  vines  under  glass 
without  fire  heat,  the  wonder  is  that  Cold  Grap- 
eries are  not  in  more  general  use  even  by  people 
of  moderate  means.  A  Cold  Grapery  75  feet  long 
by  20  wide,  finished  in  very  good  style,  would 
cost  but  little  more  than  $1,000.  If  planted  in 
June,  the  third  year  from  planting  upward  of 
400  pounds  of  fruit  can  be  taken  from  it;  the 
next  season  it  will  yield  nearly  double  that 
weight.  The  building  is  begun  by  setting  locust 
posts  four  feet  apart;  on  these  the  sill  is  framed, 
on  the  front  of  which  are  placed  upright  sashes 
two  and  a  half  feet  in  height,  and  on  these  the 
gutter.  From  the  gutter  is  sprung  the  bars,  ten 
inches  apart  each  way,  running  on  the  east  side 
clear  to  the  ridge  pole;  on  the  west,  framed  to 
within  two  feet  of  it,  so  as  to  give  room  for  lift- 
ing sashes.  These  are  two  feet  wide  by  six  long. 
To  these  sashes,  twelve  in  number,  is  attached 
the  ventilating  apparatus,  which,  by  turning  a 
crank,  opens  these  sashes  from  one  to  twenty- 
four  inches,  as  desired.  The  front  sashes  may 
be  made  so  that  every  alternate  one  can  open 
outward.  The  glass  used  is  known  as  second 
quality  American,  8  by  10  inches,  and  put  in 
without  the  use  of  any  putty  on  the  top  of  the 
glass,  the  manner  of  glazing  being  to  bed  the 
pane  in  soft  putty,  pressing  it  down  tightly, 
and  then  tacking  in  the  glass  with  large  glazing 
points.  We  find  it  an  excellent  plan  in  glazing 
to  turn  the  edge  of-  these  points,  so  that  they 
can  catch  on  the  edge  of  the  overlapping  pane,  to 
keep  it  in  place,  otherwise  it  would  slip  down, 
and  give  a  great  deal  of  trouble.  Glass  should 
never  be  lapped  more  than  one-eighth  of  an 
inch;  if  much  more,  the  water  gew  between  the 
laps,  and  when  it  freezes  the  glass  is  cracked. 


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With  these  instructions  about  the  erection  of  the 
glass  and  wood-work,  any  intelligent  mechanic 
should  be  able  to  build  a  house.  If  hydrant  water 
is  not  obtainable,  provision  should  be  made  by 
building  a  cistern  inside  the  grapery,  say  six  feet 
deep  by  ten  feet  in  diameter,  or  that  capacity  in 
any  shape  desired.  This  cistern  is  supplied  by 
water  from  the  roof,  having  a  waste-pipe  for 
overflow.  These  general  directions  for  such  a 
structure  are  applicable  for  any  size  or  style  of 
Grapery.  The  structure  should  face  east  and 
west,  with  equal  span  on  each  side.  Some  are 
built  in  the  form  of  a  "  lean-to,"  as  it  is  called,  I 
facing  south  or  southeast,  and  wherever  there  | 
is  a  building,  wall,  or  perpendicular  rock,  this 
style  can  be  constructed  very  cheaply.  If  a  base 
width  of  twenty  feet  is  desired  for  the  Grapery, 
the  height  at  front  should  be  from  two  to  three 
feet;  the  slope  of  the  roof,  which  should  be  at 
an  angle  of  forty  degrees,  would  thus  give  the 
height  at  the  back.  Such  a  structure,  where  the 
back  wall  is  already  up,  may  be  put  up  at  a  cost 
of  from  $5  to  $10  per  running  foot,  according  to 
locality. 

The  formation  of  the  border  in  which  the 
Vines  are  to  be  planted  is  a  matter  of  the  first 
importance;  for  if  that  has  been  improperly 
made,  all  else,  no  matter  how  well  done,  will  fail 
to  accomplish  good  results.  It  used  to  be 
thought  that  it  was  necessary  to  have  borders 
made  to  the  depth  of  three  or  four  feet,  but 
experience  has  well  demonstrated  that  such  a 
depth  is  not  only  unnecessary,  but  injurious. 
The  outside  border  for  the  Grapery  (and  for  Cold 
Graperies  that  is  all  that  is  required)  need  not 
be  more  than  one  and  a  half  feet  in  depth;  and 
the  width,  to  begin  with,  need  not  be  more  than 
ten  feet,  though  twenty  feet  are  none  too  much 
for  the  necessities  of  the  roots  when  the  Vines 
have  attained  two  or  three  years'  growth,  so  that 
it  is  just  as  well,  when  time  will  permit,  to  make 
the  border  of  its  full  width  at  once.  In  forming 
the  border  the  natural  ground  should  be  exca- 
vated to  the  required  depth  of  eighteen  inches, 
the  bottom  having  a  fall  of  at  least  half  an 
inch  to  the  foot  from  the  front  wall  of  the  Grap- 
ery to  the  extremity  of  the  border,  where  a 
drain  of  sufficient  capacity  must  be  made  to 
rapidly  carry  off  the  water.  In  our  own  prac- 
tice we  prefer  to  cover  the  bottom  over  with  an 
inch  or  two  of  cement,  to  prevent  the  roots 
penetrating  into  the  cold  subsoil;  though,  if  the 
subsoil  is  of  sand  or  gravel,  there  is  no  particu- 
lar necessity  for  this.  An  excellent  compost  for  \ 
the  formation  of  the  Vine  border  is  made  by 
using  say  nine  parts  of  sod  taken  from  the  sur- 
face of  any  good  pasture  land;  if  the  soil  be 
heavy,  however,  it  should  be  liberally  mixed 
with  lime  rubbish,  brick  bats,  or  any  material 
of  that  nature,  so  that  it  does  not  become  too 
heavy  and  sodden.  To  the  nine  parts  ef  such 
compost  one-tenth  part  of  broken  bones  should 
be  thoroughly  mixed  through  it.  When  filling 
the  excavation,  at  least  five  inches  shoiild  be  al- 
lowed for  settling;  so  that,  if  the  excavation  is 
eighteen  inches  deep,  the  compost  should  be 
filled  in  to  a  depth  of  twenty-two  or  twenty- 
three  inches.  The  border  being  entirely  on  the 
outside  of  the  grapery,  it  is  there,  of  course,  that 
the  roots  must  be  set,  while  the  tops  are  drawn 
inside  through  holes  made  by  arching  or  other- 
wise in  the  front  wall .  The  Vines  should  be 
planted  at  three  or  four  feet  apart,  and  should 
be  plants  at  least  four  to  five  feet  long  and 
thoroughly  ripened.  It  makes  but  little  differ- 


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ence  what  the  age  of  the  Vine  is,  provided  it  is 
of  the  required  size  and  ripeness.  The  best 
time  for  planting  is  in  April,  though,  when 
that  is  not  practicable,  it  will  do  as  late  as  the 
middle  of  June,  as  the  main  growth  of  the  Vine 
is  made  during  the  warm  months  of  the  sum- 
mer. Vines  set  out  even  as  late  as  June,  if  the 
preparations  of  the  border  have  been  rightly 
made,  will  have  grown  a  single  shoot  twenty- 
five  to  thirty  feet  by  October.  Only  a  single 
shoot  is  allowed  to  grow,  and  this  is  cut  back  in 
November  or  December  to  the  bottom  of  the 
rafter,  or  about  three  or  four  feet  from  the 
ground.  If  desirable,  a  bunch  or  two  may  be 
taken  from  each  of  the  Vines  the  second  year, 
although  it  will  somewhat  weaken  them  to  do 
so.  It  is  therefore  preferable  to  repeat  the  same 
operation  of  growing  one  shoot  only  again  to 
the  top  of  the  rafter.  This  shoot  may  now  be 
cut  back  to  say  eight  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
will  this  year  (the  third  after  planting)  give  a 
good  crop,  which  is  taken  from  the  lateral  or 
side  shoots,  still  allowing  the  main  or  leading 
shoot,  as  before,  to  get  to  the  top  of  the  rafter; 
for  the  Vine  is  not  strong  enough  yet  to  bear 
fruit  the  whole  length  of  the  cane.  The  fourth 
year  after  planting  it  may  be  cut  back  to  within 
five  or  six  feet  of  the  top,  and  the  fifth  year  will 
be  able  to  bear  a  full  crop  the  entire  length  of 
the  rafter,  which,  in  a  house  of  twenty-five  feet, 
span  roofed,  will  be  about  sixteen  feet  long,  or 
in  a  lean-to  of  twenty  feet  wide,  about  twenty- 
five  feet.  The  variety  best  fitted  for  the  Cold 
Grapery  is  the  Black  Hamburgh.  In  a  house 
requiring  twenty  vines  we  should  advise  twelve 
Black  Hamburgh,  and  the  balance  selected  from 
the  following  list  of  old  and  established  kinds : 
Muscat  Hamburgh,  Royal  Muscadine  or  Chas- 
selas  de  Fontainebleau,  Grizzly  and  White  Fron- 
tignan,  Trentham  Black,  Charlesworth  Tokay. 

In  the  fall,  in  November  or  December,  the 
vines  are  laid  down  along  the  front  wall  after 
being  pruned,  and  covered  completely  with  soil 
until  May,  when  they  are  taken  up  and  tied  to 
the  wires,  which  are  &  galvanized  iron,  and  run 
across  the  rafters  fifteen  inches  apart  and  fif- 
teen inches  from  the  glass.  The  training  fol- 
lowed is  what  is  called  the  "spur"  system, 
which  is  simply  to  allow  one  cane  or  shoot  to 
each  Vine,  (planted  three  or  four  feet  apart, )  and 
pruning  the  side  shoots  or ' '  bearing  wood"  annu- 
ally back  to  one  eye.  In  the  summer  treatment 
of  the  Cold  Grapery  the  principle  must  never  be 
lost  sight  of,  that  to  keep  the  Vines  in  perfect 
health,  a  temperature  of  not  less  than  65°  at 
night,  with  10°  or  15°  higher  during  the  day,  is 
always  necessary.  Any  rapid  variation  down- 
ward is  certain  to  result  in  mildew.  The  floor 
of  the  Grapery  should  be  kept  dashed  with  water 
at  all  times,  unless  in  damp  weather,  from  the 
time  the  buds  start  until  the  fruit  begins  to 
ripen,  except  during  the  period  the  Vines  are  in 
flower,  when  it  should  be  dispensed  with  until 
the  fruit  is  set.  In  dry  weather,  copious  water- 
ing is  necessary  for  the  border  outside.  The 

in  cutting  off  the  laterals,  or  side  shoots  which 
start  from  where  the  leaf  joins  the  stem,  to  one 
leaf.  In  winter,  three  or  four  inches  of  well- 
rotted  stable  manure  is  spread  over  the  border, 
and  over  that  six  inches  of  leaves  or  litter;  this 
is  raked  off  in  spring,  and  the  manure  forked  in, 
the  object  being  to  feed  the  roots  from  the  top 
of  the  border.  We  are  so  much  impressed  with 
the  advantage  of  covering  up  the  Vines,  both 


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VTT 

tops  and  roots,  that  we  practice  it  even  with  the 
hardy  varieties  out  of  doors,  with  the  very  best 
results,  having  found,  by  actual  experiment,  that 
when  covered  up  they  are  less  subject  to  mildew. 
All  plants  of  a  half-hardy  character  may  be  kept 
in  the  cold  Grapery,  such  as  Roses,  Pomegranates, 
Oranges,  Crape  Myrtles,  Pampas  Grass,  Tri- 
tomas,  Carnations,  etc.,  care  being  taken  that 
the  pots  or  tubs  in  which  they  are  planted  are 
plunged  in  leaves,  tan,  or  some  such  substance, 
KO  that  the  roots  do  not  freeze.  The  Cola  Grapery 
makes  an  excellent  poultry-house  in  winter, 
only,  if  put  to  that  use,  care  must  be  taken  that 
the  buried  Vines  are  secure  against  the  scratch- 
ing of  the  hens. 

In  the  construction  of  the  Grapery  for  forcing 
by  artificial  heat,  the  best  plan  is  the  "lean-to" 
style,  previously  described.  This  should  face 
the  south,  or  southeast,  so  that  it  will  be  able  to 
get  all  the  sunlight  possible  in  the  winter  and 
spring  months,  for  forcing  is  often  begun  in 
December  and  January,  so  as  to  have  the  fruit 
ripe  in  April  and  May.  A  skillful  grower  will 
usually  ripen  his  crops  in  four  months  or  a  lit- 
tle more,  but  not  all  kinds  alike,  as  some  natu-  ! 
rally  ripen  earlier  than  others  with  precisely  the  1 
same  treatment.  In  forcing  Grapes,  it  is  essen-  | 
tial  to  have  the  border  outside  covered  up  with  | 
leaves  or  manure  of  sufficient  depth  to  prevent 
the  frost  getting  to  the  roots;  as,  if  heat  is  ap- 
plied inside  to  the  Vines  while  the  roots  are 
frozen,  it  will  injure  them  seriously.  When 
Vines  are  started  to  force  very  early,  say  Janu- 
ary 1st,  sufficient  covering  of  manure  and 
leaves  should  be  placed  on  the  border  to  raise 
the  temperature  of  the  soil  to  at  least  60°,  if  the 
best  results  are  to  be  obtained.  If  started  five  | 
or  six  weeks  later,  so  much  covering  would  not  | 
be  necessary.  No  matter  at  what  season  the 
Grapery  is  started,  the  temperature  to  begin 
with,  say  for  the  first  three  weeks,  should  not 
exceed  fifty  degrees  at  night,  with  the  usual  day 
temperature  of  10°  to  15°  higher,  increasing 
gradually  until  the  buds  begin  to  be  developed, 
which  will  be  from  five  to  six  weeks,  to  a  tem- 
perature of  65°  degrees  at  night,  with  15° 
higher  in  the  daytime.  In  another  four  or  five 
weeks  the  fruit  will  be  set,  when  the  tempera- 
ture may  run  from  70°  to  75°  at  night,  with  the 
10°  to  15°  higher  during  the  day.  When  the 
berries  are  about  the  size  of  small  pease,  it  is  in- 
dispensable to  thin  nearly  half  of  them  out  with 
the  Grape  scissors,  else  they  will  not  attain  half 
their  size,  and  the  bunches  will  be  so  compact 
that  it  will  be  impossible  to  detach  the  berries 
without  mashing  them.  Inexperienced  Grape- 
growers  almost  invariably  err  in  leaving  the 
berries  too  thick  on  the  bunch,  and  often,  also, 
too  many  bunches  on  the  Vines,  which  not  only 
results  in  the  fruit  being  inferior  in  quality,  but 
no  more  weight  even  is  obtained.  In  regard  to 
kinds  to  plant,  we  should  here,  as  in  the  Cold 
Grapery  choose  a  large  proportion  of  the  Black 
Hamburgh,  next  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mad- 
dresfield  Court  Muscat,  and  then  Trentham 
Black,  Muscat  Hamburgh,  Lady  Downe  for 
late,  Chasselas  de  Fontainebleau  for  early, 
Grizzly  Frontignan,  Alicante,  Black  Damascus, 
and  similar  good  kinds.  For  market,  Black 
Hamburgh  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  are  found 
to  be  the  most  profitable. 

If  proper  attention  has  been  given  in  forcing  the 
Grapery  to  the  right  degrees  of  temperature  and 
moisture,  there  should  be  no  mildew;  but  as  a 
preventive  in  case  of  accidents,  it  is  safest,  as 


VIT 

soon  as  firing  begins,  to  paint  the  hot-water 
pipes  with  a  mixture  of  lime  and  sulphur.  The 
pipes,  when  heated,  evaporate  the  sulphur  fumes, 
which  are  certain  to  destroy  the  germs  of  mil- 
dew. Accidents  often  occur  by  leaving  the 
water  in  the  pipes  in  the  Graperies  at  the  sea- 
son they  are  resting  and  exposed  to  frost,  which 
is  often  severe  enough  to  freeze  the  water,  which, 
expanding,  bursts  the  pipes.  It  is  always  safest 
not  to  wait  until  fall  to  empty  them,  but  to  do 
so  as  soon  as  firing  is  stopped  in  the  spring  and 
summer.  It  is  often  customary,  after  pruning 
the  Vines,  to  peel  the  loose  bark  from  the  canes 
and  wash  them  with  a  mixture  of  sulphur  and 
lime,  to  destroy  insects;  but  there  is  no  neces- 
sity for  this,  in  our  opinion,  if  the  practice  of 
burying  up  the  stems  in  the  soil  is  resorted 
to,  as  described  in  our  instructions  for  the  Cold 
Grapery.  We  have  resorted  to  this  practice  for 
many  years,  and  though  we  have  never  either 
peeled  off  the  rough  bark  or  washed  them,  we 
have  never  been  troubled  with  insects  of  any 
kind. 

Having  briefly  presented  an  outline  of  the 
methods  pursued  in  the  cultivation  of  the  for- 
eign Grape  under  glass,  we  propose  to  treat  the 
hardy  native  Grape  in  the  same  brief  manner. 
The  vineyard  culture  of  the  native  Grape  has 
made  rapid  strides  within  the  past  fifteen  years, 
and  is  fast  assuming  a  chief  place  among  the 
industrial  interests  of  the  country,  not  alone 
for  food,  but  for  wine.  Just  now  the  subject  of 
wine  has  a  peculiar  significance  for  the  Ameri- 
can vineyardist.  The  Phylloxera  having  de- 
others,  some  of  the  most  noted  vineyards  in  Eu- 
rope, especially  in  France,  real  wine  has  be- 
come rare,  except  in  some  old  cellars,  where  it 
has  been  stored  for  years.  To  keep  up  the 
supply  resort  has  been  had  to  factitious  wines 
of  all  descriptions,  and  adulterations  of  a  very 
hurtful  nature  have  been  practiced  to  such  an 
extent  that  the  French  government  has  lately 
interfered  to  prevent  it  as  far  as  possible.  If 
the  American  vineyardist  shall  now  step  forward 
and  supply  the  home  market  withpwre  high  class 
wines,  he  will  not  only  be  able  to  retain  it,  but 
also  find  a  foreign  market  for  all  not  wanted  at 
home.  The  Grape  should  be  regarded  as  an  ar- 
ticle of  food  rather  than  a  luxury,  and  it  is  be- 
coming more  and  more  regarded  in  that  light; 
and  there  need  be  no  fear,  with  our  rapidly  in- 
creasing population,  that  the  demand  will  not 
always  be  in  advance  of  the  supply.  That  many 
portions  of  the  country  are  suited  to  the  success- 
ful culture  of  the  Grape,  is  abundantly  shown 
by  the  vineyards  already  established;  in  fact, 
there  are  but  few  States  in  the  Union  where 
some  one  variety  of  the  Grape  may  not  be  profit- 
ably grown,  and  even  unfavorable  localities  may 
often  be  made  to  yield  a  supply  for  the  family, 
by  affording  a  little  protection  above  ground  and 
proper  drainage  beneath.  For  the  vineyard, 
however,  the  selection  of  a  proper  locjition  is  a 
matter  of  the  first  importance.  The  soil  should 
be  naturally  dry,  or,  if  not,  it  should  be  made  so 
by  artificial  means,  such  as  underdraining.  It 
is  nothing  to  the  purpose  to  say  that  Vines  are 
sometimes  found  growing  wild  in  moist  places, 
unless  you  are  content  to  eat  Wild  Grapes  with 
all  their  wild  flavor  and  indigestible  pulp.  Fla- 
vor and  tenderness  are  promoted  by  a  well- 
drained  soil  as  well  as  by  culture.  In  addition, 
the  grade  should  be  such  that  no  water  can  re- 
main on  the  sxirface  at  any  time  of  the  year.  Low 


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247 


VIT 

grounds  should  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible. 
They  are  always  colder  than  uplands,  and  are 
subject  to  cold  vapors  and  fogs,  and  early  and 
late  frosts,  all  of  which  more  or  less  promote 
mildew.  A  location  near  large  bodies  of  water, 
either  fresh  or  salt,  is  desirable,  because  of  the 
ameliorating  influence  of  the  water.  Some  of 
the  best  vineyards  in  the  country  are  so  located. 
Hillsides  may  always  be  safely  chosen.  They 
usually  afford  a  longer  season  of  growth. 

Exposure  is  also  an  important  matter  to  deter- 
mine. Some  difference  of  opinion  exists  on  this 
point.  We  have  no  doubt  that  a  southern  ex- 
posure is  to  be  preferred;  and  southeast  is  bet- 
ter than  southwest.  The  exposure,  however, 
must  in  some  cases  be  determined  by  the  local 
surroundings,  but  should  be  as  far  to  the  south 
as  possible.  Shelter,  in  this  connection,  must 
not  be  overlooked,  for  it  has  an  important  bear- 
ing on  the  healthy  growth  of  the  Vines.  It  does 
not  receive  the  attention  it  ought  to.  It  may  be 
safely  said  that  some  well  located  vineyards 
have  proved  generally  unremunerative  for  the 
want  of  proper  shelter.  Many  reasons  can  be 
given  for  this,  some  of  which  will  naturally  sug- 
gest themselves  to  a  thoughtful  man,  and  not 
the  least  important  is  the  protection  it  affords 
against  the  prevalence  of  mildew.  Where  shel- 
ter is  not  afforded  naturally  by  woods  or  trees 
growing  near  by,  it  must  be  provided  by  plant- 
ing trees,  and  there  are  none  better  than  Balsam 
Firs.  The  Arbor  Vitse  will  do  in  a  small  way,  or 
even  a  high  board  fence.  Large  trees,  however, 
should  not  be  planted  so  near  the  Vines  as  to  in- 
terfere with  their  roots.  The  shelter  should  be 
so  placed  as  to  protect  the  Vines  from  the  pre- 
vailing cold  and  high  winds,  the  rest  of  the 
vineyard  being  left  open.  There  are  some  lo- 
calities so  favored  that  little  or  no  artificial  pro- 
tection is  needed.  The  owner  must,  in  all  cases, 
-use  a  good  judgment. 

The  best  Soil  for  the  Grape  is  undoubtedly 
a  sandy  or  gravelly  loam.  A  loam  is  always  to 
be  preferred  to  clay.  If  necessity  compels  the 
use  of  a  clayey  soil,  it  should  be  thoroughly 
underdrained,  and  will  be  much  improved  by  a 
liberal  addition  of  sand.  Always  seek  to  give  the 
Vine  a  "dry  foot."  One  of  the  oldest  and  best 
vineyards  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  is  planted 
in  a  soil  (if  it  may  be  so  called)  that  was  origin- 
ally a  pure  sand  to  the  depth  of  eight  feet  or 
more.  Clay,  muck,  and  leaf  mould  were  nearby 
and  abundant,  and  the  sand  was  liberally  treat- 
ed to  each  when  the  vineyard  was  made,  and  a 
top  dressing  every  few  years  since.  It  will  thus 
be  seen  that  a  valueless  sand  may  be  converted 
into  a  profitable  vineyard.  The  preparation  of 
the  soil,  whatever  its  nature,  should  be  m:>st 
thorough  before  the  Vines  are  planted.  A  vine- 
yard is  planted  for  a  future  as  well  as  the  pres- 
ent generation;  everything  connected  with  it 
should  therefore  be  done  in  the  most  thorough 
manner,  except  such  things  as  may  afterward  be 
done  on  the  surface,  in  the  way  of  top-dressings, 
etc. 

There  are  three  methods  of  preparing  the 
ground  for  the  Vine,  viz.,  trenching,  trench  plow- 
ing, and  subsoiling.  The  first  is  confined  to  the 
garden  and  small  plots  of  ground.  It  is  done 
with  the  spade,  and  is  expensive.  It  consists, 
briefly,  in  spading  two  spades  deep,  and  revers- 
ing the  soil,  or  placing  the  good  top  soil  at  the 
bottom,  and  the  poor  subsoil  at  the  top,  which 
must  then  be  enriched  with  manures.  In  many, 
if  not  all  cases,  what  is  sometimes  called  bas- 


VIT 

tard  trenching  will  answer  all  purposes.  In. 
this  the  top  and  bottom  soils  are  not  reversed; 
the  bottom  soil  is  simply  stirred  up  to  the  depth 
of  the  spade.  This  is  a  comparatively  inexpen- 
sive way  of  putting  the  ground  in  very  good 
condition  for  any  kind  of  plant.  Trench  plow- 
ing requires  plows  of  peculiar  make,  of  which 
there  are  few  or  none  in  the  market,  being  sel- 
dom made  except  to  order.  It  makes  thorough 
work,  but  requires  strong  double  teams,  and  is 
expensive,  except  in  very  light  sandy  soils,  and 
in  such  it  is  not  so  much  needed.  It  consists 
in  opening  a  furrow  as  deep  as  it  can  be  ran, 
even  up  to  the  beam  of  the  plow;  another  plow 
follows  in  the  same  furrow,  and  is  driven  as  deep 
as  four  oxen  can  put  it.  The  ground  should 
then  be  cross-plowed.  SubsoUing  is  generally 
followed,  and  consists  in  opening  a  furrow  with 
a  common  plow,  and  following  in  the  same  fur- 
row with  a  subsoil  plow,  which  moves  and  pul- 
verizes the  subsoil  without  changing  its  posi- 
tion. It  puts  the  soil  in  excellent  condition, 
and  is  inexpensive  compared  with  the  perma- 
nent good  that  is  done.  In  all  these  cases  ma- 
nures or  composts  must  be  more  or  less  liberal- 
ly applied,  according  to  the  necessities  of  each 
csse.  The  preparation  of  the  soil  is  undoubted- 
ly one  of  the  most  important  operations  in  the 
establishment  of  a  vineyard,  and  one  of  its  ob- 
jects should  be  to  get  the  soil  of  a  uniform  tex- 
ture and  richness  throughout,  but  not  over-rich. 
This  deep  stirring  of  the  soil  puts  it  very  much 
in  the  condition  of  a  sponge,  which  enables  it  to 
draw  moisture  from  the  soil  beneath  and  the  at- 
mosphere above,  and  hold  it  for  the  wants  of  the 
plants;  hence  soils  that  are  drained  and  deeply 
stirred,  keeping  the  good  soil  on  the  surface, 
are  less  subject  to  the  evils  that  accompany  and 
follow  a  drought  than  those  that  are  not  so 
treated.  It  is  of  the  first  importance,  therefore, 
that  vineyards  and  orchards  at  least  should  be 
put  in  the  best  condition  for  the  reception  of 
the  Vines  and  trees,  if  the  best  results  are  aimed 
at. 

A  few  words  may  be  added  here  in  regard  to 
manures.  The  Vine  is  said  to  be  a  gross  feeder, 
and  in  a  certain  sense  this  is  true;  but  it  may  be 
doubted  whether  carrion  will,  at  the  present 
day,  find  much  favor  among  Grape-growers. 
It  must  not  be  forgotten,  however,  that  a  Vine 
under  the  protection  of  glass  will  bear  more 
and  grosser  feeding  than  a  Vine  growing  in  the 
open  air  in  our  cold  and  fickle  climate.  Over- 
feeding begets  soft  and  spongy  wood  and  feeble 
buds  or  eyes,  which  are  always  in  danger  of  be- 
ing winter  killed  ;  and  what  is  gained  in  size 
of  bunch  and  berry  is  lost  in  quality  and  flavor. 
Hence  it  happens  that  the  best  Grapes  at  our 
public  exhibitions  -  do  not  always  get  the  first 
prize.  Gross,  unfermented  manures  are  not 
best  for  the  Grape,  on  account  of  the  sappy 
growth  they  produce.  There  is  perhaps  nothing 
better  than  a  compost  made  of  old  barn-yard 
manure,  leaf-mould,  broken  bones,  muck,  etc., 
laid  up  to  rot  and  frequently  turned.  Top 
dressings  of  lime,  ashes,  bone  dust,  etc.,  can  be 
applied  at  any  time. 

A  few  remarks  may  be  added  here  in  regard  to 
laying  out  the  vineyard.  There  is  some  difference 
of  opinion  as  to  whether  the  rows  should  run 
east  and  west  or  north  and  south.  A  brief  rule, 
of  general  application,  may  be  stated  thus  : 
where  it  is  convenient,  let  the  rows  so  run  as  to 
receive  the  full  benefit  of  the  morning  sun. 
This  is  a  matter,  however,  that  must  be  some- 


248 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


VIT 

•what  modified  to  meet  the  circumstances  of  par- 
ticular cases  ;  and  it  is  not  to  be  denied  that 
good  Grapes  have  been  grown  with  the  rows 
running,  in  various  directions.  That  the  rows 
are  generally  found  running  east  and  west  is  ow- 
ing to  the  fact  that  ground  sloping  to  the  south 
is  usually  selected  for  a  vineyard,  and  in  such 
cases  east  and  west  is  the  proper  way.  For  ob- 
vious reasons,  on  a  hillside  the  rows  should  run 
at  right  angles  with  the  slope  of  the  hill,  or 
nearly  so.  Good  taste  and  neatness  will  nat- 
urally suggest  that  the  rows  should  be  straight 
and  even;  if,  however,  as  sometimes  happens, 
it  becomes  necessary  to  run  the  rows  on  curved 
lines,  all  the  lines  should  run  parallel  with  each 
other.  It  not  only  looks  better,  but  saves  labor 
in  cultivation.  A  straight  line  is  as  easily  plant- 
ed as  a  crooked  one. 

There  is  considerable  diversity  of  opinion 
among  cultivators  as  to  how  far  apart  the  rows 
should  be,  as  well  as  the  distances  at.  which  the 
plants  should  be  put  in  the  rows.  This  is  ow- 
ing a  good  deal  to  the  system  of  training  pur- 
sued, and  still  more  to  the  varieties  of  Grapes 
planted.  A  Concord,  a  Highland,  or  a  Diana 
will  require  many  times  as  much  room  as  a  Del- 
aware. It  will  make  a  difference,  too,  whether 
the  Vines  are  grown  on  stakes  or  a  trellis.  Keep- 
ing these  things  in  view,  the  rows  may  be  from 
six  to  eight  feet  apart,  and  the  Vines  from  four 
to  ten  feet  apart  in  the  rows.  Vines  grown  on 
stakes  may  be  planted  closer  than  those  grown 
on  a  trellis.  In  determining  these  matters  of 
distance,  the  soil,  varieties  of  Grapes,  methods 
of  training,  etc.,  should  il1.  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration. We  have  gone  a  little  into  detail 
thus  far,  because  the  matters  treated  of  form  the 
foundation  of  a  good  vineyard,  and,  if  not  done 
at  the  beginning,  can  not  afterward  be  reached. 
Having  prepared  the  ground  for  the  reception 
of  the  Vines,  it  will  now  be  in  order  to  consider 
the  kind  of  plants  to  purchase,  and  the  way  to  plant 
them.  By  "  kind  of  plants  "  we  do  not  mean  va- 
rieties, but  the  method  by  which  they  have  been 
Sroduced.  Young  plants  are  generally  pro- 
uced  in  four  ways  :  1,  from  single  eyes  ;  2, 
from  cuttings  with  a  single  eye  ;  3,  from  cuttings 
with  two  eyes,  the  lower  one  being  rubbed  out; 
4,  from  green  wood,  a  practice  which  is  now 
very  generally  and  very  properly  abandoned, 
except  occasionally  in  the  case  of  new  and  rare 
varieties  grown  under  glass.  The  single  eye 
with  a  shank  of  yearling  wood  (No.  2)  is  gener- 
ally to  be  preferred.  No.  1  makes  a  good  Vine, 
but  No.  4  should  not  be  bought  if  anything  else 
can  be  had.  When  No.  3  are  grown  in  the  open 
air,  the  number  of  eyes  is  increased  to  three, 
and  sometimes  four,  but  the  plants  are  not  im- 
proved by  it.  In  addition  to  these  methods 
Vines  are  also  propagated  by  layers,  which  are 
good  for  special  purposes,  but  not  for  general 
planting.  In  regard  to  age,  we  prefer  a  well- 
grown  Vine  one  year  old,  or,  if  two  years  old 
one  that  has  been  cut  down  and  grown  to  a  sin- 
gle cane.  It  is  a  great  mistake  to  buy  old  Vines 
and  one  often  committed  by  novices.  A  Vine 
four  or  five  years  old,  when  lifted  from  the 
ground,  is  placed  in  the  condition  of  a  yearling 
with  this  difference,  that  the  younger  plant  will 
always  make  a  stronger  and  better°growth.  And 
we  may  add  that  we  prefer  a  well-grown  pot- 
vine  to  any  other.  The  great  object  is  to  get  a 
young  Vine  well  furnished  with  ripe  fibrous 
roots. 

Having  procured  the  Vines,  the  next  operation 


vrr 

will  be  the  planting.  The  roots  should  be  placed 
from  five  to  eight  inches  beneath  the  surface, 
according  as  the  soil  is  light  or  heavy,  the 
greater  depth  being  for  light,  sandy  soils.  Dig 
a  hole  sufficiently  deep,  and  large  enough  to  al- 
low all  the  roots  to  be  spread  out  in  a  natural 
position,  and  it  is  well  to  elevate  the  soil  a  little 
in  the  middle  of  the  hole.  Have  at  each  hole 
some  good  fine  soil.  Trim  up  all  decayed  and 
injured  roots;  then  spread  them  out  in  the  hole, 
and  let  your  assistant  sprinkle  some  of  the  fine 
soil  over  the  roots,  while  you  work  it  in  with 
your  hands  firmly  till  the  roots  are  all  covered, 
and  the  hole  may  then  be  filled  up  with  the 
spade.  Next  cut  the  cane  down  to  two  or  three 
eyes  or  buds  above  the  surface,  and  the  plant- 
ing is  completed.  A  little  practice  will  enable 
one  to  do  all  this  rapidly,  and  do  it  well.  It  is 
better  to  put  a  light  stake  at  each  Vine  while  the 
planting  is  being  done,  as  the  roots  will  be  in- 
jured and  displaced  if  done  afterward.  If  the 
weather  should  be  dry,  the  roots  may  be  watered 
as  soon  as  set,  and  before  the  hole  is  filled  up, 
or  some  litter  may  be  spread  on  the  surface.  Do 
not  commit  the  too  common  mistake  of  putting 
manure  in  contact  with  the  roots  when  planting  ; 
it  does  more  harm  than  good.  '  If  there  should 
be  two  layers  of  roots,  gather  the  upper  layer  in 
your  hand,  and  hold  it  there  till  the  bottom 
layer  has  been  covered,  and  then  spread  it  out 
and  cover  it.  This  little  extra  labor  will  be  well 
repaid  in  the  future  growth  of  the  plant. 

In  regard  to  the  best  time  to  plant  there  is 
some  difference  of  opinion;  but,  as  a  rule,  we 
prefer  to  do  it  in  the  fall  and  cover  the  Vines. 
There  is  usually  more  time  to  do  it  in  the  fall, 
and  it  is  consequently  better  done.  The  Vines 
are  at  this  time  in  better  condition  for  handling, 
and  suffer  less  from  exposure  of  the  roots  ;  and 
many  other  reasons  might  be  added.  In  the 
spring  there  is  always  much  work  to  be  done; 
the  Vines  are  received  in  a  bundle,  have,  per- 
haps, heated  on  the  way,  the  buds  have  swol- 
len, and  in  the  handling  many  are  rubbed  off, 
and  usually  those  most  wanted.  The  fall,  there- 
fore, would  seem  to  be  the  best  time  to  plant 
the  Vine.  If  not  done  in  the  fall,  the  Vines 
should  be  "heeled  in"  and  covered  with  litter. 
In  the  spring  they  can  be  taken  out  as  wanted, 
and  will  not,  in  this  way,  suffer  from  long  ex- 
posure to  the  air  at  a  time  when  exposure  is  de- 
cidedly hurtful.  From  this  it  may  be  inferred 
that  it  is  better  to  purchase  the  Vines  in  the  fall, 
and  of  this  we  have  no  doubt.  When  Vines  are 
heeled  in,  it  should  be  in  a  dry  place,  where 
\vater  will  not  be  likely  to  settle  about  the  roots 
during  the  winter.  They  may  be  kept  in  a  cool 
cellar,  packed  in  sand  that  is  simply  moist,  but 
not  wet. 

Whatever  system  of  training  may  be  ulti- 
mately adopted,  only  a  single  cane  is  grown 
during  the  first  year.  At  the  time  of  planting, 
the  cane  was  cut  down  to  two  or  three  buds,  all 
of  which  should  now  be  allowed  to  grow. 
When  they  have  attained  a  growth  of  three  or 
four  inches,  select  the  strongest  one  and  break 
the  others  off.  This  ,shoot  must  be  tied  to  a 
stake  to  prevent  its  loss  by  strong  winds  or 
accident.  The  tying  must  be  repeated,  as  the 
young  cane  increases  in  length,  till  there  is  no 
longer  any  danger  of  its  loss.  After  a  while 
little  shoots  will  make  their  appearance  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  These  little  shoots  are 
called  laterals.  These  laterals  should  be  allowed 
to  grow  till  the  second  leaf  has  attained  about 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


VIT 

an  inch  in  diameter,  when  the  lateral  should 
be  pinched  back  to  its  first  leaf.  The  bud  in 
the  axil  of  this  will  soon  begin  to  swell,  and  ere 
long  produce  another  shoot,  which  must  also 
be  pinched  back  to  its  first  leaf,  which  in  time 
will  produce  another  shoot,  to  be  treated  in  the 
same  way.  As  cool  weather  approaches  the 
laterals  may  be  allowed  to  have  their  own  way. 
We  have  spoken  of  only  one  lateral  from  the 
young  cane,  but  there  will  be  a  lateral  from  the 
axil  of  almost  every  leaf,  and  these  should  all 
be  treated  as  above  directed.  The  cane  itself, 
however,  should  be  allowed  to  extend  itself  at 
pleasure.  This  pinching  really  requires  but 
little  time,  but  insures  a  strong  cane  with  well- 
developed  eyes.  In  the  fall,  after  the  leaves 
have  fallen,  the  cane  should  be  cut  down  to 
three  or  four  eyes,  and  covered  for  the  winter 
before  the  ground  freezes  hard.  This  comprises 
the  training  for  the  first  year.  Culture  consists 
in  keeping  the  ground  mellow  and  free  from 
weeds  by  the  use  of  the  cultivator.  Cabbage 
or  a  root  crop  of  some  kind  may  be  grown  be- 
tween the  rows  this  year,  but  not  Corn  or  any 


other  plant  that  grows  high. 
In  the   spring 


spring  of  the  second  year  the  first 
thing  to  be  done  is  to  uncover  the  Vines ;  butthis 
must  not  be  done  too  early,  especially  at  the 
North  and  in  exposed  localities.  It  is  better,  in 
such  places,  to  wait  till  danger  from  frost  is  past. 
Keeping  them  covered  retards  growth  up  to  a 
certain  point.  If  the  pruning  were  not  done 
last  fall,  it  should  be  done  now.  We  propose 
the  second  year  to  grow  two  canes.  We  have 
three  or  four  buds  or  eyes  to  start  with.  Let 
them  all  grow  till  they  are  three  or  four  inches 
long,  and  then  select  the  two  strongest,  one  on 
each  side,  or  opposite  each  other.  If  the  two 
upper  ones  should  be  of  about  equal  size,  (as 
they  will  generally  be  the  strongest,)  select  them 
in  preference  to  the  lower  ones,  and  rub  the 
others  off.  These  two  canes  should  be  tied  up, 
and  the  laterals  pinched  in,  precisely  as  was  di- 
rected for  the  single  cane  during  the  first  year. 
There  may  be  a  number  of  canes  sufficiently 
strong  to  bear  a  single  bunch  of  fruit  this  year; 
but,  as  a  rule,  it  will  be  better  to  remove  the 
fruit  from  most  of  the  canes,  and  take  a  larger 
crop  in  the  third  year,  unless  it  be  intended  to 
grow  the  Vines  to  stakes  and  a  single  cane.  It 
happens  at  times  that  a  Vine  here  and  there  will 
grow  too  weak  during  the  first  year  to  produce 
two  good  canes  during  the  second;  and  in  such 
cases  it  is  better  to  grow  only  one  cane  during 
the  second  year.  If  everything  has  gone  well 
we  shall  have  in  the  fall  two  strong  canes  as  the 
beginning  of  any  system  of  training  that  may 
bo  adopted,  and  the  system  must  be  selected  be- 
fore the  next  pruning  can  be  properly  done. 

There  are  many  systems  of  training  of  varying 
degrees  of  merit;  some  simple  and  some  com- 
plicated; some  adapted  to  the  vineyard  and 
others  to  the  garden,  or  a  wall,  or  the  side  of  a 
house.  Few  of  these  could  be  made  intelligible 
without  much  detail  and  the  aid  of  illustrations, 
and  would  require  a  good  deal  more  room  than 
could  be  given  to  the  subject  in  a  work  like  this. 
We  have  carried  the  treatment  of  the  Vine  up  to 
a  point  where  any  of  these  methods  can  be 
adopted,  either  for  the  vineyard  or  the  garden. 
We  will,  however,  mention  a  few  of  these,  and 
refer  the  reader  for  details  to  some  work  spe- 
cially devoted  to  the  training  of  the  Vine.  To 
begin  with,  there  is  the  Double  Horizontal  Arm 
System,  which  is  one  of  the  best  either  for  the 


VIT 

vineyard  or  the  garden.  It  consists  of  two 
horizontal  arms  running  in  opposite  directions 
on  the  same  level.  These  are  spurred.  It  is 
better  to  reverse  these  arms  when  laying  them 
down,  as  it  makes  the  spurs  stronger  near  the 
stock.  The  Single  Horizontal  Arm  is  the  same 
in  principle,  only  there  is  one  arm  instead  of  two. 
The  Guyot  System  consists  in  growing  three 
canes  each  year  from  a  low  stock.  One  of  these 
canes  is  laid  down  horizontally,  and  the  other 
two  are  grown  upright.  There  may  be  three  of 
these  upright  canes,  but  two  are  better.  The 
horizontal  cane  is  shortened  to  about  four  feet, 
and  fruited  its  whole  length.  A  new  horizontal 
arm  is  laid  down  every  year.  It  is  a  kind  of  re- 
newal system,  and  has  decided  advantages.  It 
is  susceptible  of  several  variations,  and  an  im- 
provement consists  in  making  the  horizontal 
arm  permanent,  and  "spurring"  it.  This  sys- 
tem is  also  a  good  one  for  the  vineyard.  The 
Upright  Stock  System  is  a  good  one  for  either 
the  vineyard  or  the  garden,  and  is  a  very  neat 
method  for  covering  trellises,  walls,  arbors,  etc. 
It  is  adapted  to  either  stakes  or  wires,  and  can 
be  made  quite  ornamental.  The  Bow  System 
is  practiced  at  the  West,  and  was  introduced  by 
the  Germans.  Stakes  are  used  instead  of  wires. 
It  consists  in  growing  two  canes,  one  of  which 
is  cut  to  a  spur,  and  the  other  bent  in  the  form 
of  a  bow  around  a  stake.  It  may  be  modified 
by  making  two  bows  instead  of  one.  The  bows 
are  renewed  each  year.  This  system  is  not  prac- 
ticed as  much  as  it  used  to  be.  The  Jura  Plan 
is  simple,  and  better  than  the  preceding,  and 
gives  more  fruit.  The  Vines  are  grown  to 
stakes,  one  to  each  Vine.  The  plan  consists  of  a 
single  upright  stock  two  or  three  feet  high, 
which  is  double  spurred.  This  plan  enables 
one  to  plant  a  Vine  here  and  there  about  the  gar- 
den without  taking  up  much  room.  We  men- 
tion next  the  celebrated  Thomery  System,  which 
takes  its  name  from  Thomery  in  France,  where 
it  originated  and  is  found  in  perfection.  It 
consists  in  growing  Vines  with  horizontal  arms, 
one  above  the  other  in  tiers,  no  Vine  having 
more  than  two  arms.  It  is  a  beautiful  plan 
for  covering  arbors,  high  walls  and  trellises, 
sides  of  dwellings  and  barns,  etc.  Any  attempt 
to  describe  the  methods  of  its  formation  without 
the  aid  of  illustrations  would  be  simply  futile. 
It  is  a  beautiful  system  of  growing  the  Vine,  but 
is  complicated,  and  demands  knowledge,  skill, 
and  care.  There  are  many  other  systems  of 
training,  the  most  of  them,  however,  interesting 
chiefly  to  the  amateur  and  experimentalist,  but 
requiring  too  much  time  and  labor  for  the  vine- 
yard. 

The  reader  must  examine  the  different  meth- 
ods named  above,  make  his  selection,  and  prune 
his  two  canes,  as  we  left  them,  to  meet  the  re- 
quirements of  the  system  he  adopts;  and  to  da 
this  intelligently  he  will  require  the  aid  of  some 
good  book  or  specialist.  We  may  add,  however, 
that  though  the  native  Vine  is  hardy,  it  will  be 
better  at  the  North,  as  a  rule,  to  lay  the  Vines 
down,  and  cover  them  with  a  few  inches  of  earth 
or  litter.  This  laying  down  should  be  begun 
while  the  Vines  are  young,  as  it  keeps  the  stock 
somewhat  pliable.  If  left  till  the  Vine  is  old  it 
is  apt  to  crack  and  be  injured,  unless  the  opera- 
tion is  carefully  performed.  We  may  also  add, 
that  the  varieties  of  Grapes  should  be  selected 
with  reference  to  the  climate  and  location  in 
which  they  are  to  be  grown,  there  being  a  great 
difference  in  varieties  in  this  respect.  So  many 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


vrr 

new  kinds  of  more  or  less  excellence  are  being 
introduced  every  year,  that  we  do  not  venture 
to  present  a  list,  but  refer  the  reader  to  cata- 
logues and  the  current  grape  literature;  and 
even  with  these  aids  a  wise  selection  will  be  a 
difficult  matter  to  make.  It  will  always  be  well 
to  learn  which  Grapes  do  well  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, or  under  conditions  similar  to  your  own. 
The  perfect  Grape  is  yet  to  come. 

It  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  add  here  a  cau- 
tion against  overcropping,  a  mistake  quite  com- 
monly made  by  the  novice.  He  quite  as  often 
makes  another  mistake  in  allowing  a  cane  to 
fruit  before  it  is  strong  enough  to  ripen  the 
berries  without  injury  to  its  future  well-doing. 
Sometimes  he  will  combine  these  two  mistakes 
in  the  same  Vine,  and  ruin  it.  In  the  end  noth- 
ing is  lost  by  patient  waiting;  rather  there  is 
much  gain,  at  least  as  regards  the  Grape.  While  , 
speaking  of  mistakes  we  may  allude  to  two 
others  connected  with  planting,  both  of  which 
have  caused  the  loss  of  many  Vines.  One  con- 
sists in  planting  too  deep  and  the  other  too 
shallow.  If  the  young  Vines  are  planted  too 
deep,  root-action  is  enfeebled,  the  Vines  make  a 
puny  growth,  and  are  either  winter  killed  or 
die  a  lingering  death.  If  they  are  planted  too 
shallow,  the  frost  throws  the  crown  to  the  sur- 
face, and  the  plant  is  winter  killed:  a  result 
that  is  only  too  common  where  the  young 
plants  are  not  covered.  This  latter  mistake 
may  be  avoided  as  follows:  when  a  hole  is  dug 
in  newly-prepared  ground  to  the  proper  depth, 
make  the  bottom  firm  by  pressure  with  the 
foot,  but  do  not  pack  it  hard ;  then  sprinkle  on 
this  firmed  surface  a  little  fine  soil  as  a  bed  for 
the  roots  to  rest  on,  and  finish  in  the  usual  way. 
It  must  be  understood  that  when  it  is  said  that 
a  Vine  must  be  planted  at  a  certain  depth,  it  is 
meant  that  the  crown  or  neck  of  the  plant  must 
be  at  that  depth.  If  the  ground  to  be  occu- 
pied as  a  vineyard  could  be  prepared  a  month 
or  so  before  being  planted,  so  as  to  allow  time 
for  the  soil  to  settle,  we  should  hear  of  fewer 
failures  in  planting.  Where  Vines  are  to  be 
planted  only  two  or  three  feet  apart,  as  in  the 
Thomery  system,  it  is  better  to  open  a  trench 
the  whole  length  of  the  row,  to  avoid  disturb- 
ing the  roots  of  the  vines  already  planted  by 
digging  holes  so  close  to  each  other.  In  plant- 
ing on  a  large  scale,  it  is  an  excellent  plan  to 
select  the  best  men  to  "set"  the  plants,  with 
earth  enough  around  them  to  hold  the  plants  in 
place,  while  the  others  follow  and  finish  filling 
up  the  holes.  On  hillsides  it  is  better  to  make 
the  bottom  of  the  hole  very  nearly  of  the  slope 
of  the  hill;  the  canes  will  grow  upright,  and 
that  is  all  that  is  needed;  but  being  placed  in 
the  proper  position  at  the  time  of  planting,  the 
roots  will  be  saved  the  labor  of  working  their 
•way  there,  as  they  will  be  sure  to  do.  If  the 
hillside  should  be  steep,  it  should  be  partly 
terraced,  if  it  can  be  done.  In  all  these  cases 
something  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the 
planter. 

In  regard  to  the  support  for  the  Vine,  some 
systems  of  training,  such  as  the  Bow  and  Single 
Upright  Stock,  need  nothing  more  than  a  dur- 
able stake,  or  sometimes  two,  and  there  is  noth- 
ing better  than  Cedar  poles.  Trellises  of  vari- 
ous kinds  and  materials  have  been  tried,  but 
there  is  nothing  so  good  as  wire  stretched  on 
Chestnut  or  Locust  posts,  where  these  can  be 
had.  The  first  cost  of  a  wire  trellis  is  greater 
than  most  others,  but,  on  account  of  its  durabil- 


VIT 

ity  and  convenience,  it  is  much  the  cheapest  in 
the  end.  We  know  of  no  other  that  will  make 
a  permanent  support  for  the  Vine.  Others  can 
be  used  where  wood  is  plenty,  but  not  because 
they  are  cheaper.  It  is  a  matter,  however,  in 
which  many  must  consult  their  means. 

The  subject  of  cultivation  is  one  of  great 
importance,  and  not  appreciated  by  beginners 
as  it  should  be.  They  see  the  native  Vine 
growing  wild  all  around  them,  and  conclude 
that  the  Vine  in  the  vineyard  will  thrive 
under  the  same  neglect.  Many  have  found 
this  to  be  an  expensive  mistake.  The  vineyard 
should  be  cultivated  just  as  any  other  crop. 
Take  the  same  care  of  it  as  you  would  of  a  crop 
of  Corn,  and  it  will  give  y  ju  satisfactory  and  re- 
munerative crops ;  otherwise  it  will  not.  After 
the  Vines  become  established  the  plowing  should 
be  shallow.  The  cultivator  should  be  used  for 
the  destruction  of  weeds  and  keeping  the  sur- 
face soil  mellow.  The  hoe  will  be  needed  to 
kill  the  weeds  immediately  around  the  plants. 
There  are  plows  and  other  implements  pecu- 
liarly adapted  for  use  in  the  vineyard,  which  do 
the  work  better  than  those  in  common  use.  In 
plowing,  always  do  it  so  as  to  leave  the  dead 
furrow  in  the  middle.  This  may  be  done  by 
beginning  on  the  upper  side,  and  throwing  the 
furrow  slice  to  the  Vines ;  then  pass  to  the  lower 
side,  and  also  throw  the  furrow  slice  to  the 
Vines;  again  pass  to  the  upper  side,  and  then 
to  the  lower,  till  the  space  between  the  two  rows 
has  been  plowed,  and  the  dead  furrow  will  come 
in  the  middle.  At  the  next  plowing  reverse 
this  order  by  beginning  in  the  middle,  and  the 
ground  will  be  level. 

Where  Vines  are  covered,  the  pruning  should 
be  done  in  the  fall,  before  the  Vines  are  laid 
down.  In  this  case,  plowing  to  the  Vines  in  the 
fall,  as  just  described,  will  help  to  cover  the 
canes,  besides  affording  additional  protection  to 
the  roots;  but  the  plowing  should  be  reversed 
in  the  spring  when  this  is  done.  This  method 
combines  the  advantages  of  fall  plowing  and 
winter  covering  so  well,  that  it  is  worthy  of 
general  consideration.  Top  dressings  will  at 
times  be  needed,  and  are  best  applied  in  the 
fall  in  connection  with  this  plowing  to  and 
from  the  Vines.  Plowing  in  the  vineyard  should 
never  be  so  deep  as  to  injure  the  roots  of  the 
Vines.  This  is  an  important  matter,  and  has 
much  to  do  with  the  health  and  fruitfulness  of 
the  Vines.  On  steep  hillsides,  where  a  plow 
cannot  be  used,  recourse  is  had  to  a  strong  two- 
pronged  hoe  to  loosen  the  soil  when  necessary. 
It  may  be  useful  to  state  here  that  Vines  may  be 
fitted  for  laying  down  while  they  are  being 
trained.  Let  the  trellis  or  stake  be  set  about  a 
foot  from  the  Vine,  and  the  latter  carried  to  it 
at  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees,  and  the 
Vine  can  be  bent  to  the  ground  with  compara- 
tive ease  at  the  time  of  covering. 

We  add  a  few  words  about  marketing,  the  point 
where  the  profit  comes  in.  The  Grapes,  first  of 
all,  should  be  ripe  before  they  are  gathered.  A 
shallow  basket  is  best  to  place  the  Grapes  in 
when  gathered.  The  bunches  should  be  cut 
with  grape-scissors,  and  handled  so  carefully  as 
not  to  rub  off  the  bloom.  They  should  be  taken 
to  the  packing  house  or  some  place  under  cover, 
and  assorted  and  packed  for  market.  All  the 
bruised  and  imperfect  berries  should  be  cut  out, 
and  the  bunches  laid  in  separate  places,  as  first 
and  second  best.  The  packer  then  places  them 
in  boxes  made  for  the  purpose,  and  these  are 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


251 


VIT 

put  in  crates  or  large  boxes  for  shipment.  There 
should  be  no  sham  allowed  to  enter  here.  Let 
the  first  quality  be  all  first  quality,  and  so  on. 
Parties  can  always  be  found  to  pay  an  extra 
price  for  a  uniformly  good  thing  ;  besides,  a 
reputation  will  be  established  that  is  worth  more 
than  money.  There  will  be  some  bunches  too 
small  and  others  too  loose  for  market,  besides 
the  bruised  berries  cut  out,  etc.  These  can  be 
consumed  at  home,  or  pressed  and  fermented  for 
vinegar,  which  will  meet  with  a  ready  sale. 
Skill  in  handling  and  packing  is  acquired  by 
practice  only,  but  an  expert  in  these  things  is  a 
valuable  man  to  have  about  a  place;  for  his  skill 
goes  a  great  ways  in  creating  a  demand  for  a 
particular  "brand  "  of  Grapes.  Boxes  holding  a 
pound  and  a  half  and  five  pounds  each  are  much 
used  ;  but  others  of  a  larger  size  are  also  used. 
The  customer  buys  basket  and  Grapes  together. 
There  are  various  styles  of  baskets,  and  it  would 
be  hard  to  say  which  is  best. 

Preserving  Grapes  in  the  winter  has  not  been, 
generally,  as  satisfactory  as  could  be  wished; 
still  some  kinds  are  kept  in  pretty  good  condi- 
tion till  January.  The  keeping  quality  depends 
upon  the  composition  of  the  Grape,  and  the 
fleshy  kinds  are  found  to  keep  best.  Many  of 
our  natives  will  not  keep  at  all  beyond  their  sea- 
son of  ripening.  Grapes  like  the  Catawba,  Di- 
ana, and  lona  keep  well,  the  latter  being  at 
present  our  best  keeping  kind,  unless  it  should 
be  equaled  by  some  of  the  fleshy  varieties  re- 
cently introduced,  which,  we  are  inclined  to 
think,  will  be  the  case.  The  conditions  for 
keeping  Grapes  are  a  moderately  cool,  dry,  still 
air  of  uniform  temperature.  Sulphite  of  lime  is 
successfully  employed  for  absorbing  the  moisture 
of  fruit  rooms,  and  it  is  also  used  in  the  Grape- 
room.  The  French  use  bottles  filled  with  water 
and  suspended  by  the  neck,  in  which  they  place 
some  four  or  five  inches  of  cane  with  the  bunch 
attached.  It  has  been  tried  here  with  reason- 
able success,  the  Grapes  being  found  to  keep 
well  for  a  considerable  time.  A  good  plan  for 
keeping  a  small  quantity  of  Grapes  in  a  cool 
room  is  to  bend  a  stout  wire  (a  No.  6  or  7)  into 
a  hoop  or  circle,  and  provide  it  with  wire  hooks, 
on  which  suspend  the  Grapes,  stem  end  down. 
The  bunches  should  not  touch  each  other.  On 
a  larger  scale  make  a  frame  with  four  corner 
posts,  and  cover  the  top  with  movable  slats  a 
few  inches  apart,  to  which  attach  hooks,  and 
suspend  the  bunches  as  in  the  preceding  plan. 
The  bunches  being  all  in  sight,  they  can  be 
looked  over  readily,  and  the  decaying  berries, 
if  any,  removed  without  much  handling.  A 
still  better  method  for  a  room  is  to  make  a  box, 
with  drawers  deep  enough  to  admit  a  bunch  of 
Grapes.  The  box  or  bureau  may  be  large  enough 
to  hold  from  fifty  to  two  or  three  hundred 
pounds  of  Grapes.  The  top  and  the  front  should 
be  set  with  hinges,  and  the  bottom  of  the  draw- 


WAC 

ers  made  of  slats.  Lay  the  bunches  on  the  bot- 
tom so  that  they  do  not  touch  each  other,  first 
having  removed  all  imperfect  berries.  When 
filled,  raise  the  lid  and  prop  it  up,  and  open  the 
door ;  let  them  remain  so  till  the  weather  gets 
cold,  and  then  close  the  door  and  the  lid.  Oc- 
casionally, on  warm  days,  the  lid  and  the  door 
may  be  opened  for  a  while  for  ventilation.  A 
little  frost  will  do  no  harm,  but  freezing  may  be 
prevented  by  throwing  a  blanket  over  the  fruit 
bureau.  Some  kinds  of  Grapes  have  been  kept 
in  this  way  nearly  all  winter.  Expensive  struc- 
tures, combining  a  fruit  and  an  ice  house,  are 
in  use  in  some  places,  which  keep  large  quanti- 
ties of  Apples,  Pears,  Grapes,  etc  ,  in  good  con- 
dition nearly  all  winter. 

There  are  many  things,  more  or  less  important, 
connected  with  Grape  culture,  which  we  must 
pass  over  for  want  of  room.  A  few  more  words 
about  manures,  however,  seem  to  be  called  for. 
For  the  vineyard,  barnyard  manure  should  be 
relied  on  chiefly,  with  all  the  liquid  portions 
carefully  preserved.  This  should  be  composted 
with  leaves,  muck,  etc.,  and  the  whole  frequent- 
ly turned  and  worked  over  before  being  applied. 
The  prunings  should  be  burned  and  added  to 
the  heap.  Manure  should  be  used  more  or  less 
frequently,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  soil ; 
but  it  should  not  be  applied  so  often  or  in  such 
quantities  as  to  produce  a  succulent  growth  of 
wood  difficult  to  ripen  in  the  open  air,  as  there 
is  always  danger  of  its  being  winter  killed. 
Special  manures,  such  as  ashes,  bone  dust,  etc., 
can  be  applied  to  the  surface  and  harrowed  in. 
The  best  time  to  do  this  is  in  the  fall  of  the 
year,  when  rains  will  dissolve  and  carry  it  down 
within  reach  of  the  roots.  The  vineyard,  when 
fully  established,  cannot  be  deeply  plowed 
without  doing  great  damage  to  the  roots  of  the 
vines. 

We  have  now  gone  over  the  chief  and  most 
important  operations  connected  with  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  vineyard  of  the  native  Grape. 
This  has  necessarily  been  done  in  a  brief  man- 
ner, but  we  trust  in  such  a  way  as  to  convey  so 
much  knowledge  of  the  subject  as  will  enable 
the  reader  to  make  an  intelligent  beginning. 
Vriesia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  W.  de  Vriese, 
Professor  of  Botany  at  Amsterdam,  Holland. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Mfmogynla.  Nat.  Ord.  Brome- 
lia-cece. 

This  genus  is  the  most  remarkable  of  the  Nat- 
ural Order  to  which  it  belongs.  There  are  but 
few  species,  the  most  interesting  being  V.  speci- 
osa,  a  native  of  Brazil.  The  beauty  of  this  spe- 
cies consists  in  the  tall  spike  of  brilliant  scarlet 
bracts,  from  which  the  flowers  are  produced. 
The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  quite  transient, 
but  the  rich  color  of  the  bracts  continues  a  long 
time.  The  plant  has  the  general  appearance  of 
the  Billbergia,  and  requires  the  same  treatment. 
Introduced  in  1844. 


W. 


Waahoo,  or    Burning  Bush.     See  Euonymus 
atropurpureus. 

Wachendorfia.  Named  in  honor  of  J.  E.  Wach- 
endorf,  a  Dutch  botanist.  Linn.  Hexandria-Mono- 
f/ynla.  Nat.  Ord.  LiHacece. 


A  small  genus  of  Cape  plants,  usually  offered 
in  seedsmen's  catalogues  as  bulbs,  more  from 
their  Ixia-like  flowers  than  the  shape  of  their 
roots.  They  all  have  rhizomes  or  underground 
stems,  in  the  scales  of  which  buds,  like  little 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


WAR 

bulbs,  form,  by  which,  when  detached,  some 
of  the  species  are  propagated.  The  flowers  are 
yellow  or  violet,  scattered  on  slender  scapes 
about  a  foot  high.  The  species  are  nearly  ever- 
green, but  not  hardy.  '  They  should  be  grown 
m  pots,  which  should  be  large  for  the  size  of 
the  plant,  and  allowed  a  partial  rest  soon  after 
flowering,  which  is  in  midsummer.  Introduced 
in  1770. 

Wake  Robin.  One  of  the  popular  names  of  the 
Trillium,  which  see. 

Walking  Fern.     See  Lycopodlnm  alopecuroides. 

Wahlenbergia.  Named  in  honor  of  Dr.  George 
Wahlenterg,  author  of  "Flora  Lapponica,"  etc. 
Linn.  Pentandria-Moiwgynia.  Nat.  (3rd.  Gampan- 
ulacece. 

This  genus  consists  of  hardy  annuals  and  per- 
ennials, with  a  few  tender  annuals.  They  are 

the  whole  of  the  order,  these  are  very  pretty 
plants.  The  perennial  herbaceous  species,  one  o"f 
the  best  of  which  is  IV.  gramdiflora,  of  which  there 
are  white  and  blue  varieties,  are  very  handsome. 
Seed  sown  in  June  will  give  fine  flowering  plants 
the  next  season.  The  annuals  should  be  raised 
in  heat  in  the  spring,  and  planted  out  when 
danger  from  frost  is  past.  Propagated  by  seed. 
Introduced  in  1816. 

Walnut.     See  Juglans. 

Wall-flower.    See  Ckeiranthus. 

Wandering  Jew.    See  Tradescantia. 

Warratah.     See  Telopea. 

Warrea.  Named  after  F.  Warre,  a  botanical  col- 
lector. Linn.  Gynandria-Monandria.  Nat.  Ord. 
OrchidacecK. 

A  small  genus  of  Orchids  from  Central  and 
South  America,  resembling  Mnxillaria.  They  are 
of  neat  habit,  and  produce  their  showy  flowers 
freely.  W.  cyanea  is  remarkable  for  the  deep 
blue  color  of  its  lip,  pure  blue  being  rarely  found 
among  Orchids.  This  genus  succeeds  best  in  pots 
in  leaf  mould  and  sphagnum  moss.  They  require 
no  rest,  and  may  be  grown  in  a  moderately  warm 
house. 

Water  Arum.    See  Calla  palustris. 

Water  Beech.  A  popular  name  for  Carpinus  Amer- 
icana, which  see. 

Water  Chestnut.     See  Trapa. 

Water  Chinquapin.     See  Nelumbium. 

Water-cress.     See  Nasturtium. 

Water  Hemlock.     See  Cicuta. 

Water  Hemp.     See  Acnida  cannabina. 

Water  Horehound.     See  Lycopus. 

Water  Leaf.  A  common  name  for  the  genus 
ayamwtum,  which  see. 

Water  Lily.     See  Nymphcna  odorata 

Water  Locust.  One  of  the  species  of  GHedUsehia, 
popularly  known  as  Honey  Locust.  See  Glcdti- 
teUa. 

Watermelon.    See  Cucumis. 

Water  Maize.     See  Victoria  regia 

Water  Milfoil.     See  Myriophyilum. 

Water  Nymoh.  One  of  the  popular  names  of 
-\!/mpha>a  odorata,  which  see. 

Water  Parsnip.    The  common  name  of  the  genus 


Mum, 


poisonous  aquatic  plants. 
Pennywort.     A  nonnW 


Water  Pennywort.  A  popular  name  for  aquat- 
ic plants  belonging  to  the  genus  Hydrocotule, 
which  see  ;  and  also  Hymenocattis. 

Water  Pepper.  A  common  name  of  the  Polwo- 
1 


See  Hudropiper. 
•Pin 


Water  Pimpernel  or  Brookweed.   The  common 

h        belonging  to  the  *enus 


WEI 

Water  Plantain.     See  Alisma  plantago, 

Water  Purslane.     See  Ludwigia  palustris. 

Water  Bice.     See  Zizania. 

Water  Shield.  A  common  name  of  one  of  the 
Water  Lily  family,  of  the  genus  Brasenia,  which 
see. 

Water  Soldier.     See  Stratiotes. 

Water  Violet.  Hottonia  inftata,  a  white-flowered 
aquatic  perennial,  common  in  the  Southern 
States. 

Water-wort.     See  E'.atine  Americana. 
1   Watsonia.     Named  in  honor  of    W.    Watson,   a 
celebrated  London  apothecary.   Linn.  Triandria- 
Monogynia.     Nat.  Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  genus  of  half-hardy  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  formerly  classed  with  the  Gladiolus, 
to  which  genus  they  are  closely  allied,  and  to 
which  they  bear  a  close  resemblance.  They  re- 
quire the  protection  of  a  frame  during  winter, 
or  they  may  be  grown  successfully  in  the  green- 
house, where  their  long  spikes  of  brilliant  flow- 
ers, scarlet,  pink,  flesh,  white,  and  purple, 
make  a  magnificent  appearance.  This,  like 
others  of  its  class,  receives  but  little  attention 
in  this  country,  where  flowers  are  so  abundant 
from  early  spring  until  winter,  that  do  not  re- 
quire any  special  care  or  protection.  The  beauty 
of  the  flower  garden  in  June  would  be  far 
greater  if  a  little  attention  were  paid  to  the 
growing  of  what  is  known  as  Cape  Bulbs,  the 
only  requirement  being  a  cold  frame  of  any 
desired  size,  and  the  bulbs  protected  against 
hard  frosts,  but  more  particularly  against  rains, 
too  much  moisture  during  the  season  of  rest 
being  very  destructive  to  the  whole  class.  The 
gorgeous  flowers  that  the  many  species  and 
varieties  afford  in  June  amply  repay  the  slight 
cost  and  care  in  producing  them.  The  Wat- 
sonias  are  produced  freely  from  offsets.  Intro- 
duced in  1754. 

Wax  Myrtle.     See  Myrica. 

Wax  Palm.     See  Ceroxylon. 

Wax-work.  The  climbing  Bitter-Sweet,  Cdastrus 
scandens,  is  sometimes  called  Wax-work,  from 
the  appearance  of  its  orange-colored  pods.  See 
Gelastrus. 

Wayfaring-Tree.     See  Viburnum  lantaiwides. 

Weigela.  Named  in  honor  of  C.  E.  Weigel,  a 
botanical  writer,  and  author  of  "Observ.  Botan." 
in  1772.  Linn,  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 
Caprifoliacece. 

This  genus  of  very  ornamental  hardy  decidu- 
ous shrubs  was  introduced  from  China  and  Ja- 
pan in  1843  by  Mr.  Fortune,  to  whom  we  are  in- 
debted for  many  rare  and  beautiful  plants  and 
flowers.  It  is  safe  to  say  there  is  no  shrub  more 
deservedly  popular,  or  one  that  has  been  more 
rapidly  disseminated.  All  the  species  are  orna- 
mental, and  should  be  found  in  every  collection 
of  choice  shrubs.  W.  rosea  is  the  original  spe- 
cies; its  flowers  are  produced  in  great  profusion 
in  axillary  clusters.  W.  amabilis  is  the  largest  of 
the  species,  is  looser  and  more  spreading  in  hab- 
it, with  very  dark-red  flowers.  W.  hortensis 
nivea,  a  species  introduced  from  Japan  in  1863, 
is  one  of  the  best.  It  is  a  vigorous  grower  of 
drooping  habit ;  the  flowers  are  pure  white,  pro- 
duced in  great  abundance  in  June  and  July, 
with  occasional  flower.8  during  the  summer. 
W.  rosea  variegata  is  a  splendid  variety,  with 
variegated  foliage,  green  mottled  with  yellow, 
contrasting  finely  with  dark-leaved  shrubs  or 
evergreens.  To  make  this  genus  flower  freely 
they  should  be  well  pruned  in  during  summer, 
thus  giving  the  shorter  shoots  thus  formed  a 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


253 


WEL 

chance  to  ripen  off.  All  the  species  are  increased 
by  cuttings,  which  will  grow  if  taken  off  in  au- 
tumn and  planted  in  the  open  border. 
Welfia.  Named  in  honor  of  the  last  King  of 
Hanover,  Wdf  or  Guelph.  Linn.  Dioscia-Hexan- 
(Iria.  Nat.  Ord.  Palmacece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  Palms,  allied 
to  Geonoma.     The  foliage  has  a  peculiar  and 
beautiful  bronzy  color  while  unfolding.     In  the 
younger  stages  the  leaves  are  simply  bilobed; 
but  as  the  piants  develop  they  become  pinnate. 
They  are  natives  of  Costa  Rica  and  New;  Gre- 
nada.    Young  plants  are  obtained  from  seed. 
"Welsh  Poppy.     See  Meconopsis. 
Western  Wall-Flower.     This  name  has  been 
applied  to  the  flowers  of  the  Erysimum  aspernum, 
(Treacle  Mustard,)  because  they  are  as  large  as 
those  of  the  Wall-Flower.     See  Erysimum. 
West  Indian  Cabbage  Palm.    See  Oreodoxa. 
Whahoo  or  Winged  Elm.    See  Ulmus  alaia. 
Wheat.     See  Tritictim. 
Whin.     A  popular  name  of  Genista  Anglica,  which 

see. 
White  Alder.     One  of  the  popular  names  of  the 

genus  Cletkra,  which  see. 
White  Ash.     See  Fraxinus. 
White  Cedar.     A  name  applied  to  Thuja  occident- 

aili  and  Capressus  thyoides,  which  see. 
White  Clover.     See  'TrifoHum  repens. 
White  Daisy,  Ox-Eye  Daisy.     See  Leucanthe- 

mum  fidgare. 
White  Lettuce,  Rattlesnake  Boot.     See  Naba- 

lus  albas. 

White  Hellebore.     See  Veratrum  viride. 
White  Laurel.     See  Magnolia  glauca. 
White  Oak.     See  Qutrciis. 

White  Snake  Boot.     See  Eupatorium  ageratoides. 
White  Spruce.     See  Finns  alba. 
White  Thorn,  Hawthorn.     See  Cratcegus. 
White  Water  Lily.     See  Nymphtsa. 
White  Weed.     See  Leucanttiemum  vulgare. 
Whitlavia.     Named  in  honor  of  F.  Whitlaw,  an 
Irish  botanist.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Hydrophyllacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  annuals  from  Califor- 
nia, of  low  growth,  producing  freely  handsome 
white  or  violet-blue  flowers.  They  are  very  ef- 
fective in  any  department  of  the  flower  garden, 
whether  in  beds,  borders,  or  ribbons.  They  re- 
quire the  same  treatment  as  other  hardy  annu- 
als. Introduced  in  1854. 

Whortleberry.     See  Gaylussacia  and  Vaccinium. 
Wigandia.     Named  in  honor  of  John  Wiqand,  a 
Bishop  of  Pomerania.    Linn.  Pentandria-Digynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Hydrolf.ace<x. 

A  small  genus  of  ornamental-leaved  plants    j 
from  Mexico  and  Caraccas.     The  leaves  are  im-   j 
mense,  being  three  feet  long  by  one  and  a  half  j 
in  width,  richly  veined,  and  the  stems  covered 
with  crimson  hairs.      W.  Caracasana  is  the  most   j 
beautiful  species,  and  is  a  magnificent  plant  for 
massing  on  large  lawns,  or  for  planting  for  sin- 
gle specimens  on  smaller  grounds.    Plants  of 
this  genus  should  be  grown  annually  from  seed, 
though  the  plant  is  a  perennial ;  old  plants  lose 
all  their  beauty  of  foliage  and  get    scraggy. 
Young  plants  may  be  had  by  sowing  the  seed 
in   the  green-house  or  a  hot-bed,  and  growing 
them  on  until  the  time  for  planting  out.     For 
small  gardens  none  of  the  plants  are  desirable, 
as   they  require    room,  light,  and  air  to  grow 
them  in  perfection.     They  were  introduced  in 
1837. 

Wild  Allspice,  Fever  Bush.     Local  names  of 
the  genus  Lindera,  which  see. 


WIS 

Wild  Apple,  Garland  Flowering.    .See  Pyrus 

spectabitis. 

Wild  Balsam  Apple.     The  fruit  of  Echinocystis 
lr,bata,  a  genus  of  Cacurbitacece.    See  Echinocystis. 
Wild  Bean.     See  Phaseolus  perennis. 
Wild  Bergamot,   Horse  Mint.      See   Monarda 

fistuhsa. 

Wild  Chamomile.     See  Mairlcaria. 
Wild  Comfrey.      See  Oynoglossum  Virginicum,  a 
troublesome,  obnoxious  weed,    common,   espe- 
cially westward. 
Wild  Elder.    See  Aralia  hispida,  sometimes  called 

Bristly  Sarsaparilla. 
Wild  Geranium.     See  Erodium. 
Wild  Ginger.     See  Asarum  Canadense. 
Wild  Guelder  Bose.     See  Viburnum. 
Wild  Hyacinth.     See  Camassia. 
Wild  Lily  of  the  Valley.    See  Smilacina. 
Wild  Liquorice.     See  Galium  lanceolatum. 
Wild  Liquorice.     See  Abrus. 
Wild  Mustard.     See  Sinapis. 
Wild  Marjoram.     See  Origanum. 
Wild  Oat  Grass.     A  popular  name  of  the  genus 

Danthonia,  which  see. 
Wild  Pink.     See  Silene  Pennsylvanica. 
Wild    Potato    Vine.      See    Ipomosa  panduraia. 
Sometimes  called  Man  of  the  Earth,  on  account 
of  the  size  and  shape  of  the  tubers. 
Wild  Badish.     See  Raphanus  raphanistrum. 
Wild  Bice.    See  Zizania. 
Wild  Sarsaparilla.     See  Aralia  nudicaulis. 
Wild  Sensitive  Plant.     See    Cassia  nictitans,   a 
low  growing  annual  plant,  closely  resembling 
the  Sensitive  P<ant. 
Wild  Service  Tree.     See  Pyrus. 
Willow.     See  Salix. 
Willow  Herb.     See  Epilobium. 
Willow  Oak.     See  Quercus  Phellos. 
Wind  Flower.     See  Anemone. 
Winter  Aconite.     See  Eranthis. 
Winter-berry,  Black  Alder.      See  Prinos  and 

Ilex. 

Winter  Cherry.     See  Physalis. 
Winter  Cress.     (Barbarea  vulgaris.)     This  is  the 
common  Winter  Cress,  a  plant  that  is  sometimes 
used  as  a  salad,  but  rarely  cultivated.     The  spe- 
cies was  probably  introduced,  but  is  quite  com- 
mon in  the  North  and  West. 
Wintergreen.     See  Gauliheria. 
Wistaria.     Named  in  honor  of   Caspar  Wistar, 
once  Professor  of  Anatomy  in  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania.    Linn.  Diadelphia-Decandria.    Nat. 
Ord.  Fabacece. 

A  small  genus  of  hardy  deciduous  climbers, 
unquestionably  the  most  ornamental  hardy 
flowering  climbers  we  possess.  Their  lovely 
panicles  of  dark  purple,  light  purple,  and  pure 
white  flowers,  single  and  double,  produced  in 
the  most  wonderful  profusion  under  almost  any 
circumstances,  are  altogether  without  a  rival. 
With  one  exception,  they  are  all  natives  of 
China  and  Japan.  W.  Sinensis  was  introduced 
in  1818,  and  for  many  years  was  grown  as  a 
green-house  plant,  until  it  was  accidentally 
found  to  be  hardy.  In  1844,  W.  Sinensis  alba, 
a  variety  with  pure  white  flowers,  was  origi- 
nated. A  variety  with  double  flowers  was  in- 
troduced from  Japan,  its  native  country,  in 
1869,  by  Francis  Parkman,  of  Boston.  The 
flowers  of  this  species  are  quite  fragrant,  and 
very  beautiful.  It  is  still  quite  rare.  There 
are  several  other  species  or  varieties  from  the 
same  countries,  all  meritorious.  W.  fridescens  is 
a  native  species,  with  bluish  purple  flowers,  of 
which  there  is  also  a  white  variety.  Common 


254 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


WIT 

from  Virginia  to  Illinois  and  southward.  It  is 
an  elegant  plant  of  similar  habit,  though  not 
quite  so  productive  of  flowers,  and,  unlike  the 
other  species,  the  flowers  are  developed  with 
the  foliage.  W.  mngn(fica  is  a  very  fine  late- 
flowering  variety  with  purple  flowers.  The  Ja- 
n  Wistarias  are  nmch  finer  than  the  Chinese. 
>w  years  since  Mr.  Thomas  Hogg  sent  home 
from  Japan  a  very  choice  collection,  and  among 
them  Tr.  Japonica,  with  purple  flowers;  W.  Ja- 
ponica  allxt,  with  white  flowers;  W.  longi-race- 
mosa,  purple,  with  panicles  exceeding  thirty 
inches  in  length;  also  a  double  variety  of  this, 
with  fragrant  flowers.  In  addition  to  these,  he 
sent  a  species  with  glossy  leaves  dotted  with 
gold;  and  another  species  which  grows  only 
three  or  four  feet  high,  and  flowers  in  July 
and  August.  The  English  Sparrow  is  very  fond 
of  the  buds  of  the  Wistaria,  and  sometimes  robs 
the  plant  of  much  of  its  beauty.  All  the  Wis- 
tarias are  increased  readily  from  seeds  or  from 
layers. 

Witch  Hazel.     See  Hamamelis. 

Withe-Bod.     See  Viburnum  nudum. 

Witsenia.  In  honor  of  JH".  Witsen,  a  Dutch  pa- 
tron of  botany.  Linn.  Triandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Iridacece. 

A  small  genus  of  green-house  herbaceous 
plants,  with  showy  blue,  purple,  or  yellow  flow- 
ers, natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They 
closely  resemble  the  Iris,  but  have  small  flowers. 
Propagated  by  division. 

Wolf-berry.  The  popular  name  of  Symphoricar- 
piis  occidental}.*,  which  see. 

Wolfsbane.  See  Aconitum  reclinatum.  Known 
also  by  the  common  name  of  Monkshood. 

Wood  Betony.  Common  name  of  Peduncularis 
Canadensis,  which  see. 

Woodbine.  The  popular  name  of  the  Lonicera 
grata,  one  of  our  native  Honeysuckles.  See 
Lonicera.  A  name  also  inappropriately  applied 


XER 

to    the    Ampelopsis    quinquefolia,   the    Virginian 
Creeper. 

Wood  Fern.     See  Aspidium. 

Wood  Grass.  A  common  name  of  some  of  the 
varieties  or  species  of  Sorghum,  or  Broom  Corn. 
See  Sorghum. 

Wood  Nettle.     See  Lyportea  Canadensis. 

Woodruff.     See  Asperula. 

Wood  Bush.     See  Luzula. 

Wood  Sage.     See  Teucrium. 

Woodsia.  Named  in  honor  of  Joseph  Woods,  a 
British  botanist.  Linn.  Cryplogamia-Fi!i<r*. 
Nat.  Ord.  Polypodiaeece. 

A  small  genus  of  very  beautiful  low-growing 
Ferns.  Several  of  the  more  beautiful  species 
are  natives  of  this  country ,  and  are  common  in 
the  mountains  North  and  West.  The  species 
are  also  found  in  Europe  and  Brazil.  It  is  with 
much  difficulty  that  they  can  be  grown  in  the 
green-house.  They  are  increased  by  division 
or  from  spores. 

Wood  Sorrel.    See  Oxalis. 

Wood- Waxen.  One  of  the  common  names  of 
Genista  tinctoria,  which  see. 

Wocdwardia.  Chain  Fern.  Named  in  honor  of 
Ihomas  Jenkinson  Woodward,  an  English  botan- 
ist. Linn.  Oryptogamia-Filices.  Nat.  Ord.  Poly- 
podiacecK. 

Very  handsome  native  and  exotic  Ferns  of 
easy  culture.  Some  of  the  species  produce  lit- 
tle hairy  bulbs  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  which 
either  drop  off  and  strike  root  in  the  ground, 
or  vegetate  while  attached  to  the  parent  plant, 
a  feature  that  is  common  in  many  other  Ferns. 

Woolly  Beard  Grass.     See  Erianthus. 

Worm  Grass.     See  Spigelia. 

Worm  Seed.  The  seed  of  Chenopodium  anthelmin- 
ticum,  which  see.  The  utricle  which  surrounds 
the  seed  contains  a  volatile  oil,  which  is  con- 
sidered a  worm-destroying  medicine. 

Wormwood.     See  Artemisia. 


Vanthorhiza.  (Some  adopt  the  ortnogra 
A  Xnnthorrldza,  following  the  analogy  of  Xan- 
thorraia,  etc.)  Yellow  Root.  From  xanthoa,  yel- 
low, and  rhiza,  a  root;  the  roots  being  of  a  deep 
yellow  color.  Linn.  Pentandrui-Polugunia.  Nat. 
Ord.  Ranunculacece. 

X.  apifolia,  the  only  known  species,  is  an  in- 
teresting half-hardy  evergreen  shrub,  with  pret- 
ty, dark  purple  flowers  in  early  spring.  It  is 
common  along  the  mountains  from  Florida 
northward.  It  is  propagated  by  suckers 
Xanthoxylum.  Prickly  Ash,  Toothache  Tree 
From  xnnthos,  yellow,  and  xylon,  wood;  the  roots 
are  yellow.  Linn.  Dioecia-Pentandria.  Nat.  Ord 
Xanthoxylncea- . 

This  is  a  rather  extensive  genus,  having  a 
wide  geographical  range,  with  representatives 
m  most  of  the  tropical  countries  of  the  world 
and  in  some  parts  of  the  temperate  regions. 
The  species  differ  considerably  in  appearance 
some  being  very  large  trees,  while  others  are 
erect  or  climbing  shrubs;  and  they  are  often 
furnished  with  prickles  on  their  branches  and 
leaf-stalks.  The  leaves  are  alternate  and  com- 


pound, either  pinnate,  (, either  with  or  without 
an  odd  terminal  leaflet,)  trifoliate,  or  rarely  re- 
duced to  a  single  leaflet,  the  leaflets  being  usu- 
ally marked  with  pellucid  dots.  Their  flowers 
are  small,  unisexual,  and  disposed  in  variously 
formed  axillary  or  terminal  panicles.  The  ripe 
fruits  split  into  two  pieces,  and  contain  one  or 
two  shining  black  seeds.  The  fruits  of  most  of 
the  species  have  an  aromatic,  pungent  taste, 
like  pepper.  Those  of  X.  piperitum,  a  Japanese 
species,  are  called  Japan  Pepper;  and  those  of 
X.  hastile  are  the  Tej-bul  of  Northern  India, 
where  they  are  used  for  intoxicating  fish.  The 
genus  is  represented  in  the  United  States  by 
a  few  species.  X.  Americanum,  Northern  Prick- 
ly Ash,  is  a  prickly  shrub  with  yellowish  green 
flowers,  which  appear  before  the  leaves.  It  is 
remarkable  for  its  pungent  qualities.  The  bark, 
when  chewed,  is  said  to  cure  the  toothache; 
whence  one  of  its  popular  names,  Toothache 
Tree.  X.  Carolinianum,  the  Southern  Prickly 
Ash,  is  a  small  tree  with  very  sharp  prickles, 
found  on  the  coast  of  Virginia  and  southward. 
Xeranthemum.  From  xervs,  dry,  and  anthemon, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


255 


XER 

a  flower;  alluding  to  the  dry  nature  of  the 
flower,  which  retains  its  form  and  color  for 
years.  Linn.  Syngenesici-Supeiflua.  Nat.  Ord. 
AsteracecK. 

Hardy  annuals  of  the  cosiest  culture,  merely 
requiring  to  be  sown  where  they  are  desired  to 
bloom.  Tke  flowers,  from  their  peculiar  dry 
character,  may  be  preserved  a  very  long  time 
after  they  are  cut  from  the  plants,  and  this  cir- 
cumstance has  given  rise  to  the  English  name 
Everlasting.  The  several  species  are  natives  of 
the  south  of  Europe  and  the  Levant.  Some  of 
them  have  been  under  cultivation  more  than 
two  hundred  years.  Sow  through  April  and 
May  in  the  open  border,  or  in  a  hot-bed,  and 
transplant  in  March. 

Xerophyllum.  Turkey's  Beard.  From  xeros, 
dry,  and  phytton,  a  leal;  in  reference  to  the  dry 
grassy  leaves.  Linn,  Hexandria-Trigynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  MdantJiacece. 


ZAM 

A  small  genus  of  interesting  hardy  herbaceous 
plants,  mostly  natives.  X.  asphoddoides,  one  of 
the  most  interesting  species,  is  a  native  of  the 
Pine  barrens  of  New  Jersey  and  southward.  It 
has  long,  very  narrow,  bristle-shaped  leaves, 
which  form  a  dense  tuft,  from  which  rises  a  stem 
bearing  a  large  raceme  of  showy  white  flow- 
ers in  June.  They  are  propagated  by  seeds  or 
from  division,  and  succeed  well  in  any  dry  sit- 
uation. 

Xyris.  From  xyros,  acute;  the  leaves  terminate 
in  points.  Linn.  Triandria-Jfonofjynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  XyridacecK. 

A  genus  of  curious  plants,  mostly  indigenous, 
though  some  are  natives  of  tropical  Asia  and 
Africa.  They  are  all  sedge-like  plants,  with 
narrow,  radical  leaves,  and  small  flower  heads 
terminating  the  simple  scapes,  the  yellow  petals 
being  very  fugacious.  They  are  of  no  special 
interest. 


Y, 


Yam.  The  common  name  of  the  large  tuberous 
roots  of  several  species  of  Dioscorea,  used  as 
food.  See  Dioscorea. 

Yard  Grass.  A  common  name  for  the  genus 
Eleusine.  It  is  also  known  as  Crab  Grass.  See 
Eleusine. 

Yarrow.     See  AchUlea  miUefolium. 

Yaupon.  The  name  of  a  tea  or  drink  made  from 
the  leaves  of  the  Ilex  Cassine  by  the  North  Caro- 
lina Indians. 

Yellow-eyed  Grass.  The  common  name  of  the 
genus  Xyris,  a  curious  rush-like  plant,  common 
im  New  Jersey  and  southward.  See  Xyris. 

Yellow  (False)  Jessamine  of  the  Southern 
States  is  Gelsemium  sempervirens,  which  see. 

Yellow  Pond  Lily.     See  Nuphar. 

Yellow  Battle.  A  common  weed.  See  Rhinan- 
thns  Crista-galli. 

Yellow  Boot.     See  Xanthorhiza. 

Yellow  Wood.  Cladrasiis  tinctoria,  or  Virgilea 
lutea,  a  small  and  handsome  deciduous  tree,  with 
showy  white  flowers  drooping  from  the  ends  of 
its  branches,  common  on  the  rich  hillsides  from 
Kentucky  southward.  See  also  Podocarpus. 

Yew.     See  Taxus. 

Yucca.  Adam's  Needle,  Spanish  Bayonet,  Bear 
Grass.  Yucca  is  the  name  of  the  plant  in  Peru. 
Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord.  Liliacece. 


An  extend  re  genus  of  evergreen  plants,  with 
leaves  somewhat  like  the  Aloe.  Y.filamentosa,  pop- 
ularly called  Adam's  Needle,  is  common  from 
Virginia  southward,  and  is  a  beautiful  plant  for 
cemetery  or  lawn  decoration.  Many  of  the  spe- 
cies are  hardy  enough  to  withstand  our  winters 
North,  and  are  desirable  plants,  as  well  for  the 
flowers  as  the  foliage.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced on  an  erect,  branching  spike,  often  six 
feet  high,  proceeding  from  the  heart  of  the 
plant.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  a  single  spike 
to  furnish  three  hundred  blossoms,  which  are 
creamy  white  and  very  showy.  The  half-hardy 
or  tender  species  may  be  grown  in  pots  or  tubs, 
and  kept  dormant  through  the  winter  in  a  cel- 
lar or  room  free  from  frost.  They  grow  freely 
in  any  soil,  preferring  a  light  sandy  one.  Y. 
aloifolia  variesjata  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
of  our  green-house  ornamental  leaved  plants. 
Its  propagation,  which  is  by  cuttings,  is  slow, 
and  hence  it  is  always  a  scarce  and  expensive 
plant.  Y.  faimentosa  vftriegata  somewhat  resem- 
bles it  in  its  young  state,  and  has  occasionally 
been  sold  for  it;  but  it  is  far  inferior.  Most  of 
the  herbaceous  species  of  the  genus  seed  freely, 
and  are  thus  rapidly  increased. 
Youth  and  Old  Age.  A  popular  name  of  the 
Zinnia,  which  see. 


z. 


Zamia.    From  zamia,  loss;  in  allusion  to  the  bar- 
ren appearance  of  the  male  flowers.    Linn.  Di- 
wift-lcosandria.     Nat.  Ord.  Cycadacew. 

An  extensive  genus  of  very  beautiful  and  re- 
markable plants,  intermediate  between  the  Ferns 
and  Palms.  They  are  natives  of  the  West  Indies, 
Central  America,  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and 
Southeastern  Africa,  where  they  frequently  con- 
stitute a  conspicuous  feature  in  the  vegetation. 
These  extraordinary  plants  are  remarkable  for 


their  bony  fronds  or  leaves,  which  are  for  the 
most  part  armed  with  spines  or  sharp  angles. 
The  species  Z.  horrida  has  thorns  several  inches 
in  length,  and  as  hard  as  horn.  Several  of  the 
species  are  known  in  cultivation,  and  are  ob- 
jects of  much  interest.  They  require  a  hot- 
house, and  should  be  grown  in  sandy  loam. 
Rapid  progress  in  growth  is  material  to  the  per- 
fect development  of  the  leaves,  and  this  is  only 
secured  by  heat  and  moisture.  They  may  be 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ZAN 

propagated  by  suckers.  But  these,  with  all  the 
Cycads,  are  now  largely  imported  by  firms  in 
New  York  and  other  largo  cities,  mostly  'from 
Central  America,  and  thus  plants  are  obtained 
at  once  from  their  native  habitat  that  would 
take  many  years  to  grow  by  the  slow  processes 
of  artificial  propagation.  When  received  they 
are,  of  course,  in  a  dormant  state,  without  roots 
or  leaves,  and  should  be  placed  in  partially 
damp  moss,  in  a  temperature  of  70°,  until  they 
begin  to  grow.  They  are  then  potted  in  small- 
sized  pots,  amply  drained,  in  a  soil  mixed  with 
half  its  bulk  of  Sphagnum  (moss.) 

Zanthoxylum.     See  Xanthoxylitm. 

Zauschneria.  Named  in  honor  of  M.  Zauschner, 
a  German.  Linn.  Octandria-Monogynia.  Nat.  Ord. 


Z."  Californica,  the  only,  known  species,  is  a 
hardy  herbaceous  plant,  native  of  California.  It 
is  of  branching  habit,  and  produces  large  ra- 
cemes of  Fuchsia-like  flowers,  bright  crimson 
and  very  showy.  It  makes  a  handsome  pot 
plant,  and  is  also  very  showy  in  the  border. 
Propagated  by  division  or  from  seed.  Intro- 
duced in  1847. 

Zea.  Maize,  Indian  Corn.  Linnaeus  named  this 
genus  from  zao,  to  live;  in  reference  to  the  nu- 
tritive properties  of  the  plants.  Linn.  Monoscia- 
Iriandria.  Nat.  Ord,  Graminacece. 

Indian  Corn,  Zea  Mays,  is  unquestionably  an 
American  plant,  having  been  found  under  culti-  ' 
vation  by  the  Indians  on  the  discovery  of  the  j 
New  World.  It  is  said  to  grow  wild  in  some  of 
the  West  Indian  Islands  and  in  Central  and 
South  America.  There  is  only  one  ascertained  | 
species,  although  numerous  varieties  have  been 
produced.  The  many  varieties  are  so  distinct 
in  their  general  habit  of  growth,  size,  and  shape 
of  the  kernel,  as  to  raise  the  question  of  their 
"being  distinct  species,  which,  however,  is  not 
probable.  We  know  of  no  other  plant  that  so 
readily  adapts  itself  to  circumstances,  or  one 
that  will  so  completely  change  its  habit  of  growth 
in  so  short  a  time.  The  writer  once  brought  a 
few  ears  of  Corn  from  near  Quebec,  the  farthest 
point  north  that  Corn  is  known  to  ripen.  The 
stalks  from  which  the  ears  were  taken  were  not 
three  feet  high,  yet  each  produced  two  small 
ears  of  very  hard  Corn  of  excellent  quality.  This 
seed  was  sown  in  Central  New  York  at  the  same 
time  and  under  the  same  conditions  as  other 
Corn,  only  in  a  separate  field.  This  crop  came 
to  maturity  in  less  than  sixty  days  after  plant- 
ing, ready  for  the  harvest.  The  next  year  the 
best  seed  of  the  crop  were  sown,  in  confidence  of 
similar  results;  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  adapted 
itself  to  the  climate,  and  took  the  same  length 
of  time  to  grow  and  ripen  as  the  common  sorts, 
and  it  also  grew  to  as  great  a  height,  which  was 
fully  two  feet  higher  than  it  grew  the  first  year. 
From  that  fact  it  is  easy  to  see  what  great  changes 
may  be  brought  about  by  cultivation.  The  va- 
rieties known  as  Sweet  or  Sugar  Corn  are  best 
suited  for  use  in  the  unripe  state.  They  have 
been  greatly  improved  in  the  past  twenty  years 
"by  careful  selection,  and  thousands  of  acres  of 
these  kinds  are  grown  for  canning,  particularly 
the  variety  known  as  Stowell's  "  Evergreen."  Z. 
Japomwi,  varier/ata,  of  recent  introduction,  is 
beautifully  striped  white  and  green,  and  is  un- 
surpassed as  a  "Variegated  Grass."  It  requires 
exactly  the  same  culture  as  the  ordinary  Maize; 
though,  being  variegated,  its  growth  is  weak- 
ened, and,  under  the  same  conditions,  it  grows 
one-third  lower  than  the  ordinary  green  sorts. 


ZIN 

It  can  be  used  with  fine  effect  for  the  ' '  back 
row  "  or  "  center  "  of  large  beds  in  massing. 
Zebra  Grass.     See  Eulalia  zebrina. 
Zebra  Wood.     See  Omphalobium. 
Zephyranth.es.     From  zephyros,  the  west  wind, 
and  anfhos,  a  flower.    Linn.  Hexandria-Monogynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  AmaryllidaceoK. 

A  very  beautiful  genus  of  hardy  and  half- 
hardy  bulbous  plants,  natives  of  the  Southern 
States,  South  America,  and  the  West  Indies. 
The  flowers  are  white,  pink,  and  rose-colored, 
and  are  produced  singly  on  slender  scapes 
about  six  inches  high.  One  of  the  best  species 
is  Z.  Atamasco,  generally  known  as  Amaryllis 
Atamasco,  and  in  our  cottage  gardens  as  Fairy 
Lily.  This  species  has  beautiful  pink  flow- 
ers, which  are  produced  in  great  abundance 
during  the  entire  summer.  The  bulbs  may  be 
planted  in  the  open  border  early  in  spring,  and, 
with  slight  protection  during  winter,  they  may 
remain  undisturbed  a  number  of  years.  The 
bulbs  are  about  one  and  a  half  inches  in  diame- 
ter and  two  inches  long.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
Southern  and  Southwestern  States.  It  increases 
rapidly  by  offsets.  Z.  Candida,  a  species  with 
pure  white  flowers  and  small,  rush-like  leaves, 
is  a  native  of  Lima  and  Buenos  Ayres.  The 
bulbs  are  quite  small,  and  grow  in  large  clus- 
ters. It  is  very  free  flowering,  and  nearly 
hardy.  Introduced  in  1822. 

Zichya.  In  honor  of  Countess  Molly  Zichy,  a  noble 
Austrian  lady,  fond  of  botany.  Linn.  Diadelphia- 
Decandria.  Nat.  Ord.  Fabacece. 

These  are  handsome  green-house  climbers, 
closely  related  to  Kennedya,  from  which  they  are 
chiefly  distinguished  by  having  their  flowers  ar- 
ranged in  whorls  on  the  end  of  an  attenuated 
foot-stalk.  They  require  plenty  of  water,  both 
at  the  roots  and  over  the  foliage  in  dry,  hot 
weather,  and  a  support  for  their  flexile  stems. 
The  trellis  should  be  as  large  as  may  be  conven- 
iently attached  to  a  pot,  as  they  extend  over  a 
considerable  space.  In  the  autumn  the  branches 
should  be  pruned  closely  back,  and  the  plants 
kept  torpid  through  the  winter.  The  several 
species  that  constitute  this  genus  are  natives  of 
Swan  Eiver,  and  were  introduced  in  1834.  Prop- 
agated by  seeds  or  cuttings. 

Zingiber.  Ginger.  The  Indian  name.  Linn. 
Honandria-Monogynia:  Nat.  Ord.  ZingiberacecK. 

The  most  important  species  of  this  genus  is 
Z.  qfficinale,  the  roots  or  rhizomes  of  which  fur- 
nish the  well-known  Ginger  of  commerce.  This 
plant  is  believed  to  be  a  native  of  Asia.  It  was 
naturalized  in  the  West  Indies  soon  after  their 
discovery  by  the  Spaniards ;  indeed,  at  so  early 
a  period  that  it  is  scarcely  believed  to  be  an  ex- 
otic, and  is  supposed  to  have  been  found  in- 
digenous on  the  islands.  Acosta  relates  that  a 
person  named  Francisco  de  Mendoza  first  trans- 
planted it  from  the  East  Indies  into  New  Spain, 
where  its  cultivation  was  diligently  pursued  by 
the  Spanish  Americans  to  a  considerable  extent, 
as,  from  the  testimony  of  the  same  author, 
22,053  cwt.  were  exported  thence  to  Europe  in 
1547.  This  plant  is  now  extensively  cultivated 
in  the  West  Indies,  especially  in  Jamaica,  from 
whence  we  receive  our  main  supply.  Thero  are 
several  varieties  of  Ginger  known  in  commerce; 
they  are,  however,  of  the  same  species,  as  the 
white  and  black  Ginger  simply  indicates  a  .dif- 
ferent method  of  preparation.  Ginger  is  also 
largely  grown  in  the  East  Indies  and  Africa,  but 
not  of  so  good  a  quality  as  that  of  the  West  In- 
dies. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


257 


ZIN 

Zinnia.  Named  in  honor  of  John  Godfrey  Zinn,  a 
Professor  of  Botany  at  Gottingen.  Linn.  Synge- 
nesia-Superflua.  Nat.  Ord.  Asteracece. 

An  extensive  genus  of  hardy  annuals,  natives 
of  Mexico.  When  first  introduced  the  Zinnia 
received  but  little  attention,  as  the  flowers  were 
single,  the  colors  not  so  bright,  nor  the  plant  so 
effective  as  the  double  varieties  now  under  cul- 
tivation. The  double  varieties  were  first  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  Vilmorin  in  Paris  in  1861. 
They  originated  in  India  from  the  common  sin- 
gle Mexican  varieties,  and  the  seeds  were  sent 
to  France  in  1858.  Great  improvement  has 
been  made  within  the  last  ten  years  in  this 
flower,  and  our  own  florists  and  seed  growers 
have  been  foremost  in  this  work.  The  finest 
strains  of  this  flower  are  now  to  be  had  of  the 
seed  growers  near  New  York.  Some  of  the  vari- 
eties are  truly  magnificent;  the  dull,  dingy  col- 
ors have  given  place  to  bright  scarlet,  clear  rose, 
pure  white,  orange,  canary  yellow,  etc.,  and  the 
flowers  are  perfect  in  shape,  and  evenly  imbri- 
cated like  a  Camellia.  Zinnias  require  but  lit- 
tle attention,  and  will  grow  well  almost  any- 
where. For  perfection  of  flower,  the  seed  should 
be  sown  early  in  a  hot-bed  or  the  green-house, 
and  once  or  twice  pricked  out  before  planting 
in  the  open  border.  Set  the  plants  two  feet 
apart  each  way,  and  they  will  completely  cover 
the  ground  early  in  summer.  They  will  com- 
mence to  flower  in  June,  and  remain  until  killed 
by  frost.  The  flower  lasts  a  long  time,  looking 
cheerful  until  the  seed  is  quite  ripe.  The  fact 
of  the  flowers  remaining  so  long  perfect  has 
given  the  plant  one  of  its  common  names, 
"  Youth  and  Old  Age." 

Zizania.  The  Greek  name  of  Darnel.  The  mod- 
ern plants  have  no  relation  to  the  ancient,  being 
natives  of  America.  Linn.  Monwcia-Hexagynia. 
Nat.  Ord.  Graminacece. 

These  are  native  plants.  Z.  aquatica  is  a  large 
reed-like  aquatic  plant,  and  is  quite  common  in 
marshes  and  on  the  margins  of  waters  at  the 
South  and  West,  and  was  formerly  largely  col- 
lected by  the  Indians  for  food.  It  is  a  favorite 
food  with  wild  ducks  and  other  aquatic  birds 
during  the  fall  and  winter  months,  and  is  a  famil- 
iar object  to  sportsmen.  A  correspondent  of  the 
"American  Agriculturist,"  Mr.  K.  Valentine,  of 
Wisconsin,  says  he  has  sold  a  thousand  bushels 
of  this  Wild  Rice  during  the  past  five  years.  The 
"Agriculturist"  says  :  "  It  is  the  thick  growth 
of  this  Rice  that  makes  the  borders  of  the  Dela- 
ware such  a  favorite  resort  for  gunners  in  the 
Heed  Bird  season,  and  elsewhere  it  attracts  nu- 
merous ducks.  Mr.  V.  says  that  he  has  sent  the 
seeds  to  nearly  every  State  and  Territory,  to  be 
planted  along  water  courses  to  attract  wild  fowl. 
It  is  also  sown  in  artificial  fish  ponds  to  afford 
cover  and  shade  for  the  young  fry,  a  purpose  for 
which  it  is  especially  suited.  It  succeeds  best 
where  there  is  a  muddy  bottom,  and  six  inches 
to  two  feet  of  water,  and  care  should  be  taken  to 
place  it  where  its  roots  will  be  covered  with  wa- 
ter at  all  times." 

Zizyphus.  Jujube.  Zizouf,  in  Arabic,  is  the  name 
of  the  Lotus.  Linn.  Pentandria-Monogynia.  Nat. 
Ord.  RhamnacecK. 


ZYG 

An  interesting  genus  of  plants,  inhabitants  of 
both  hemispheres.  They  are  all  very  pretty,  and 
deserve  to  be  grown  in  every  collection  of  plants. 
The  green-house  and  hot-house  species  do  well 
with  ordinary  treatment.  The  genus  is  chiefly 
characterized  by  having  a  fleshy,  berry-like  frnit, 
containing  a  one,  two,  or  three-celled  stone,  with 
a  single  flattened  seed  in  each.  The  species  are 
mostly  stiff  shrubs,  or  sometimes  small  trees 
with  more  or  less  spiny  branches,  their  alter- 
nate three-nerved  leaves  being  furnished  with 
one  or  two  thorny  stipules.  The  fruits  of  sev- 
eral of  the  species  have  an  agreeable  flavor.  Z. 
vulgaris,  the  best  known  species,  when  fully  de- 
veloped attains  a  height  of  thirty  feet.  The 
fruits  of  this  species  are  commonly  eaten  in 
Europe,  both  in  a  fresh  and  dried  state,  and  af- 
ford the  Jujubes  of  the  shops;  or  rather  used  to, 
for  they  are  now  chiefly  made  up  of  gum  and 
sugar,  and  a  little  tartaric  acid,  without  the 
Jujubes.  The  fruits  are  rather  acid  when  fresh, 
but  when  dried  they  are  more  agreeable,  and 
are  given  to  allay  cough.  Perhaps  the  most 
useful  purpose  to  which  this  species  can  be  ap- 
plied is  as  a  hedge  plant.  Mr.  William  Smith, 
the  superintendent  of  the  Botanic  Garden  at 
Washington,  D.  C.,  has  been  experimenting 
with  it  for  upward  of  ten  years,  and  thinks  it 
has  no  equal  as  a  hedge  plant,  and  predicts  that 
it  is  certain  to  be  largely  used  for  that  purpose. 
It  is  perfectly  hardy  at  Washington,  and  it  is 
Mr.  Smith's  opinion  that  it  is  likely  to  prove 
hardy  a  great  deal  farther  north.  Z.  Jujuba,  an 
East  Indian  species,  yields  an  excellent  dessert 
fruit,  and  is  largely  cultivated  by  the  Chinese, 
who  recognize  a  great  number  of  varieties,  dif- 
fering in  the  shape,  color,  and  size  of  the  fruits. 
Those  of  one  variety  are  called  Chinese  Dates, 
from  their  resemblance  to  that  fruit.  Z.  Lotus, 
an  African  species,  is  one  of  the  plants  supposed 
to  have  yielded  the  seductive  sweet  fruits  from 
which  the  ancient  Lptophagi  took  their  name. 
Another  African  species,  Z.  Badei,  is  the  Lotus 
mentioned  by  Mungo  Park  as  being  used  for 
making  into  bread,  tasting  like  gingerbread, 
and  also  for  the  preparation  of  a  pleasant  bever- 
age. Z.  spina- Chris ti  is  supposed  by  some  to 
have  furnished  the  crown  of  thorns  put  on  our 
Savior's  head.  Propagated  by  cuttings  or  from 
seed.  First  introduced  in  1640. 

Zonal  Geranium.     See  Pelargonium. 

Zygopetalum.  From  zygos,  a  yoke,  and  petakw, 
a  petal;  in  allusion  to  the  adhesion  of  the  seg- 
ments of  the  perianth  by  their  bases  in  the  orig- 
inal species.  Linn.  (Jynandria-Monandria.  Nat. 
Ord.  Orchi(l(«'fd'. 

A  genus  of  very  handsome,  free-flowering  Or- 
chids, natives  of  South  America.  They  are  ter- 
restrial evergreens,  and  generally  flower  during 
the  winter  or  early  spring  months,  which  makes 
them  desirable.  The  pseudo-bulbs  should  be 
well  elevated  in  potting,  and  have  plenty  of 
water  in  the  growing  season,  which  is  usually 
from  May  to  September;  after  which  less  mois- 
ture is  required  until  their  season  of  blooming. 
They  will  succeed  well  in  an  ordinary  green- 
house. Propagated  by  division.  Introduced  iu 
1828. 


GLOSSARY 

OF 

BOTANICAL  AND  GENERAL  HORTICULTURAL  TERMS  AND  PRACTICES, 


SYNOPSES    OF    THE    NATURAL    ORDERS,  ETC. 


A. — In  composition,  a,  privative,  is  used  in 
Botany  as  a  negative,  and  signifies  with- 
out; as,  aphyllous,  without  leaves;  acaulis, 
without  a  stem. 

Abbreviate. — Used  in  comparative  descrip- 
tions to  indicate  that  one  part  is  shorter 
than  another. 

Aberrant. — Something  which  differs  from 
the  customary  or  usual  structure,  or  de- 
viates from  the  natural  or  direct  way. 
Also,  a  group  of  plants  which  stands  in- 
termediate, as  it  were,  between  two  other 
groups;  e.  g.,  Fumariacece,  which  are  by 
some  regarded  as  an  aberrant  group  of 
Papaveracece.  The  term  is  applied  in  Nat- 
ural History  to  species  or  genera  that  de- 
viate from  the  usual  characters  of  their 
neighbors. 

Abnormal. — Opposed  to  the  usual  structure. 
Thus,  stamens  standing  opposite  to  petals, 
and  nowhere  else,  as  in  Rhamnads,  (which 
see,)  are  abnormal,  it  feeing  usual  for  sta- 
mens to  be  alternate  with  petals,  if  equal  to 
them  in  number.  Leaves  growing  in  pairs 
from  the  same  side  of  a  stem,  as  in  Atro- 
pa  Belladonna,  and  flower  stalks  adhe- 
rent to  the  midrib  of  a  bract,  as  in  Tilia, 
are  also  abnormal. 

Aboriginal. — Plants  which  have  their  origin 
or  spontaneous  production  in  any  coun- 
try. The  same  as  indigenous. 


Abortion. — Signifies  an  imperfect  develop- 
ment of  any  given  organ. 

Abortive. — Imperfectly  developed;  as  abor- 
tive stamens,  which  consist  of  a  filament 
only;  abortive  petals,  which  are  mere 
bristles  or  scales. 

Abraded. — Rubbed  or  worn  off. 

Abrupt.  — Suddenly  terminating ;  as,  abrupt- 
ly pinnated,  when  several  pairs  of  leaf- 
lets are  formed  without  any  intermediate 
one  at  the  end. 

Absorption. — The  function  by  which  the 
spongioles  imbibe  the  moisture  which 


Abstergent. — Cleansing,  having  a  cleansing 
quality. 

Acanthacece. — An  order  of  monopetalous  ex- 
ogens,  belonging  to  Lindley's  Bignonial 
Alliance,  and  nearly  related  to  Scrophu- 
lariads,  (which  see.)  In  tropical  regions 
they  are  very  common,  constituting  a  large 
part  of  the  herbage.  Nevertheless  the 
genus  Acanthus  is  found  in  Greece,  and 
one  species  inhabits  the  United  States. 
In  a  majority  of  cases  Acanthaceoe  are  to 
be  recognized  by  the  presence  of  large 
leafy  bracts,  in  the  axils  of  which  the 
flowers  are  partly  concealed,  and  also  by 
their  calyx  being  composed  of  deeply  im- 
bricated sepals  forming  a  whorl.  But 
their  most  exact  difference  from  other 


GLOSSARY 

OF 

BOTANICAL  AND  GENERAL  HORTICULTURAL  TERMS  AND  PRACTICES, 


SYNOPSES    OF    THE    NATURAL    ORDERS,  ETC. 


A. — In  composition,  a,  privative,  is  used  in 
Botany  as  a  negative,  and  signifies  with- 
out; as,  aphyllous,  without  leaves;  acaulis, 
without  a  stem. 

Abbreviate. — Used  in  comparative  descrip- 
tions to  indicate  that  one  part  is  shorter 
than  another. 

Aberrant. — Something  which  differs  from 
the  customary  or  usual  structure,  or  de- 
viates from  the  natural  or  direct  way. 
Also,  a  group  of  plants  which  stands  in- 
termediate, as  it  were,  between  two  other 
groups;  e.  g.,  Fumariacece,  which  are  by 
some  regarded  as  an  aberrant  group  of 
Papaveracece.  The  term  is  applied  in  Nat- 
ural History  to  species  or  genera  that  de- 
viate from  the  usual  characters  of  their 
neighbors. 

Abnormal. — Opposed  to  the  usual  structure. 
Thus,  stamens  standing  opposite  to  petals, 
and  nowhere  else,  as  in  Rhamnads,  (which 
see,)  are  abnormal,  it  fceing  usual  for  sta- 
mens to  be  alternate  with  petals,  if  equal  to 
them  in  number.  Leaves  growing  in  pairs 
from  the  same  side  of  a  stem,  as  in  Atro- 
pa  Belladonna,  and  flower  stalks  adhe- 
rent to  the  midrib  of  a  bract,  as  in  Tilia, 
are  also  abnormal 

Aboriginal. — Plants  which  have  their  origin 
or  spontaneous  production  in  any  coun- 
try. The  same  as  indigenous. 


Abortion. — Signifies  an  imperfect  develop- 
ment of  any  given  organ. 

Abortive. — Imperfectly  developed;  as  abor- 
tive stamens,  which  consist  of  a  filament 
only;  abortive  petals,  which  are  mere 
bristles  or  scales. 

Abraded. — Rubbed  or  worn  off. 

Abrupt. — Suddenly  terminating;  as,  abrupt- 
ly pinnated,  when  several  pairs  of  leaf- 
lets are  formed  without  any  intermediate 
one  at  the  end. 

Absorption. — The  function  by  which  the 
spongioles  imbibe  the  moisture  which 
becomes  sap. 

Abstergent. — Cleansing,  having  a  cleansing 
quality. 

Acanthacece. — An  order  of  monopetalous  ex- 
ogens,  belonging  to  Lindley's  Bignonial 
Alliance,  and  nearly  related  to  Scrophu- 
lariads,  (which  see.)  In  tropical  regions 
they  are  very  common,  constituting  a  large 
part  of  the  herbage.  Nevertheless  the 
genus  Acanthus  is  found  in  Greece,  and 
one  species  inhabits  the  United  States. 
In  a  majority  of  cases  Acanthacece  are  to 
be  recognized  by  the  presence  of  large 
leafy  bracts,  in  the  axils  of  which  the 
flowers  are  partly  concealed,  and  also  by 
their  calyx  being  composed  of  deeply  im- 
bricated sepals  forming  a  whorl.  But 
their  most  exact  difference  from  other 


260 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ACA 

orders  of  the  Bignonial  Alliance  consists 
in  the  singular  structure  of  their  placen- 
ta, which  expands  into  hard  processes, 
which  are  most  commonly  hooked.  In 
the  form  of  their  embryo  they  agree  with 
Bignoniacece.  They  are  of  little  import- 
ance to  man.  The  greater  part  are  mere 
weeds,  but  some  are  plants  of  great  beau- 
ty, especially  the  species  of  Justicia,  Aphe- 
landra,  and  Emilia.  For  the  most  part 
they  are  mucilaginous  and  slightly  bitter; 
occasionally  the  bitterness  increases,  and 
they  become  pectoral  medicines;  and 
some  are  dyers'  plants.  The  genuine 
Acanths,  or  plants  belonging  to  genus 
Acanthus,  are  emollients,  as  also  is  Ani- 
sote*  trisulcus,  an  Egyptian  plant.  About 
1,500  species  are  mentioned  in  books. 

Acaulis. — Having  a  very  short  stem;  lit- 
erally, stemless ;  but  a  plant  without  a 
stem  cannot  exist,  unless  it  is  a  mere 
vesicle. 

Accessory. — Something  added  to  the  usual 
number  of  organs,  or  their  parts. 

Acclimatize. — To  accustom  a  plant  to  live  in 
the  open  air  without  protection,  in  a 
country  where  it  is  not  indigenous.  We 
give  the  meaning  attached  to  the  term, 
though  we  question  the  popular  belief. 
Plants  may  become  acclimatized  in  the 
course  of  ages,  but  not  perceptibly  in  any 
one  generation.  It  is  true  we  can  tem- 
porarily and  gradually  harden  off  a  plant 
so  that  it  will  stand  a  great  degree  of 
cold,  but  the  product  of  that  plant,  whether 
from  cuttings  or  seeds,  will  not  be  hard- 
ier than  the  original  individual. 

Accrescent.— Growing  larger  after  flower- 
ing. The  calyx  of  Melanorrhcea,  which  is 
small  and  green  when  in  flower,  becomes 
large  and  leafy  when  the  fruit  is  ripe, 
and  is,  therefore,  accrescent. 

Accrete.  —Grown  together. 


ACH 

Accretion. — The  growing  of  one  thing  to 
another. 

Accumbent. — Lying  against  anything  ;  used 
in  opposition  to  incumbent,  or  lying 
upon  something.  This  term  is  employed 
in  describing  the  embryo  of  Crucifers. 

Aceracece,  (Acera,  Acerinece,  the  order  of 
Maples.) — A  natural  order  of  trees  and 
shrubs  inhabiting  Europe,  the  temperate 
parts  of  Asia,  the  north  of  India,  and 
North  America.  The  order  is  unknown 
in  Africa  and  the  southern  hemisphere. 
The  most  important  product  is  the  sweet 
sap  of  some  species,  (the  Maples,)  from 
which  sugar  is  extracted.  They  yield  a 
light,  useful  timber.  In  the  United  States 
large  quantities  of  excellent  sugar  and 
syrup  are  made  from  the  sap  of  the  Ma- 
ple. The  bark  of  some  is  astringent, 
and  yields  reddish  brown  and  yellow  col- 
ors. The  order  only  contains  three  gen- 
era, and  rather  more  than  fifty  species. 

Acerose. — Needle-shaped,  fine  and  slender  ; 
applied  especially  to  the  leaves  of  the 
Fir  tribe.  In  the  Southern  States  the 
leaves  of  the  Pine  are  known  as  "  Pine 
Needles." 

Acescent. — Sour,  tart,  acid. 

Acelabuliformis. — Saucer  shaped. 

Acetabulum. — The  receptacle  of  certain  Fun- 
gals  or  Fungi. 

Acetarious. — Anything  belonging  to  the 
salad  tribe  of  plants,  as  Lettuce,  etc. 

Acetose. — Sour,  tart,  acid;  or  something  that 
produces  acidity. 

Achegones. — Urn-like  organs  produced  on 
some  Acrogens.  See  Acrogens. 

Achene. — The  same  as  Achenium,  which  see. 

Achenium. — This  term  is  applied,  by  differ- 
ent authors,  to  two  distinct  kinds  of  fruit: 
1.  Where  the  fruit  is  superior,  and,  con- 
sequently, the  pericarp  is  not  invested 
by  the  calyx.  It  is  dry,  hard,  single- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


261 


ACH 

seeded,  and  indehiscent.  This  is  other- 
wise termed  a  nut.  2.  Where  the  peri- 
carp is  inferior,  and,  consequently,  in- 
vested by  the  calyx;  in  other  respects 
resembling  the  last,  but  usually  not  so 
hard.  The  seeds  of  the  Composite  are 
the  best  examples. 

Achlamydeous. — Having  neither  calyx  nor 
corolla,  so  that  the  essential  parts  of  the 
flower  are  without  a  covering.  Applied  to 
flowers  without  any  distinct  perianth;  as 
in  the  Willows,  where  the  stamens  and 
pistil  are  merely  subtended  by  a  bract. 

Acidolus. — Where  the  branches  or  other 
organs  terminate  in  a  spine  or  hard 
point. 

Acicula. — A  bristle.  The  bristle-like  abor- 
tive flower  of  a  Grass. 

Acicular. — Of  a  slender  form,  shaped  like  a 
needle. 

Aciculated. — Marked  by  fine  impressed  lines, 
as  if  produced  by  the  point  of  a  needle. 

Acies. — The  edge  of  anything.  The  angles 
of  certain  stems. 

Acinaciform. — Cimeter- shaped;  that  is  to 
say,  curved,  rounded  toward  the  point; 
thick  on  the  straighter  side,  thin  on  the 
convexity. 

Acinarious. — When  a  stem  or  branch  is 
covered  with  little  spherical  and  stalked 
vesicles  looking  like  grape  seeds;  as  in 
some  sea-weeds. 

Acini. — The  small  stones  or  seeds  in  Grapes, 
Strawberries,  etc. 

Acinus. — A  bunch  of  fleshy  fruits,  as  of 
Currants  or  Grapes,  now  confined  to  the 
berries  of  such  bunches. 

Acotyledonous. — Having  no  cotyledons  or 
seed  lobes,  as  in  Cuscuta.  In  systematic 
botany,  applied  to  spore-bearing  plants 
which  do  not  produce  cotyledons,  as 
Ferns;  also  to  spores  themselves,  which 
are  embryos  without  cotyledons. 


ACK 

Acotyledons. — A  name  often  applied  to 
Cryptogamia,  or  flowerless  plants,  in  conse- 
quence of  their  reproductive  organs  or 
spores,  when  germinating,  having  no  seed 
leaves  or  cotyledons.  There  are,  how- 
ever, few  rules  without  an  exception,  and 
some  Lycopods  present,  when  young, 
something  very  like  cotyledons.  Though 
Cryptogamia  have  no  true  cotyledons, 
their  spores  produce,  mostly  by  cell  divi- 
sion, a  mass  of  threads,  a  leafy  expansion, 
or  a  solid  body,  to  which  the  name  false 
cotyledons  (pseudo-cotyledons)  has  been 
given,  and  such  productions,  as  the  false 
cotyledons  of  Mosses  for  example,  have 
often  been  considered  as  distinct  plants, 
belonging  to  a  distinct  natural  order 
from  the  parent  plant.  Under  this  name 
are  included  all  those  plants  called  by  Lin- 
naeus Cryptogamia,  because  he  was  unable 
to  discover  their  organs  of  fertilization,  if 
they  had  any.  They  comprehend  Sea- 
weeds, Fungi,  Lichens,  Mosses,  Ferns, 
and  their  allies,  which  see.  It  is  now 
known  that  all  are  multiplied  by  a  sexual 
apparatus  in  structure  wholly  different 
from  that  of  Phaenogamous  plants,  but  in 
function  the  same.  In  the  higher  orders, 
that  is  to  say,  in  Ferns,  Lycopoias,  and 
Horsetails,  the  plant,  properly  so  called, 
does  not  proceed  directly  from  the  spore 
or  seed,  but  from  a  rudimentary  inter- 
mediate organ,  called  prothallium,  on 
which  the  organs  of  fertilization  are 
formed,  these  organs  not  producing  a 
spore  or  seed,  but  the  very  plant  itself. 

Acramphibrya. — Plants  that  grow  both  at 
the  point  and  along  the  sides,  as  Endo- 
gens  and  Exogens. 

Acrobrya. — A  term  used  by  Endlicher,  sy- 
nonymous with  Acrogena 

Acrocarpi. — A  division  of  Mosses  containing 
those  species  in  which  the  female  fruit 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ACR 

terminates  the  branches.  Unfortunate- 
ly, even  in  the  same  genus,  as  Fissidens, 
species  with  lateral  and  terminal  fruit 
occur,  so  that  the  distinction  is  not  with- 
out grave  exceptions. 

Acrogens.—  A  large  and  most  important 
division  of  Cryptogamia,  distinguished  for 
the  most  part  from  Thallogens,  as  Fun- 
guses, Sea-weeds,  and  Lichens,  by  their 
herbaceous  growth,  the  presence  of  leafy 
appendages,  which  are  frequently  fur- 
nished with  stomates,  the  different  mode 
of  impregnation,  and  the  presence  of  vas- 
cular tissue.  A  few  acrogenous  Liver- 
worts have  the  habits  of  Lichens,  but 
differ  totally  in  structure.  The  most  im- 
portant distinction,  however,  undoubtedly 
is,  that  the  impregnation  takes  place 
somewhat  after  the  manner  of  Phseno- 
gamia,  by  an  impression  made  upon  the 
contents  of  the  embryonic  sac,  and  not 
upon  the  spore  itself,  as  is  decidedly  the 
case  among  Thallogens  where  the  mode 
of  impregnation  has  been  ascertained,  as 
in  Algce.  In  Characece  alone  the  spore 
seems  to  be  immediately  impregnated, 
though  even  in  this  case  it  is  uncertain 
whether  impregnation  does  not  take 
place  before  the  spore  is  perfected.  In 
Mosses,  Liverworts,  and  Ferns,  the  spore 
after  germination  produces  at  first  either 
a  web  of  threads,  a  solid  mass,  or  a  mem- 
branous expansion,  (prothallium.}  In 
the  two  former  a  distinct  plant  arises 
from  the  threads,  with  frequently  sym- 
metrical leaves,  and  on  these  plants  urn- 
shaped  organs  are  produced  (called 
archegones)  analogous  to  pistils,  which 
contain  at  their  base  a  cell  which,  after 
impregnation,  produces  the  proper  fruit. 
In  perennial  species  a  fresh  crop  of  ar- 
chegones may  be  produced  in  two  or  three 
successive  years,  which  require  a  distinct 


ACR 

act  of  impregnation  for  the  development 
of  the  capsules.  In  Ferns  and  their 
allies,  on  the  contrary,  the  archegones 
give  rise  to  a  new  plant,  which  for  one 
or  for  many  successive  years  produces  a 
fresh  crop  of  fruit  without  further  im- 
pregnation. The  result  of  impregnation 
in  the  two  cases,  then,  is  quite  different. 
In  Mosses  the  whole  plant  is,  as  to  func- 
tions, a  prothallium;  in  Ferns,  merely 
the  membranous  expansion  immediately 
produced  on  the  germination  of  the 
spores.  Further  details  may  be  reserved 
for  each  successive  group.  In  those  spe- 
cies of  Fungi,  as  Puccinia,  Podisoma,  etc., 
where  a  prothallium  is  produced,  it  has 
the  nature  of  a  spore,  and  germinates  in 
the  same  manner. 

As  regards  the  tissues,  it  may  be  ob- 
served that  the  stem  of  many  Acrogens 
contains  distinct  vascular  tissue.  In  Jun- 
gennannice,  where  such  tissue  is  rare  else- 
where, it  almost  universally  accompanies 
the  spores.  In  Mosses,  as  in  fiphagnum, 
there  are  sometimes  distinct  spirals  in 
the  cells  of  the  leaves.  The  vascular  tis- 
sue in  most  of  the  higher  Cryptogamia  is 
scalariform;  but  in  Iso'etes  and  Equisetum 
it  is  annular,  with  transitions  to  short 
spirals ;  while  in  Selaginella  and  Lycopo- 
dium  there  is  a  transition  from  short 
spiral  and  reticulated  cells  to  elongated 
cells,  which  may  be  called  spiral  vessels. 
In  the  stem  of  Sphagnum  there  is  tissue 
closely  resembling  the  glandular  tissue 
of  Conifers.  The  spiral  coats  of  the  spores 
in  Equisetum  will  be  noticed  hereafter. 
The  impregnating  bodies  or  spermato- 
zoids  have  always  nagelliform  append- 
ages, sometimes  nuich  more  highly  devel- 
oped than  in  the  spermatozoa  of  animals. 
The  principal  divisions  of  Acrogens  are 
the  following: 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ACK 

1.  Characece.     Spores  solitary. 

2.  Eicciacece.   Capsules  valveless,  with- 
out spiral  cells  or  elaters. 

3.  March  antiacecK.      Capsules  depend- 
ent, containing  elaters. 

4.  Jungermanniacece.      Capsules  erect, 
containing  elaters. 

5.  Musci.     Capsules   mostly  valveless, 
without  elaters. 

In  these  five  orders  the  archegones  give 
rise  to  the  capsule. 

6.  Filices.     Capsules   mostly  with   an 
elastic     ring,    but    sometimes     densely 
crowded  and  ringless. 

7.  Ophioglossacece.      Capsules  ringless, 
bivalvate. 

8.  Equisetacece.     Capsules   dependent. 
Coat  of  spores  spiral. 

9.  Marsileaceae.    Capsules  multilocular. 

10.  Lycopodiacece.     Capsules    axillary, 
unilocular. 

In  these  five  orders  the  spores  produce 
a  prothalliuni  bearing  archegones,  which 
yield  new  plants  and  not  capsules.  For 
further  details  see  Berkeley's  Cryplogamic 
Botany,  p.  421. 

Acrospire. — The  first  leaf  that  appears  when 
corn  sprouts.  It  is  a  developed  plumule. 

Acrostichece. — A  section  of  polypodineous 
Perns,  in  which  the  sori  occupy  almost  or 
quite  the  whole  fructiferous  surface,  and 
are  not  confined  to  distinct  and  determi- 
nate points  of  the  veins. 

Aculeate. — Furnished  with  aculei  or  prickles, 
as  distinguished  from  spines. 

Aculei. — The  plural  of  Aculeus,  which  see. 

Aculeus. — A  prickle;  a  conical  elevation  of 
the  bark  or  skin  of  a  plant,  becoming 
hard  and  sharp  pointed,  as  in  the  Rose. 
Aculei,  or  prickles,  proceed  from  the 
bark;  spines  or  thorns  proceed  from  the 
wood.  The  former  fall  off  when  ripe  ; 
the  latter  do  not. 


ADU 

Acuminate. — A  term  applied  to  leaves  or 
other  flat  bodies  which  narrow  gradually 
till  they  form  a  long  termination.  If  the 
narrowing  takes  place  towards  the  base, 
it  is  so  stated,  as,  acuminate  at  the  base ; 
if  toward  the  point,  the  term  is  used 
without  qualification. 

Acute. — Terminating  abruptly  in  a  sharp 
point. 

Acutangular. — Having  sharp  or  acute  angles. 
Sometimes  used  also  where  the  leaves  are 
divided  into  many  narrow  lobes. 

Adelphia. — A  fraternity;  a  Linnsean  term 
denoting  a  collection  of  stamens.  Mona- 
delphia  means  one  such  collection;  Dia- 
delphia,  two  such  collections,  and  so  on. 

Adelphic. — When  the  stamens  are  united  by 
their  filaments  into  one  bundle,  as  in  the 
Mallow  ;  or  more,  as  in  Hypericum. 

Adelphous. — United  in  pairs  or  bundles  by 
filaments  ;  as,  adelphous  stamens. 

Adherence. — The  complete  union  or  graft- 
ing together  of  parts,  which  originally,  or 
in  their  nascent  state,  were  distinct. 

Adglutinated.—See  Agglutinated. 

Adiantece. — A  section  of  polypodiaceous 
Ferns,  in  which  the  receptacles  to  which 
the  spore  cases  are  attached,  are  placed 
on  the  under  surface  of  the  mdusium  it- 
self, so  that  the  fructification  is,  as  it  were, 
upside  down,  and  is  hence  said  to  be  re- 
supinate. 

Adnate. — Adhering;  growing  to  anything 
by  the  whole  surface  ;  when  an  ovary  is 
united  to  the  side  of  a  calyx  it  is  adnate. 
Applied  to  parts  of  different  whorls  ad- 
herent one  to  another,  and  to  anthers 
when  they  are  attached  to  the  filaments 
by  their  whole  length. 

Adpressed. — Brought  into  contact  with  any- 
thing without  adhering. 

Adult. — The  full-grown  of  anything  ;  full- 
grown  leaves  are  adult  leaves. 


264 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ADV 


Adventitious. — A  term  used  to  denote  some 
part  or  organ  that  is  developed  in  an  un- 
usual position  ;  as  the  leaf-buds  that  ap- 
pear on  various  parts  of  the  surface  of 
the  stem,  instead  of  being  confined,  as  is 
generally  the  case,  to  the  axils  of  the 
leaves.  Applied  also  to  roots,  etc.  ;  for 
example,  the  Ivy  throws  out  adventitious 
roots  from  along  the  stems,  by  which  it 
clings  to  walls  or  trees  for  support. 

Adverse.— "When  one  part  is  placed  directly 
opposite  or  over  against  another.     Thus  j 
of  the  anther,  when  the  suture  is  turned 
towards  the  center  of  the  flower,  which 
is  the  most  usual  case. 

jEgaricacece.—A.  class  of  Fungi  resem- 
bling the  common  Mushroom. 

JSqualis. — This  term  signifies  equality  or 
similarity  in  size,  and  is  also  used  in  the 
sense  of  uniformity;  thus,  an  equal  um- 
bel is  an  umbel  of  which  the  florets  are 
all  alike. 

Equilateral — Equal  sided.    See  Equilateral. 

Aerial. — Plants  or  parts  of  plants  which 
grow  entirely  above  the  surface  of  the 
earth  or  water. 

Aerocysls. — The  air-cells  ot  Algce. 

Aerophytes. — Plants  growing  wholly  in  the 
air,  such  as  epiphytal  Orchids,  many 
Lichens,  Bromeliads,  etc.,  which  are  com- 
monly called  air  plants,  and  the  roots  of 
which  cling  to  the  bark  of  trees,  etc. ,  and 
absorb  moisture  from  the  atmosphere. 

sEruginous. — Having  a  color  like  that  of 
(erufjo  or  verdigris,  as  Curcuma  cerugi- 
nosa. 

fatuous. — Scorching,  glowing,  hue  summer. 
sJ&tical. — Of  or  belonging  to  the  summer. 
^Estivation. — The  manner  in  which  the  parts 
of  a  flower  are  folded  up  before  the  flower 
expands;  applied  to  the  calyx  and  corolla 
of  a  flower  when  in  the  bud,  before  ex- 
pansion. 


AKE 

Affinity. — A  term  used  in  systematic  botany, 
signifying  that  one  resembles  another  in 
the  principal  part  of  its  structure,  as 
is  the  case  with  Crowfoots  and  Poppy- 
worts.  See  Analogy. 

Agglomerated. — Heaped  up,  or  collected 
closely  together  into  a  head  or  mass  ;  as 
the  stamens  in  Anona  and  Magnolia,  or 
cones  on  a  Scotch  Pine,  or  the  flowers  of 
a  Scabious. 

Agglutinated.—  Glued  to  anything.  Gener- 
ally applied  to  filaments  and  anthers. 
The  same  as  adglutinated. 

Aggregated. — Several  things  collected  to- 
gether into  one  body ;  as  the  achenes  in 
the  fruit  of  the  Strawberry  or  Mulberry, 
or  the  flowers  of  the  Cuscuta.  Applied  to 
the  inflorescence. 

Agrestic. — Pertaining  to  fields  or  the  coun- 
try, in  opposition  to  the  city ;  rural.  Ap- 
plied to  wild  flowers,  whether  indigenous 
or  naturalized. 

Air-cells. — Cavities  in  the  cellular  tissue, 
which  are  sometimes  irregular,  but  often 
constructed  with  great  beauty  and  regu- 
larity in  the  form  of  hexagonal  prisms. 
They  are  filled  with  air,  and  in  aquatics 
serve  the  purpose  of  floating  the  stem 
and  leaves  to  the  surface  of  the  water. 
In  terrestrial  plants,  they  give  some 
stems,  as  those  of  Bushes,  a  spongy 
structure. 

Air  Plants. — A  common  name  for  Aerides. 
The  name  is  also  applied  to  Epiphytes, 
or  plants  which  grow  on  trees  and  other 
elevated  objects,  not  in  the  earth,  and 
derive  their  sustenance  from  atmospheric 
moisture.  They  are  to  be  distinguished 
from  terrestrial  plants,  or  those  growing 
in  earth,  and  from,  parasites,  which  de- 
rive nourishment  directly  from  other 
plants  on  which  they  grow. 
Akenium. — See  Achenium. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


265 


ALA 

Ala. — One  of  the  lateral  petals  of  a  papilio- 
naceous flower.  Also  a  membranous  ex- 
pansion of  any  kind,  as  that  round  the 
seed  of  a  Bignonia,  from  the  summit  or 
side  of  a  seed  vessel,  or  on  the  angles  of 
a  stem.  Formerly,  the  axil,  but  not  now 
employed  in  that  sense.  The  word  is 
generally  used  in  the  plural,  alee. 

Alabastrus. — A  flower  bud. 

Alangiacece.  — A  natural  order  of  plants  in- 
habiting tropical  Asia.     "With  the  excep-  ! 
tion  of  the  genus  Nyssa,  a  native  of  this 
country,  all  are  trees  or  shrubs  with  in- 
conspicuous flowers,  structurally  similar  j 
to  those  of  certain  Myrtles.     Their  fruit 
is  succulent  and  eatable,  but  not  agree-  ' 
able  to  the  taste.     The  principal  genera 
are  Alangium  and  Nyssa.     Eight  or  nine 
species  are  all  that  are  known. 

Alate. — Winged  ;  bordered  by  a  membran- 
ous or  leafy  expansion,  as  the  seeds  of 
the  Maple,  etc. 

Alatus.—  Winged.     See  Alate. 

Albefactio.—A.  condition  of  plants  induced 
by  absence  of  light,  commonly  called 
blanching,  in  which  little  or  no  chlorophyl 
is  formed,  the  peculiar  secretions  are  di- 
minished, and  the  tissues  are  tender  and 
unnaturally  drawn  out ;  and  thus  some 
plants,  such  as  Celery  and  Sea-Kale, 
which  in  a  state  of  health  a:-e  tough, 
unwholesome,  and  unfit  for  food,  be- 
come palatable  and  wholesome.  If 
light  be  restored,  the  plant  may  gradually 
recover  its  tone  ;  but  if  it  is  absent  for 
any  great  length  of  time  death  is  sure  to 
ensue.  Some  succulent  plants,  and  those 
which  have  tubers,  will  sometimes  sur- 
vive the  first  season,  but  in  general  the 
confinement  of  a  few  months  at  the  time 
of  growth  is  fatal.  Flowers,  when  bleach- 
ed, as  of  the  flat-leaved  Cacti,  some- 
times recover  their  color  when  exposed 


ALG 

to  light,  but  Lilacs  which  are  blanched 
for  ornamental  purposes  remain  white, 
though  their  leaves  acquire  a  yellowish- 
green  tinge. 

Albescent. — Where  any  color  assumes  a  pale 
tinge,  or  has  a  hoary  appearance. 

Albumen. — The  matter  that  is  interposed 
between  the  skin  of  a  seed  and  the  em- 
bryo, or  the  vitellus,  if  there  is  one.  It 
is  of  a  farinaceous,  oily,  or  horny  consist- 
ency, and  surrounds  the  embryo  wholly 
or  in  part,  and  affords  nourishment  to 
the  young  plant  during  the  earliest  stages 
of  germination.  It  is  the  floury  part  in 
Corn,  WTieat,  Eye,  and  like  grains ;  the 
oily  part  in  Poppy  seeds,  etc.;  and  the 
fleshy  part  in  the  Cocoanut. 

Albuminous.  —  Furnished  with  albumen 
when  perfectly  ripe.  A  term  exclusively 
applied  to  seeds. 

Alburnitas. — A  tendency  to  remain  like  al- 
burnum. A  disease  of  trees,  when  white 
rings  of  wood  are  interposed  among  heart- 
wood. 

Alburnum. — The  white  and  softer  part  of 
wood,  between  the  inner  bark  and  heart- 
wood,  commonly  known  as  sap-wood ; 
the  young  wood  before  it  conies  to  a 
proper  consistence. 

Algce. — A  large  and  important  tribe  of 
Cryptogamia,  by  far  the  greater  part  of 
which  live  either  in  salt  or  fresh  water,  a 
few  only  deriving  their  nourishment  from 
the  moisture  contained  in  the  surround- 
ing air.  Though  many  of  them  are  con- 
fined to  particular  kinds  of  rocks,  and 
have  something  resembling  a  root,  it  is 
not  probable  that  they  draw  any  impor- 
tant part  ,of  their  nourishment  from  the 
^substance  on  which  they  grow.  The 
higher  Algce  have  a  distinct  stem,  from 
which  arise  variously  shaped  expansions, 
which  often  assume  the  semblance  of 


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ALG 

leaves;  but,  though  these  are  often  strict- 
ly symmetrical,  they  never  follow  the 
spiral  arrangement  which  is  so  marked 
in  Phcenogamia,  and  which  exists  even 
among  Mosses.  In  many  the  stem  is 
quite  obliterated,  and  the  whole  plant 
consists  of  an  expanded  membrane,  con- 
sisting of  one  or  more  strata  of  cells,  as 
the  case  may  be.  Frequently  there  is  no 
expansion,  and  the  whole  plant,  whether 
solid  or  fistulose,  simple  or  branched,  is 
everywhere  more  or  less  cylindrical.  In 
other  cases,  again,  it  consists  of  a  mere 
string  of  articulations ;  while  in  others 
the  whole  is  reduced  to  an  adnate  crust 
or  a  shapeless  jelly,  or  to  single  cells.  In 
one  curious  division,  the  frond,  though 
often  much  divided,  consists  of  a  single 
cell  only,  however  complicated,  filled  with 
endochrome,  (which  see. )  Whatever  the 
color  of  Algce  may  be,  it  appears  that  they 
act  upon  the  atmosphere  in  the  same  way 
as  Phcenogamia, ;  that  is  to  say,  they  ab- 
sorb carbonic  acid  and  give  out  oxygen 
under  the  influence  of  light. 

Algce,  whatever  may  be  their  outward 
form,  or  whatever  their  degree  of  com- 
plication, are  cellular  plants,  in  a  very 
few  instances  only  presenting  anything 
like  vessels,  though  the  cell-walls  them- 
selves have  frequently  a  spiral  structure. 
The  spores  are  often  nothing  more  than 
the  endochromes  of  cells,  whether  termi- 
nal or  chained  together  like  the  beads  of 
a  necklace,  more  consolidated  than  usual, 
and  occasionally  broken  up  into  four  or  • 
more  distinct  reproductive  bodies.  There 
are  often  two  sorts  of  fruit  upon  the  same  ! 
or  on  different  fronds,  one  being  regular-  ! 
ly  tetraspermous,  (which  see,)  the  other 
variable  in  character,  presenting  often  the 
appearance  of  a  capsule  perforated  at  the 
apex.  Among  the  lower  Algce  the  spores  ' 


ALG 

are  often  furnished  with  one  or  more 
flagelliform  processes,  or  with  vibrating 
cilise,  by  means  of  which  they  move  from 
place  to  place  for  a  greater  or  less  time, 
as  if  endowed  with  spontaneous  motion, 
till  they  become  attached  and  germinate. 
In  most  of  the  subdivisions  sexual  differ- 
ences have  been  observed;  the  antheridia, 
or  male  organs,  containing  bodies  often 
closely  resembling  the  spermatozoa  of 
animals.  In  some  of  the  species  fructifi- 
cation does  not  take  place  till  the  threads 
throw  out  little  processes,  by  means  of 
which  a  complete  union  with  one  another 
is  established,  the  endochrome  of  the 
joint  of  one  thread  passing  through  their 
lateral  tube  and  uniting  with  that  of  an 
opposite  joint,  and  then  forming  a  per- 
fect spore.  In  many  of  the  lower  Algw, 
as,  indeed,  in  some  of  the  higher,  repro- 
duction takes  place  for  an  indefinite 
time  by  repeated  subdivision  ,of  the  orig- 
inal individual.  At  times,  however,  the 
proper  fruit  makes  its  appearance,  and 
sometimes  in  such  an  anomalous  form  as 
to  cause  much  perplexity. 

Algce  are  related,  on  the  one  hand,  to 
Funguses,  and  on  the  other  to  Lichens. 
Distinctive  characters  are  more  easily  de- 
rived from  their  respective  habits  than 
from  differences  of  structure.  The  term 
Algce  had  formerly  a  far  wider  range  than 
at  present,  and  it  is  now  almost  entirely 
confined  to  aquatic  Cryptogamia.  There 
is  no  English  word  that  will  comprise  the 
whole.  The  most  convenient,  perhaps, 
is  that  of  Hydrophytes,  which,  however, 
does  not  apply  to  the  aerial  species,  and 
is  objectionable  because  there  are  many 
plants  with  a  submerged  habit  which  are 
not  Algce.  Algce  are  divided  into  three 
great  classes,  each  of  which  comprises  a 
number  of  very  distinct  groups,  the  more 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


267 


ALG 

prominent  of  which  will  be  noticed  in 
their  proper  order.  These  three  classes 
are  characterized  by  the  color  of  their 
seeds,  which  correspond  for  the  greater 
part  with  the  general  tint  of  the  plants. 

1.  Melanospermece,  or  olive-spored. 

2.  Rhodospermeq?,  or  rose-spored. 

3.  Chlorospermece,  or  green-spored. 

The  first  of  these  comprises  the  olive- 
colored  species,  which,  from  their  size  and 
abundance,  are  so  conspicuous  on  our 
shores,  or  which  float  in  dense  masses, 
sometimes  many  leagues  in  extent,  on  the 
surface  of  the  ocean.  On  our  own  coasts 
they  attain  the  length  occasionally  of 
twenty  feet  and  more,  and  specimens 
have  been  exhibited  in  New  York  even 
larger  than  this.  In  the  genus  Laminaria 
individuals  are  sometimes  large  enough 
to  be  a  load  for  a  man;  but  this  is  noth- 
ing to  the  size  attained  iu  the  southern 
seas,  or  even  in  some  parts  of  the  north- 
ern hemisphere.  Individuals  of  the  genus 
Macrocystis  attain  the  length  of  a  hun- 
dred feet  or  more,  and  Lessonia  forms 
submarine  forests,  the  stems  resembling 
the  trunks  of  trees.  Some  of  the  lower 
species  have  nothing  like  leaves,  and  are 
reduced  to  mere  articulated  threads,  or 
a  shapeless  mass. 

The  second  class  comprises  those 
charming  seaweeds,  remarkable  for  their 
elegance  of  form,  delicacy  of  texture,  and 
brilliancy  of  color,  which  attract  the  atten- 
tion of  all  wanderers  along  the  sea-shore. 
These  are  often  very  abundant,  but  they 
seldom  attain  any  considerable  size,  and 
some  of  them  are  as  delicate  as  Moulds. 
The  third  class  contains  most  of  the  small- 
er species,  in  which  the  frond  seldom  as- 
sumes the  form  of  a  membrane,  but  is 
more  frequently  reduced  to  a  mere  thread, 
or  even  to  single  articulations.  A  few 


ALG 

only  are  conspicuous  objects,  among 
which  the  genus  Caulerpa  is  most  remark- 
able, affording,  on  warm,  sandy  coasts, 
an  abundant  supply  of  food  for  tur- 
tles. Of  the  smaller  and  more  obscure 
species,  in  which  there  is  often  no  point 
of  attachment,  we  have  the  most  exqui- 
site microscopical  objects,  exhibiting  an 
almost  inexhaustible  variety  of  form 
and  outline.  In  the  two  latter  classes, 
more  especially,  many  species  are  so 
marked  by  calcareous  matter  as  to  pre- 
sent the  appearance  of  corals,  with  which 
productions  they  have  accordingly  been 
arranged.  A  weak  solution  of  hydro- 
chloric acid,  however,  soon  changes 
the  fixed  carbonate  of  lime  into  soluble 
chloride  of  calcium,  and  the  structure 
and  fruit  are  then  unmasked,  and  found 
to  correspond  with  those  of  true  Alga;. 
In  Diatomacece,  silex  instead  of  lime  is 
imbedded  in  the  substance  of  the  cells. 
Among  the  productions  which  appear 
upon  rocks  exposed  to  the  action  of  the 
atmosphere,  the  lower  Algoe  are  often  the 
first  to  make  their  appearance.  Even  the 
cold  surface  of  snow  and  ice  produces  the 
bright  red  Alga  known  under  the  name 
of  Bed  Snow,  while  allied  species  appear 
on  darker  grounds.  These  gradually,  by 
their  decomposition,  afford  soil  for  higher 
growths.- 

The  larger  species  of  Algae  afford  a 
useful  though  coarse  article  of  food  to 
men  and  domestic  animals,  not  to  men- 
tion the  numberless  tribes  which  they 
support  in  their  own  element.  The  Laver 
is,  however,  considered  by  many  an  ob- 
ject of  luxury;  though,  like  Olives,  it  is 
not  in  general  relished  at  first.  With  use, 
however,  it  is  esteemed  by  many  a  most 
acceptable  condiment  Many  of  the  rose- 
colored  Algce  abound  in  gelatine,  and  in 


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ALG 

consequence  they  are  collected  to  make  a 
fine  kind  of  glue,  or  as  a  substitute  for 
isinglass.  Carrageen,  or  Irish  Moss, 
which  consists,  in  great  measure,  of  com- 
mon species  of  Chondrus,  is  a  most  use- 
ful article  in  cattle  feeding,  when  boiled 
and  mixed  with  other  nutritious  matters. 
Among  the  Chlorosperms,  besides  the 
Laver  above  mentioned,  a  species  of 
Nostoc  is  much  used  as  an  ingredient  in 
soup  by  the  Chinese  ;  but  it  seems  not  to 
have  much  to  recommend  it  beyond  the 
quantity  of  commercial  bassorine  which  it 
contains.  Durvillcea  ulilis  is  employed 
for  the  same  purpose  in  Chili.  The  si- 
liceous coats  of  Diatomacece,  of  which  the 
substance  called  Tripoli  is  entirely  com- 
posed, form  a  capital  substance  for  pol- 
ishing, and  the  close  parallel  lines  of  ex- 
treme fineness  with  which  they  are  fre- 
quently grooved,  make  them  very  useful 
in  microscopical  researches  as  a  test. 

The  larger  Algce  were  formerly  much 
employed  in  the  manufacture  of  kelp. 
More  advanced  chemical  knowledge  has, 
however,  entirely  suspended  the  practice, 
carbonate  of  soda  being  now  obtained 
from  other  sources,  to  the  great  detri- 
ment of  many  of  the  proprietors  on  the 
sea-coasts  of  Scotland  and  elsewhere. 
They  form  also  a  very  valuable  manure, 
and  it  has  been  proposed  in  England,  by 
the  Rev.  J.  M.  Berkeley,  to  manufacture 
a  portable  manure  from  Algce  partially 
dried,  and  then  ground  down  with  coni- 
cal crushers,  the  pulpy  mass  being  mixed 
with  peat  ashes,  and  dried  in  strongly- 
ventilated  sheds.  Algce,  best  known  as 
"Sea- weed,"  have  long  been  used  as 
manure  by  farmers  along  the  coast  of 
New  England,  Long  Island,  New  Jersey, 
etc.,  immense  quantities  being  thrown 
ashore  in  the  fall  of  the  year.  It  is 


ALI 

generally  worked  over  in  the  pig-pen, 
and  then  composted  with  the  barn-yard 
manure.  It  is  also  used  as  a  covering 
for  Strawberries  and  other  plants  during 
the  winter. 

Some  of  the  lower  Algce  approach,  as 
before  observed,  very  pear  to  Moulds,  and 
in  consequence  many  of  the  latter,  when 
submerged  and  barren,  have  been  as- 
signed to  Algae.  Such  productions,  how- 
ever, as  yeast,  and  other  matters  which 
occur  in  fermenting  bodies,  are  now 
pretty  well  understood,  and  are  referred 
to  a  more  befitting  place  in  the  vegetable 
kingdom.  It  is  very  doubtful  if  any  true 
Alga  is  parasitic  on  animals,  those  which 
have  been  supposed  to  be  so,  as  Sarcina, 
etc.,  being  in  all  probability  Fungi.  The 
curious  productions  which  grow  on  fish 
and  other  aquatic  animals,  as  Leptomitus, 
etc.,  are  the  only  exception,  if,  indeed, 
these  also  should  not  be  excluded.  Algce 
extend  to  the  utmost  limits  of  vegetation, 
and  some  of  them  are  found  at  great 
depths  in  the  sea.  The  limits  of  the  dis- 
tribution of  species  are  not  so  extensive 
as  in  Fungi,  though  some  have  a  very 
wide  range.  Many  fossil  species  are  de- 
scribed, but  "*  the  nature  of  the  greater 
part  is  obscure. 

Algols. — The  English  term  for  Algce. 
Alismacece. — A  small  group  of  aquatic 
plants,  with  tripetaloid  flowers  and  supe- 
rior ovaries,  each  containing  only  one  or 
two  seeds.  In  some  respects,  though  En- 
dogens,  (see  Endogens,}  they  much  resem- 
ble ranunculaceous  Exogens,  (see  Exo- 
gens,)  Ranunculus  Parnassifohus  having 
altogether  the  appearance  of  an  Alisma. 
Although  for  the  most  part  natives  of 
the  northern  parts  of  the  world,  some 
species  of  Sagittaria  and  Damasonium  in- 
habit the  tropics.  Alisma  and  Sagittaria 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ALK 

have  a  fleshy  rhizome,  which  is  eatable;  a 
species  of  the  latter  genus,  S.  Sinensif,  is 
cultivated  for  food  in  China,  although  its 
herbage  is  acrid.  Various  Brazilian  Sa- 
gittarias  are  very  astringent;  and  their  ex- 
pressed juice  is  even  employed  in  the 
preparation  of  ink.  The  whole  number 
of  species  does  not  exceed  fifty,  divided 
among  the  genera  Alisma,  Sagittaria,  and 
Damasonium,  which  see. 

Atkal< '  scent. — Having  the  properties  or  ef- 
fects of  an  alkali. 

Alkali. — Any  substance  which,  mingled 
with  acid,  produces  fermentation. 

Alliaceous. — Having  the  smell  of  Garlic  or 
Oniona 

Alpine. — Strictly  speaking,  this  term  refers 
to  the  higher  part  of  the  Alps,  in  contra- 
distinction to  "  mountainous,"  which 
designates  the  middle  portion  of  the 
higher  Alps,  or  tops  of  inferior  mount- 
ains. Plants  found  in  very  high  eleva- 
tions are  called  Alpine  Plants. 

Alsinaceous. — Applied  to  a  petal  having  a 
short  but  distinct  claw,  like  those  of  Al- 
sine. 

Alternating.  — Alternate  with  anything  men- 
tioned. 

Alternative. — A  term  applied  to  aestivation 
(which  see)  when  of  the  pieces  of  a  flower 
being  in  two  rows,  the  inner  is  so  covered 
by  the  outer  that  each  exterior  piece 
overlaps  half  of  two  of  the  interior  row. 

Alternate. — Placed  on  opposite  sides  of  an 
axis,  on  a  different  level,  as  in  alternate 
leaves.  Placed  between  other  bodies  on 
the  same  or  different  whorls,  as  in  an  um- 
belliferous plant,  where  the  stamens  are 
alternate  with,  that  is  between,  the  pet- 
als. 

AUernately-pinnate.  —  When  the  leaflets  of  a 
pinnate  leaf  are  not  exactly  opposite 
each  other. 


AMA 

Altingiacece,  (Liquidambars,  Balsamaceae, 
Balsamifluae.) — A  solitary  genus,  Liquid- 
ambar,  represents  this  Natural  Order,  of 
which  three  species  only  are  known,  all 
trees  of  some  magnitude,  producing  a 
fragrant  resin  called  Storax,  or  resem- 
bling that  substance.  They  are  nearly 
related  to  Plane  Trees  and  Willows,  from 
which  they  differ  in  having  seed  vessels 
with  two  distinct  cells  instead  of  one, 
and  seeds  with  broad  membranous  wings. 

Alveolate. — Socketed,honey-combed,aswhen 
a  flat  surface  is  excavated  into  conspicu- 
ous cavities  resembling  a  honey-comb,  as 
in  the  receptacles  of  many  Composites. 

Amaranihacece,  (Amaranthi,  Polycnerneae.) 
— Under  this  name  are  included  about 
500  species  of  weeds,  or,  occasionally, 
showy  annual  plants,  (very  seldom  under- 
shrubs,)  with  inconspicuous  apetalous 
flowers,  in  almost  all  cases  of  a  scarious 
or  shriveled  texture,  and  most  commonly 
with  a  white  color,  now  and  then  pink, 
orange,  or  crimson.  They  are  very  near- 
ly the  same  as  Chenopods,  (see  Cheno- 
pods,)  and  belong  to  Lindley's  Chenopo-* 
dal  Alliance.  They  occupy  dry,  stony, 
barren  situations,  or  thickets  upon  the 
borders  of  woods,  or  even  salt  marshes; 
are  much  more  frequent  within  the  trop- 
ics than  beyond  them,  and  are  unknown 
in  the  coldest  regions  of  the  world. 
Many  of  the  species  are  used,  with  the 
addition  of  Lemon  juice,  as  pot-herbs,  on 
account  of  the  wholesome,  mucilaginous 
.qualities  of  the  leaves.  Gomphrena  offi- 
cinalis  and  G.  macrocephala  in  Brazil, 
where  they  are  called  Para  toda,  Perpetua, 
and  Kaiz  do  Padre  Salemia,  are  esteemed 
useful  in  all  kinds  of  diseases,  especially 
in  cases  of  intermittent  fever,  colic,  and 
diarrhoea,  and  against  the  bite  of  ser- 
pents. The  species  of  Gomphrena  and 


270 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


AMA 

Amaranthus  afford  beautiful  border  plants, 
and  are  well  known. 

Amaryttidacece,  (Narcissi.) — A  large  Natural 
Order,  consisting  for  the  most  part  of 
bulbous  plants,  but  occasionally  forming 
a  tall,  cylindrical,  woody  stem,  as  in  the 
genus  Agave.  They  differ  from  Irises  in 
having  six  introrse  stamens,  and  from 
Liliaceous  plants  in  their  ovary  being  in- 
ferior. A  few  species  of  Narcissus  and 
Oalanthus  are  found  in  the  north  of  Eu- 
rope and  the  same  parallels.  As  we  pro- 
ceed south  they  increase.  Pancratium 
appears  on  the  shores  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean, and  on  our  own  Southern  coasts; 
Grinum  and  Pancratium  in  the  West  and 
East  Indies;  ffcemanthus  is  found  for  the 
first  time,  with  some  of  the  latter,  on  the 
Gold  Coast ;  Hippeastras  show  them- 
selves in  countless  numbers  in  Brazil  and 
across  the  whole  continent  of  South 
America;  and,  finally,  at  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  the  maximum  of  the  order  is  be- 
held in  all  the  beauty  of  Hcemanthus,  Gri- 
num, Olivia,  Cyrlanthus,  and  Brunsmgia. 
A  few  are  found  in  New  Holland,  the 
most  remarkable  of  which  is  Doryanthes. 
Poisonous  properties  occur  in  the  viscid 
juice  of  the  bulbs  of  Buphane  toxicaria 
and  Hippeastra;  those  of  Leucojum  ver- 
num,  the  Snowdrop,  and  Daffodil  and 
other  kinds  of  Narcissus,  are  emetic. 
Nevertheless,  the  Agave,  or  American 
Aloe,  as  it  is  called,  has  an  insipid, 
sweet  juice.  Others  are  detergent,  and  a 
few  yield  a  kind  of  arrow-root.  Between 
300  and  400  species  are  known. 

Amaryttids.— An  English  form  for  Amarylli- 
dacece.  This  form  of  words  is  in  quite 
common  use  in  England,  but  only  to  a 
very  limited  extent  in  this  country.  It 
is  intended  thereby  to  shorten  and  popu- 
larize the  scientific  terms,  though  they  do 


AMP 

not  seem  to  be  taken  to  very  kindly,  or, 
rather,  they  are  not  understood.  We  have 
thought  it  best  to  make  the  reader  ac- 
quainted with  some  of  them,  which  may 
best  be  done  by  placing  before  him  some 
familiar  examples:  Orchids  is  used  for 
Orchidacece;  Lycopods  for  Lycopodiaceoe ; 
Oncids  for  Oncidiums;  Bromeliads  for 
Bromeliacece;  Fungals  for  Fungi;  Acan- 
thads  for  Acanthacece.  Bearing  these  fa- 
miliar examples  in  mind,  the  reader  will 
seldom  be  at  a  loss  to  know  what  order 
of  plants  is  referred  to.  Some  of  these 
words  have  an  uncouth  sound. 

Ambiparus. — Producing  two  kinds,  as 
where  a  bud  contains  both  flowers  and 
leaves. 

Amboyna  Wood. — The  beautifully  mottled 
wood  of  Pterospermum  Indicum. 

Amenta. — Plural  of  amentum,  which  see. 

Amentacece. — Under  this  name  were  once 
comprehended  all  apetalous,  unisexual 
plants,  whose  flowers  grow  in  catkins  or 
amenta.  Modern  botanists  find  it  more 
convenient  to  distribute  them  through 
several  different  orders,  the  chief  of 
which  are  Salicaceoe,  CorylacecK,  Betula- 
cece,  Casuarinacece,  AltingiaceoK,  Myrica- 
cece,  which  see. 

Amentum. — A  catkin.  A  deciduous  spike 
of  unisexual,  apetalous  flowers,  such  as 
appear  in  the  spring  on  the  Hazel  and 
Willow. 

Amorphous. — Where  the  form  is  not  well- 
defined  or  distinct;  having  no  definite 
form. 

Amnios. — The  fluid  that  is  produced  with- 
in the  sac  which  receives  the  embryo  ru- 
diment and  engenders  it. 

Amphibious. — Growing  either  in  water  or 
on  dry  land. 

Amphigastria.— The  so-called  stipules  of 
Scale  Mosses,  or  Jungermannice. 


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271 


AMP 

Amphisarca. — A  many-seeded,  many-celled, 
superior,  indehiscent  fruit ;  woody  on 
the  outside,  pulpy  within. 

Amplexicaul. — Stem-clasping;  as  when  the 
base  of  the  leaf  surrounds  the  stem,  as  in 
Oestrum  auriculatum,  Lonicera,  etc. 

Ampulla. — The  metamorphosed,  flask-like 
leaves  found  on  certain  aquatics,  such  as 
Utricularia  ;  not  different  from  Ascidium. 
A  flower,  etc.,  that  is  swollen  in  the  mid- 
dle like  an  ampulla  or  flask. 

AmpuUaceous. — Having  some  part,  as  the 
monopetalous  corolla  of  certain  Heaths, 
(Erica, )  swollen  out  like  a  flask. 

Amylaceous. — Having  the  properties  of 
starch. 

Amylaceous  Granules. — Grains  of  starch. 

Amylidece. — Cells  in  Algals  or  Algce,  secret- 
ing starch. 

Amyloid. — A  substance  analogous  to  starch, 
but  becoming  yellow  in  water,  after  hav- 
ing been  colored  blue  by  iodine. 

Amylum. — Starch;  that  organized,  granular 
matter  of  plants  which  iodine  stains  vio- 
let or  blue. 

AmyridaceoB,  (Terebintacese,  Burseraceae, 
Amy  rids.) — With  the  appearance  of 
Oranges,  and  sometimes  with  the  dotted 
leaves  of  that  order,  these  plants  differ  in 
their  fruit,  forming  a  shell  whose  husk 
eventually  splits  into  valve-like'segments. 
The  genera  collected  under  the  name 
of  Amyridacece  are  by  no  means  per- 
fectly known,  and  demand  a  scrupulous 
revision.  The  tropics  of  India,  Africa, 
and  America  exclusively  produce  the  spe- 
cies. Their  resinous  juice  is  of  great  im- 
portance, forming  an  ingredient  of  frank- 
incense and  other  preparations  demand- 
ing a  fragrant  combustible  matter.  See 
Amyris,  Bursera,  Boswellia,  Bahamoden- 
dron,  Idea,  and  Canarium. 

Anacanthous.  — Spineless. 


ANA 

Anacardiacece,  (Terebintacese,  Cassuvieae, 
Spondiacese,  Anacards,  Terebinths. ) — 
When  trees  or  bushes  have  a  resinous, 
milky,  often  caustic  juice,  dotless  leaves, 
and  small,  inconspicuous  flowers,  with  an 
ovary  containing  a  single  ovule,  suspend- 
ed at  the  end  of  an  erect  cord,  it  is  pret- 
ty certain  that  they  belong  to  this  order, 
of  which  more  than  400  species  are  de- 
scribed, inhabiting  the  tropics  both  north 
and  south  of  the  equator,  but  not  known 
to  occur  in  Australia.  Pistacia  and  some 
kinds  ofEhus  inhabit  temperate  latitudes. 
Among  the  products  of  the  order  are  the 
Mango  fruit,  and  that  called  in  the  West 
Indies  the  Hog  Plum;  the  nuts  named 
Pistachios  and  Cashews,  the  Black  Var- 
nish of  Burmah  and  elsewhere,  Mastic, 
Fustic,  etc.  These  varnishes  are  ex- 
tremely acrid,  and  produce  dangerous 
consequences  to  persons  who  use  them 
incautiously.  See  Melanorrhcea,  Spondias, 
Rhus,  Anacardium,  Schinus,  etc. 

Analogy. — Resemblance  to.  a  thing  in  form, 
but  not  in  function,  or  in  function,  but 
not  in  form.  Corresponding  with  a  thing 
in  many  points,  but  differing  in  more,  or 
in  points  of  more  importance.  Thus  the 
flowers  of  PotentUla  and  Ranunculus  are 
analogous. 

Anandrce. — A  name  sometimes  given  to 
Cryptogamia  on  the  supposition  that  they 
have  no  male  organs.  See  Asexual 
Plants. 

Ananthus. — Flowerless. 

Anasarca. — A  condition  of  plants  analo- 
gous to  dropsy,  though  not  always  at- 
tended by  extravasation.  In  extreme- 
ly wet  weather  the  tissues  get  gorged 
with  fluid,  and  as  the  vegetative  powers 
are  generally  lowered  by  the  decrease  of 
temperature,  the  contents  of  the  cells  are 
badly  supplied,  and,  in  consequence, 


372 


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ANA 

their  walls,  unconsolidated,  become  sub- 
ject to  decay,  which  is  soon  exhibited  in 
a  variety  of  untoward  symptoms.  Fruit, 
in  consequence,  which  has  been  produced 
in  a  wet  season  is  notoriously  subject 
to  decay,  except  compensated  by  a 
high  state  of  the  hygrometer,  a  circum- 
stance which  may  perhaps  account  for 
the  small  quantity  of  decay  which  has 
been  experienced  in  autumnal  fruits. 
In  some  cases,  as  in  Elms,  there  is  direct 
extravasation,  and  then  the  fluid  accumu- 
lates, and  at  length  forces  its  way  through 
the  bark,  producing  permanent  ulcers. 

Anastomosis. — The  union  of  veins  or  the 
angle  formed  by  their  union,  or  of  their 
branches. 

Anastomosing. — The  uniting  of  veins,  vessels, 
or  nerves. 

Anatropal. — When  an  ovule  is  turned  down 
upon  itself,  so  that  the  foramen,  or  true 
apex,  points  to  the  base,  and  the  chalaza 
(which  see)  is  at  the  apex. 

Anbury. — A  gouty,  nodular  condition  of  cer- 
tain roots,  such  as  Turnips,Cabbages,  etc. , 
commonly  known  as  "  Club  Boot,"  (which 
see,)  arising  from  the  presence  of  grubs. 
It  must  not  be  confounded  with  dactyl- 
orhiza,  which  is  a  very  different  affection, 
and  entirely  independent  of  the  attack  of 
insects. 

Anceps. — Two-edged. 

Ancipital. — Flattened  or  compressed;  with 
two  edges  more  or  less  sharp;  as  the 
stems  of  Sisyrinchium  anceps. 

Ancipitous.—  Two-edged,  as  the  stem  of  an 
Iris, 

Ander. — In  names  formed  from  the  Greek, 
ander  is  equivalent  to  the  male  sex  or  sta- 
men; thus  mon-ander  signifies  having  one 
stamen. 

Andreceacece. — A  natural  order,  or,  accord- 
ing to  some,  a  distinct  tribe  of  Mosses. 


ANE 

They  do  not,  however,  differ  essentially, 
being  distinguished  mainly  by  the  longi- 
tudinal splitting  of  the  valves  at  maturity. 
It  consists  of  but  two  genera,  Andrecea 
and  Acroschisma,  an  Antarctic  genus,  dis- 
tinguished by  the  cylindrical  capsule 
splitting  into  four  or  eight  valves  at  the 
apex  only.  All  of  the  species  are  of  a  pe- 
culiar dark  blue,  and  the  leaves,  which 
are  of  a  close  texture,  are  of  a  beautiful 
yellow  or  golden  brown  under  the  micro- 
scope. 

Andrcecium. — The  male  system  of  a  flower. 
The  stamens  taken  collectively. 

Androgynous. — A  term  applied  to  such 
kinds  of  inflorescence  as  consist  of  both 
male  and  female  flowers;  producing  male 
and  female  flowers  on  the  same  plant,  or 
on  the  same  spike  or  head. 

Androphore. — The  tube  formed  by  mona- 
delphous  filaments,  as  in  the  Mallow. 

Androus. — In  the  composition  of  words  de- 
rived from  the  Greek,  androus  refers  to 
the  stamens;  thus,  mon-androus  signifies 
having  one  stamen,  etc. 

Anemosis. — The  condition  known  in  timber 
by  the  name  of  wind  shaken.  A  trunk 
which  is  apparently  sound  externally, 
proves,  when  felled,  to  have  given  way 
in  the  direction  of  the  concentric  layers 
of  which  it  is  composed,  so  that  the  con- 
nection between  them  is  more  or  less 
completely  broken.  This  occurs  in  many 
kinds  of  exogenous  timbers,  and  is  no 
less  common  in  foreign  woods  than  in 
those  of  native  growth;  being,  as  it  is 
supposed,  due  to  the  pressure  of  extreme- 
ly violent  gales.  This,  however,  is  very 
doubtful,  the  effect  being  more  probably 
due  to  frost  or  lightning.  Wind,  how- 
ever, may  be  injurious  to  trees  without 
producing  absolute  fractures,  or  separa- 
tion of  parts,  by  causing  too  rapid  evapo- 


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273 


ANF 

ration,  and,  in  consequence,  chilling  the 
tissues  to  such  a  degree  as  to  retard  de- 
velopment, or  induce  an  unhealthy  con- 
dition, or  temporary  sterility. 

Anfractuose. — Twisted  or  sinuous;  full  of 
turnings  and  winding  passages.  The 
anthers  of  Gourds  and  Cucumbers  are 
anfractuose. 

Angiopteridece. — A  section  of  the  maratti- 
neous  division  of  marattiaceous  Ferns, 
(see  Marattiacece,}  in  which  the  spore-cases 
are  free,  and  set  close  together,  face  to 
face,  in  two  opposite  contiguous  lines. 

Angiospermia. — The  second  order  of  the 
fourteenth  class  (Didynamia)  of  the  Lin- 
nsean  System.  In  modern  classification 
all  Exogens  are  divided  into  those  whose 
seeds  are  inclosed  in  a  seed  vessel,  and 
those  with  seeds  produced  and  ripened 
without  the  production  of  a  seed-vessel. 
The  former  are  Angiospermia,  and  consti- 
tute the  principal  part  of  the  species; 
the  latter  are  Gymnospermia,  and  consist 
chiefly  of  Conifers  and  Cycads.  The  Oak, 
Apple,  Beech,  etc.,  are  Angiosperms; 
while  the  Pines,  Spruces,  Hemlock,  etc., 
are  Gymnosperms.  See  these  terms. 

Angiosperms. — The  English  term  for  Angio- 
spermia. 

Angle. — This  term  is  not  limited  in  botany 
to  the  inclination  of  two  lines,  but  is 
often  used  to  express  the  inclination  of 
two  planes  forming  an  edge,  as  in  "  An- 
gular stems,"  like  those  of  the  Passiflora 
quadrangular^. 

Anguinea. — Signifying  a  snake. 

Angular. — Composed  of  or  furnished  with 
angles. 

Angulo-dentate. — Angularly  toothed,  or  an- 
gular and  toothed. 

Angustifolio us. —Where  the  breadth  of  a  leaf 
is  small  when  compared  to  its  length,  as 
in  Epilobium  angustifoUum. 


ANO 

Anisomerous. — When  the  parts  of  a  flower 
are  unequal  in  number.  The  same  as 
Unsymmetrical,  which  see. 

Aniostaminous. — Where  the  number  of  sta- 
mens in  a  whorl  is  different  from  the 
number  of  parts  in  the  whorl  of  the 
perianth.  Thus  in  Scabiosa,  the  corolla 
is  formed  by  the  adhesion  of  five  petals, 
while  there  are  only  four  stamens. 

Annotinous. — A  year  old.  Rami  annotini 
are  branches  one  year  old. 

Annual. — Applied  to  aplant,  annual  signifies 
that  it  flowers,  produces  seed,  and  dies 
within  the  same  year  in  which  it  first  ger- 
minates. An  annual  leaf  is  one  which  falls 
in  the  autumn,  as  contra-distinguished 
from  an  evergreen  leaf,  which  lasts 
through  the  winter. 

Annular. — Having  the  form  of  a  ring,  as  in 
certain  embryos. 

Annulate. — Surrounded  by  elevated  rings 
or  bands,  or  by  scars  in  that  form. 

Annulaiions. — Eings  or  circles. 

Annulus. — A  ring,  as  that  which  surrounds 
the  spore-case  of  a  Fern,  or  the  peri- 
stome  (which  see)  of  a  Moss;  or  the 
membrane  remaining  round  the  stipe  of 
an  Agaric  when  the  cap  has  expanded.  In 
the  latter  case  it  is  a  membranous  or  fila- 
mentous veil,  inserted  on  the  one  hand 
round  the  stem,  and  on  the  other  into  the 
edge  of  the  pileus,  (which  see,)  so  as  to 
cover  the  organs  of  reproduction. 

Anomalous.—  Irregular,  unusual,  contrary  to 
rule;  as  where  a  plant  is  very  unlike  the 
great  majority  of  those  to  which  it  is 
most  nearly  allied;  or  where  some  organ 
is  remarkable  for  the  singularity  of  its 
shape,  which  cannot  readily  be  assimilat- 
ed to  any  common  object  for  the  purpose 
of  comparison;  as  in  the  petals  of  Del- 
phinium and  Aconitum. 

Anonymous. — A  name  occasionally  given  by 


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ANT 

the  older  botanists  to  various  plants 
which  they  could  not  readily  compare 
with  any  one  that  had  a  name  already. 

A  nterior.— Refers  both  to  time  and  position. 
In  the  latter  application  those  parts  are 
anterior  which  are  placed  in  front  of 
others,  or  outwardly,  with  respect  to  the 
axis  about  which  they  are  arranged. 

Anther. — The  male  part  of  a  flower,  con- 
taining the  fecundating  matter;  the  case 
which  contains  the  pollen  of  a  plant;  the 
terminal  hollow  of  a  stamen. 

Antheridia.—  The  male  organs  or  stamens. 

Antheriferous.— Bearing  anthers. 

Aniherifarm.— Having  the  form  of  anthers. 

Antheroid.— Resembling  an  anther. 

Antheromania. — An  unnatural  development 
of  stamens.  This  may  take  place  with- 
out any  detriment  to  the  plant  As  thfe 
petals  are  multiplied,  the  stamens  are 
usually  multiplied  ;  but  where  the  sta- 
mens are  epigynoxis,  (which  see,)  or  upon 
the  ovary,  the  addition  will  sometimes 
materially  disturb  the  normal  construc- 
tion of  the  flower.  In  some  double  flow- 
ers the  apparent  multiplication  of  the 
petals  is  really  a  multiplication  of  the 
stamens  ;  and  as  such  petaloid  stamens 
are  generally  devoid  of  anthers,  the  fer- 
tility of  the  plant  may  in  consequence  be 
affected. 

Anthocarpous. — Composed  of  flowers  and 
fruit  blended  into  a  solid  mass,  as  in  the 
Pineapple. 

Anthoceridece,  (Anthoceros.) — A  small  nat- 
ural order  and  genus  of  Liverworts,  dis- 
tinguished by  the  capsule,  which  is 
threaded  by  a  linear  columella,  (which 
see,)  bursting  longitudinally  on  one  or 
both  sides,  and  by  the  fronds  being  with- 
out the  pores  which  are  so  conspicuous  in 
Marchantiacece.  It  consi  sts  of  about  three 
genera  only,  which  occur  in  different 


ANT 

parts  of  the  world,  one  of  which,  Carpo- 
boliti*,  is  remarkable  for  the  absence  of 
the  spiral  vessels  or  elaters  in  the  cap- 
sule, that  are  so  characteristic  of  the 
tribe.  Two  species,  Anthoceros  Icevis  and 
A.  punctatus,  occur  on  the  ground  in  Eng- 
land, principally  in  the  eastern  counties. 
No  species  bears  anything  like  the  true 
leaves  of  the  higher  Jungermanrdce. 

Anthocyane. — The  blue  coloring  matter  of 
plants. 

Anthodium. — The  head  of  flowers  or  capit- 
ulurn  of  Composites. 

Antholysis. — The  retrograde  metamorphosis 
of  a  flower;  as  when  carpels  change  to 
stamens,  stamens  to  petals,  petals  to 
sepals,  and  sepals  to  leaves,  more  or  less 
completely. 

Anthoptosis. — Most  flowers  are  mere  tempo- 
rary organs,  which,  when  they  have  per- 
formed their  functions,  are  destined  to 
fall  In  many  cases,  however,  the  flowers 
fall  before  impregnation  has  taken  place, 
or  shortly  after,  involving  with  them  the 
pistil,  and  so  inducing  sterility.  This 
may  arise  from  various  causes,  as  excess 
or  want  of  moisture,  but  more  frequently 
from  late  frosts  or  cold  winds.  In  many 
instances  the  fall  of  the  flower  naturally 
follows  impregnation,  and  cannot  be  re- 
garded as  a  disease  ;  indeed,  the  time  of 
its  fall  seems  to  depend  upon  the  process 
of  fertilization,  for  even  in  cases  where 
the  flowers  naturally  fade  very  rapidly, 
their  duration  may  be  prolonged  by  pre- 
venting the  access  of  pollen  to  the  style. 

Anthoxanthine. — The  yellow  coloring  mat- 
ter of  plants. 

Antica/. — Placed  in  front  of  a  flower,  the 
front  being  regarded  as  the  part  most  re- 
mote from  the  axis.  Thus,  the  lip  of  an 
Orchis  is  antical. 

Antitropal. — Same  as  Orihotropal^  which  see. 


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275 


ANT 

Ants. — See  In &•<  •/.*. 
Apertus. — Open,  expanded. 
Apetdous. — Having    no    petals.     Also   ex- 
tended to  plants  that  have  neither  calyx 
nor  corolla. 
Apex. — The  summit;  generally  applied  to 

anything  terminating  in  a  point. 
Aphis. — See  Insects. 
Aphthous. — Resembling  something  covered 

with  little  ulcers. 

Aphyttce. — A  name  applied  to  that  portion 
of  cryptogamic  plants  comprehended  un- 
der the  term  Thallogens,  (which  see,)  in 
consequence  of  the  greater  part  of  them 
being  destitute  of  such  modifications  of 
leaves  as  occur  in  Mosses,  Ferns,  etc. 
Some  Sea- weeds,  or  Algce,  indeed,  have 
leaf-Like  organs,  but  these  differ  in  many 
respects  from  leaves,  and  are  mere  ex- 
pansions of  the  common  stem. 
Aphyllfws.— Destitute  of  leaves.  It  some- 
times signifies  their  partial  or  imperfect 
production. 

Apiacece,  (Umbellifera,  Umbellifers. )  —Under 
this  name  is  collected  a  very  large  num- 
ber of  plants,  inhabiting  for  the  most 
part,  in  the  northern  regions  of  the  north- 
ern hemisphere,  woods,  bogs,  marshes, 
and  dry  places.  As  we  approach  the 
equator  they  become  less  and  less  known, 
and  in  the  southern  hemisphere  are  com- 
paratively rare.  They  all  have  a  dou- 
ble (didymous)  inferior  ovary,  separat- 
ing, when  ripe,  into  two  similar  parts, 
commonly  called  seeds,  surmounted  by  a 
superior  calyx,  which  is  generally  scarce- 
ly, and  often  not  at  all,  observable;  five 
separate  petals ;  five  intervening  epigy- 
nous  stamens;  and  two  styles  proceed- 
ing from  what  is  not  very  correctly  term- 
ed a  double  epigynous  disk.  Hemlock, 
Carrot,  Parsley,  and  Parsnip  are  famihar 
examples. 


API 

Although  the  order  numbers  at  least 
1,500  species,  divided  among  nearly  300 
genera,  not  a  tree  is  known  among  them, 
a  very  few  only  attaining  the  condition 
of  woody  bushes.  Many  are  important  as 
producing  articles  of  food  ;  many  are 
poisons  ;  most  are  merely  unimportant 
weeds  ;  a  few,  like  Astrantia,  are  furnish- 
ed with  gay  colors,  and  thus  become  ob-  , 
jects  of  decoration.  One  of  them,  Bolax 
Gkbaria,  forms  huge  tussocks  in  the  Falk- 
land Islands,  resembling  hay-cocks.  Of 
the  harmless  species,  in  which,  with  a 
little  aroma,  there  is  no  inconsiderable 
quantity  of  acrid  watery  matter  or  gum- 
resinous  secretion,  must  be  more  particu- 
larly named  Celery,  Fennel,  Samphire, 
Parsley,  and  the  roots  of  the  Carrot,  Pars- 
nip, and  Skirret,  (Sium  Sisarum.)  The 
root  Eryngium  campestre  and  E.  mariti- 
mum,  commonly  called  Eryngo,  is  sweet, 
aromatic,  and  tonic.  The  aromatic  roots 
of  Meum  athamanticum  and  M.  MiUettina 
form  an  ingredient  in  Venice  treacle. 
Angelica  Root,  belonging  to  Archangelica 
fjfficindis,  is  fragrant,  sweet  when  first 
tasted,  but  leaving  a  glowing  heat  in  the 
mouth.  Others  are  gum-resinous,  as  the 
species  of  Ferula,  yielding  Asafoetida,  the 
fetid  odor  of  which  is  supposed  to  be 
owing  to  sulphur  in  combination  with 
a  peculiar  essential  oil. 

Of  aromatic  and  carminative  fruits, 
the  most  celebrated  are  Anise,  (Pimpi- 
netta  Anisum,)  Dill,  (Anethum  graveolens,) 
Caraway,  (Car urn  carui,)  and  Coriander, 
(Coriandrum  sativum.)  Besides  these, 
great  numbers  of  less  note  are  also  em- 
ployed for  the  same  reason,  the  chief  of 
which  are  the  Ajwains  or  Ajowains  of 
India,  (species  of  Ptychotin,}  Honey  wort, 
(Sison  Amomum,)  whose  fruits  smell  of 
bugs,  and  Cummin,  (Cumin umCyminum,) 


276 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


API 

now  only  used  in  veterinary  practice. 
Among  poisons,  Hemlock  (Conium  macu- 
latum)  holds  the  first  place.  Anthriscus 
vulgaris  and  A.  sylvestris  are  not  so  dan- 
gerous. Mhusa  Cynapium,  (Enanthe  cro- 
cata,  CE.  PMlandrium,  Cicuta  maculata, 
and  C.  virosa  are  other  fatal  speciea 

Apical— \i  or  relating  to  the  apex. 

Apicutate. — Terminating  abruptly  in  a  little 
point.  See  Apiculus. 

Apiculatum.—The  flowers  resembling  a  bee. 

Apiculus. — A  small  point.  This  term  is 
generally  used  when  the  midrib  projects 
beyond  the  leaf,  forming  a  little  point,  or 
when  a  small  point  is  very  suddenly  and 
abruptly  formed. 

Apifera. — Like  a  bee. 

Apocarpus. — Having  their  carpels,  or  at  least 
their  styles,  disunited. 

Apocynacece,  (Contortce,  Vincece,  Apocynece, 
Dogbanes.) — A  natural  order  of  corolli- 
floral  Exogens,  with  a  superior  ovary, 
free  epipetalous  stamens,  a  pulley-shaped 
(trochlear)  stigma,  and  unequal-sided 
lobes  of  the  corolla,  on  which  last  account 
Linnseus  called  them  contorted  or  twist- 
ed-flowered plants,  the  corolla  having 
some  resemblance  to  a  Catharine-wheel 
firework  in  motion.  Most  of  the  species 
inhabit  tropical  countries  ;  the  northern 
forms  are  the  Vinca  or  Periwinkle,  Nerium 
or  Oleander,  and  a  few  more.  In  general 
the  species  form  a  poisonous,  acrid,  milky 
secretion,  which  renders  them  dangerous; 
but  others  are  mild  enough  in  their  ac- 
tion to  be  useful  in  medicine,  and  in  a 
few  cases  the  milk  is  bland  enough  to 
form  a  palatable  beverage.  Some  yield 
the  gum-elastic  Caoutchouc,  (see  Vahea ;) 
while  some  Hancornias  and  Carissas  pro- 
duce an  eatable,  and,  as  travelers  say,  a 
pleasant  fruit.  See  Tanghinia,  Tabernce- 
montana,  Hancornia,  etc.  The  commoner 


APO 

forms  in  cultivation  are  those  of  Attaman- 
da,  Parsonsia,  Vinca,  and  Taberncemontana. 
About  600  species  are  known,  distrib- 
uted through  about  100  genera. 

Apophysis. — A  name  given  to  a  swelling, 
often  hollow,  or  of  extremely  loose  tex- 
ture, at  the  base  of  the  capsules  in  several 
Mosses.  It  is  developed  extremely  in  the 
natural  order  Splachnei,  where  it  often  ex- 
ceeds in  size  the  true  capsule.  It  attains 
its  maximum  in  Splachnum  lateum  and  S. 
rubrum,  where  it  is  a  most  conspicuous 
object,  hanging  down  like  an  umbrella  or 
the  vesicle  of  Ascophora.  In  CEdipodium 
almost  the  whole  of  the  stem  consists  of 
apophysis,  which  is  confluent  at  once 
with  it  and  the  capsule.  - 

Apostasiacece. — This  is  a  very  small  group, 
bordering  on  the  limits  of  the  vast  Orchi- 
daceous order,  from  which  it  differs 
mainly  in  its  stamens  not  being  gynan- 
drous,  but  distinct  from  each  other  and 
from  the  style.  It  stands  near  the  genus 
Cypripedium,  some  of  the  reputed  species 
of  which,  now  called  Selenipedium,  have 
a  three-celled  ovary.  The  flowers  of  all 
the  known  species  are  small  and  incon- 
spicuous, while  the  leaves  are  strongly 
marked  by  stout  parallel,  larger  veins, 
as  in  Curculigo,  or  any  similar  plant. 

Apostaxis. — Unusual  discharge  of  the  juices 
of  plants.  This  may  arise  merely  from 
an  extreme  abundance  of  fluid,  which  is 
in  consequence  discharged,  as  in  Indian 
Shot  and  the  Vine,  from  the  point  or  ser- 
rated top  of  the  leaves.  If,  however,  it  is 
elaborated  sap  which  flows  out,  either 
from  injury  or  weakness  of  the  tissues, 
the  effect  may  be  injurious.  And  this  is 
exactly  the  case  on  what  is  called  gum- 
ming ;  a  condition  which  may  be  induced 
artificially  by  allowing  water  to  drop  con- 
stantly over  a  branch-  This  always  pro- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


277 


APO 

ceeds  from  injured  or  diseased  tissues, 
and  is  with  difficulty  arrested  when  once 
set  up,  and,  if  so,  is  the  certain  forerun- 
ner of  fatal  canker.  In  some  cases,  as  in 
the  Tragacanth  Plant,  the  gum  is  organ- 
ized, and  is  derived  apparently  from  the 
medullary  rays.  In  Conifers  a  flow  of 
resin  is  often  attended  with  the  same 
fatal  results  as  gumming  in  Plums  and 
other  allied  plants.  In  this  case  it  seems 
to  arise  generally  from  root  confinement 
and  a  consequent  check  of  circulation. 
Apothecia. — The  shields  of  Lichens ;  firm, 
horny  disks  arising  from  a  thallus,  etc., 
containing  spores. 

Apothecium. — The  organ  of  fructification 
peculiar  to  Lichens,  which  contains  their 
sporules,  and  is  frequently  cup-shaped. 
Appendages. — Leaves  and  all  their  modifica- 
tions are  appendages  of  the  axis.  Hairs, 
prickles,  etc.,  are  appendages  of  the  part 
which  bears  them. 

Appendant. — Hanging,  approaching  pendu- 
lous. 
Appendiculate,  Appendiculated. — Furnished 

with  appendages. 
Appense. — Being  hung  up,  as  a  hat  upon  a 

pin;  an  approach  to  pendulous. 
Appleworts. — An  English  name  proposed  for 

the  order  Pomacece. 

Appressed. — Placed  close  upon  something 
else;  when  hairs  lie  flat  upon  the  surface 
of  a  plant  they  are  said  to  be  appressed. 
Synonymous  with  adpressed,  which  see. 
Approximate. — Parts  which  are  close  to- 
gether, but  not  united. 
Aptandraceoe. — Out  of  the  genus  Aptandra, 
Mr.  Miers  has  proposed  to  form  a  natural 
order  bearing  this  name.  Only  one  spe- 
cies is  known,  a  tree  with  alternate 
leaves  and  minute  flowers,  a  native  of  the 
banks  of  the  Eiver  Amazon.  It  is  usual- 
ly referred  to  Humiriads.  Its  great  fea- 


AEA 

ture  is  having  anthers  opening  by  re- 
flexed  valves,  as  in  Lauracece. 
Apterous. — Without  the  membranous  mar- 
gins which  botanists  call  wings. 
Aquatic. — Applied  to  all  plants  which  grow 
in  the  water,  whether  they  are  entirely 
submerged,  float  on  its  surface,  or,  hav- 
ing the  roots  fixed  in  the  soil,  raise  their 
leaves  and  flowers  above  the  water,  as  the 
Water  Lilies,  (Nymphcea.) 

Aquifoliacece,  (Ilicinece,  Holly  worts.) — The 
common  Holly  Tree  is  the  type  of  a  small 
natural  order  of  shrubs  and  trees,  with 
rotate  monopetalous  flowers,  a  definite 
number  of  epipetalous  stamens,  and  a 
fleshy  fruit.  The  species  may  be  said  to 
possess  in  general  emetic  qualities,  vari- 
ously modified  in  various  instances.  Bird- 
lime is  obtained  from  the  bark  of  the 
common  Holly,  and  the  beautiful  white 
wood  is  much  esteemed  by  cabinet-mak- 
ers for  inlaying.  A  decoction  of  Ilex  vom- 
itoria,  called  Black  Drink,  was  used  by  the 
Creek  Indians  at  the  opening  of  their 
councils,  and  it  acts  as  a  mild  emetic. 
But  the  most  celebrated  product  of  the 
order  is  Mate,  or  Paraguay  Tea,  the  dried 
leaves  of  Ilex  Paraguay  ensis.  The  old  ge- 
nus Aquifolium,  now  Ilex,  is  the  type  of 
this  natural  order. 

Aquilariacece,  (Aquilariads.) — These  consist 
of  fragrant  tropical  Asiatic  trees,  with 
small,  apetalous  flowers,  resembling 
those  of  a  Rhamnus.  Only  ten  species 
are  known,  of  which  the  most  important 
is  the  genus  Aquilaria. 

Aracece,  (Aroidece,  Arads.) — These  are  in- 
complete plants  of  the  Endogenous  class, 
with  numerous  naked  unisexual  flowers, 
closely  packed  upon  a  spadix,  shielded 
when  young  by  the  hooded  leaf  called  a 
spathe,  as  is  seen  in  the  common  Wake- 
robin,  (Arum  maculatum.)  They  are  com- 


278 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ARA 

mon  in  tropical  countries,  but  rare  in 
those  with  a  cold  or  temperate  climate. 
Botanists  have  mixed  them  with  Oron- 
tiads,  (OrontiacefK,}  from  which  their  her- 
maphrodite flowers  distinguish  them. 
Most  have  tuberous  roots,  (corms,)  but 
some  acquire  the  stature  of  little  trees, 
the  most  interesting  of  which  is  the  Dumb 
Cane,  a  species  of  the  genus  Dieffenbachia. 
The  acrid,  poisonous  qualities  which  have 
given  rise  to  the  latter  name,  are  charac- 
teristic of  the  order.  Nevertheless, 
the  whole  contain  starch  in  such 
abundance,  that  it  may  be  separated  in 
the  form  of  Arrow-root,  or  used  as  food  in 
the  combined  state,  only,  however,  after 
very  careful  washing,  to  remove  the 
acrid  juices.  Thus,  the  common  spotted 
Arum  was  eaten  in  time  of  scarcity,  and 
yields  a  kind  of  Arrow-root,  and  the  Colo- 
casias  are  grown  everywhere  in  hot  coun- 
tries as  common  field  crops.  See  all 
these  names. 

One  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  order  is 
to  extend  the  end  of  the  spadix  into  a 
soft,  cellular,  enlarged  process,  which  is 
the  growing  point  of  the  flower  branch, 
and  analogous  to  the  succulent  recepta- 
cle of  the  Strawberry,  the  spongy  excres- 
cence called  the  Oak  Apple,  and  even  the 
stiff,  hard  spine  of  the  Gleditschia. 
Scarcely  more  than  200  species  are 
known.  The  Caladium,  Richardia  &thio- 
pica,  (Calla,)  Arum,  Colocasia,  etc.,  are  ex- 
amples of  this  order. 

Arachnoid. — Eesembling  cobwebs  in  ap- 
pearance; composed  of  soft  downy  hairs 
or  fibers;  resembling  the  web  of  the 
gossamer  spider;  as  the  pubescence  on 
the  leaves  of  Sempervivum  arachnoideum, 
Calceolaria  arachnoidea,  etc. 

Arachnoidem.— Covered  with  capillary  fila- 
ments. 


ARC 

Arads. — An  English  name  for  the  Aracece, 
which  see. 

Araliac&x,  (Araliads,  Ivyworts.} — These  form 
a  small  natural  order  closely  approaching 
Uinbellifers,  from  which  they  in  reality 
differ  in  little,  except  in  their  fruit  al- 
ways consisting  of  more  carpels  than  two, 
and  having  no  double  epigynous  disk. 
They  are  also  more  generally  arborescent, 
many  of  them  being  trees  or  large 
shrubs,  and  very  few  herbs.  Several  are 
conspicuous  for  their  broad,  noble  foliage. 
The  species  are  found  in  the  tropical  and 
sub-tropical  regions  of  the  world,  and  in 
some  of  the  coldest,  as  in  Canada,  the 
northwest  coast  of  America,  and  Japan. 
Aralia  polaris  even  occurs  in  Lord  Auck- 
land's Islands,  in  50|°  south  latitude. 
They  have  aromatic  qualities,  usually 
slight,  but  occasionally  intense.  One  of 
them  forms  a  soft,  white,  spongy  pith, 
which,  when  cut  into  thin  plates  and  flat- 
tened, becomes  the  famous  so-called  Rice 
Paper  of  the  Chinese.  Hedera,  Aralia, 
Panax,  Gunnera,  Adoxa,  etc.,  are  exam- 
ples of  this  order. 

Araniferous. — Resembling  a  spider. 

Ara-root.—The  same  as  Arrow-root,  which 
see. 

Arboreous. — Being  a  tree,  as  distinguished 
from  frutesaent  or  shrubby. 

Arborescent. — Having  a  tendency  to  become 
a  tree. 

Arbuscula. — A  small  shrub  with  the  appear- 
ance of  a  tree,  like  many  Heaths. 

Archegone.  — A  term  applied  to  the  long- 
necked,  cellular  sacs  which  occur  in  the 
higher,  or  acrogenous  Cryptogamia,  and 
which  are  analogous  to  the  pistils  of 
Phsenogarns,  (which  see.)  They  contain  at 
the  base  of  their  cavity  a  cell  which  is  an- 
alogous to  the  embryo  sac  of  Phcenogamia, 
and  which  is  impregnated  by  the  agency 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


279 


ARC 

of  sperm  atozoids.  From  this  cell,  either 
the  young  plant,  as  in  Ferns,  or  the  cap- 
sule, as  in  Mosses,  is  formed  by  means  of 
repeated  cell  division. 

Archil  or  Orchil. — A  coloring  matter  ob- 
tained from  various  species  of  Lichens, 
especially  Eoccella  tinctoria. 

Arcuate,  Arcuated. — Curved,  or  bent  like  a 
bow. 

Ardens. — Bright,  glowing,  burnished. 

Ardisiads. — An  English  name  for  the  order 
Myrsinacece. 

Arenaria. — Growing  among  sand. 

Areolce. — Little  spaces,  or  areas  on  the  sur- 
face of  a  thing;  the  surface  of  crustaceous 
Lichens  is  often  cracked  in  every  direc- 
tion; the  spaces  between  the  cracks  are 
the  areolse. 

Areolate,  Areolated. — Divided  off  into  dis- 
tinct spaces,  usually  more  or  less  angu- 
lar. The  skin  of  a  plant  is  areolate. 

Argenteus.  — "White,  with  a  tinge  of  gray,  and 
glittering  with  somewhat  of  a  metallic 
luster,  as  the  silky  hair  on  the  leaves  of 
Evolvulus  argenteus. 

Arid. — Exhausted  of  moisture.  This  term 
is  used  to  denote  a  dry  atmosphere  in 
plant  houses  or  under  glass. 

Arietinum. — Resembling  a  ram's  head. 

Aril,  Arttlua. — An  expansion  of  the  funicu- 
lar chord;  a  body  which  rises  up  from 
the  placenta  and  encompasses  the  seed, 
like  the  Mace  in  Nutmeg,  and  the  red  sac 
in  Euonymus. 

Arillode. — A  false  aril ;  a  coating  of  the 
seed  proceeding  from  its  own  surface,  and 
not  from  the  placenta. 

Arillate. — Having  that  peculiar  appendage 
called  the  arillus,  which  see. 

Arista. — The  awn  or  beard  of  Wheat  or 
Barley,  or  any  such  like  process. 

Aristate,  Aristated. — Bearded,  as  the  glumes 
of  Barley,  etc. 


ART 

Arislolochiacece,  (Aristolochice,  Asarinece,  Pis- 
tolochincB,  Birthworts.) — In  the  tropical 
parts  of  both  hemispheres,  and  occasion- 
ally beyond  those  limits,  occurs  a  race  of 
plants  with  singularly  inflated,  irregular 
flowers,  consisting  of  a  calyx  only,  of  a 
dull,  dingy  color,  varying  from  yellow  to 
shades  of  chocolate,  purple,  or  brown, 
and  often  emitting  an  offensive  odor.  A 
hot  summer  appears  to  be  one  condition 
of  their  existence,  with  a  few  exceptions, 
the  most  striking  of  which  are  Asarums, 
little  stemless  plants,  wild  in  Europe  and 
North  America,  and  the  Aristolochia  Clem- 

•  atitis,  which  has  become,  as  it  were,  natu- 
ralized in  England.  The  wood  of  these 
plants,  when  they  have  any,  consists  of 
parallel  plates,  held  closely  together  by 
soft,  medullary  processes.  The  ovary  is 
inferior,  with  many  ovules,  and  for  the 
most  part  consist  of  six  cells,  the  number 
three  being,  as  in  Endogens,  characteris- 
tic of  the  floral  apparatus  of  the  order. 
In  medicine  these  plants  are  slightly  aro- 
matic, stimulating  tonics,  useful  in  the 
latter  stages  of  low  fever;  the  taste  is  bit- 
ter and  acrid;  the  odor  strong  and  disa- 
greeable. The  principal  genera  are  Aris- 
tolochia and  Asarum,  which  see. 

Arma.—  Such  appendages  as  prickles, 
thorns,  etc.,  which  serve  as  defenses  to 
protect  plants  against  the  attacks  of  ani- 
mals. 

Armature,  Arms. — Any  kind  of  defense,  con- 
sisting of  spines,  prickles,  etc. 

Armeniacm. — Apricot-colored;  also,  native 
of  Armenia. 

Armillaris. — Like  a  bracelet. 

Aroma. — The  spicy  quality  of  flowers,  fruits, 
foliage,  etc. 

Arrhosus. — Gnawed,  bitten. 

Articulate,  Articulated.  —  Jointed,  having 
joints. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


ART 

Articulations. — The  places  where  one  thing 
is  joined  with  another. 

Artocarpacece,  (Artocarpece,  Artocarpads.) — 
A  group  of  apetalous  trees,  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Urtical  Alliance,  not  unlike  the 
Plane  Trees  of  Europe;  but  for  the 
most  part  inhabiting  the  tropics.  They 
abound  in  a  milky  juice,  and  have, 
for  the  most  part,  their  female  flowers 
collected  into  fleshy  masses  or  heads. 
Moreover,  they  have  great  sheathing, 
convolute  stipules,  like  those  of  a  Fig 
Tree.  The  more  important  genera  are 
Artocarpus  and  Anliaris. 

Artocarpads. — The  English  term  for  Ario- 
carpacece. 

Asafodida. — A  drug  formed  of  the  concreted 
milky  juice  of  Narthex,  and  of  various  spe- 
cies of  Ferula. 

Asarinece. — A  synonym  of  Aristolochiacece. 

Ascending,  Ascendent. — Directed  upward, 
as  the  stem,  which  is  the  ascending  axis; 
rising  upward  with  a  curve  from  the  hori- 
zontal to  a  vertical  position,  as  many  stems. 

Asci.— The  name  of  the  fruit-bearing  cells 
in  the  important  division  of  Fungi  called 
Ascomycetes.  These  may  be  thread- 
shaped,  cylindrical  like  little  sausages, 
clavate,  or  sub-globose.  In  the  latter 
case  they  are  mostly  few  in  number,  and 
are  occasionally  reduced  to  one  in  each 
cyst  or  perithecium,  as  in  Sphcerotheca,  to 
which  genus  belongs  the  felted  Mildew 
of  Kose-leaves  and  the  Hop  Mildew. 
This  is  the  species  known  as  the  Fungus 
of  the  Cutting  Bench.  See  "  Propaga- 
tion of  Plants  by  Cuttings." 

Ascigero us.  —Having  asci,  which  see. 

Aaddium.— A  pitcher;  various  modifica- 
tions of  leaves  containing  or  capable  of 
holding  fluid,  such  as  are  found  in  Sarra- 
cenia,  Nepenthes,  Cephalotus,  or  even  Utric- 
ularia. 


ASC 

AsclepiadacecB,(Asclepiadeoe,  Asclepiads,  Apo- 
cynece  in  part.) — Among  monopetalous 
Exogens  with  a  superior  ovary,  the  very 
large  natural  order  which  bears  this  name 
is  known  by  its  pollen  being  collected  in 
the  form  of  waxy  masses  or  bags,  derived 
from  the  separable  inner  lining  of  the 
anther  cells,  and  by  the  fruit  consisting 
most  commonly  of  a  pair  of  divaricating 
follicles.  The  species  differ  from  Apocy- 
nacese,  or  Dogbanes,  in  the  peculiar  struc- 
ture of  the  stamina!  apparatus,  the  sta- 
mens in  the  latter  order  being  distinct, 
the  pollen  powdery,  the  stigma  not  par- 
ticularly dilated,  and  all  these  parts  dis- 
tinct the  one  from  the  other.  But  in 
Asclepiads  the  whole  of  the  sexual  appa- 
ratus is  consolidated  into  a  single  body, 
the  center  of  which  is  occupied  by  a 
broad,  disk-like  stigma,  and  the  grains  of 
pollen  cohere  in  the  shape  of  waxy  bod- 
ies, which  become  attached  finally  to  the 
five  corners  of  this  stigma,  to  which  they 
adhere  by  the  intervention  of  peculiar 
glands. 

Fully  1,000  species  are  known,  for  the 
most  part  inhabiting  the  tropics  of  the 
Old  and  New  Worlds.  Two  genera  only 
are  found  in  northern  latitudes,  one  of 
which,  Asclepias,  has  many  species,  and 
is  confined  apparently  to  North  Amer- 
ica ;  the  other,  Cynanchum,  is  remarkable 
for  extending  from  59°  north  latitude 
to  32°  south  latitude.  A.  Stapelia  is 
found  in  Sicily.  They  vary  extremely 
in  appearance,  many  being  leafless  suc- 
culents, like  Stapelia;  others  (and  they 
are  more  numerous)  consisting  of  twiners 
like  Hoya;  while  another  portion  con- 
sists of  upright  herbaceous  plants,  such 
as  Asclepias  and  Vincetoxicum  ;  a  few  are 
tropical  trees.  As  a  general  rule  the  spe- 
cies are  poisonous  ;  an  acrid  milk  which 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


ASC 

pervades  all  their  parts  being  eminently 
emetic  and  purgative. 

The  genera  Sfapelia,  Hoya,  Asclepias, 
Vincetoxicum,  Ceropegia,  Periploca,  are 
good  examples  of  the  order.  The  man- 
ner in  which  the  ovules  of  these  plants 
are  fertilized  by  the  pollen  is  among  the 
most  curious  phenomena  known  in  plants. 
Instead  of  the  grains  of  pollen  falling  on 
a  viscid  stigmatic  surface,  and  then  pro- 
ducing tubes  of  impregnation,  the  tubes 
are  formed  inside  the  pollen  bags,  whence 
they  ultimately  find  their  way  by  a  spon- 
taneous emission,  and  reach  the  surface 
of  the  stigma  without  being  projected 
upon  it,  conducted  by  some  inherent 
vital  power.  For  a  full  account  of  this 
extraordinary  fact,  see  Lindley's  In- 
troduction to  Botany,  fourth  edition. 

Asdepiadece. — A  synonym  of  Asclepiadacece. 

Asdepiads. — The  English  name  for  Asdepi- 
adacece. 

Asexual. — This  term  was  once  applied  to 
Cryptogamice,  but  since  the  discoveries 
which  have  been  made  during  the  last 
thirty  years,  it  is  no  more  applicable  to 
them  than  to  Phcenogamice.  Sexual  or- 
gans have  now  been  discovered  in 
every  branch  of  Cryptogamios.  Among 
Fungi  alone  they  are  still  obscure  in 
several  divisions;  but  if  such  genera  as 
Leptomitus  really  belong  to  Fungi,  of 
which  there  is  little  doubt,  there  is  even 
among  them  the  same  type  as  among  the 
higher  Cryptogamice.  It  is,  moreover, 
singular  that  the  impregnation  of  Cryp- 
togamice comes  nearer  the  type  of  that  in 
animals  than  in  Plwsnogamice.  Their 
spermatozoids  resemble  closely  those  of 
animals,  and,  indeed,  are  often  more 
complicated.  Among  Fungi  alone,  and 
Lichens,  which  nearly  approach  Fungi, 
they  are  mere  cells,  without  motion,  anal- 


ASP 

ogous  to  pollen  grains,  though  they  do 
not  germinate  like  them,  at  least  so 
far  as  has  been  observed  at  present. 

Aspect. — This  term  is  used  to  denote  the  posi- 
tion of  garden  or  grounds.  When  choice 
can  be  made,  it  should  be  towards  the 
south  or  southeast,  and  if  it  has  a  gentle 
slope  to  the  south  or  southeast,  say  one 
foot  in  a  hundred,  so  much  the  better ; 
and  if  well  sheltered  by  hills  or  woods 
from  the  northwest,  many  plants  can  be 
safely  grown  that  would  not  be  sufficient- 
ly hardy  without  that  shelter.  Such  an 
aspect  also  permits  operations  to  be  be- 
gun earlier  in  spring,  and  will  longer  re- 
sist the  fall  frosts,  than  if  such  shelter 
was  not  present.  Such  aspect  is  equally 
important  for  all  glass  structures. 

Asperifolice. — An  old  name  for  what  are  now 
called  Borageworts,  or  Boraginacece,  de- 
rived from  the  remarkable  roughness  of 
the  leaves  of  the  greater  part  of  the  spe- 
cies. 

Asphodelece. — An  order  of  herbaceous  plants 
now  merged  in  Liliacece,  from  which  they 
were  found  to  differ  in  no  essential  char- 
acters; a  group  of  monocotyledons,  which 
may  be  considered  as  a  distinct  natural 
order,  or  referred  to  Liliaceee  as  a  subor- 
dinate tribe. 

Aspidiece. — A  section  of  polypodineous 
Ferns,  in  which  the  sori  are  punctiform 
or  dot-like,  and  covered  either  by  reni- 
form  or  peltate  indusia.  See  Indusia. 

Aspkniece. — A  section  of  polypodineous 
Ferns,  in  which  the  simple  linear  or  ob- 
long sori  are  parallel  with  the  veins,  and 
oblique  to  the  midrib,  produced  on  one 
side  of  the  veins,  and  covered  by  indu- 
sia of  the  same  form.  The  modern  group, 
Aspleniece,  is  nearly  synonymous  with 
the  genus  Asplenium  of  the  older  and 
some  modern  writers. 


284 


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B. 


BAG 

r._A  berry ;  that  is  to  say,  a  suc- 
culent seed-vessel  filled  with  pulp, 
in  which  the  seeds  nestle,  as  in  the 
Tomato.  Bacca  corticata  is  a  berry  hav- 
ing a  rind,  as  an  Orange.  Bacca  swca  is 
a  fruit  which  is  a  berry  when  unripe,  but 
becomes  a  dry  body  when  ripened.  Bacca 
spuria  is  any  fleshy  fruit  which  is  not  a 
true  bacca  or  berry;  as  the  Juniper, 
Strawberry,  Raspberry,  etc. 

Baccate. — Having  a  pulpy  or  succulent  tex- 
ture ;  a  term  only  applied  to  the  parts  of 
a  flower  or  fruit ;  berried,  fleshy. 

Baccate  Seeds. — Seeds  with  a  pulpy  skin. 

Baccatus.  — Berry-bearing. 

Baccaularius. — Such  a  fruit  as  that  of  the 
Mallow,  viz.,  several  one-seeded  or  two- 
seeded  dry  carpels  cohering  round  an 


Bacilli. — The  separable,  moving,  narrow 
plates  of  which  the  genus  Diatoma  is  com- 
posed. 

Bacillus. — The  little  bulbs  found  on  the 
inflorescence  of  some  plants;  a  term 
rarely  employed. 

Badious. — Chestnut  brown. 

Bagged. — Resembling  a  bag  or  sack. 

Balanophoracece,  (Cynomoriums.) — A  small 
natural  order,  consisting  of  about  thirty 
species,  of  singular-looking,  succulent, 
leafless  plants,  usually  highly  colored,  of 
various  shades  of  yellow  or  red  ;  all  para- 
sites on  roots,  and  rising  from  an  inch 
or  two  to  about  a  foot  above  ground. 
Their  color  and  consistence,  the  absence 
of  all  leaves,  except  in  a  few  species, 
imbricated  scales  of  the  color  of  the  rest 
of  the  plant,  and  the  greatly  reduced 
structure  of  the  flowers,  had  induced 
some  botanists  to  consider  them  as  Cryp- 


BAL 

togamia  allied  to  Fungi ;  but  their  struc- 
ture is  now  much  better  understood,  and 
has  been  fully  described,  especially  by 
Dr.  J.  D.  Hooker.  He  has  shown  them 
to  be  most  nearly  connected  with  Halor- 
agece,  and  to  have  no  real  affinity  with 
Rafflesiacece,  Orobanchacece,  or  any  other 
root  parasites,  which  assume  something 
of  a  similar  color  and  consistence.  The 
flowers  are,  in  nearly  all  the  species,  uni- 
sexual, of  very  simple  structure,  and  pro- 
duced in  considerable  numbers,  in  com- 
pact terminal  heads  or  cones  ;  the  small 
perianth,  usually  simple  and  inferior  in 
the  females,  more  or  less  three-cleft  or 
six-cleft  in  the  males,  is  in  some  species 
wholly  wanting ;  the  stamens,  usually 
few,  are  very  variable  in  number  and 
form  ;  the  ovary  has  one  or  two  styles, 
and  always  a  single  cavity  with  one  pen- 
dulous ovule. 

The  Balanophoracece  are  natives  of  hot 
climates,  in  various  parts  of  both  the 
New  and  the  Old  World,  one  species 
only,  the  Cynomorium  coccineum,  or 
Fungus  melitensis  of  old  authors,  being 
found  as  far  north  as  the  southern  shores 
of  the  Mediterranean.  They  have  been 
distributed  into  fourteen  genera.  The 
most  remarkable,  for  the  size  or  beauty 
of  the  species,  or  for  the  use  made  of 
them,  are  Sarcophyte,  Lopkophytum,  Om- 
brophytum,  Langodorffia,  and  Cynomorium. 

Balanophagi. — The  ancient  feeders  on  acorns 
and  similar  food. 

Bald. — Destitute  of  pubescence   or  downy 
appendages. 

Ball. — The  round  central  part  of  the  flower 
of  the  Stapelia,  etc. 

Balsam. — A  name   given  to  various  gum- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BAL 

resinous  or  oleo-resinous  substances. 
Bayee  Balsam,  a  product  of  Balsamoden- 
dron  pubescens.  Canadian  Balsam,  a  pro- 
duct of  Abies  balsamea.  Carpathian  Bal- 
sam, a  product  of  Pinus  Cembra.  Copalm 
Balsam,  a  product  of  Liquidambar  styraci- 
flua.  Garden  Balsam,  Impatiens  Balsami- 
na,  sometimes  called  Balsamina  hortensis. 
Hungarian  Balsam,  an  oleo-resinous  pro- 
duct of  Pinus  Pumilio.  Balsam  of  Acou- 
chi,  a  product  of  Idea  Aracouchini.  Bal- 
sam of  Copaiva,  an  acrid  production  of 
various  species  of  Copaifera.  Balsam  of 
Maria,  a  product  of  Verticillaria  acuminata. 
Balsam  of  Peru,  a  product  of  Myrospermum 
Peruiferum.  Balsam  of  Quinquino,  a  pro- 
duct of  Myrospermum  pubescens,  sold  as 
White  Balsam.  Balsam  of  Tolu,  a  product 
of  Myrospermum  toluiferum.  Balsam  of 
Umiri,  a  product  of  Humirium  floribun- 
dum.  Tamacoari  Balsam,  a  product  of 
a  Brazilian  species  of  Caraipa.  White 
Balsam,  the  same  as  the  Balsam  of  Quin- 
quino above. 

Balsaminacece,  (Hydrocerece. )  —  The  large 
genus  Impatiens,  and  a  single  species  sep- 
arated from  it  under  the  name  of  Hydro- 
cera,  included  by  Jussieu  in  the  Geranium 
family,  have  been  raised  to  the  rank  of  a 
distinct  order,  on  account  of  the  remark- 
able irregularities  in  the  flowers,  which 
have  been  variously  explained  by  differ- 
ent botanists.  The  sepals  and  petals,  all 
colored,  consist  usually  of  six  pieces, 
two  outer  ones,  small,  flat,  and  oblique  ; 
the  next  large,  hood-shaped,  ending  be- 
low in  a  conical  spur  ;  the  fourth  oppo- 
site to  it,  small,  but  yet  very  broad  and 
concave,  the  two  innermost  very  oblique, 
and  more  or  less  divided  into  two  un- 
equal lobes.  It  has  been  a  matter  of 
much  dispute  which  of  them  should  be 
considered  as  sepals  and  which  as  petals. 


BAB 

It  has  now,  however,  been  proved  by  the 
examination  of  some  Asiatic  species, 
where  there  are  two  additional  small  se- 
pals, and  especially  of  the  Hydrocera, 
where  the  flowers  are  less  irregular,  that 
the  two  outer  pieces,  and  the  large  spur- 
red one,  with  the  two  occasional  additional 
ones,  are  the  sepals,  that  the  two  inner- 
most lobed  pieces  consist  each  of  two 
united  petals,  and  that  the  broad  concave 
one  is  the  fifth  petal,  thus  bringing  the 
structure  more  into  conformity  with  that 
of  our  true  Geraniacece,  with  which  Bal- 
sams agree  also  in  their  ovary,  and  in  the 
fruit  which,  in  bursting  open,  leaves  the 
attachment  of  the  seeds  adhering  to  the 
persistent  axis.  The  Balsaminacece  may 
therefore  be  again  considered  as  a  tribe 
only  of  Geraniacece. 

Banded.  — Marked  with  cross-bars  of  color  ; 
when  stripes  of  color  are  arranged  trans- 
versely. 

Bands.  — Applied  to  the  spaces  between  the 
lines  or  ribs  of  the  fruit  of  umbelliferous 
plants. 

Band-shaped. — Narrow  and  very  long. 

Barb. — A  hooked  hair;  a  double  hook  at 
the  end  of  some  bristles,  as  on  the  fruit 
of  Echinospermum  Lappula. 

Barbate. — Having  long,  soft  hairs  in  one  or 
more  tufts. 

Barbatus. — Bearded,  having  tufts  of  soft 
hairs,  as  in  Chelone  barbata. 

Barbettce. — The  hairs  of  the  pappus  of  Com- 
posites, when  they  are  short,  stiff,  and 
straight 

Barbellulce. — Small,  conical,  spine -like  pro- 
cesses of  the  pappus  of  Composites,  as  in 
Aster. 

Barbula. — The  inner  row  of  fringes  or  teeth 
in  the  peristome  (which  see)  of  such 
Mosses  as  Tortula.  Also  the  name  of  a 


286 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF  PLANTS. 


BAR 

Bark.— AH  the  outer  integuments  of  a 
plant  beyond  the  wood,  and  formed  of 
tissue  parallel  with  it.  The  only  true 
bark  is  that  of  Exogens.  In  Endogens, 
False  Bark,  also  called  Cortical  Integu- 
ment, stands  in  the  place  of  bark,  from 
which  it  is  known  by  the  fibrous  tissue 
of  the  wood  passing  into  it  obliquely. 

B<trk. — The  officinal  name  given  to  the  cor- 
tical layers  of  various  plants,  used  chiefly 
for  medicinal  and  tanning  purposes.  The 
name  is,  par  excellence,  applied  to  the  Pe- 
ruvian or  Cinchona  barks,  the  source  of 
Quinine.  Of  these  there  are  many  varie- 
ties, namely:  Calisaya  Bark,  Royal  Yel- 
low, Cinchona  Calisaya;  Light  Calisaya, 
C.  Boliviano,  C.  scrobiculata ;  Peruvian 
Calisaya,  C.  scrobiculata,  (Delondriana;) 
Carabaya  Ash,  Jaen,  C.  ovata ;  Dark  Jaen, 
C.  villosa;  Hard  Carthagena,  C.  cordifolia; 
Woody  Carthagena,  C.  Condaminea ; 
Spongy  Carthagena,  Coquetta,  Bogota,  C. 
lancifolia,  (Condaminea;)  Crown,  C.  Cal- 
isaya; Select  Crown,  C.  chahuanguera  ; 
Ashy  Crown,  C.  macrocalyx,  C.  rotundi- 
folia;  Fine  Crown,  C.  crispa;  Loxa  Crown, 
C.  Condaminea;  Wiry  Crown,  C.  hirsuta; 
Cinnamon,  C.  coccinea ;  Cusco,  Ariza,  C. 
pubescens;  Red  Cusco,  St.  Ann's,  C.  scro- 
biculata;  Huanuco,  Gray,  C.  micrantha, 
C.  glandulifera,  C.  nitida ;  Original  Loja, 
C.  uritusinga ;  Negrilla,  C.  heterophylla ; 
Red,  G.  conglomerata;  Genuine  Red,  C. 
tfuccirubra  ;  Spurious  Red,  C.  magnifolia. 
The  principal  sorts  are  sometimes  classed 
thus:  Gray  Barks:  Crown  or  Loxa,  C. 
condaminea,  C.  scrobiculata,  C.  macrocalyx; 
Lima,  Huanuco,  Silver,  C.  micrantha,  C. 
lanceolata,  C.  glandulifera,  and  probably 
G.purpurea.  Red  Barks:  C.  nitida.  Yel- 
low Barks:  C.  Calisaya,  C.  micrantha,  C. 
Condaminea,  C.  lancifolia.  Rusty  Barks  : 
C.  hirsuta,  C.  micrantha,  C.  owlifoha,  and 


BAR 

probably  C.  purpurea.  White  Barks :  C. 
ovata,  C.  pubescens,  C.  cordifolia.  For  a 
complete  account  of  the  medicinal  Cin- 
chona Barks,  see  Mr.  Howard's  splendid 
volume,  entitled,  The  Nueva  Quinologia  of 
Pavon. 

The  following  Barks  are  also  employed 
officinally  or  economically  :  Alcornoco  or 
Alcornoque,  the  astringent  bark  of  several 
species  of  Byrsonima,  or,  according  to 
some  authorities,  of  Bowdichia  virgilli- 
oides.  Angostura  Bark,  the  febrifugal 
bark  of  Galipea  Cusparia  or  G.  officinalis. 
Babul  Bark,  the  astringent  bark  of  Acacia 
Arabica.  Bastard  Cabbage  Bark,  the  bark 
of  Andira  inermis ;  the  same  as  Worm 
Bark.  Bastard  Jesuit's  Bark,  the  bark  of 
Iva  frutescens.  Bonace  Bark,  the  bark  of 
Daphne  tinifolia.  Canella  Bark,  the  stim- 
ulant aromatic  bark  of  Canella  alba.  Ca- 
ribcean  Bark,  the  astringent  bark  of  Ex- 
ostemma  caribceum.  Cascarilla  or  Sweet 
Wood  Bark,  the  aromatic  bark  of  Croton 
Cascarilla  and  C.  pseudo-China.  China 
Bark,  the  febrifugal  bark  of  Buena  hexan- 
dra.  Conessi  Bark,  the  astringent  bark 
of  Wrightia  antidysenterica.  Culilawan 
Bark,  the  aromatic  stimulant  bark  of  (7m- 
namomum  Culilawan.  Eleuthera  Bark,  the 
aromatic  bark  of  Croton  Cascarilla.  False 
Angostura  Bark,  the  bark  of  Strychnos 
nux-vomica.  French  Guiana  Bark,  the 
febrifugal  bark  of  Portlandia  hexandra. 
Hemlock  Bark,  the  astringent  bark  of 
Abies  Canadensis,  used  for  tanning  leather. 
Jesuit's  Bark,  the  same  as  Peruvian  Bark. 
Juribali  Bark,  an  astringent  bark  of  Dem- 
erara,  supposed  to  be  the  produce  of  some 
Cedrelaceous  plant.  Melambo  Bark,  the 
aromatic  febrifugal' bark  of  some  species 
of  Galipea,  or  one  of  its  allies.  Mesereum 
Bark,  the  acrid,  irritant  bark  of  Daph- 
ne Mezereum.  Monesia  Bark,  the  bark 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


287 


BAB 

of  some  South  American  Sapotacece. 
Muruxi  Bark,  the  astringent  bark  of 
Byrsonima  spicata,  used  by  the  Brazilian 
tanners.  Niepa  Bark,  the  febrifugal  bark 
of  Samadera  Indica.  Panococco  Bark,  the 
sudorific  bark  of  Sioarlzia  tomentosa.  Quer- 
citron Bark,  the  yellow  dye  bark  of  Qwer- 
cus  tinctoria.  Quillai  Bark,  the  bark  of 
Quillaia  saponaria,  used  as  a  substitute 
for  soap.  Stringy  Bark  of  Tasmania, 
Eucalyptus  gigantea.  Sweet  Wood  Bark, 
the  same  as  Cascarilla  Bark.  Nine  Bark, 
an  American  name  for  Spircea  opulifolia. 
White  Wood  Bark,  the  same  as  CaneUa 
Bark.  Winter's  Bark,  the  tonic  aromatic 
bark  of  Drymis  Winteri.  Worm  Bark, 
the  bark  of  Andira  inermis,  formerly 
used  as  an  anthelmintic.  There  are 
other  barks,  but  these  are  the  principal 
ones  having  a  commercial  or  medicinal 
value. 

drred. — Crossed  by  a  paler  color  in  spaces 
resembling  bars,  as  in  Sanseviera  Ja- 
vanica. 

arringtoniacece,  (Barringtoniads.) — A  small 
family,  usually  considered  as  forming  a 
tribe  of  Myrtacece,  with  which  they  agree 
in  the  structure  of  their  ovary  and 
perianth,  and  in  the  numerous  perigy- 
nous  (which  see)  stamens,  turned  inward 
on  the  bud;  the  chief  difference  consisting 
in  the  presence  of  albumen  in  the  seed. 
The  leaves  are  alternate,  not  dotted,  and 
often  serrated;  these  characters,  how- 
ever, also  occur  occasionally  in  true  Myr- 
tacece.  There  are  about  five  hundred  and 
twenty  species.  They  are  all  trees  or 
shrubs,  and  inhabit  the  tropics  of  the 
New  and  the  Old  World.  Some  of  them 
bear  large  flowers  of  considerable  beau- 
ty. The  principal  genera  are  Barring- 
tonia  and  Careya  in  the  Old  World,  and 
Gustavia  in  the  New. 


BAS 

Barringtoniads. — The  English  term  for  Bar- 
ringtoniacece. 

Baru. — A  woolly  material  found  at  the  base 
of  the  leaves  of  Saguerus  saccharifer, 
sometimes  called  Arenga  saccharifera. 

Basal. — Growing  at  the  base  of  anything, 
or  attached  to  the  base  of  any  organ  or 
part. 

Base. — The  end  nearest  to  the  point  of  at- 
tachment; the  lowest  part. 

Base-burning  Water  Heater. — The  name  of  a 
boiler  in  use  for  small  green-houses  or 
conservatories.  See  Heating  by  Hot 
Water. 

BaseUacece,  (Basellads.) — A  small  family  con- 
sisting chiefly  of  herbaceous  climbers, 
with  leaves  more  or  less  succulent,  and 
small,  inconspicuous  flowers.  They  are 
distinguished  from  Chenopodiacece  by 
what  has  been  called  a  double  calyx,  and 
the  perigynous stamens;  but  the  so-called 
outer  calyx  consists  merely  of  the  two 
bracts,  which  are  here  attached  to  the 
perianth,  instead  of  being  free,  or  at  some 
distance  from  it;  and  stamens  more  or 
less  perigynous  occur  also  in  other  che- 
nopodiaceous  genera.  BaseUacece  have, 
therefore,  been  now  reunited  with  that 
family  as  a  tribe.  The  perianth  is  usu- 
ally thick  and  fleshy,  and  the  style  is 
three-cleft,  while  in  true  Chenopodiacece 
it  is  more  frequently,  but  not  always, 
only  two-cleft.  There  are  about  seven- 
teen species,  all  of  which  are  tropical, 
and  have  been  distributed  into  six  gene- 
ra, of  which  the  most  important  are  Ba- 
sella,  Boussingaultia,  and  Anredera. 
Basellads. — The  English  name  for  BaseUa- 
cece. 

Basibractwlate. — A  term  applied  chiefly  to 
the  involucre  of  a  Composite  when  it  is 
surrounded  at  the  base  by  a  distinct  or- 
der of  bracts,  as  in  Dandelion. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BAS 

Basfidia. Little  elevations  found  among 

Fungi,  consisting  of  a  single  cell,  having 
one  or  more  points  at  its  apex,  each 
bearing  a  spore.  Synonymous  with  Spor- 
ophores. 

Basidwspores.—The  spores  which  stand 
upon  the  basidia,  which  see. 

Basilar. — Seated  at  the  base  of  anything; 
usually  applied  to  the  embryo  when  situ- 
ated at  the  bottom  of  the  seed. 

Basineroid. — When  the  ribs  of  a  leaf  all 
spring  from  its  base,  as  in  most  Melasto- 
macece. 

Basisolute.—L  term  applied  to  leaves 
which,  like  those  of  Sedum  and  Echeveria, 
are  extended  downward  below  their 
true  origin. 

Bassorine. — A  constituent  part  of  a  species 
of  gum  from  Bassora,  as  also  of  Gum 
Tragacanth  and  some  other  gum  resins. 
It  is  also  found  in  the  roots  of  some  tu- 
berous Orchids,  etc. 

Bast. — A  strong  woody  fiber,  much  used  in 
some  places  for  making  brooms,  brushes, 
etc.,  obtained  from  the  leaf  stalks  of  At- 
talea  funifera  and  of  Leopoldinia  Piassaba. 
Also  the  inner  bark  of  the  Lime  Tree,  of 
which  the  Kussian  mats  used  in  gardens 
are  made.  Cuba  Bast  is  the  fibrous  in- 
ner bark  of  Paritium  datum,  much  used 
for  tying  up  cigars,  and  by  gardeners  for 
tying  up  plants,  etc.,  as  is  also  the  bast  of 
the  Lime  Tree.  Eaphia,  however,  is  now 
fast  superseding  these  materials  among 
gardeners  for  tying  purposes.  See  Ea- 
phia. 

Baueracece. — The  genus  Bauera,  belonging 
to  the  Hydrangea  family,  has  been 
thought  by  some  botanists  to  possess 
characters  sufficiently  distinct  to  estab- 
lish it  as  a  separate  family,  under  the 
name  of  Baueracece,  but  it  has  not  been 
generally  adopted. 


BEA 

Beak. — Anything  which  resembles  the  beak 
of  a  bird;  a  hard,  short  point;  a  long, 
pointed  projection.  The  seed-pods  of  the 
Radish  furnish  an  example. 

Beaked. — Ending  in  a  long,  sharp,  or  an- 
gular point. 

Bean. — The  common  name  for  Faba.  Bog 
Bean,  the  Buckbean,  Menyanthes  trifolia- 
ta. — Cujumary  Bean,  the  tonic  seed  of 
Aydendron  Cujumary. — Egyptian  or  Pyth- 
agorean Bean,  the  fruit  of  Nelumbium 
speciosum. — French  or  Bush  Bean,  Phase- 
olus  vulgaris. — Haricot  Bean,  the  seed  of 
Phaseolus  vulgaris. — Honey  Bean,  the 
seed-pods  of  Gleditschia  triacanthos. — In- 
dian Bean,  an  American  name  for  Catal- 
pa. — Kidney  Bean,  the  common  name  for 
Phaseolus,  especially  for  those  kinds  cul- 
tivated as  esculents.  —  Lima  Bean,  an 
American  name  for  Phaseolus  lunatus. — 
Locust  Bean,  the  pod  of  Ceratonia  siliqua. 
— Molucca  Bean,  the  seed  of  Guilandina 
Bonducetta. — Ordeal  Bean  of  Old  Calabar, 
the  seeds  of  Physostigma  venenatum. — 
Ox-eye  Bean,  the  seed  of  Mueuna  urens. — 
Pichurim  Bean,  a  commercial  name  for 
the  cotyledons  of  Nectandra  Puchury. — Sa- 
cred Bean,  the  common  name  for  Nelum- 
bium.— Sahuca  Bean,  the  seeds  of  Soja 
hispida. — St.  Ignatius's  Bean,  the  seed  of 
Strychnos  multiflora ;  also  a  Brazilian 
name  for  the  seeds  of  Fevillea  cordifolia. — 
Scarlet  Runner  Bean,  the  seeds  of  Phaseolus 
multiflorus.  Smoking  Bean,  the  seed- 
pods  of  Catalpa  syringcefolia. — Tonga  or 
Tonquin  Bean,  the  seed  of  Dipterix  odor- 
ata. —  Underground  Kidney  Bean,  Arachis 
hypogcea,  commonly  called  Pea-nuts. — 
Water  Bean,  an  English  name  for  the 
family  of  Nelumbiacece. —  Wild  Bean, 
a  common  name  for  Apios. — Algaroba 
Beanis  Ceratonia  siliqua.- — -Asparagus Bean, 
or  Yard  Long,  is  Dolichos  sesquipedalis.— 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


289 


BEA 

Hibbert  Bean  is  Phaseolus  lunatus,  (same 
as  Lima  Bean.) — Horse  Bean  is  Canavatia 
gladiata. — Horse-eye  Bean  is  Mucuna  urens. 
— Inga  Bean  is  the  pod  of  the  Bastard 
Cassia. — Malacca  Bean  is  the  seed  of 
Semecarpus  anacardium. — Mesquit  Bean  is 
the  seed  of  Prosopis  glandulosa. — Pigeon 
Bean  is  the  small-seeded  field  Bean. — 
Ham's  Horn  Bean  is  Dolichos  bicontortis. — 
Bed  Bean  is  Vigna  unguiculata. — Sea  Bean, 
Florida  Bean,  a  common  name  for  the 
seed  of  Eutada  scandens  and  of  Ormosia 
dasycarpa.  —  Seaside  Bean  is  Canavalia 
obtusifolia  and  of  Vigna  luteola. — Sugar 
Bean  is  Phaseolus  saccharatus  and  P.  luna- 
tus.— Sword  Bean  is  Eutada  scandens  and 
Canavalia  gladiata. — Tick  Bean  is  the  com- 
monfieldBean,  Faba  vulgaris. — Tree  Bean 
of  Australia  is  Bauhinia  Hookerii.  —  Yam 
Bean  is  Dolichos  tuberosus. — Year  Bean  is 
Phaseolus  vulgaris. —  Vanilla  Bean  is  Va- 
nilla planifolia,  etc. 

Bearded. — Having  long  hair  like  a  beard. 

Beardleted. — Having  small  awns. 

Bedding. — This  term  is  used  by  florists, 
mostly  when  plants  are  set  out  in  what  is 
known  as  the  "  Carpet,"  "  Kibbon  Line," 
or  "  Massing  in  Color  "  style  of  decorative 
planting.  The  "Carpet  Style"  is  that 
produced  by  planting  low-growing  plants 
of  different  colors  and  forms  of  leaves, 
mainly  succulent  plants.  Sedums,  Eche- 
verias,  and  Sempervivums  are  used  for 
the  purpose.  To  form  carpet-like  patterns, 
they  must  be  such  plants  as  present  a 
smooth,  well-defined  color,and  not  exceed- 
ing three  or  four  inches  in  height.  To 
produce  the  proper  effect  by  this  style  of 
planting  the  plants  must  be  set  close 
enough  to  form  a  mass,  covering  the  soil 
completely  up,  or  the  effect  will  not  be 
so  good.  Bedding  in  "  ribbon  lines  "  is 
usually  done  along  margins  of  drives  ' 


BEG 

or  walks,  in  widths  from,  one  to  ten  feet, 
as  desired,  the  plants  used  being  such  as 
to  give  the  most  pleasing  contrast  in 
color.  The  plants  usually  selected  are 
such  as  will  either  form  a  slope  to  the 
walk  by  planting  the  highest  at  the  back 
with  the  lowest  growing  in  front,  or  else, 
if  the  line  is  a  wide  one,  such  as,  by  plac- 
ing the  highest  plants  in  the  center  and 
the  others  on  each  side,  will  slope  to  each 
side  of  the  line.  But  to  keep  the  lines  of 
color  well  defined  and  smooth,  the  plants 
must  be  carefully  pinched  back,  so  as  to 
keep  each  line  to  its  proper  height.  Bed- 
ding by  "  massing  in  color  "  is  on  the 
same  principle,  only  that,  instead  of  the 
plants  being  planted  in  lines,  they  are  set 
in  contrasting  masses  of  different  colors,  in 
any  number  of  shades  desired,  though 
the  effect  is  most  marked  when  but  few 
colors  are  used  in  one  bed.  Large  beds 
are  often  formed  of  one  color,  such  as 
scarlet,  maroon,  blue,  pink,  or  yellow, 
which,  seen  at  a  distance,  in  contrast 
with  the  green  of  the  lawn,  is  by  many 
more  admired  than  when  the  colors  are 
placed  together. 

Bedeguar. — Sweet-brier  sponge  ;  a  sponge- 
like  gall  or  excrescence  on  the  branches 
and  leaves  of  some  Roses,  coated  with 
fibrous  .expansions  of  the  tissue.  This 
appearance  is  occasioned  by  the  punc- 
ture of  a  Gall-fly. 

Begoniacece,  (Begoniads.) — A  natural  order 
of  dicotyledonous  plants,  belonging  to 
the  monochlamydeous  (which  see)  sub- 
class of  De  Candolle.  Lindley  places  the 
order  in  his  Cucurbital  (Cucumber)  Alli- 
ance. The  order  contains  herbaceous 
plants  or  succulent  under-shrubs.  The 
leaves  have  an  oblique  form,  and  are 
placed  alternately  on  the  stem,  having 
stipules  at  their  base.  The  flowere  con- 


290 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BEG 

sist  of  a  single  colored  perianth,  usually 
pink,  which  is  placed  above  the  ovary  or 
seed  vessels.  Some  flowers  have  stamens 
only,  and  others  pistils  only.  In  the  for- 
mer the  perianth  has  from  two  to  four 
divisions;  in  the  latter  from  two  to  eight. 
The  stamens  are  numerous,  and  collected 
in  a  head.  There  are  three  stigmas,  and 
the  fruit  is  winged,  and  has  three  divi- 
siona  Soine  of  the  plants  produce  buds 
which  are  easily  detached  so  as  to  con- 
stitute new  plants.  The  species  are  com- 
mon in  the  East  and  West  Indies  and 
South  America;  and  a  few  are  found  in 
Madagascar  and  South  Africa.  They  are 
said  to  possess  bitter  and  astringent 
qualities.  According  to  Klotzsch,  the  or- 
der contains  forty-two  genera  and  nearly 
four  hundred  species.  The  following 
gene,ra  illustrate  the  order:  JBursa,  Bego- 
nia, Diploclinium,  Ewaldia,  Mezieria,  and 
Gireondia.  De  Candolle  admits  only 
Casparya  and  Mezieria  of  Klotzsch's  gen- 
era, referred  to  above,  retaining  about 
three  hundred  and  fifty  species  in  Bego- 
nia proper,  distinguishing  them  by  cer- 
tain peculiarities  of  the  placenta  and  the 
capsules. 
Begoniads. — The  English  term  for  Begonia- 

cece. 

Bell  Glass. — Bell  Glasses  were  formerly  ex- 
tensively used  in  propagating  the  more 
difficult  kinds  of  woody  plants,  but  are 
now  rarely  used  unless  to  cover  circular 
Ferneries  or  some  delicate  plants  like  the 
AnoBctochilus.  They  vary  in  size  from 
eight  to  twenty  inches  in  height,  and 
from  six  to  fifteen  inches  in  diameter. 
See  Hand  Glass. 

Bell-shaped. — Having  a  tubular  and  inflated 
form,  so  as  to  resemble  a  bell,  as  in  Cam- 
panula. 
Bellworts. — A  common  name  for  the  group 


BEE 

Campanulacece.  The  term  is  also  used  in 
the  United  States  for  Uvularia. 

Bellying.  — When  a  round  body  is  more 
prominent  on  one  side,  or  at  one  point, 
than  at  another. 

Bents. — A  common  country  name  in  Eng- 
land for  the  dried  stalks  or  culms  of  vari- 
ous grasses  occurring  in  pastures,  espe- 
cially those  of  Agrostis  and  Cynosurus. 

Berberidacece,  (Berberids.) — A  natural  order 
of  Exogens,  belonging  to  the  Thalamiflo- 
ral  sub-class  of  De  Candolle.  Lindley  in- 
cludes the  order  in  his  Berberal  Alliance 
along  with  Vineworts  and  Fumeworts. 
The  family  is  composed  of  shrubs  and 
herbaceous  perennials,  with  alternate 
compound  leaves,  which  are  often  spiny. 
The  sepals  are  three,  four,  or  six  in  a 
double  row;  the  petals  are  equal  to  the 
sepals  in  number,  or  twice  as  many;  the 
stamens  are  equal  in  number  to  the  pet- 
als, and  opposite  to  them;  the  anthers 
have  two  lobes,  each  opening  by  a 
valve,  which  rolls  up  from  the  bottom 
to  the  top.  The  ovary  is  solitary  and 
one-celled,  and  the  stigma  orbicular. 
The  fruit  is  either  a  berry  or  a  capsule, 
with  one,  two,  or  three  seeds.  These 
plants  are  found  in  South  America  as  far 
as  the  Straits  of  Magellan,  and  in  the 
mountainous  parts  of  the  northern  hemi- 
sphere. They  are  common  in  the  north- 
ern provinces  of  India,  but  none  are 
found  in  Africa,  Australia,  or  the  South 
Sea  Islands.  The  fruit  of  some  of  the 
species  is  used  as  a  preserve,  and  is  some- 
times eaten  in  a  fresh  or  dried  state. 
They  possess  acid,  bitter,  and  astringent 
qualities,  and  oxalic  acid  occurs  in  some. 
The  stem  and  bark  of  several  species  are 
used  in  dyeing  yellow.  The  astringent 
substance  called  Lycium  by  Dioscorides 
is  supposed  to  be  furnished  by  the  root 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BER 

of  various  species  of  Berberry,  and  a 
similar  preparation  is  much  used  in  India 
as  a  febrifuge.  The  pinnate-leaved  Ber- 
berries form  the  sub-genus  Mahonia.  The 
order  contains  twelve  genera  and  a  hun- 
dred and  ten  species,  among  which  are 
Berberis,  Leontice,  Epimedium,  Nandina, 
Jejfersonia,  etc. 
Berberids. — The  English  term  for  Berber- 


Berry. — A  pulpy  fruit  containing  seeds,  as 
the  Strawberry.  See  Bacca. 

Betonica. — An  old  Linnsean  name  for  vari- 
ous plants,  now  referred  to  Stachys. 

Betuline. — Birch  Camphor,  a  peculiar  resin- 
ous substance,  principally  furnished  by 
the  Birch  Tree. 

Betulacece,  (Birchworts.} — A  natural  order 
of  Exogens,  belonging  to  the  Monochla- 
mydeous  sub-class  of  De  Candolle,  and 
to  the  Amental  or  Catkin-bearing  Alli- 
ance of  Lindley.  The  order  consists  of 
trees  or  shrubs,  which  have  alternate, 
simple,  stipuled  leaves,  often  with  the 
primary  veins  running  straight  from  the 
midrib  to  the  margin.  The  flowers  are 
in  catkins,  some  having  stamens  only, 
and  others  pistils  only;  and  they  have 
scales  instead  of  a  perianth,  or  floral  en- 
velope. The  Alder,  however,  has  a  four- 
leaved  perianth.  The  stamens  are  oppo- 
site the  scales.  The  ovary  is  two-celled, 
with  a  single  pendulous  ovule  in  each 
cell;  there  are  two  stigmas.  The  fruit  is 
dry,  does  not  open,  and  is  one-celled  and 
one-seeded.  The  plants  are  found  in  the 
woods  of  Europe,  Northern  Asia,  the 
Himalayas,  and  North  America.  They 
also  inhabit  the  mountains  of  Peru  and 
Columbia,  and  the  antarctic  regions. 
They  are  mostly  timber  trees  with  decid- 
uous leaves.  The  bark  possesses  tonic 
qualities,  and  is  occasionally  employed  as 


BIG 

a  substitute  for  paper,  and  is  used  by  the 
Indians  for  making  their  canoes.  It  is 
also  used  as  an  astringent  for  gargles,  and 
for  dyeing  and  tanning.  Betula  alba  is^ 
the  common  Birch.  Its  sap  contains  su- 
gar, and  by  fermentation  yields  a  kind  of 
so-called  wine.  The  empyreumatic  oil 
of  the  Birch  has  been  recommended  in 
various  affections,  and  is  used  in  the 
preparation  of  Russia  leather,  to  which 
it  gives  a  peculiar  odor.  The  Alder  (Al- 
nus  glutinosus)  grows  in  moist  places,  and 
the  wood  has  been  used  for  the  piles  of 
bridges,  on  account  of  its  resistance  to 
the  action  of  water.  The  Eialto  of  Ven- 
ice is  built  on  Alder  piles,  as  are  many 
houses  in  Amsterdam.  Sabots  are  also 
made  of  the  wood.  There  are  two  gen- 
era, (Betula  and  Atnus,)  and  upward  of 
sixty  species. 

Beurre. — A  general  name  applied  to  a 
class  of  dessert  Pears,  which  have  their 
flesh  of  what  is  called  a  buttery  texture, 
as  the  name  itself  indicates. 

Bi. — This  prefix,  in  compound  words,  means 
turice,  as  bi-pinnate,  twice  pinnate. 

Biacuminatus,  Biacuminate. — Having  two 
diverging  points. 

Bialata, — Two  winged. 

Biarticulate.  — T  wo-j  ointed. 
!  Biaurite. — Having    two    little  ears.      See 
Auriculate. 

Bicattose. — Having  two  callosities,  as  the  lip 
of  many  Orchids. 

Bicarinate. — Having  two  elevated  ribs  or 
keels  on  the  under  side,  as  in  the  pales  of 
many  grasses.  See  Pales. 

Biceps. — Having  two  heads;  a  term  some- 
times applied  to  the  keel  of  a  papiliona- 
ceous corolla,  when  the  ungues  of  the  two 
petals  of  which  it  is  composed  are  dis- 
tinct. See  Ungues. 

Biconjugate. — Twice-paired,   as  when   each 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BIC 

of  two  secondary  petioles  bears  a  pair  of 
leaflets. 

Bu-onjugate-pinnaie. — When  each  of  two 
secondary  petioles  is  pinnated. 

Bicornis,  Bicornute. — Having  two  horn-like 
processes. 

Btcrural. — Having  two  legs  or  narrow 
elongations,  as  the  Up  of  the  Man  Orchis. 

Bicuspidate.— Twice-pointed. 

Bidentaie. — Having  two  teeth,  or  a  double 
row  of  teeth. 

Bidigitaio-pinnate. — The  same  as  Biconju- 
gate-pinuate. 

Biduous. — Lasting  two  days  only. 

Biennial. — Lasting  two  years.  A  biennial 
plant  requires  two  years  to  form  its  flow- 
ers and  fruit;  growing  one  year,  and 
flowering,  fruiting,  and  dying  the  next. 
This,  however,  is  not  true  of  all  climates. 
Many  plants  that  are  classed  as  biennials 
in  England,  when  sown  in  the  southern 
parts  of  the  United  States,  or  in  a  hot- 
bed in  March,  at  the  North,  and  planted 
out  in  summer,  will  flower,  seed,  and  die 
just  as  many  annuals  do. 

Bifarious,  Bifariam. — Arranged  in  two 
rows.  This  term  is  frequently  applied  to 
flowers  and  to  ovules. 

Bifariously  Imbricated.  — Overlapping  in  two 
rows. 

B  if  ems. — Double-bearing;  producing  flow- 
ers or  fruit  twice  in  the  same  season. 

Bif orate. — Having  two  pores  or  apertures. 

Biforines. — Oblong  cells,  with  an  aperture 
at  each  end,  through  which  raphides  are 
expelled.  See  Raphides. 

Bifidus,  Bifid. — Divided  half  way  down  into 
two  parts. 

Biflorus.— Having  two  flowers  on  the  same 
footstalk. 

Bifoliate. — Having  two  leavea 

Bif  Violate.—  Having  two  leaflets  only  to  a 
leaf,  as  in  some  compound  leaves. 


BIG 

Bifolliculm. — A  double  follicle. 

Bifr&ns. — Growing  on  both  surfaces  of  a 
leaf.  Also  appearing  equally  like  two  dif- 
ferent things.  A  term  seldom  used. 

Bifurcate. — Twice  forked;  having  two  pairs 
of  diverging  horn-like  arms. 

Bigeminate.  —  The  same  as  biconjugate, 
which  see. 

Bigeminous. — In  two  pairs;  as  the  placentae 
of  many  plants. 

Bigeners. — Mule  plants  obtained  by  cross- 
ing species  of  different  genera.  This 
kind  of  hybridism  has  been  said  to  be 
impossible.  Kolreuter  in  particular  ad- 
duced examples  of  failure  in  the  attempt; 
but  modern  experiments  seem  to  show 
the  possibility  of  such  a  union. 

Biglandular.  — Double-glanded. 

Biglumis. — Consisting  of  two  of  the  scales 
called,  among  grasses,  glumes. 

Bignoniacece,  (  Bignoniads  ;  the  Trumpet 
Flower  family. ) — A  natural  order  of  Di- 
cotyledonous or  Exogenous  plants  be- 
longing to  the  sub-class  Corolliflorae  of  De 
Candolle,  and  to  the  Bignonial  Alliance 
of  Lindley,  which  includes  also  Scroph- 
ulariacece,  Acanthacece,  and  Gemeracece. 
The  order  contains  trees  and  twining  or 
climbing  shrubby  plants,  with  usually 
opposite  compound  leaves,  and  showy, 
often  trumpet-shaped  flowers.  The  calyx 
is  divided  or  entire,  sometimes  in  the 
form  of  a  spathe;  the  corolla  is  usually 
irregular,  four  to  five  lobed,  and  with  a 
swollen  portion  below  its  mouth;  the 
stamens  are  five  in  number,  and  unequal, 
one  generally,  two  occasionally,  being 
abortive.  The  ovary  has  two  cavities, 
surrounded  by  an  expansion  at  its  base; 
the  ovules  are  attached  to  the  central 
part  of  the  ovary.  The  fruit  is  a  two- 
valved,  often  pod-like  capsule,  divided  by 
a  spurious  expansion  of  the  placenta;  the 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BIG 

seeds  are  usually  numerous  and  winged; 
the  embryo  is  without  albumen,  and  has 
broad,  leafy  cotyledons.  The  plants  are 
found  in  the  tropical  regions  of  both 
hemispheres,  but  most  largely  in  the 
eastern.  In  America  they  extend  from 
Pennsylvania  in  the  north  to  Chili  in  the 
south.  They  are  not  found  wild  in  Eu- 
rope. The  plants  produce  an  abundance 
of  showy,  finely-colored  flowers.  Some 
yield  dyes,  and  others  supply  timber. 
Some  have  medicinal  qualities.  There 
are  forty-six  genera  and  four  hundred 
and  fifty-two  known  species.  Bignonia, 
Calalpa,  Eccremocarpus,  Tecoma,  Catosan- 
thes,  and  Jacaranda  are  representative 
genera. 

Bignoniads. — The  English  term  for  Bigno- 
niaceae. 

Bijugous. — A  pinnate  leaf  with  two  pairs  of 
leaflets. 

Bilamellate. — Consisting  of  two  plates,  as 
many  placentae,  stigmas,  etc.,  or  bearing 
two  vertical  plates,  as  the  lip  of  some  Or- 
chids. 

Bilobiate. — Having  two  lips;  a  corolla  di- 
vided into  two  separate  parts  or  lips, 
placed  one  over  the  other,  as  in  Sage, 
Bugle,  and  similar  plants. 

Bilobed. — Divided  into  two  lobes,  as  the 
anthers  of  most  flowers. 

Biinestml.—  Existing  for  two  months  only. 

Bimus. — Lasting  two  years. 

Binate,  Binus. — In  pairs  ;  growing  two  to- 
gether. It  also  has  the  same  meaning  as 
Bifoliate,  which  see. 

Binato-pinnate. — The  same  as  bipinnate. 

Bini. — Two  together;  twin. 

Biniftorous. — Bearing  flowers  in  pairs;  a 
term  now  seldom  used. 

Binodal. — Consisting  of  two  nodes,  or  ar- 
ticulations, and  no  more. 

Biovidate. — Containing  two  ova,  or  young 


BIS 

seeds.     Seeds  before  they  are   matured 
are  called  ova. 

Bipaleotate. — Consisting  of  two  small  scales 
or  palse,  as  in  grasses.  See  Pake. 

Bipartible. — Capable  of  being  parted  into 
two. 

Bipartite. — Divided  nearly  to  the  base  into 
two  parts. 

Bipentaphyllous. — Having  from  two  to  five 
leaflets. 

Bipes. — The  same  as  Bicruris,  which  see. 

Bipinnate,  Bipinnatisected. — Twice  pinnate; 
as  when  the  primary  and  secondary  di- 
visions of  a  leaf  are  pinnated. 

Bipinnaiifid,  Bipinnatiparted. — When  both 
the  primary  and  secondary  segments  of 
a  leaf  are  pinnatifid. 

Bipinnatipartito-laciniate. — Being  bipinnati- 
fid  with  the  divisions  laciniated. 

Biplicate. — Having  two  folds  or  plaits. 

Biporose.— Opening  by  two  round  holes. 

Biradiate. — Consisting  of  two  or  more  rays, 
as  in  certain  umbels. 

Birchworts. — A  name  given  by  Lindley  to 
the  Betulaceous  order. 

Birdlime. — A  preparation  of  the  bark  of  the 
Holly,  Ilex  aquifolium.  It  is  also  ob- 
tained from  the  viscid  berries  of  the  Mis- 
tleto,  Viscum  album. 

Birimose. — Opening  by  two  slits,  as  in  most 
anthers. 

Birth  worts. — A  name  given  by  Lindley  to 
A  rtstolochiacece. 

Bisaccate. — Having  two  little  sacks,  bags,  or 
pouches. 

Bixeptate. — Having  two  partitions. 

Jliwiilate. — Resembling  two  bucklers  (scuta) 

placed  side  by  side,  as  in  Biscutella. 
Biserial. — Arranged  in  two  rows  not  on  op- 
posite sides  of  an  axis,  as  on  a  flat  sur- 
face. 

Bwerrate. — When  serratures  are  themselves 
serrate. 


294 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BIS 

e.— Doubly  furrowed. 
Biternate. — Divided  into  three  twice  over, as 
when  the  principal  divisions  of  a  leaf  are 
three,  each  of  which  bears  three  leaflets. 

Bi-tri-crenate. — Crenate  twice  or  thrice. 

Bi-tri-pinnatifid.— Pinnatifid  twice  or  thrice 
over. 

Bi-fri-hrnate.— Growing  in  threes  twice  or 
thrice  over. 

Bitten.  —Terminated  irregularly  and  ab- 
ruptly; applied  to  leaves  and  roots. 

Bivaginate. — Having  double  sheaths  or  cov- 
ers. 

Bimlved. — Two-valved. 

Bwittate. — Having  two  vittse.     See  Vitke. 

Bixacece,  Bixinece. — A  name  sometimes 
given  to  the  order  of  Bixads,  more  gen- 
erally called  Flacourtiacerp,  -vrhich  see. 

Black  RusL— See  Rust. 

Blade. — The  lamina  or  expanded  part  of  a 
leaf;  the  limb  of  a  leaf. 

Blanching. — A  whitening    of    the   usually 
green  parts  of  plants,  to  which  the  term 
Albefactio  is   applied.      See    Albefactio. 
Earthing  up  Celery  is  a  familiar  example  j 
of  blanching. 

Bland. — Fair,  beautiful,  as  Mesembrt/anlhe- 
mum  blandum. 

Blastema. — The  axis  of  an  embryo,  compre- 
hending the  radicle  and  plumule,  with 
the  intervening  portion;  also  the  thallus 
of  a  Lichen.  See  Thallu*. 

Blastidia.—The  secondary  cells  generat- 
ed in  the  interior  of  another  cell. 

Blantus. — The  plumule. 

Blepharce.—The  teeth  or  fringes  belonging 
to  the  peristome  (which  see)  of  an  Urn  I 
Moss. 

Blotting.— That  kind  of  change  in  tissue  \ 
which  results  in  the  formation  of  a  brown 
color  without  putrefaction,  as  in  the  fruit 
of   the  Medlar.    The  term  Hyposathria  \ 
(which  see)  is  applied  to  this  change. 


BLU 

Blight. — As  used  by  cultivators  this  term  is 
of  vague  significance.  It  is  applied  to  those 
diseases  of  grain,  etc.,  which  usually  de- 
pend upon  the  presence  of  parasitic  Fun- 
gi. The  Pear  Blight,  so  destructive  to 
Pear  Trees  for  many  years  past,  is  now 
generally  believed  to  be  owing  to  the 
presence  of  a  Fungus,  though  not  a  few 
still  believe  that  it  is  to  be  attributed 
to  a  diseased  condition  of  the  sap.  There 
have  been  several  theories  put  forth  to 
account  for  this  destructive  disease,  and 
the  subject  still  remains  more  or  less  of 
a  mystery.  Insects  have  also  been 
charged  with  producing  the  disease; 
but  whatever  the  cause,  all  know  the 
results  to  be  only  too  fatal,  and,  thus 
far,  without  remedy.  Blight  is  not 
confined  to  the  field  and  the  orchard,  but 
also  finds  its  way  to  plants  in  the  garden. 
If  Fungi  are  not  the  cause  of  the  disease, 
they  may  be  said  to  be  always  present  as 
a  result. 

Blind  Shoot. — This  is  the  term  used  for  a 
young  shoot  which  terminates  without  a 
flower  bud,  as  in  some  shoots  of  Roses, 
Camellias,  etc. 

Blistered. — Having  the  surface  raised  as  the 
skin  is  when  blistered. 

Blood  and  Bone  Fertilizer. — See  Fertilizers. 

Blood  Fertilizer. — See  Fertilizers. 

Bloodroots.—A.  name  applied  by  Lindley  to 
the  order  Hcemadoracece. 

Blotched. — Where  color  is  irregularly  dis- 
posed in  broad  patches. 

Blue  Mould. — This  name  is  commonly  ap- 
plied to  Aspergillus  glaucus,  when  grow- 
ing upon  cheese.  There  are  people  who 
think  it  so  necessary  to  a  good  cheese, 
that  they  will  set  even  a  poor  one  aside 
till  it  becomes  mouldy,  assuming  that  it 
thereby  becomes  better,  and  some 
even  inoculate  the  cheese  with  Blue 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BOA 

Mould.  On  the  other  hand,  many  peo- 
ple regard  this  Mould  with  suspicion. 
Bread  and  meat  affected  with  it  have 
been  known  to  produce  serious  conse- 
quences when  eaten,  though  it  is  possi- 
ble that  the  meat  may  have  been  dis- 
eased before  the  Mould  made  its  appear- 
ance. It  is  stated,  again,  that  persons 
have  collected  the  Mould,  and  eaten  it 
without  serious  results.  The  question 
of  its  poisonous  nature  is  one  of  so  much 
importance  that  farther  and  closer  inves- 
tigation would  seem  to  be  desirable. 

Boat-shaped. — Having  the  figure  of  a  boat 
in  miniature,  with  its  keel. 

Boilers. — See  Heating. 

.Bofo.—The  trunk  of  a  tree. 

BombacecK. — The  Silk -cotton  family,  a  group 
of  Thalamifloral  Dicotyledons  or  Exogens 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Malval  Alliance, 
and  usually  considered  as  a  sub-order  of 
Sterculiacece,  which  see. 

Bombycine. — Silky;  feeling  like  silk.  This 
term  is  not  applied  to  hairiness  of  any 
sort. 

Bone  Dust. — One  of  the  safest  and  best  con- 
centrated fertilizers.  When  used  broad- 
cast, it  should  be  sown  on  the  soil  after 
digging  or  plowing,  just  thick  enough 
to  cover  it  with  a  thin  layer,  about  as 
thickly  as  sawdust  or  sand  is  used  on  a 
floor.  If  used  on  dug  ground,  it  should 
be  well  chopped  and  mixed  through  the 
soil,  so  as  to  mix  it  to  a  depth  of  five  or 
six  inches.  If  on  ground  that  has  been 
plowed,  a  thorough  harrowing  will  mix  it 
to  the  required  depth.  This  thickness 
•will  require  at  the  rate  of  from  fifteen 
hundred  to  twenty-five  hundred  pounds 
per  acre.  If  tobe  used  in  drills  or  "  hills," 
or  only  where  seed  are  to  be  sown  or 
plants  planted,  and  not  over  the  whole 
ground,  it  will  take  only  about  from  one 


BOR 

hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred 
pounds  per  acre,  which  should  be  mixed 
in  the  soil  in  the  same  manner. 

Borageivorts. — A  name  applied  by  Lindley 
to  the  boraginaceous  family.  See  Bora- 
ginacew. 

Boraginacece,  (Boragewort*,  Asperifolice.} — A 
natural  order  of  Corollifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons or  Exogens  belonging  to  Lindley's 
Echial  Alliance.  They  are  herbs  or 
shrubs  with  round  stems,  alternate  rough 
leaves,  and  spirally  coiled  inflorescence. 
The  calyx  is  four  to  five  divided,  and  per- 
sistent; the  corolla  is  generally  regular 
and  five-cleft;  the  stamens  are  five,  in- 
serted in  the  corolla,  and  alternate  with 
its  divisions ;  the  ovary  is  four-lobed, 
with  a  style  arising  from  the  base  of  the 
lobes.  The  fruit  consists  of  distinct  seeds 
without  albumen.  This  order  was  for- 
merly called  Asperifolwe,  from  the  rough- 
ness of  its  leaves.  The  plants  are  princi- 
pally natives  of  northern  temperate  re- 
gions. They  are  found  in  Southern  Eu- 
rope, the  Levant,  and  Central  Asia.  In 
high  northern  latitudes  they  are  less  fre- 
quent, and  nearly  disappear  within  the 
tropics.  The  plants  abound  in  mucilagi- 
nous and  demulcent  qualities.  Some 
yield  dyes,  as  Alkanet,  (Anchusa  tincto- 
ria.)  The  common  Borage,  (Borago  offi- 
cinalis,)  when  steeped  in  water,  imparts 
coolness  to  it,  and  is  used  in  the  beverage 
called  cold  tankard.  Mertensia  maritima 
is  cultivated  as  a  vegetable  under  the 
common  name  of  Oyster  Plant.  The 
species  of  Myosotis  are  universally  prized 
under  the  name  of  Forget-me-not.  There 
are  fifty-eight  known  genera  of  this  order, 
and  688  species.  Myosotis,  Borago,  Gy- 
noglossum,  Lithospermum,  Gerinthe,  Sym- 
phytum,  Anchum,  are  examples  of  this 
order. 


296 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


BOR 

Bordered.—  When  the  margin  is  character- 
ized by  a  distinction  in  color,  texture,  or 
other  consideration,  from  the  rest  of  any 
part. 

Bossed.— Circular  and  flat,  with  a  promi- 
nent center,  like  a  target,  as  in  the  fruit 
of  Paliurus  australis. 
Botnjlacece.—A.n    order   of  Fungi,  usually 

known  as  mildew  and  blight. 
Botrys.—The  term  applied  in  Greek  com- 
pounds to  the  raceme.  A  bunch. 
Bot  uliform. — Sausage-shaped. 
Bouquet. — This  is  the  name  given  to  vari- 
ous forms  of  artificially-constructed  cut 
flowers.  They  are  made  with  great  skill 
and  taste  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in  va- 
rious forms,  but  usually  in  the  round 
parasol  or  Mushroom-like  form,  ranging 
in  size  from  six  to  twelve  inches  in  diam- 
eter. Many  decry  this  artificial  arrange- 
ment of  flowers,  but  it  cannot  well  be 
otherwise  ;  for  the  moment  we  cut  them 
from  the  plant  and  begin  to  tie  them  to- 
gether, we  leave  nature,  so  that  any  at- 
tempt to  make  a  bouquet,  or,  in  fact,  any 
arrangement  of  cut  flowers,  in  a  natural 
manner,  is  utter  nonsense.  The  most 
cultivated  tastes  have  long  decreed  that 
the  best  style  of  bouquet  is  the  formal, 
where  different  colors  are  used  in  consec- 
utive rings,  or  alternating  with  each 
other,  in  geometrical  forms,  rather  than 
a  mixed,  unsystematic  blending  of  color. 
In  detailing  the  modus  operandi  of  bou- 
quet making  it  is  necessary  to  give  the 
following  details.  So  many  flowers  have 
short  stems,  or  grow  so  close  to  buds 
which  the  grower  cannot  afford  to  cut, 
that  artificial  stems  must  be  used.  Even 
where  stems  are  available,  the  bouquet 
maker  prefers  having  another  added  to 
hold  the  flower  in  position,  the  strength 
of  the  stem  being  proportioned  to  the 


BOU 

weight  of  the  flower  it  bears.  Thick 
stems  must  be  avoided,  else  the  bouquet 
handle  becomes  clumsy.  The  stems  com- 
monly used  are  of  broom-corn,or  very  small 
sticks  like  tooth-picks,  cut  in  lengths  as 
desired,  from  four  to  eight  inches.  With 
this  and  hair  wire  cut  to  three  inches,  the 
"  stemmer  "  goes  to  work.  By  a  rapid 
twist  one  end  of  the  wire  is  fastened  on 
the  straw,  and  the  flower  is  attached  by  a 
whirl  of  the  stem  between  finger  and 
thumb.  Stemming  is  a  large  part  of  the 
labor  of  bouquet  making,  and  occupies 
the  greater  part  of  the  time  needed  in  the 
operation,  one  bouquet  maker  requir- 
ing two  stemmers.  The  flowers  thus 
stemmed,  a  Rose  or  other  prominent 
flower  is  taken  for  the  center  of  the  bou- 
quet, which  is  tied  securely  to  the  bou- 
quet stem,  (a  thin  stiff  twig,)  and  is  then 
wound  with  Moss,  to  keep  the  flower 
from  outer  pressure,  the  Moss  running 
to  a  point  about  two  inches  below  the 
flower.  Six  smaller  Rose-buds  or  Carna- 
tions are  now  set  at  regular  intervals 
around  and  on  a  line  with  the  outer  pet- 
als of  the  large  center  Rose,  and  the 
spaces  between  these  each  filled  with  a 
small  piece  of  White  Alyssum,  a  very  small 
Geranium  leaf  or  point  of  delicate  green 
being  set  by  each  bud.  A  little  Moss  is 
now  wound  lightly,  close  under  the  flow- 
ers, to  prevent  crowding,  a  pink  Carna- 
tion set  behind  each  Rose-bud,  with  Lily 
of  the  Valley  or  Hyacinths  between,  apiece 
of  Eupatorium  being  inserted  under  the 
edge  of  each  to  fill  out.  Six  Roses,  alter- 
nately pink  and  white,  of  equal  size  and 
form,  stemmed  as  described,  are  now  set 
at  regular  intervals  around,  particular 
care  being  taken  to  form  with  the  face  of 
these  flowers  the  correct  outline  of  the 
bouquet,  and  their  stems  tightly  bound 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


297 


BOX 

to  prevent  working  out  of  place.  Be- 
tween each  Rose-bud,  on  the  inner  side, 
another  white  flower  is  set,  filled  out  with 
a  piece  of  pink  under  each  side;  more 
Moss  is  added,  and  a  bright  piece  of 
crimson  Bouvardia  forms  the  sole  dividing 
line  between  the  centers  of  the  Rose-buds, 
which  nearly  touch  each  other.  A  Saf- 
frano  Rose-bud  follows,  with  Violets  set 
in  Sweet  Alyssum  on  one  side  and  a  small 
Geranium  leaf  in  the  same  on  the  other; 
a  white  Carnation  is  set  behind  each  bud, 
with  a  piece  of  Bouvardia  in  Eupatorium 
on  each  side.  A  light  border  of  Stevia  is 
now  set  around  the  whole,  and,with  Smilax 
or  Camellia  leaves  stemmed,  and  projected 
nearly  half  their  length,  the  bouquet  is 
finished.  The  back  is  trimmed  with  bou- 
quet green,  or  fine  leaves  of  any  ever- 
green. The  handle  is  cut  to  about  four 
inches,  and  is  wrapped  with  tinfoil,  and 
tied  above  with  a  ribbon  of  white  satin. 
This  is  only  one  of  a  dozen  ways  of  con- 
structing bouquets,  and  is  by  no  means 
given  as  the  best.  Fashion  is  constantly 
changing  the  kinds  of  flowers  used;  for 
example,  twenty  years  ago  no  bouquet  was 
supposed  to  be  complete  without  the  use 
of  the  Camellia  Japonica  flowers,  but  to- 
day fashion  entirely  ignores  these  sym- 
metrical and  beautiful  flowers,  and  they 
are  rarely  used,  unless  for  large  table 
bouquets,  or  other  designs  in  cut  flowers. 
Boxes  for  Seeds. — Seeds,  particularly  flower 
seeds,  when  sown  under  glass,  do  much 
better  when  sown  in  shallow  boxes  than 
in  flower-pots.  A  convenient  size  is  the 
ordinary  soap-box,  cut  into  four,  making 
a  depth  of  from  one  and  a  half  to  two 
inches.  These  are  filled  nearly  full  with 
finely-sifted  soil,  which  is  made  as  level 
and  smooth  as  possible.  On  this  smooth 
surface  the  seeds  are  sown,  and  then 


BEA 

pressed  down  level  into  the  soil,  and  over 
the  seeds  is  sifted  dry  moss,  leaf  mould, 
or  cocoanut  fiber,  (which  has  been  run 
through  a  sieve  as  fine  as  mosquito  wire,) 
in  quantity  enough  to  fairly  cover  the 
seeds.  This,  from  its  spongy  nature,  re- 
tains moisture,  while  its  lightness  offers 
but  little  resistance  to  the  tender  seed 
germ.  The  same  style  of  box  is  used  for 
"  pricking  off,"  which  see. 

I  Brachialis. — An  ell  long;  twenty-four  inches 
long. 

\  Brachiate. — Having  arms  or  branches  usu- 
ally placed   opposite  each  other,  nearly 
at  right  angles  with  the  main  stem,  and 
crossing  each  other  alternately. 
Brachium. — An  ell  or  two  feet. 

!  Brachypodom. — Having    a    short    foot    or 
stalk. 

|  Brachys. — In  words  of  Greek  origin  signi- 
fies short. 

I  Bracken    or   Brake. — A  common    English 
name  of  Pteris  aquilina. 

i  BracteoB  or  Bracts. — The  leaves  placed  im- 
mediately below  a  calyx,  if  they  are  at  all 
altered  from  their  usual  form. 
Bracteolce,  Bracteoles,  or  Bractlets. — Bracts 
of  a  second  order,  usually  smaller  and 
more  changed  than  the  true  bracts;  also 
any  small  bracts. 
Bracteate.  —  Furnished    with     bracteae    or 

bracts. 

Bracteolce. — Little  bracts. 
Branch. — The    developed    state  of  a  leaf 
bud,  when  similar  to  the  main  stem  or 
trunk.      Though    branches  are   usually 
considered   to  be    subdivisions    of    the 
trunk  itself,  they  more  closely  resemble 
an  aggregation  of  separate   individuals 
grafted  upon  it. 
Branchlets. — Small  branches. 
Brassicacece. — The  Cabbage  family,  a  natu- 
ral  order   of  Thalamifloral  (which   see) 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BRE 

Exogens,  to  which  the  name  of  Cruciferce 
is  usually  given.     See  Cruciferce. 
Brexiacece. — The  genera  Brexia,  Ixerba,  Ar- 
gophyttum,  and  Rousscea,  containing  only 
one    or  two    species   each,   have    been 
proposed  as  a  small  family  allied  to  Saxi- 
fragacece.     They  are   not,  however,  very 
closely  connected  with  each  other,  and  do 
not     seem     to    have    any    well-marked 
characters  in  common.     See  Escalloniece. 
Brimstone,     Vegetable.  —  The     inflammable 
spores  of  Lycopodiufii  clavatum  and  L. 
Selago,  sometimes  employed  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  fireworks. 
Bristles. — Rigid  hairs. 
Bristleworts. — A  name  applied  by  Lindley 

to  the  Desueauxiacece. 
Bristly. — Covered  with  stiff,  sharp  hairs  or 

bristles. 

Bristly-toothed. — Having  bristles  like  teeth, 
or  with  the  teeth  ending  each  in  a  bris- 
tle. 

Bromeliacece,  (Bromelice,  Bromeliads,  Tilland- 
sice,  Bromehvorts,  the  Pine-apple  family.) 
— A  natural  order  of  Epigynous  Mono- 
cotyledons included  in  Lindley's  Narcis- 
sal  Alliance.  The  order  consists  of  short- 
stemmed  plants,  with  rigid,  channeled, 
and  often  scurfy  and  spiny  leaves  and 
showy  flowers.  The  outer  perianth  or 
calyx  is  three-parted  and  persistent;  the 
inner,  or  corolla,  consists  of  three  with- 
ering petals;  the  stamens  are  six,  in- 
serted in  the  tube  of  the  perianth,  with 
the  anthers  opening  on  the  side  next  the 
pistil;  the  style  is  single.  The  fruit  is 
either  a  dry  capsule  or  succulent,  three- 
celled,  and  many-seeded;  the  embryo  is 
very  small,  at  the  base  of  mealy  albu- 
men. They  are  natives  of  the  American 
continent  and  islands,  whence  they  have 
been  distributed  to  Africa  and  the  East 
Indies.  Ananaiva  aatiw,  the  Pine-apple  or 


BRO 

Ananas,  is  one  of  the  oest  known  and 
most  delicious  of  this  or  any  other  order. 
The  fruit  is  composed  of  the  pistils  and 
bracts  of  several  flowers  united  into  a 
succulent  mass,  and  crowned  by  a  se- 
ries of  green  leaves.  The  fibers  of  the 
plant  are  used  in  manufacture.  The 
Pine-apple  is  grown  under  glass  very 
successfully  in  Europe,  but  the  fine  con- 
dition in  which  they  are  received  here 
from  Jamaica  and  other  places,  makes 
their  culture  under  glass  here  unneces- 
sary. Some  of  the  Bromeliads  grow  at- 
tached to  the  branches  of  trees,  and  are 
called  Air  Plants,  the  best  known  here  be- 
ing Tillandsia  usneoides,  the  Tree  Beard  of 
South  America.  Under  the  name  of  Flori- 
da Moss  it  is  very  largely  used  for  deco- 
rative purposes.  It  is  also  used  for 
stuffing  cushions,  etc.,  under  the  name  of 
Spanish  Moss,  Black  Moss,  or  Long 
Moss.  There  are  twenty-eight  known 
genera,  and  one  hundred  and  seventy -six 
species  of  this  order.  Bromelia,  Ananassa, 
Bilbergia,  JEchmea,  Tillandsia,  Bonaparlea, 
are  examples  of  the  order.  The  bracts 
of  some  of  the  species  are  exceedingly 
beautiful. 

Bromeliads.  —The  English  term  for  Brome- 
liacece. 

Broom. — A  name  applied  to  Gytisus  or 
Sarothamnus  scoparius,  and  also  to  Ly- 
geum  Spartum.  African  Broom  is  a  com- 
mon name  for  Aspalathus.  Butcher's 
Broom  is  Ruscus  aculeatus,  and  is  also  a 
common  name  for  Ruscus.  Dyer's  Broom 
is  Genista  tinctoria.  New  Zealand  Broom 
is  Carmichaelis  australis.  Rush  Broom  is 
a  common  name  for  Viminaria;  it  is  also 
applied  to  Spartium  junceum.  Spanish 
Broom  is  Spartium  junceum.  Broom  Corn 
is  Sorghum  vulgare,  the  branched  pani- 
cles of  which  are  made  into  carpet 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BRO 

brooms   and   clothes  brushes;  and   also  I 
Sorghum  saccharatum. 

Brownian  Motion. — A  phenomenon  some-   ' 
times  called  molecular  motion,  which  oc-   | 
curs  in  minute  particles  both  of  vegetable   i 
and  mineral  origin,  consisting,  says  the  \ 
Eev.  Mr.  Berkeley,  in  a  rapid,  whirling  i 
motion,  the  nature  of  which  is  obscure, 
but  is  certainly  independent  of  evapora- 
tion, or  other  appreciable  internal  causes 
which  produce  motion  in  minute  bodies. 
It  may  be  seen  admirably  in  a  weak  solu- 
tion of  gamboge  with  a  power  of  250  lin-  ! 
ears.     It  is  frequently  observed  in  the 
minute  anatomy  of  vegetables,  especially 
when  the  tissues  are  diseased. 

Bruniaceae. — A  small  family,  not  differing 
in  any  important  character  from  Hama- 
meliacece,  though  quite  different  in  habit. 
See  Hamameliacece. 

Brunneus. — Deep  brown,  not  much  differ- 
ent from  chestnut  brown. 

Bryacece. — A  large  group  of  Acrocarpous 
Mosses,  distinguished  by  the  capsules 
having  a  double  row  of  teeth,  the  inner 
of  which  are  united  at  the  base  by  a 
common  plicate  membrane.  Very  rarely 
there  is  only  a  single  row,  or  the  teeth 
are  obsolete.  The  capsule  is  almost 
always  pendulous.  The  stem  is  at 
first  simple,  but  at  length  becomes 
branched  by  means  of  new  shoots,  called 
innovations,  given  off  near  the  tip,  or  the 
base,  sometimes  from  subterranean 
creeping  shoots.  The  leaves  have  a  large 
central  nerve,  and  consist  of  large  reticu- 
lations, and  are  mostly  serrated  at  the 
margin  and  thickened.  Very  rarely  the 
fruit  is  lateral,  as  in  Mielichofena.  Many 
of  the  species  of  Mnium,  as  M.  puncta- 
tum,  M.  rostrafum,  M.  undulatum,  are 
great  ornaments  to  woods  and  rocks  from 
their  lar^e  leaves  and  handsome  capsules, 


BUD 

while  various  species  of  Bryum  attract 
notice  on  walls,  gravel  walks,  and  marshes, 
by  their  tufted  habit  and  abundant  pen- 
dulous capsules.  Sometimes  the  term 
Bryacece  is  applied  to  the  whole  of  the 
true  Mosses. 

Bryology. — That  part  of  botany  which  treats 
of  Urn  Mosses. 

Buccce. — The  lateral  sepals  or  wings  of  the 
flower  of  an  Aconite;  now  seldom  used. 

Bud. — The  young  undeveloped  branch  or 
flower;  as,  a  leaf  bud,  a  flower  bud. 

Budding. — This  is  the  practice  in  use  of 
placing  a  bud  of  one  variety  of  plant  on 
another.  The  shoot  or  stock  to  be  bud- 
ded upon  must  always  be  in  a  thrifty, 
growing  state,  so  that  the  bark  can  be 
raised  freely  from  the  wood,  and  the  bud 
to  be  inserted  must  be  in  such  a  state 
that  it  shows  prominently  at  the  axil  of 
the  leaf.  Select  a  smooth  portion  of  the 
stem  of  the  shoot  to  be  budded  upon, 
strip  it  of  leaves  (or  thorns,  if  any)  suffi- 
cient to  allow  room  for  the  operation; 
then  make  a  cut  through  the  bark  to  the 
wood  in  length  sufficient  to  admit  the 
bud,  with  a  cross  cut  at  the  top.  Above 
this  cross  cut  make  a  slight  sloping  cut 
in  the  bark,  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
in  length,  so  as  to  admit  the  easy  inser- 
tion of  the  bud.  This  custom  is  not  gen- 
eral, but  it  will  be  found  to  be  easier,  and, 
we  think,  safer.  Next  take  the  shoot 
from  which  the  bud  to  be  inserted  is  to  be 
cut,  and  selecting  such  as  have  the  prop- 
erly developed  condition  of  bud,  cut  it 
from  the  shoot  about  half  an  inch  on  each 
side  of  the  bud,  just  deep  enough  to  get 
about  as  mucli  thickness  of  the  wood  as 
the  bark.  If  the  portion  of  the  shoot 
from  which  the  bud  is  taken  is  well  ri- 
pened, it  is  best  to  separate  the  wood 
from  the  bark;  but  if  not,  it  will  do  quite 


300 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BUL 

as  well  not  to  remove  it,  but  insert  the 
bud  in  the  stock  just  as  it  is  cut.  The 
edges  of  the  cut  in  the  stock  are  lifted 
and  slightly  pressed  outward  by  the  point 
of  the  budding-knife,  the  bud  inserted, 
and  pushed  down  by  the  ivory  handle. 
To  keep  the  bud  in  place  it  is  wrapped 
neatly  round  with  any  soft  tying  mate- 
rial, the  fiber  known  as  Eaphia  being 
the  best  In  two  or  three  weeks  after  the 
bud  has  been  put  in  it  will  be  safe  to  re- 
move the  tying.  All  shoots  starting  be- 
Imv  the  bud  must  be  rubbed  off  as  soon 
as  they  start,  and  when  the  bud  begins  to 
grow,  the  portion  of  the  stock  above  the 
graft  must  be  cut  off,  so  that  the  inserted 
bud  may  get  the  full  benefit  of  growth. 
Bulb. — An  underground  bud,  consisting  of 
numerous  fleshy  scales  placed  one  over 
the  other;  a  modified  form  of  the  leaf 
bud.  A  bulb  is  usually  placed  partly  or 
entirely  underground.  There  are  seve- 
ral kinds  of  bulbs,  the  following  being  the 
most  common:  A  Naked  Bulb  is  a  bulb 
whose  scales  are  loose  and  almost  sepa- 
rate, as  in  the  Crown  Imperial.  A  Tuni- 
cated  Bull)  is  one  whose  fleshy  scales 
overlap  each  other,  forming  concentric 
layers,  the  outer  ones  being  thin  or  mem- 
branous, such  as  Hyacinths,  Onions,  Tu- 
lips, etc.  A  Solid  Bulb  is  properly  a 
Corm,  which  see. 

Bulbiferous. — Bearing  or  producing  bulbs. 
Bulbil  or  BnWlus.—k.n  axillary  bulb  with 
fleshy  scales,  falling  off  its  parent  spon- 
taneously, and  propagating  it.     Applied 
more  especially  to   those   buds   on   the 
stem,  which  occasionally  assume  the  char- 
acter of  bulbs,  as  in  Lilium  tigrinum. 
Bulbodium.—The  solid  bulb  of  old  botan- 
ists; the  same  as  a  conn,  which  see. 
Bulbosi  Pill— Hairs  that  proceed  from  a 
swollen  base. 


BUS 

Bulbosus. — Having  the  structure  of  a  bulb; 
having  bulbs. 

Bidb-tuber. — A  corm,  which  see. 

Bullate. — Blistered,  puckered;  as  when  the 
parenchyma  (which  see)  of  a  leaf  is  larger 
than  the  area  within  which  it  is  formed. 

Bulrushworts. — A  name  given  by  Lindley 
to  the  Typhacece. 

Burmanniacece. — A  family  of  Monocotyle- 
dons, which  are  allied  to  Orchids  in 
their  inferior  ovary,  (which  is  either  three- 
celled  or  with  three  parietal  placentas,) 
in  their  trimerous  flowers,  (see  Trimer- 
ous, )  and  especially  in  their  minute  seeds, 
with  a  loosely  netted  testa  (which  see) 
inclosing  an  apparently  homogeneous 
nucleus  or  embryo;  they  differ,  however, 
in  their  perfectly  regular  flowers,  with 
from  three  to  six  distinct  stamens  and  a 
central  simple  or  three-cleft  style.  They 
are  all  herbaceous  plants,  bearing  blue  or 
white  flowers,  and  inhabit  marshy  or 

.  shady  places.  The  slender  annual  stems 
in  some  genera  have  no  leaves  except 
small  colorless  scales,  which  led  former 
botanists  to  regard  them  as  parasites; 
but  it  has  been  ascertained  that  they 
grow  on  rotten  leaves  and  other  decayed 
vegetable  substances,  and  not  on  living 
plants.  There  are  about  thirty  species  of 
Burmanniacece,  all  of  which  are  tropical 
except  one  North  American  Burmannia. 
There  are  ten  or  eleven  genera,  including 
Tacca,  which  some  botanists  regard  as  a 
distinct  family  under  the  name  Taccacece. 

Burry.—  Covered  with  hooked  stiff  hairs, 
like  the  heads  of  Bur  or  Burdock. 

Bursicula,  (adj.  Bursiculate.)  —  A  small 
purse.  A  pouch-like  expansion  of  the 
stigma,  into  which  the  caudicle  (which 
see)  of  some  Orchids  is  inserted. 

Bush. — A  low  shrub,  densely  branched 
from  the  very  surface  of  the  ground. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


301 


BUT 

Butomacece,  (Butomads;  the  Flowering  Bush 
family.) — A  natural  order  of  Hypogynous  I 
Monocotyledons  belonging  to  Lindley's 
Alismal  Alliance.  They  are  aquatic  plants, 
often  milky,  with  very  cellular  leaves  and 
umbellate,  showy  flowers.  The  perianth 
consists  of  six  pieces,  the  three  inner,  or 
corolla,  being  colored  like  petals.  The 
stamens  are  either  below  or  above  twenty 
in  number,  and  hypogynous.  The  ovaries 
are  three  to  six  or  more,  either  separate 
or  united;  the  ovules  are  numerous.  The 
fruit  consists  of  achenes  or  follicles,  sepa- 
rate or  united.  The  seeds  are  numer- 
ous, attached  to  a  net-like  placenta, 
which  is  spread  over  the  whole  inner 
surface  of  the  fruit,  and  are  without  albu- 
men. The  plants  are  natives  of  the 
marshes  of  Europe,  the  northwestern 
provinces  of  India,  and  equinoctial  Amer- 
ica. Butomus  uinbellatus,  the  Flowering 
Bush,  is  an  ornamental  aquatic  common 
in  England.  Its  underground  stem  is 
roasted  and  eaten  in  Asia.  There  are 
four  genera  and  seven  species.  Butomus 
and  Limnocharis  are  examples  of  this 
order. 

Butomads. — The  English  term  for  Butoma- 
cece. 

Byssaceous. — Composed   of  fine   entangled 
threads. 

Byssi. — A  name  which  formerly  included 


CAB 

a  heterogeneous  mass  of  perfect  and  im- 
perfect plants  of  various  affinities,  but  is 
not  now  used,  the  term  byssoid  alone  be- 
ing retained  to  express  a  peculiar  fringed 
structure,  in  which  the  threads  or  fascicles 
of  threads  are  of  unequal  lengths. 

Byssoid. — See  By*#i. 

Bysms. — The  stipa  of  certain  Fungi. 

Byttnenece,  (Buettneriece.) — A  tribe  of  the 
natural  order  Sterculiacece,  regarded  by 
some  botanists  as  a  distinct  order,  and 
referred  by  Lindley  to  his  Malval  Alli- 
ance of  Thalamifloral  Exogens.  The 
Chocolate  and  Cocoa  of  commerce  be- 
long to  this  tribe,  being  prepared  from 
the  seeds  (called  Cocoa  Baans)  of  Theo- 
broma  Cacao,  a  small  tree  found  in  the 
forests  of  Demerara.  The  seeds  contain 
a  tonic  substance  called  theobromine,  al- 
lied to  theine,  while  a  fatty  oil  is  ex- 
pressed from  them  called  the  butter  of 
Cacao.  From  the  pulp  of  the  fruit  a 
kind  of  spirit  is  distilled.  The  following 
genera  are  examples  of  this  tribe:  Glos- 
sostemon,-with  palminerved  leaves;  Abroma, 
with  palmilobed  or  entire  leaves;  Theo- 
broma,  with  simple  penninerved  leaves; 
Herrania,  with  palmated  or  digitate 
leaves;  Guazuma,  with  simple  leaves; 
Buettneria,  with  simple,  more  or  less 
heart-shaped  leaves;  and  Rulingia,  with 
simple  or  lobed  leaves. 


c. 


/~Yabbage  Worm. — A  worm  very  destruc- 
tive to  the  Cabbage.  See  Insects. 

Cabombacece,  (Cabombece,  Hydropeltidece, 
Water  Shields. )— A  natural  order  of  Tha- 
lamifloral Dicotyledons,  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Nymphal  Alliance.  They  are 


aquatic  plants  with  shield-like  leaves; 
sepals  and  petals  three  or  four,  alternat- 
ing; stamens  six  to  thirty-six.  Carpels 
distinct,  two  to  eighteen;  seeds  not  nu- 
merous; embryo  in  a  membranous  bag, 
outside  abundant  fleshy  albumen.  The 


302 


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CAC 


plants  are  allied  to  the  Water  Lilies,  and 
are  found  in  America  from  Cayenne  to 
New  Jersey,  as  well  as  in  New  Holland. 
There  are  two  genera,  Cabomba  and  Hy- 
dropeltis,  which  comprise  three  genera. 
Cactacece,  (Cacti,  Cactece,  Opuntiacece,  Nopa- 
lece;  Indian  Figs,  the  Cactus  family.)— A 
natural  order  of  Calycifloral  Dicotyledons, 
consisting  of  succulent  shrubs,  with  re- 
markable spines  clustered  on  the  stems, 
which  are  angular,  round,  two-edged,  or 
leafy,  and  have  their  woody  matter 
often  arranged  in  a  wedge-like  manner. 
The  calyx  consists  of  numerous  sepals, 
combined  and  epigynous,  (which  see;) 
the  petals  are  numerous;  the  stamens  are 
numerous,  with  long  filaments.  The 
ovary  is  one-celled,  with  parietal  placen- 
tas; the  style  is  single,  and  the  stigmas 
several.  The  fruit  is  succulent,  and  the 
seeds  without  albumen.  They  are  na- 
tives of  various  parts  of  America,  but 
have  been  introduced  into  many  parts  of 
the  world.  The  fruits  of  the  Opuntias 
are  called  Indian  Figs,  and  are  edible, 
having  a  subacid  and  refreshing  juice. 
The  stems  of  some  of  the  species  are  eat- 
en by  cattle.  These  stems  vary  greatly 
in  form,  some  being  spherical,  others 
jointed,  while  still  others  are  triangular, 
and  some  send  polygonal  shafts  sixty 
feet  or  more  into  the  air.  These  stems 
are  very  succulent  or  fleshy,  and  the 
plants  are  thus  adapted  to  dry  climates, 
or,  rather,  such  as  have  a  "dry  season." 
Among  the  tall-growing  kinds  may  be 
mentioned  Cereus  giganteus,  growing 
sixty  or  more  feet  high,  and  from  one 
to  two  feet  in  diameter;  C.  Peruvianus, 
with  stems  thirty  to  forty  feet  high;  C. 
Thurberi,  with  stems  ten  to  fifteen  feet 
high,  and  C.  Schotlii,  with  stems  eight  to 
ten  feet  high.  The  spines  on  some  Cac- 


CAL 


ti  are  very  formidable,  and  on  others  very 
numerous.  The  spines  and  bristles  on  a 
specimen  of  Echinocackus  platyceras  were 
reckoned  at  51,000,  and  those  of  a  Pilo- 
cereus  senilis  at  72,000.  Opuntia  vulgaris, 
our  common  Prickly  Pear,  bears  an  edi- 
ble fruit.  0.  cochinillifera,  (Nopalea,)  the 
Nopal  plant,  is  very  largely  grown  for 
rearing  the  Cochineal  insect,  (Coccus 
Cacti. )  The  number  of  known  genera  is 
eighteen,  and  800  species.  Cereus,  Epi- 
phyttum,  Phyllocactus,  Mammittaria,  Melo- 
cactus,  Peres/cia,  etc.,  are  examples  of  this 
order. 

Caducous. — When  a  part  falls  off  very  early 
compared  with  other  parts  with  which  it 
is  associated.  Thus  the  sepals  of  many 
Poppies  fall  as  soon  as  the  flower  begins 
to  expand. 

Ccesius. — A  pale  blue;  a  blue  metallic  lus- 
ter seen  on  some  leaves,  as  those  of  Sela- 
ginella  ccesia. 

Cceruleus  or  Cozruleus. — Blue ;  the  clear 
blue  of  the  sky. 

Ccespitose.—  Growing  in  little  tufts  or  patch- 
es. 

Calamarice.  —  Fossil  plants  resembling 
weeds. 

Calambac. — The  commercial  name  of  Aloes- 
wood,  Eagles-wood,  or  Lign  Aloes, 
which  is  produced  by  Aloexylum  agalloch- 
um. 

Calamus,  (a  Reed.) — This  word  has  been 
restricted  to  hollow,  inarticulate  stems, 
like  those  of  Hushes. 

Calathida,  Calathus,  Calathidium.—The  head 
of  flowers  borne  by  Composites;  as,  for 
example,  the  Aster. 

Calcar. — A  spur;  a  hollow  process  of  some 
part  of  a  flower. 

Cakarate.— Spurred;  having  a  spur. 

Calcareous.—  A  dead  or  dull  white,  like 
chalk.  Also  growing  in  chalky  places, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


303 


CAL 

or  having  the  substance  of  chalk,  or  car- 
bonate of  lime. 

Calcariform. — Shaped  like  a  calcar  or  spur. 
See  Calcar. 

Calceiform. — Formed  like  a  little  shoe,  as 
Cypripedium. 

Calceolate. — Having  the  form  of  a  slipper  or 
round-toed  shoe,  as  in  Cypripedium  in- 
signe,  Venus's  Slipper. 

Calceous. — Dead  white,  like  chalk. 

Calicate. — Furnished  with  a  calyx. 

Calicinar. — When  a  flower  becomes  double 
by  an  increase  in  the  number  of  lobes  of 
the  calyx  or  sepals. 

Calicular. — A  term  of  aestivation,  (which 
see,)  when  the  outer  bracts  of  an  involu- 
cre are  much  shorter  than  the  inner. 

Catti.  — Small  callosities  or  rough  protuber- 
ances. 

Callose. — Callous,  hardened. 

Calloso-serrate. — When  serratures  are  callos- 
ities. 

Callously  -  glandula.  —  Having  hardened 
glands. 

Cillously-serrated. — Having  hardened  serra- 
tures. 

Callus,  (adj.  Callose.) — A  hardened  part ; 
anything  which  has  acquired  unusual 
hardness  and  toughness;  also  used  in  the 
sense  of  verruca,  (which  see,)  meaning  a 
wart;  also  the  hymenium,  (which  see,)  or 
fructifying  surface  of  certain  Fungi.  This 
term  is  best  known  as  used  to  denote  the 
cambium  that  forms  at  the  cut  end  of  a 
slip  or  cutting  before  the  roots  appear, 
and  heals  the  wound  over.  It  has  a  gran- 
ular or  warty  appearance,  and  hence  the 
name. 

Calvous. — Quite  naked;  bald;  having  no 
hairs,  or  other  such  processes. 

Calybio,  Calybium. — A  hard,  one-celled,  in- 
ferior dry  fruit,  seated  in  a  cupule;  as, 
for  example,  an  acorn  or  a  hazel-nut. 


CAL 

Calycanthacece,  (Calycanths.)—The  Carolina 
Allspice  family,  a  natural  order  of  Caly- 
cifloral  Dicotyledons  belonging  to  Lind- 
ley's  Bosal  Alliance.  Shrubs  with  square 
stems  having  four  woody  axes  (which  see) 
surrounding  the  central  one,  opposite  en- 
tire leaves  without  stipules,  and  solitary 
lurid  flowers.  The  calyx  consists  of  numer- 
ous colored  sepals  compounded  with  the 
petals,  and  all  united  below  with  a  fleshy 
tube  bearing  numerous  stamens  on  its 
rim;  the  outer  stamens  open  outwardly; 
the  inner  ones  are  barren.  There  are 
several  ovaries,  which  are  one-celled  and 
adherent  to  the  caly cine  tube ;  the  ovules 
are  one  or  two.  The  fruit  consists  of 
achenes  inclosed  by  the  calyx;  the  seeds 
are  without  albumen.  The  flowers  have 
an  aromatic  fragrance.  The  plants  are 
natives  of  North  America  and  Japan. 
The  bark  of  Calycanthusjloridus  (Carolina 
Allspice,  Sweet-scented  or  Strawberry 
Shrub)  is  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute 
for  Cinnamon.  There  are  only  two  known 
genera,  the  Calycanthm  of  America  and 
the  Chimonanthus  of  Japan,  the  two  con- 
taining six  species. 

Calycanths. — An  English  name  for  Calycanth- 
acece. 

Calyceracece,  (Boopidece.)  —  The  Calycera 
family,  a  natural  order  of  gamopetalous 
Calycifloral  Dicotyledons  included  in 
Londley's  Campanal  Alliance.  They  con- 
sist of  herbs  with  alternate  leaves  with- 
out stipules,  and  with  flowers  collected  in 
heads.  The  order  occupies  an  interme- 
diate place  between  Composites  and  Dip- 
uacacece,  differing  from  the  former  in  their 
seed,  which  is  pendulous  and  albuminous, 
as  in  Dipsacacece,  and  from  the  latter  in 
their  anthers  being  united  around  the 
style,  as  in  Composites.  They  are  natives 
of  South  America,  but  have  no  special 


304 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


CAL 

interest     Calycera,   Adcarpha,  and  Boo- 


Calycine,  Calyainal.—Ot  or  belonging  to  a 
calyx;  also  a  calyx  of  unusual  size;  or 
having  the  texture  of  a  calyx. 

Calycatus.— Furnished  with  a  calyx;  or 
where  the  calyx  is  large  or  remarkable. 

Calyciform.— Formed  like  a  calyx. 

Cdycaideous.— Besembling  a  calyx. 

Calyculate.— When  the  flower  appears  as 
though  it  possessed  a  double  calyx,  as 
Myoseris. 

Calyptra. — Literally,  an  extinguisher;  ap- 
plied to  the  body  which  tips  the  theca  of 
a  Moss,  and  the  like;  having  a  calyptra. 

Calyptra,  (adj.  Calyptrate^—The,  hood  of  an 
Urn  Moss. 

Calyx. — The  most  external  of  the  floral  en- 
velopes; it  is  called  adherent  or  superior 
when  it  is  not  separable  from  the  ovary; 
free  or  inferior  when  it  is  separate  from 
that  part;  and  calyculate  when  it  is  sur- 
rounded at  the  base  by  bracts  in  a  ring. 
Also  the  receptacle  of  some  kinds  of 
fungi. 

Calyxulus. — A  partial  involucre,  containing 
but  one,  or  perhaps  two  flowers.  Also 
the  external  bracts  of  a  capitulum,  (which 
see,)  when  they  form  a  distinct  ring  or 
rings. 

Calyplriformis.—Lik.e  a  calyptra  or  an  ex- 
tinguisher, as  the  calyx  of  Eucalyptus. 

Camara. — A  carpel;  the  core  of  the  Ap- 
ple, etc. 

.  Cambium. — The  viscid  fluid  which  appears 
between  the  bark  and  wood  of  Exogens, 
when  the  new  wood  is  forming.  Also  the 
mucus  of  vegetation  out  of  which  all  new 
organs  are  produced. 

Campaniform.—  Shaped  like  a  bell;  the 
same  as  Campanulate,  which  see. 

Campanulacece,  (Campanula;,  Sellworts, 
Hare-bell  family.)— A  natural  order  of 


CAM 

Calycifloral  Gamopetalous  Dicotyledons, 
and  characterizing  Lindley's  Campanal 
Alliance.  They  are  milky  herbs  or  un- 
dershrubs,  with  alternate  leaves,  having  no 
stipules,  and  usually  bearing  showy  blue 
or  white  flowers.  The  calyx  is  above  the 
ovary,  (superior,)  and  is  commonly  five- 
cleft,  persistent;  the  corolla  regular,  bell- 
shaped,  and  usually  five-lobed,  wither- 
ing; stamens,  five,  distinct;  style  with 
hairs.  The  fruit  is  one  or  two-celled,  or 
many-celled,  the  capsule  opening  by  slits 
at  the  sides,  or  by  valves  at  the  apex; 
the  seeds  are  numerous,  albuminous,  and 
attached  to  a  central  placenta.  The 
plants  are  chiefly  natives  of  the  north  of 
Asia,  Europe,  and  North  America,  and 
are  scarcely  known  in  hot  regions.  The 
chains  of  the  Alps,  Italy,  Greece,  the 
Caucasus  and  the  Altai,  are  their  true 
homes.  Several  are  found  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  The  species  opening 
with  lateral  slits  in  the  seed  vessels  are 
chiefly  natives  of  the  northern  hemi- 
sphere; while  those  opening  by  valves  at 
the  top  of  their  seed-vessels  belong  to  the 
southern  hemisphere.  The  plants  have 
a  milky,  acrid  juice,  but  the  roots  and 
young  shoots  are  often  cultivated  as  arti- 
cles of  food,  as,  for  example,  the  Ram- 
pion,  ( Campanula  Eapunculus.}  There  are 
twenty-nine  known  genera,  and  five  hun- 
dred and  forty  species.  Some  of  them 
furnish  handsome  flowers  for  the  border. 
Jasione,  Phyteuma,  Campanula,  Adonopho- 
ra,  and  Platycodon  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Campanulate. — Bell-shaped,  as  the  corolla 
of  Campanula. 

Campaniform. — The  same  as  campanulate. 

Camptotropal.  —  An  orthotropal  ovule, 
curved  downward  like  a  horseshoe,  with 
the  sides  adherent.  See  Orthotropal. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


305 


CAM 

Campylospermous. — When  a  seed  or  seed- 
like  fruit  is  so  rolled  up  as  to  have  a  fur- 
row in  the  longer  diameter  of  one  side. 

Campylotr&pal. — An  ovule,  one  of  whose 
sides  grows  much  faster  than  the  other, 
so  that  while  the  chalaza  (which  see)  re- 
mains at  the  hilum,  the  foramen  (which 
see)  is  brought  nearly  into  contact  with 
it, 

Canaliculate. — Channeled  or  furrowed,  like 
the  petioles  of  many  leaves. 

Gancellate. — Latticed;  resembling  lattice- 
work; comprised  of  veins  only,  all  the 
parenchyma  or  intervening  web  being 
absent;  as  where  the  single  fibers,  of  which 
the  whole  plant  of  Byssus  cancellatus  is 
composed,  cross  each  other. 

Candidus. — A  pure  white;  but  not  so  clear 
as  snow-white. 

Canescens. — More  or  less  gray,  verging  on 
white;  grayish-white;  hoary;  a  term  ap- 
plied to  hairy  surfaces. 

Ganescent. — Hoary;  approaching  to  white. 

Canker. — A  rather  indefinite  term,  used  to 
denote  a  disease  resulting  in  the  slow  de- 
cay of  trees  or  other  plants  attacked  by 
it. 

Cannabinacece,  (Cannabinece,  Hempworts.) — 
A  natural  order  of  Monochlamydeous 
Dicotyledons,  belonging  to  Lindley's  TJr- 
tical  Alliance.  They  are  rough-stemmed 
herbs  with  watery  sap,  alternate  and 
lobed  leaves  with  stipules,  and  small,  in- 
conspicuous flowers.  The  plants  have 
some  flowers  with  stamens  without  pis- 
tils, and  others  with  pistils  without  sta- 
mens. The  staminate  flowers  are  in 
clusters  called  racemes  or  panicles; 
the  calyx  is  herbaceous  and  scaly;  the 
stamens  are  few  and  opposite  the  sepals; 
the  filaments  are  filiform.  The  pistillate 
flowers  are  in  spikes  or  c-oiies,  with  a  sin- 
gle sepal;  the  ovary  is  one-celled,  and 


CAP 

contains  a  solitary,  pendulous  ovule; 
there  are  two  stigmas.  The  fruit  is  a 
single-seeded  nut;  the  embryo  is  hooked 
or  spiral,  without  albumen.  The  plants 
are  natives  of  the  temperate  parts  of  the 
East  Indies  and  Europe.  They  posseas 
narcotic  qualities  and  yield  valuable 
fibers.  Cannabis  sativa  yields  the  well- 
known  Hemp,  one  of  our  most  valuable 
fibers.  It  is  imported  in  large  quanti- 
ties from  Russia,  and  is  produced  in  a 
small  way  in  this  country.  The  plant 
grows  naturally  in  the  cooler  parts  of  In- 
dia, and  there  develops  narcotic  qualities, 
which  seem  to  reside  in  the  resin  which 
covers  the  leaves.  What  are  called 
Hemp  Seeds,  used  for  the  food  of  birds, 
are  in  reality  Hemp  fruits,  each  contain- 
ing a  single  seed.  ffumulus  Lupulus, 
the  well-known  Hop,  possesses  both  ton- 
ic and  hypnotic  properties,  that  is,  a 
power  to  produce  sleep.  The  scales  of 
the  Hop  heads  are  covered  with  resinous 
matter,  which  has  an  aromatic  odor. 
There  are  but  two  known  genera  in  the 
order,  Cannabis  and  ffumul.ua;,  and  two 
species. 

Cannacece. — The  Indian  Shot  family,  a  nat- 
ural order  of  Epigynous  Monocotyledons 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Amomal  Alliance. 
The  name  of  Marantacece  is  also  given  to 
the  order.  See  Marantacece. 

Canua. — Grayish  white  or  hoary;  a  term 
applied  to  hairy  surfaces. 

Cap. — The  convex  part  of  an  Agaric  or 
other  similar  Fungi. 

Capittaceous,  Capillary. — Having  the  form  of 
a  thread;  very  slender;  resembling  a 
hair. 

Capillaceoux,  Capillary. — Very  slender,  like 
a  hair. 

Capillary-multifid.— Divided  into  slender, 
hair-like  segments. 


306 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAP 


Capillaie.—  Hairy,  stringy. 

GapiUitium.—  Entangled  filamentary  matter 
in  Fungi. 

(  V//KS,  (adj.  Capillaris.)— The  breadth  of  a 
hair;  the  twelfth  part  of  a  line. 

Capitate.—  Having  a  head  ;  pin-headed,  as 
the  stigma  of  the  Primrose,  or  as  certain 
hairs.  Also,  growing  in  a  head,  or  close 
terminal  clusters,  as  the  flowers  of  Com- 
posite?, etc.  When  a  style  is  swollen  at 
the  apex,  as  if  capped,  it  is  said  to  be 
capitate. 

Capitdlate,  Capitular,  Capitulate. — Growing 
in  small  heads. 

CapUuii. — Small  heads. 

Capituliform. — Formed  like  a  small  head. 

Capitulum. — A  close  head  of  sessile  flowers. 
The  term  is  also  vaguely  applied  among 
Fungi  to  the  receptacle,  pileus,  or  peri- 
dium,  which  see. 

Capparidiacece,  (Capparids.) — A  natural  or- 
der of  Thalamifloral  Dicotyledons  belong- 
ing to  Lindley's  Cistal  Alliance.     The  or- 
der is  composed  of  herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees 
with  alternate  leaves  and  solitary  or  clus- 
terad  flowers;  there  are  four  sepals,  im- 
bricate or  valvate;  four  petals,  arranged  j 
crosswise,  sometimes  eight;  the  stamens  i 
are  usually  numerous,  and  a  multiple  of  ; 
four,  placed  at  the  top  of  a  stalk-like  re- 
ceptacle;  the   disk  is  much  developed.  ! 
The  ovary  is  usually  supported  on  a  stalk, 
and  is  one-celled,  with  parietal  placentas,  j 
The  fruit  is  either  pod-like  and  opening, 
or  berried;  the  seeds  are  often  kidney- 
shaped,  and  without  albumen.   The  order 
is  divided  into  two  sub-orders:  Cleomcn; 
with  dry,  dehiscent  (splitting)  fruit,  and 
Capparece,  with  a  berry  fruit.    The  plants 
are  chiefly  tropical,  and  abound  in  Africa 
and  India.     Some  are  found  in  Europe 
and  in  North  America.     They  have  pun- 
gent and  stimulant  qualities,  and  lmv<> 


CAP 

been  used  for  scurvy.  The  flower  buds 
of  Capparis  spinosa  furnish  the  well-known 
Capers.  C.  JEgyptiaca  is  thought  by  some 
to  be  the  Hyssop  of  Scripture.  There 
are  thirty-three  known  genera  and  three 
hundred  and  fifty-five  species.  Capparis, 
Cleome,  Polanisia,  and  Cratceva,  are  exam- 
ples of  the  genera. 

Capparids. — Another  name  for  Capparidia- 
cece, which  see. 

Capreolus. — A  tendril. 

Caprification. — A  fertilization  of  flowers  by 
the  aid  of  insects,  as  that  of  the  Fig  by  a 
small  fly. 

Caprifoliaeece,  (Lonicerece,  Capri/oils,  the 
Honeysuckle  family.) — A  natural  order  of 
gamopetalous  (which  see)  Calycifloral 
Dicotyledons  belonging  to  Lindley's  Ci- 
chonal  Alliance.  They  are  shrubs  or 
herbs,  often  twining,  with  opposite  leaves 
which  have  no  stipules;  the  calyx  is  ad- 
herent to  the  ovary,  its  limb  four  to  five 
cleft,  and  usually  with  small  leaves 
(bracts)  at  its  base;  the  corolla  is  supe- 
rior, regular  or  irregular;  the  stamens 
are  four  or  five,  alternate  with  the  lobes 
of  the  corolla.  The  ovary  is  usually  three 
to  five  celled,  and  the  stigmas  three  or 
five.  The  fruit  is  generally  a  berry,  with 
one  or  more  cavities,  and  crowned  with 
the  calyx  lobes;  the  albumen  is  fleshy. 
They  are  natives  of  the  northern  parts  of 
Europe,  Asia,  and  America,  found  spar- 
ingly in  Northern  Africa,  and  unknown  in 
the  southern  hemisphere.  Some  are  as- 
tringent, and  others  have  emetic  and 
purgative  qualities.  Many  have  showy 
and  fragrant  flowers.  The  common 
Honeysuckle  (Lonicera)  is  one  of  the 
most  esteemed  of  our  climbing  or  twin- 
ing plants.  Among  other  plants  of  the 
order  may  be  mentioned  the  Snowball  or 
Guelder  Kose,  (Viburnum  opulus,)  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


307 


CAP 


Snowberry,  (Symphoricarjms  racemosu*,) 
the  Elder,  (Sambucus  nigra,)  and  the 
Laurustinus,  (Viburnum  Tinus,)  as  well 
as  Linncea  borealix.  The  black  berries  of 
the  species  of  Viburnum  found  on  the 
Himalaya  Mountains  are  eatable  and 
agreeable. 
Caprifoils. — The  English  name  of  C'aprifoli- 


Capsomania, — An  unnatural  development  of 
pistils,  which  may  consist  of  an  excessive 
multiplication  or  of  such  a  derangement 
as  impedes  their  functions.  In  the  first 
case  the  unusual  demands  for  nutritive 
matter  cannot  be  met,  and  the  fruit  be- 
comes small  and  abortive;  in  the  latter, 
as  in  green-centered  Roses,  bladder 
Plums,  etc.,  the  ovules,  being  imperfect, 
do  not  come  to  perfection. 

Capsule. — Any  dry,  dehiscent  (which  see) 
seed  vessel,  with  one  or  more  cells.  A 
spurious  capsule  is  any  dry  seed  vessel 
that  is  not  dehiscent,  or  does  not  split 
open.  Also  employed  to  denote,  among 
Fungi,  certain  kinds  of  receptacles. 

Gaput. — The  peridium  (which  see)  of  cer- 
tain Fungi.  Caput  radicis  means  the 
crown  of  a  root;  also,  the  very  short 
stem,  or  rather  bud,  which  terminates 
the  roots  of  herbaceous  plants. 

Carageen  or  Carrageen,  (Irish  Moss.) — A 
name  given  in  Ireland  to  Gkondrus  cris- 
pus  and  some  other  allied  Algae.  Vast 
quantities  are  collected  for  sale,  and  sup- 
ply a  useful  article  for  feeding  cattle  and 
making  jelly  for  invalids.  Its  decided 
sea  taste  and  odor  are  against  its  being  a 
perfect  substitute  for  isinglass.  There  is 
no  doubt,  however,  that  in  the  sick  cham- 
ber it  is  a  far  better  substitute  than  gela- 
tine, as  that  has  very  small,  if  any  nutri- 
tive qualities,  a  fact  not  perhaps  suffi- 
ciently known. 


CAB 

Carcerule. — An  indehiscent,  many-celled, 
superior  fruit,  such  as  that  of  the  Lin- 
den. Also  employed  among  Fungi  to 
denote  their  spore-cases. 

Carcinodes. — A  term  applied  to  what  is 
commonly  called  Canker  in  trees,  which 
may  be  characterized  as  a  slow  decay, 
and  in  regard  to  which  the  Rev.  M.  J. 
Berkeley,  an  excellent  authority,  says: 
"  The  appearances  are  very  different  in 
different  plants,  and  the  causes  different. 
The  same  plant,  as  the  Apple,  may  even  ex- 
hibit three  or  four  different  kinds  of  Cank- 
er. One  form  arises  from  the  attack  of  the 
Woolly  Aphis;  a,  second  from  the  devel- 
opment of  bundles  of  adventitious  roots, 
whose  tips  decay  and  harbor  moisture, 
and  contaminate  the  subjacent  tissues; 
a  third  exhibits  itself  without  any  appar- 
ent cause,  in  the  form  of  broad,  dark, 
or  even  black  patches,  spreading  in  every 
direction;  while  a  fourth  shows  pale,  de- 
pressed streaks,  which  soon  become  con- 
fluent, and  eventually  kill,  first  the  bark, 
and  then,  as  a  necessary  consequence, 
the  underlying  wood.  The  only  remedy 
is  to  cut  out  completely  the  affected  parts, 
and  that  is  not  always  efficacious.  The 
Canker  of  the  Plum  and  Apricot  is 
brought  on  by  gumming.  In  many  cases, 
Canker  arises  doubtless  from  the  roots 
penetrating  into  some  ungenial  soil, 
which  vitiates  the  juices  and  induces 
death  to  the  weaker  cells,  from  which  it 
spreads  to  surrounding  tissue.  The  rug- 
ged appearance  is  generally  due  to  a 
struggle  between  the  vital  powers  of  the 
plant  and  the  diseased  action." 

Carcinoma. — A  disease  in  trees  when  the 
bark  separates,  an  acrid  sap  exuding  and 
ulcerating  the  surrounding  parts. 

Carcithium.— The  mycelium  (which  see)  of 
certain  Fungi. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAR 

Carcytes. — The  same  as  mycelium,  which  see. 

Caries.— A.  word  used  in  vegetable  pathol- 
ogy to  denote  decay  of  the  walls  of  the 
cells  and  vessels,  whether  attended  by  a 
greater  or  less  degree  of  moisture. 

Carina,  (adj.  Carinafe.)—k  keel  like  that  of 
a  boat;  the  two  anterior  or  lower  petals 
of  a  papilionaceous  flower,  the  three  an- 
terior in  a  Milkwort,  etc.  Also,  the  thin, 
sharp  back  of  certain  parts,  as  that  of  a 
glume  of  Phalaris,  etc. 

Connate.— Keel-shaped.     See  Carina. 

Carinately-concave. — Hollowed,  so  as  to  re-  i 
semble  a  keel  externally. 

Carinately-winged. — Haying  a  wing  like  a 
keel 

Carinato-plicate. — So  plaited  that  each  fold 
is  like  a  keel,  as  in  the  peristome  (which 
see)  of  some  Urn  Mosses. 

Cariopsis. — A  one-celled,  one-seeded,  supe-  i 
rior  fruit,  whose  pericarp  is  membranous  I 
and  united  to  the   seed,  as  in  Wheat, 
Maize,  and  other  kinds  of  grain. 

Carneus. — Pale  red,  or  flesh-color. 

Carnose,  Carnosus. — Fleshy. 

Carious. — Decayed. 

Caro. — The  fleshy  part  of  fruit,  or  that 
which  is  edible.  Also,  the  flesh  or  tissue 
of  which  Fungi  consist. 

Carpadelium. — An  inferior,  indehiscent, 
(which  see,)  two  or  more  celled  fruit  with 
solitary  seeds,  and  carpels  which,  when 
ripe,  separate  from  a  common  axis,  as  in 
Umbellifers. 

Carpet  Bedding.— See  Bedding. 

Carpel,  CarpeHa,  (adj.  Carpellaris.)—One  of  | 
the  rolled-up  leaves  of  which  the  pistil  is 
composed,  whether  they  are  combined  or 
distinct;  the  small  parts  of  which  com- 
pound fruits  are  formed. 

Carpockmium. — A  free  case  or  receptacle  of  I 
spores  found  in  certain  Algae. 

Carpofagy.—Th&t  part    of    botany  which  ! 


CAR 

treats   of    the   structure   of    fruits    and 


Carpomania. — A  term  used  to  denote  the 
grittiness  of  Pears,  Quinces,  Medlars,  etc. ; 
a  condition  which  always  exists,  and  can- 
not be  altogether  removed  by  cultivation, 
though  it  may  make  the  fruit  more  juicy. 
Grittiness  depends  on  the  deposit  of  lay- 
er after  layer  of  new  matter  within  cer- 
tain cells  till  they  become  hard.  In  the 
warm  climate  of  Italy  Quinces  are  often 
so  full  of  these  cells  as  to  become  uneat- 
able. 

Carpomorpha. — Those  parts  in  cryptogam- 
ic  plants  which  resemble  true  fruits  with- 
out being  such  receive  this  name,  as  the 
spores  of  Lichens. 

Garpophorum. — The  stalk  of  the  pistil  above 
or  beyond  the  stamens. 

Carpophyttum. — The  same  as  carpel,  which 
see. 

Carpopodium. — A  fruit  stalk. 

Carpoptosis.  — This  term  is  used  in  reference 
to  the  sudden  arrest  of  growth  and  fall- 
ing off  of  fruit  and  grain  after  impregna- 
tion has  taken  place,  and  more  or  less 
growth  has  been  made.  This  result 
will  sometimes  happen  in  consequence  of 
more  fruit  setting  than  the  plant  is  able 
to  nourish;  and  in  other  cases  the  growth 
of  the  plant  will  be  so  vigorous  as  to  di- 
vert the  flow  of  the  sap  from  the  fruit, 
and,  in  consequence,  it  falls  off  or  fails 
to  mature;  a  matter  of  very  common  oc- 
currence in  both  fruits  and  flowers. 
There  are,  doubtless,  other  causes  for  the 
falling  of  fruit  aside  from  insects,  which 
are  not  yet  well  understood. 

Carpostomium. — The  opening  into  spore 
cases  of  Algae. 

Cartilaginous. — Hard  and  tough  like  the 
skin  of  an  apple-seed  or  a  piece  of  parch- 
ment. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAR 

Caruncula,  (adj.  Carunculate,  Caruncular.) — 
A  wart  or  protuberance  round  or  near  the 
hilum  (which  see)  of  a  seed. 

Cart/ophyllacece,  (Silenece,  Alsinece,  Queriacece, 
Miitttartiece,  Molluginece,  Steudelue,  Sile- 
nads,  Cloveworts,  the  Chickweed  family.) — 
A  natural  order  of  Thalamifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons belonging1  to  Lindley's  Silenal  Al- 
liance. The  plants  of  this  order  are 
herbs  with  stems  swollen  at  the  joints,  j 
entire  and  opposite  leaves,  and  a  definite 
(cymose)  inflorescence;  the  sepals  are 
four  to  five,  separate  or  cohering;  the 
petals  are  four  to  five,  with  narrow  claws, 
which  are  sometimes  wanting;  the  sta- 
mens are  usually  as  many  or  twice  as 
many  as  the  petals.  The  ovary  is  often 
supported  on  a  stalk,  (gynophore,  which  ! 
see,)  usually  one-celled,  with  a  free  cen- 
tral placenta;  the  styles  are  two  to  five, 
with  papillae  on  their  inner  surface.  The 
fruit  is  a  capsule,  opening  by  two  to  five 
valves,  or  by  teeth  at  the  apex,  which  are 
twice  as  many  as  the  stigmas;  the  seeds 
are  usually  indefinite;  the  embryo  is 
curved  round  mealy  albumen.  There  are 
three  sub-orders,  viz.:  1.  Silenece,  the 
Pink  tribe,  with  united  sepals  opposite 
the  stamens,  when  the  latter  are  of  the 
same  number.  2.  Alsinece,  the  Chick- 
weed  tribe,  with  separate  sepals,  bearing 
the  same  relation  to  the  stamens  as  in 
Silenece.  3.  Mottuginece,  the  Carpet-weed 
tribe,  in  which  the  petals  are  wanting, 
and  the  stamens  are  alternate  with  the 
sepals  when  of  the  same  number.  The 
plants  of  this  order  are  natives  principal- 
ly of  temperate  and  cold  regions.  They 
inhabit  mountains,  rocks,  hedges,  and 
waste  places.  Humboldt  says  that  Clove - 
worts  constitute  a  twenty-secondth  part 
of  the  flowering  plants  of  France,  one 
twenty- seventh  of  those  of  Germany,  one 


CAS 

seventeenth  of  Lapland,  and  one  seventy- 
secondth  of  North  America.  The  order 
has  no  very  marked  properties.  There 
are  some  very  showy  flowers  in  the  order, 
such  as  the  well-known  and  popular  Pinks 
and  Carnations;  but  the  greater  number 
are  mere  weeds.  The  Clove  Pink  (Dian- 
thus  Caryophyllux)  is  the  origin  of  all  the 
cultivated  varieties  of  Carnations,  as  Pi- 
cotees,  Bizarres,  and  Flakes.  The  com- 
mon Chickweed  (Stellaria  media)  and 
Spurry,  (Spergula  arvensis,)  the  latter 
used  as  fodder  for  sheep,  are  other  ex- 
amples. There  are  about  sixty  genera 
and  1,100  species.  Dianthus,  SUene, 
Lychnis,  Cerastium,  Arenaria,  Alsine,  Sa- 
ponaria,  are  examples  of  this  order. 

Caryophyllaceous,  Carophylla'tts. — A  corolla 
whose  petals  have  long,  distinct  claws,  as 
in  the  Clove  Pink. 

Cassideous. — Having  the  form  of  a  helmet; 
as  the  upper  sepal  in  the  flower  of  an 
Aconite. 

Castratus.  — When  an  important  part  is 
missing,  as  in  the  case  of  filaments  which 
have  no  anthers. 

Casuarinacece. — A  group  of  about  a  score  of 
species  of  jointed,  leafless  trees  or  shrubs 
which,  in  their  striated  internodes  and 
toothed-ribbed  sheaths,  have  some  re- 
semblance to  Equisetums,  while  in  other 
respects  they  are  allied,  in  some  meas- 
ure, to  Ephedra  and  the  Coniferce,  under 
which  they  were  formerly  classed,  and 
still  more  with  Myricacece  and  other 
amentaceous  groups,  near  to  which  they 
are  now  placed  as  a  small,  distinct  fam- 
ily. Their  flowers  are  unisexual,  the 
males,  in  distinct  whorls,  forming  a  cylin- 
drical spike;  each  stamen  is  inclosed  in 
four  scale-like  leaflets,  the  two  outer 
ones  considered  as  bracts,  persistent  at  the 
base  of  the  stamen,  while  the  two  inner 


310 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CAT 

ones,  or  sepals,  firmly  cohering  at  the 
tips,  are  carried  upward  by  the  anthers 
as  the  filament  is  produced.  The  female 
flowers  are  in  dense  axillary  heads  with- 
out any  perianth.  The  ovaries,  sessile 
within  the  bracts  of  the  head,  are 
one-celled,  with  a  single  ascending  ovule, 
and  bear  two  styles  united  at  the  base ; 
the  winged  nuts  are  collected  in  a  cone 
hidden  under  the  thickened  bracts.  The 
Casuarinas  are  natives  of  Australia,  New 
Caledonia,  and  the  Indian  Archipelago. 

Cataclesium.  —  A  one-celled,  one-seeded 
fruit  inclosed  within  a  hardened  calyx, 
as  in  Mirabilis. 

Catapetalous.— Having  the  petals  slightly 
united  by  their  inner  edge  near  the  base, 
as  in  the  Mallow.  A  form  of  polypeta- 
lous,  which  see. 

Catemdate.— Formed  of  parts  united  end  to 
end,  like  the  links  of  a  chain. 

Catkin. — A  deciduous  spike,  consisting  of 
unisexual  apetalous  flowers;  an  amen- 
tum, which  see.  The  flowers  of  the  Wil- 
low, Hazel,  etc.,  are  Catkins. 

Catidus. — A  catkin  or  amentum,  which  see. 

Cauda. — Any  long,  soft,  narrow  terminal 
appendage  resembling  a  tail,  as  that  of 
the  corolline  lobes  of  Strophanthus  or  the 
lateral  sepals  of  Cypripedium  caudatum. 

Caudatus,  Caudate. — Tailed,  or  having  a 
long  terminal  appendage.  See  Cauda. 

Caudex. — The  axis  of  a  plant,  consisting  of 
the  stem  and  root.  Applied  also  to  the 
trunk  of  Palms  and  Tree  Ferns.  Caudex 
repens  is  a  creeping  stem,  or  what  is 
now  called  a  rhizome.  Caudex  descendens 
is  the  root 

Caudicula.— The  cartilaginous  strap  which 
connects  certain  kinds  of  pollen  masses 
to  the  stigma,  as  in  Maxillaria. 

Caulescent.—  Acquiring  a  stem. 

Caulicle.—A.  portion  of  the  axis  intermedi- 


CED 

ate  in  structure  and  position  between 
the  true  root  and  stem,  and  called  the 
hypocotyledoiiary  axis;  the  space  between 
the  radicle  and  cotyledons. 
I  Caulicule. — The  little  stem  of  the  embryo 
which  unites  the  cotyledons  with  the  rad- 
icle. 

Caidigenous. — Arising  from  a  stem. 

Cauline. — rOf  or  belonging  to  the  stem. 
Cauline  stipules  are  such  as  adhere  to  the 
stem  as  much  as  to  the  petiole  or  leaf. 

Caulis. — The  stem  or  ascending  axis;  a 
name  given  only  to  the  part  in  its  cus- 
tomary state,  growing  in  the  air.  Caulis 
deliquescens,  a  stem  which  at  a  distance 
above  the  earth  breaks  into  irregular 
ramifications,  as  in  the  Oak.  Caulis  ex- 
currens,  a  stem  which  shoots  straight 
from  the  ground  to  the  summit,  having 
branches  on  the  sides,  as  in  Abies. 
\  Caulocarpous. — A  stem  which  Lives  many 
years,  repeatedly  bearing  flowers  and 
fruit;  as  a  shrub  or  tree. 

Cauloma, — The  stem  of  a  Palm  Tree;  the 
stem-like  portion  of  the  thallus  (which 
see)  of  such  Algce  as  some  Fuci. 

Caulon. — In  Greek  words  equivalent  to 
stem. 

Cavernuli. — The  pores  of  certain  Fungi. 

Cavus. — Hollow,  full  of  holes.  The  peridi- 
um  (which  see)  of  certain  Fungi.  Cavus 
superus  is  the  hymenium  (which  see)  of 
certain  Fungi. 

Cedrelacece,  ( Cedrelads,  the  Mahogany  family. ) 
— A  natural  order  of  Thalamifloral  Dico- 
tyledons belonging  to  Lindley's  Rutal 
Alliance.  The  order  consists  of  trees 
with  alternate  pinnate  leaves,  without 
stipules.  The  flowers  in  panicles;  the 
calyx  four  to  five  cleft;  the  petals  four  to 
five;  the  stamens  eight  to  ten,  inserted  on 
a  disk,  ..The  ovary  is  three  to  five  celled. 
The  fr*ut>.  is, a  capsule  opening  by  valves, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


311 


CED 

which  separate  from  a  thick  axis;  the 
seeds  ai'e  numerous,  flat,  winged,  and 
anatropal,  that  is,  with  the  opening  near 
the  hilum,  (which  see,)  and  the  chalaza 
(which  see)  at  the  opposite  end.  There 
are  two  sub-orders,  viz. :  Smeteniece,  with 
the  filaments  of  the  stamens  united.  2. 
Cedrelece,  in  which  the  filaments  are  not 
united.  They  are  natives  of  the  tropics 
of  America  and  India,  and  very  rare  in 
Africa.  The  plants  of  this  order  are 
generally  fragrant,  aromatic,  and  tonic. 
Many  supply  compact,  beautifully- veined 
timber,  such  as  the  well-known  Mahoga- 
ny of  tropical  America,  (Swietenia  Mahag- 
oni,)  the  Satin-wood  of  India,  (Chlorox- 
ylon  Swietenia,)  the  Yellow-wood  of  New 
South  Wales,  (Oxleya  xanthoxyla,}  the 
Red-wood  of  Coromandel,  (Soymidafebri- 
fuga,)  and  the  Toon  of  India,  or  Simal- 
Kun  of  the  Lepchas,  (Cedrela  Toona.) 
A  kind  of  oil  is  procured  from  Satin- 
wood,  and  the  barks  of  Cedrela  febrifuga, 
as  well  as  the  Mahogany  Tree,  and  others, 
are  used  medicinally  in  intermittent  fe- 
vers, etc.  There  are  nine  known  genera 
and  twenty-five  species.  Swietenia,  Ce- 
drelea,  Flindersia,  and  Soymida  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 
Gedrelads. — The  English  name  for  Cedre- 


Celastracece,  (Gelastrinece,  Spindle  Trees.) — 
A  natural  order  of  the  Calycifloral  Poly- 
petalous  Dicotyledons  belonging  to  Lind- 
ley's  Ehamnal  Alliance.  The  order  con- 
sists of  shrubs  or  small  trees  with  alter- 
nate, rarely  opposite  simple  leaves,  hav- 
ing stipules  which  fall  off.  The  flowers 
are  in  axillary  cymes,  and  are  small, 
either  green,  white,  or  purple;  the  sepals 
and  petals  are  four  to  five,  imbricate,  the 
petals  being  sometimes  wanting;  the 
stamens  are  four  to  five,  inserted  on  a 


GEL 

large  disk,  which  surrounds  the  ovary 
and  incloses  it.  The  fruit  is  two  to  five- 
celled,  capsular  or  drupaceous,  (cherry- 
like;)  the  seeds  usually  with  an  aril, 
(which  see,)  albuminous,  with  a  large, 
straight  embryo.  The  plants  are  natives 
of  the  warmer  pails  of  Europe,  North 
America,  and  Asia,  and  far  more  abund- 
ant beyond  the  tropics  than  within  them. 
There  are  two  sub-orders,  viz. :  Euon- 
ymeae,  the  fruit  dry  and  capsular.  2. 
Elceodendrece,  the  fruit  drupaceous  or 
cherry-like.  They  are  more  or  less  acrid 
in  their  properties,  and  some  yield  oils. 
The  Spindle  Trees  have  a  beautiful  scar- 
let aril,  (which  see,)  which  is  derived 
from  the  sides  of  the  opening  in  the  seed. 
The  species  of  Euonymus  in  America, 
from  their  crimson  capsules  and  arils,  are 
called  Burning  Bush.  Celastrus  scandens, 
which  is  common  in  our  woods,  is  often 
called  Wax-work.  The  wood  of  the  Eu- 
ropean Spindle  Tree  is  used  in  France 
for  making  a  coarse  gunpowder.  There 
are  thirty-five  known  genera  and  two 
hundred  and  eighty  species.  Celastrus, 
Euonymus,  and  Ekeodendron  are  exam- 
ples of  this  order. 

Cella. — A  name  sometimes  given  to  a  form 
of  the  penthecium  (which  see)  among 
Fungi. 

Cells,  Cellules. — Cavities  in  the  interior  of  a 
plant.  The  cells  of  tissue  are  those 
which  form  the  interior  of  the  elemen- 
tary vesicles.  Cells  of  the  stem,  air-cells, 
etc.,  are  spaces  organically  formed  by  a 
peculiar  building  up  of  tissue  for  various 
vital  purposes. 

Cellular. — Composed  of  cells. 

Cellulares. — A  name  given  to  Cryptogamiae, 
from  an  idea  that  they  consist  entirely  of 
cells;  but  it  is  now  known  that  vascular 
tissue  exists  in  many  of  the  higher  forms. 


312 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CEL 

Cellular  System.—  That  part  of  the  plant 
which  consists  of  cells  or  elementary  vesi- 
cles. 

Cellulose. — The  primitive  membrane,  free 
from  all  deposits  of  sedimentary  or  other 
matter. 

Celsus.— Upright,  stately,  tall. 

Cenobium,  (adj.  Cenobionar,  Cenobioneus.) — 
Such  fruits  as  those  of  Labiates,  Borage- 
worts,  etc.,  which  consist  of  several  dis- 
tinct lobes,  not  terminated  by  a  style  or 
stigma. 

Central  Placenta. — A  column  in  the  center  of 
fruits  to  which  the  seeds  are  attached. 

Centrifugal. — A  term  applied  to  those  kinds 
of  inflorescence  which,  like  the  cyme, 
(which  see,)  flower  first  at  the  point  or 
center,  and  last  at  the  base  or  circumfer- 
ence. 

Centripetal. — A  term  applied  to  those  kinds 
of  inflorescence  which,  like  the  spike  or 
capitulum,  (which  see,)  flower  first  at  the 
base  or  circumference,  and  last  at  the 
point  or  center. 

Gentron  or  Centrum. — In  Greek  compounds 
equivalent  to  calcar,  a  spur. 

Cephalanthum.—The  capitulum  or  flower 
head  of  Compositea 

Cephalium. — A  peculiar  woolly  enlargement 
of  the  apex  of  the  stem  of  Melocactus, 
among  whose  hairs  the  flowers  appear. 

Cephalodium. — A  knob-like  shield,  such  as 
occurs  in  the  genus  Scyphophorus.  Also, 
the  capitulum  or  flower  heads  of  Com- 
posites. 

Cephalophorum.—A.  term  employed  among 
Fungi,  sometimes  to  denote  their  recep- 
tacle, sometimes  their  stipe. 

Cephalotacece.  —  The  Australian  Pitcher 
Plant,  Cephalotus  follicularis,  a  very  curi- 
ous herb,  with  radical  leaves  mingled 
with  pitchers,  is  a  plant  of  very  doubtful 
affinity.  It  has  been  considered  provis- 


CHA 

ionally  as  a  distinct  family,  bearing  the 
name  Cephalotaceae.  It  has  been  com- 
pared with  Rosacece,  Crassulacece,  and  Ra- 
nunculacece ;  but,  according  to  the  latest 
authorities,  (Benthani  and  Hooker,)  it  is 
now  classed  with  the  Saxifragacece. 

Cephalum. — In  Greek  compounds  equiva- 
lent to  the  head  or  terminal  mass,  or 
thickened  end  of  anything. 

Ceraceus,  Cereus. — Having  the  consistence 
or  appearance  of  wax. 

Cercidium. — The  mycelium  or  spawn  of  cer- 
tain Fungi. 

Cereals. — A  term  applied  to  all  edible  grains. 

Cerinus. — The  color  of  yellow  wax. 

Cerium,  Cerio. — The  same  as  Caryopsis, 
which  see. 

Cernuous. — Inclining  a  little  from  the  per- 
pendicular; generally  applied  to  droop- 
ing flowers;  nodding,  drooping,  or  pen- 
dulous. 

Cervinus,  Cervine. — Dark  tawny,  such  as  the 
dark  part  of  a  lion's  hide;  deep  yellow 
with  much  gray. 

Chceta. — A  bristle.  The  slender  stalk  of  the 
spore  cases  of  Mosses;  also  called  Seta, 
which  see. 

Chaff. — Small  membraneous  scales,  the  de- 
generated state  of  bracts.  See  Paleaceous. 

Chailletiacece. — A  family  of  Dicotyledons 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Khamnal  Alliance, 
differing  from  Celastracece  in  their  usually 
notched  petals,  in  the  five  distinct  glands 
which  take  the  place  of  the  perigynous 
(which  see)  disk,  and  generally  in  the 
want  of  albumen  to  the  seeds.  They  are 
remarkable  also  for  the  great  tendency  of 
the  peduncles  to  combine  with  the  peti- 
oles, so  that  the  flowers,  which  are  really 
axillary,  appear  to  spring  from  the  leaf 
itself  at  the  summit  of  the  petiole.  The 
flowers  are  small,  in  paniculate  cymes  or 
compact  clusters.  There  are  usually  five 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


313 


CHA 

sepals,  petals,  and  stamens,  regularly  al- 
ternating with  each  other;  but  these 
numbers  are,  in  one  genus,  (Tapura,) 
irregularly  reduced.  The  ovary  is  supe- 
rior, with  two  or  three  cells,  and  two 
pendulous  ovules  in  each  cell;  the  style 
is  simple;  the  fruit  a  rather  dry  drupe 
with  one  to  two  seeds.  There  are  nearly 
twenty  species,  natives  of  tropical  regions, 
and  dispersed  over  both  continents. 
Chailletia,  Moacarra,  and  Tapura  are  ex- 
amples of  the  order. 

Chalaza,  (adj.  Chalazinus.) — A  spot  on  the 
seed,  indicating  where  the  vessels  of 
the  raphe  (which  see)  terminate.  That 
part  of  the  seed  where  the  nucleus  joins 
the  integuments;  it  represents  the  base 
of  the  nucleus,  and  is  invariably  opposite 
the  end  of  the  cotyledons. 
Channeled. — Hollowed  out,  so  as  to  resem- 
ble a  gutter;  as  in  the  leaves  of  Trades- 
cantia  Virginica. 

Channel-leaved. — Folded  together  so  as  to 
resemble  a  channel  for  conducting  water. 
Characece. — A  small  natural  order  of  Aero- 
gens,  consisting  of  two,  or  at  most  three 
genera.  The  species  are  all  aquatic,  and 
are  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  world, 
but  are  most  common  in  temperate 
countries.  The  species  are  either  monoe- 
cious or  dioecious,  the  two  kinds  of  fruit 
being  often  seated  close  to  each  other. 
The  genera  Nitella  and  Chara  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 

Character. — A  short  phrase  expressing  the 
essential  marks  by  which  a  given  plant 
or  group  of  plants  is  distinguished  from 
others.  A  specific  character  distin- 
guishes one  species  from  other  species, 
and  so  on. 

Chartaceous. — Thin,  flexible,  and  membra- 
neous, resembling  paper  or  parchment,  as 
the  pericarp  of  Anagallis  arvensis. 


CHL 

Chenopodiacece,  (Chenopods,  the  Goose-foot 
family.) — A  natural  order  of  Monochla- 
mydeous  Dicotyledons,  characterizing 
Lindley's  Chenopodal  Alliance.  Herbs 
or  undershrubs,  with  alternate,  some- 
times opposite  leaves,  without  stipules, 
and  small  flowers,  which  are  sometimes 
unisexual,  that  is,  have  stamens  and  pis- 
tils in  separate  flowers.  They  are  incon- 
spicuous plants,  found  in  waste  places  in 
all  parts  of  the  world,  but  abounding  in 
extra-tropical  regions.  Some  of  them 
are  used  as  pot-herbs,  as,  for  instance, 
Spinach,  (Spinacia  oleracea,}  Orach,  (Atri- 
plex  hortensis,)  Beet,  (Beta  vulgaris,)  and 
others.  The  Mangel-wurzel  is  a  variety 
of  Beet  used  for  the  food  of  cattle.  The 
Beet  is  cultivated  in  France  and  the  Unit- 
ed .States  for  the  manufacture  of  sugar. 
Some  of  the  plants  of  this  order  yield  so- 
da, and  others  supply  essential  oils.  The 
seeds  of  Chenopodium  Quinoa  are  used 
as  food  in  Peru.  They  abound  in  starch, 
but  have  a  bitterish  taste.  The  seeds  of 
Chenopodium  Bonus  Henricus  are  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  shagreen.  There 
are  seventy-four  known  genera  and  533 
species.  Salicornia,  Spinacia,  Beta,  Che- 
nopodium, and  Atriplex  are  examples  of 
this  order. 

Chenopods. — The  English  term  for  Cheno- 
podiacece. 

Chermesine. — A  kind  of  crimson. 

ChkenaceoB. — A  small  family  consisting  of 
only  four  genera  of  one  or  two  species 
each,  all  from  the  island  of  Madagascar, 
and  as  yet  but  very  imperfectly  known. 

Chloranthacece. — A  small  family  of  Dicotyle- 
dons, with  flowers  of  a  very  simple  struc- 
ture, allied  to  those  of  Piperacece  and 
SaururacecK.  They  are  trees,  shrubs,  or 
rarely  herbs,  with  opposite  leaves,  con- 
nected by  sheathing  stipules.  The  mi- 


314 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CHL 

nute  flowers  are  in  simple  or  branched 
terminal  spikes,  often  articulate,  as  in 
Gnetum.  There  are  but  very  few  species, 
all  tropical,  and  contained  in  two  genera, 
Chloranthus  in  Asia  and  Hedyosmum  in 
America. 

Chloranihia.—A.  monstrous  development  of 
the  floral  organs,  where  they  become 
more  or  less  green,  and  partially  assume 
the  character  of  leaves,  as  in  Eoses, 
Dahlias,  etc. 

Chloro.  —  In  Greek  compounds  chloro 
means  green. 

Chlorochrous. — Having  a  green  skin. 

OUorophyL — The  green  resinous  coloring 
matter  of  the  leaves  and  other  parts,  con- 
sisting of  minute  grains,  lying  loosely  in 
the  cells  of  the  tissue. 

Chlorosis. — A  disease  to  which  plants  are 
subject,  and  often  admitting  no  cure.  It 
consists  in  a  pallid  condition  of  the  plant, 
in  which  the  tissues  are  weak  and  unable 
to  contend  against  severe  changes,  and 
the  cells  are  more  or  less  destitute  of 
chlorophyL  It  is  distinct  from  blanching, 
as  it  is  also  from  the  white  color  in  orna- 
mental-leaved plants,  of  which,  however, 
it  may  be  a  modification.  Plants  may  be 
affected  by  chlorosis  as  soon  as  the  cotyl- 
edons make  their  appearance.  The  best 
culture  will  not  always  restore  such 
plants  to  health.  The  most  promising- 
remedy  is  to  water  them  with  a  very  weak 
solution  of  sulphate  of  iron.  An  example 
of  this  condition  is  to  be  found  in  cases 
where  the  variegated  leaves  of  Pelargoni- 
ums, etc.,  run  to  pure  white  without  any 
green.  In  all  such  cases  death  is  cer- 
tain to  ensue,  unless  the  leaves  again  be- 
come more  or  less  green. 

Chlorospermece.— One  of  the  three  great  di- 
visions of  Algce,  characterized  by  the 
green  color  of  the  spores.  See 


CIL 

Chorda  Pistittaris. — A  line  of  tissue  reaching 
from  the  stigma  down  to  the  cavity  of  the 
ovary. 

Chorion. — A  carpel;  also  the  pulpy  matter 
which  fills  the  interior  of  a  young  seed 
before  impregnation. 

Choristophyllous. — Separate  leaved. 

Chromatidium. — The  coloring  matter  of 
plants. 

Chromism. — A  preternatural  coloring  of 
plants,  as  that  of  leaves  when  they  be- 
come red,  etc. 

Chromule. — The  fluid  coloring  matter  of 
vegetation. 

Chrysaloideus. — Rolled  up  and  folded  up  at 
the  same  time. 

Chrysanthus. — Yellow  flowered. 

Chryso. — In  Greek  compounds  chryso  is 
equivalent  to  golden  yellow. 

Chrysobalanacece. — A  family  of  Dicotyledons 
closely  allied  to  Eosacece,  or  more  gener- 
ally considered  as  a  tribe  of  that  order 
taken  in  its  most  extended  sense.  They 
are  distinguished  from  the  other  tribes 
by  a  frequent  irregularity  in  the  stamens, 
and  more  especially  by  their  solitary  car- 
pels, with  the  style  always  proceeding 
from  the  base,  and  containing  two  as- 
cending ovules.  The  fruit  is  free,  either 
drupaceous  or  capsular.  There  are 
twelve  genera  and  nearly  a  hundred 
known  species. 

Chrysochrous. — Having  a  yellow  skin. 

Cicatricule. — The  scar  formed  by  the  sepa- 
ration of  a  leaf  from  its  stem. 

Cicatrisate,  Cicatricose. — Marked  with  scars. 

Cicatrix,  Cicatrice. — Any  kind  of  scar  formed 
by  the  separation  of  one  part  from  an- 
other. 

Cilice. — Somewhat  "-stiffish  hairs,  which 
form  a  fringe  on  the  margin  of  an  or- 
gan, as  those  on  the  leaf  of  Semj)ervivum 
tectorum. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


315 


CIL 

Ciliated. — Margined  with  hairs. 

Ciliary-scabrous.  — Having  rough  ciliated 
margins. 

Ciliately-toothed. — The  same  as  ciliato-den- 
tate,  which  see. 

CHiately-plumose. — Having  long  hairs  on  the 
margin  like  the  feathers  of  a  quill. 

Ciliato-dentate.  —  Toothed  and  fringed ; 
when  the  teeth  of  anything  are  finely 
serrated  as  if  fringed. 

Cilio-serrate. — When  the  serratures  of  any-  I 
thing  end  in  a  hair. 

Cimicine. — Smelling  of  bugs,  as  Coriander. 

Cinchonacece,  (Rubiacece,  Cinchonads,  the 
Peru  vian  Bark  family. ) — A  natural  order  of 
gamopetalous  (which  see)  Calycifloral  Di- 
cotyledons, characterizing  Lindley's  Cin- 
chonal  Alliance.  The  order  is  sometimes 
considered  as  a  sub -order  of  the  natural 
family  of  R  ubiacece,  or  Madderworts.  The 
order  consists  of  trees,  shrubs,  or  herbs, 
with  simple  opposite  leaves,  having  glan- 
dular stipules  placed  between  the 
bases  of  the  leaf-stalks,  (interpetiolar,) 
and  flowers  arranged  in  panicles  or 
corymbs.  The  calyx  is  adherent,  entire, 
or  toothed;  the  corolla  is  irregular;  the 
stamens  are  attached  to  the  corolla.  The 
ovary  is  two-celled;  style  one.  The  fruit 
is  inferior,  either  dry  or  succulent, 
splitting  into  two,  or  not  opening;  the 
seeds  are  either  definite  in  number,  or 
numerous,  containing  a  small  embryo  in 
horny  albumen.  They  are  found  chiefly 
in  tropical  regions,  where  they  constitute 
about  one  twenty-seventh  of  the  flower-  ; 
ing  plants.  The  plants  furnish  many  im- 
portant products.  They  supply  rem-  i 
edies  for  intermittent  fevers,  some  are 
emetic  and  purgative,  while  others  act  in 
strengthening  the  tone  of  the  stomach. 
The  famous  Peruvian  Bark  or  Quinine  is 
yielded  by  species  of  Cinchona,  which 


Cffi 

grow  in  the  Andes,  between  three  thou- 
sand and  nine  thousand  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea.  Coffea  Arabica  supplies 
Coffee,  which  is  the  hard  albumen  of 
the  seeds.  From  Cephaelis  Ipecacuanha  we 
get  the  well-known  Ipecacua-n  root,  so 
commonly  used  as  an  emetic.  Among 
flowering  plants  may  be  mentioned  the 
Gardenias,  well  known  for  their  delicious 
fragrance,  and  also  the  Ixoras.  Cincho- 
na, Coffea,  Cephaelis,  Ixora,  Pentas,  Gar- 
denia, Musscenda,  are  examples  of  this  or- 
der. , 

Cinchonads. — An  English  term  for  Cincho- 
nacece. 

Cinctus. — A  term  applied  to  albumen  when 
surrounded  by  an  annular  embryo. 

Cinenchyma. — That  kind  of  tissue  in  which 
latex,  (which  see,)  or  the  proper  juice  of 
plants,  is  supposed  by  some  to  be  con- 
veyed from  place  to  place .  It  is  proba- 
bly a  f onn  of  the  intercellular  passagea 

Cinereous,  Cineraceous. — Ashy  gray;  a  mix- 
ture of  white  and  black. 

Cinerously-canescent. — Between  white  and 
ash-colored. 

Ginerouxly-glaucous.  —  Between  sea-green 
and  ash-colored. 

Cinerously-pul)escent. — Covered  with  gray 
pubescence. 

Cinnabar. — Scarlet  touched  with  orange. 

Cinnabar inous. — The  same  as  Cinnabar. 

Cnnidinomeus. — The  color  of  cinnamon. 

Circmal. — Resembling  a  circle. 

Circinalis,  Circulate. — Bent  like  the  head  of 
a  crosier,  as  in  the  young  leaf  of  a  Fern 
when  it  begins  to  grow. 

Circinately-re volute. — Curled  round  like  a 
circle. 

Gircumpositio. — A  technical  term  for  what 
gardeners  call  a  layer,  a  branch  laid  into 
the  ground,  or  layered,  in  order  that  it 
may  strike  root.  See  Propagation. 


316 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


GIB 

Oircumscissile,  Circumseissu*. — Cut  circular- 
ly around  the  sides,  as  in  some  seed-ves- 
sels. 

Circumscriptio. — The  outline  of  anything. 

Oircumsepientia  folia. — A  term  applied  to 
leaves  when  they  rise  up  like  a  funnel, 
and  surround  the  stem  as  if  to  protect  the 
young  shoots,  as  in  the  Mai*vel  of  Peru. 
The  term  is  rarely  used. 

Cirrhose  or  Cimhous. — Either  furnished  with 
a  tendril,  as  the  Grape-vine  or  the  leaves 
of  Gloriosasujwba;  or  assuming  the  form 
and  functions  of  a  tendril,  as  the  peduncles 
of  Clematis  cirrhosa;  or  where  the  ten- 
drils are  in  some  way  remarkable,  as  the 
ascidia  cirrhalia  of  Nepenthes. 

Cirrhiferous. — Bearing  a  tendril. 

Cirrhiform. — Shaped  like  a  tendril. 

Cirrhis. — A  tendril;  a  slender,  twining  or- 
gan by  which  a  plant  climbs. 

Cirrhositas. — The  production  of  tendrils. 

Cistacece,  (the  Mock  Rose  family.) — A  natu- 
ral order  of  Thalamifloral  Dicotyledons, 
characterizing  Lindley's  Cistal  Alliance. 
They  are  shrubs  or  herbs,  often  viscid, 
with  simple  entire  leaves  and  showy 
flowers.  There  are  three  to  five  sepals, 
which  are  persistent  and  unequal,  the 
three  inner  being  twisted  in  the  bud. 
There  are  five  petals,  rarely  three,  falling 
off,  often  crumpled,  and  twisted  in  an 
opposite  direction  from  the  sepals.  The 
stamens  are  numerous,  not  united.  The 
fruit  is  a  one-celled  capsule  with  parietal 
placentas,  or  imperfectly  three  to  five- 
celled  with  central  placentas.  Seeds  with 
mealy  albumen;  embryo  curved  or  spiral. 
The  plants  are  found  chiefly  in  the  south 
of  Europe  and  the  north  of  Africa,  and 
rarely  in  North  or  South  America.  They 
are  usually  resinous,  and  have  a  balsamic 
fragrance.  Helianthemum  vulgare,  the 
common  Kock  Rose  of  England,  has  re- 


CLA 


markably  irritable  stamens,  which  in  sun- 
ny weather  move  on  being  touched. 
There  are  eight  genera  and  about  one 
hundred  and  ninety  species.  Cistus,  He- 
lianthemum, Fumana,  are  examples  of 
this  order. 

Gistella,  Cistula. — A  cell-like  shield  found 
among  Lichens  in  the  genus  Sphaero- 
phoron. 

Cistome. — A  membraneous  sac  which,  accord- 
ing to  some,  penetrates  stomates,  (which 
see,)  and  reaches  the  bottom  of  the  sub- 
jacent chamber.  If  this  statement  be 
correct,  the  cistome  must  be  a  fold  of  the 
cuticle. 

Gistophorum. — The  stipe  of  certain  Fungi. 

Gistusrapes. — A  name  given  by  Lindley  to 
the  group  of  Cytinaceous  parasites. 

Ciireous,  Citrinous.  — Lemon-colored. 

Citronworts. — A  name  given  by  Lindley  to 
the  family  of  Aurantiacece,  to  which  the 
Orange  and  Citron  belong. 

Clados. — In  Greek  compounds  this  word 
means  a  branch. 

Glathrus. — A  lattice;  a  membrane  pierced 
with  holes  and  forming  a  kind  of  grating, 
as  in  the  leaves  of  Ouvirandrafenistralis. 

Glathrate. — Latticed;  divided  like  lattice- 
work 

Clausile. — A  name  given  by  Richard  to  his 
macropodal  (which  see)  embryo  when  its 
radicle  is  united  by  the  edges  and  en- 
tirely closes  all  the  rest  of  it. 

Clavate,  Clavatus,  Claviformis.  — Club-shaped, 
as  where  any  organ,  slender  at  the  base, 
gradually  enlarges  towards  the  apex,  as 
the  filaments  of  Thalictrum  clavatum. 

Glavellose. — Clubbed,    or  having    club-like 


Glavicula. — A  tendriL 

Glavula. — The  receptacle  or  spore-case   of 

certain  Fungae. 
Glavus. — The  disease  which  produces  ergot 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


317 


OLA 

in  grasses;  so  called  because  it  causes 
the  young  grain  to  grow  into  the  form  of 
a  nail  or  club. 

Claw. — The  long  narrow  base  of  some  pet- 
als, analogous  to  the  footstalk  of  leaves, 
as  in  Dianthus. 

destines. — Large  cells  of  parenchyma,  in 
which  raphides  (which  see)  are  often  de- 
posited. 

Cleft.—  Divided,  but  not  to  the  base  ;  split. 

Cliff  or  tiacecK.  — A  name  sometimes  given  to 
Rosacece  proper,  including  Sanguisorbece, 
as  distinguished  from  Amt/rjdalacece  and 
Pomacece. 

Climber.  —A  plant  that  grows  upright  upon 
trees,  walls,  etc.,  and  supports  itself  by 
tendrils  or  by  air-roots;  an  example  of 
the  former  being  the  Grape  Vine,  ( I '///.«, ) 
and  of  the  latter  the  Virginia  Creeper, 
(Ampelopsis. )  • 

Clinandriutn. — The  bed  of  the  anther  of 
Orchids;  an  excavation  of  the  top  of  a 
column,  in  or  on  which  the  anther  lies. 

Clinanthium. — A  flat  or  broad  space  on 
which  flowers  are  packed  closely;  the 
receptacle  of  Composites;  a  shortened, 
widened  axis. 

Clinium. — In  Greek  compounds  this  word 
means  receptacle.  It  also  denotes  an  ac- 
cessory part  of  certain  Fungi,  consisting 
of  very  small,  long,  simple  or  branched 
cells,  bearing  a  spore  at  their  end. 

Clouded. — When  colors  are  unequally  blend- 
ed together. 

Cloves. — The  small  bulbs  formed  within  the 
mother-bulb  of  certain  plants;  such  as 
garlic. 

Cloveijvorts. — A  name  sometimes  used  for 
Caryophyllacece,  to  which  the  clove  Gilli- 
flower  belongs. 

Club  Root. — A  disease  of  the  most  destruc- 
tive character,  which  frequently  attacks 
Cabbage,  Cauliflower,  and  other  plants 


CLU 

of  the  Brassica  tribe.  There  is  a  great 
deal  of  misconception  as  to  what  is  the 
cause  of  Club  Boot,  it  being  attributed 
variously  to  wet  land,  dry  land,  hog 
manure,  and  several  other  causes  that 
have  got  nothing  to  do  with  it  whatever. 
All  observing  horticulturists  who  have 
had  experience  in  the  cultivation  of  Cab- 
bage or  Cauliflower,  in  any  vicinity  where 
there  is  an  oyster-shell  deposit,  know 
that  the  Club  Root  is  never  seen  in  any 
soil  wherein  there  is  an  admixture  of 
oyster  shells.  Thousands  of  acres  on  the 
shores  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  on  Long 
Island  and  in  New  Jersey,  have  just  such 
soils,  and  there  Cabbage  crops  have  been 
grown  for  upward  of  fifty  years  succes- 
sively without  a  sign  of  this  disease; 
while  in  other  soils,  only  a  few  hundred 
yards  distant,  but  having  no  mixture  of 
oyster  shell  in  the  soil,  it  is  found  that 
Cabbages  cannot  be  grown  successively 
on  the  same  soil  without  being  attacked 
by  Club  Root,  The  inference  is,  there- 
fore, plain,  that  the  insect  causing  the 
disease  called  Club  Root  cannot  exist  in 
contact  with,  the  lime  of  the  oyster  shell ; 
for  that  the  disease  is  caused  by  an  in- 
sect is  well  proven,  as  it  is  found  that 
the  excrescence  known  as  Club  Root, 
when  examined,  is  found  to  contain  a 
small,  whitish,  grub-like  larva.  It  is  evi- 
dent that  the  growing  crop  of  Cabbage 
invites  in  some  way  the  perfect  insect; 
for  it  is  found,  that  if  Cabbage  is  planted 
for  the  first  time  on  new  soil,  it  is  rarely 
attacked  by  Club  Root,  while  if  planted 
the  next  year  on  the  same  soil,  if  lime  is 
not  present,  it  is  almost  certain  to  be  at- 
tacked; and  for  this  reason  it  is  fair  to 
presume  that  the  perfect  insect,  allured 
by  the  Cabbage  crop,  deposits  its  eggs  in 
the  soil,  which  remain  undeveloped  un- 


318 


HENDEKSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


CLU 


til  the  next  season,  when  they  are  hatch- 
ed and  attack  the  -roots  of  the  Cabbage 
plants,  and  thus  bring  on  the  disease. 
As  an  evidence  of  the  correctness  of  this 
belief,  we  never  fail  to  find,  for  example, 
if  we  plant  alongside  of  each  other,  a 
crop  of  Cabbage  and  a  crop  of  Potatoes 
or  Beets,  that  if  the  succeeding  year  we 
plant  the  whole  with  Cabbage,  the  part 
only  that  was  planted  with  Cabbage  the 
year  before  will  be  affected  by  Club  Root, 
and  the  parts  planted  with  Potatoes  or 
Beets  will  escape.  From  our  experience 
that  Cabbage  planted  in  soils  mixed  with 
oyster  shells  is  exempt  from  Club  Boot, 
it  is  evident  that  the  lime  in  the  oyster 
shells  is  the  agent  destructive  to  the  in- 
sect; therefore,  in  soils  having  no  oyster 
shells,  we  have  found,  if  air-slacked  lime 
is  put  on  at  the  rate  of  150  bushels  to  the 
acre  after  plowing,  and  well  harrowed  in, 
so  as  to  mix  it  with  the  soil,  that  it  in 
most  cases  will  destroy  the  larv$e  which 
causes  Club  Root.  We  have  also  found, 
from  its  containing  large  quantities  of 
lime,  that  Bone  Dust,  used  as  a  fertilizer 
at  the  rate  of  one  to  two  tons  per  acre,  is 
another  almost  certain  antidote  against 
Club  Root.  We  would  advise  the  use  of 
lime  after  fall  plowing,  but  the  Bone 
Dust  should  only  be  put  on  before  the 
crop  is  planted  in  spring. 

Club-shaped. — The  same  as  Clavate,  which 
see. 

Clufriacece. — The  Gamboge  family,  a  natu- 
ral order  belonging  to  Thalamifloral  Di- 
cotyledons, usually  called  GuUifene, 
which  see. 

Clustered. — Where  numerous  similar  parts 
are  collected  in  a  close,  compact  manner, 
as  in  the  flowers  of  Cuscufa. 

Clypeate. — Having  the  form  of  an  ancient 
buckler,  the  same  as  Scutate,  which  see. 


COC 

Coaceri-ate. — (lathered  together  in  a  round 
mass;  the  same  as  clustered,  which  see. 

Coadnale,  Coadunafe. — The  same  as  connate, 
which  see. 

Coagulants. — Congealing  together. 

Coalifio. — The  growing  of  one  thing  to  an- 
other; as  when  petals  grow  together  to 
form  a  monopetalous  corolla. 

Coarctate. — Contracted,  or  drawn  close  to- 
gether. 

Coarclure. — The  neck  of  a  plant.  See  Col- 
lum. 

Coated. — Where  the  external  parts  are  hard- 
er than  the  internal;  or  are  composed 
of  a  distinct  layer,  as  the  bark  on  the 
trunk,  the  rind  of  fruit,  etc. 

Cobwebbed. — Covered  with  loose,  white,  en- 
tangled, thin  hair,  resembling  the  web  of 
a  spider,  as  inSempervivumarachnoideum 
and  other  plants. 

Coccidia. — A  peculiar  form  of  the  concepta- 
cles  (which  see)  in  the  rose-spored  Algae, 
which  consists  of  globur  tubercles  with  a 
cellular  wall  continued  from  the  sub- 
stance of  the  frond,  whether  partly  con- 
fluent with  it  or  free,  and  not  opening  in 
general  by  a  terminal  spore,  as  in  Rho- 
dymenia  and  Gracilaria.  The  elongated 
processes  in  such  Algce  as  Gigartina  mam- 
millosa  are  called  tubercles.  In  this 
species  at  least  there  is  a  pore  for  the 
exit  of  the  spores. 

Coccineus. — A  pure  carmine  color,  slightly 
tinged  with  yellow. 

Coccodis. — Resembling  pills;  consisting  of 

spheroidal  granulations. 
Coccus. — A  shell;  a  carpel,  which  separates 
with  elasticity  from  an  axis  common  to 
itself  and  others,  as  in  Euphorbia,  Rici- 
nus,  etc. 

Cochlear. — A  term  used  in  describing  aesti- 
vation, (which  see,)  when  one  piece,  be- 
ing larger  than  the  others  and  hollowed 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


319 


COG 

like  a  helmet  or  bowl,  covers  all  the  others, 
as  in  Aconitum. 

Cochleate. — Twisted  in  a  short  spire,  resem- 
bling the  convolutions  of  a  snail-shell,  as 
the  pod  of  Medicago  cochleata,  or  the  seed 
of  Salicorma. 

Cochlidiospermale. — Seeds  that  are  convex 
on  one  side  and  concave  on  the  other, 
owing  to  unequal  growth  or  anomalous 
structure,  as  in  Veronica. 

Godiophyllus. — "Where  the  leaf  is  covered 
with  a  woolly  pubescence. 

Cceruleus. — The  same  as  Cseruleus,  which  see. 

Ccesius. — See  Ccesius. 

Cohering.  — Connecting. 

Cohesion. — The  union  or  superficial  incor- 
poration of  one  organ  with  another. 

Cold  Frame. — This  is  the  term  used  for 
the  low  glass  structure  in  use  for  pro- 
tecting such  plants  as  are  not  sufficiently 
hardy  to  withstand  the  winter  in  the 
Northern  States.  They  are  used  to  pro- 
tect Cabbage,  Cauliflower,  Lettuce,  Pars- 
ley, etc.,  among  vegetables,  and  Violets, 
Pansies,  Daisies,  Primroses,  Carnations, 
Auriculas,  etc.,  among  flowers.  The  boxes 
or  frames  used  are  simply  two  boards, 
running  parallel  with  each  other,  and 
nailed  to  posts  to  secure  them  in  line,  the 
one  at  the  back  or  north  side  being  ten 
to  twelve  inches  in  height,  and  that 
for  the  front,  or  south  side,  being  seven 
or  eight  inches,  which  gives  pitch  enough 
to  carry  off  the  rain  and  to  catch  the  sun's 
rays.  The  width  between  these  lines  of 
boards  should  be  enough  to  take  the 
length  of  a  six-foot  sash,  which  is  the 
most  convenient  size.  All  the  plants  of 
the  character  above  named  can  be  pro- 
tected in  the  district  of  New  York,  where 
the  thermometer  rarely  falls  lower  than 
8°  below  zero,  with  the  glass  alone;  but  in 
colder  sections  the  protection  of  light 


COL 

shutters  in  addition,  over  the  glass,  will  be 
necessary.  In  the  Southern  States,  in  dis- 
tricts where  the  thermometer  never  falls 
lower  than  15°  above  zero,  many  of  the  har- 
dier green-house  plants,  such  as  Fuchsias, 
Geraniums,  Azaleas,  Camellias,  Verbenas, 
Abutilons,  etc.,  may  be  kept  equally  well 
in  cold  frames,  as  our  so-called  hardy 
plants  are  kept  at  the  North. 

Cold  Pits. — Are  identical  with  cold  frames, 
except  that  an  excavation  of  from  two  to 
four  feet  is  made  below  the  general  level 
of  the  ground,  so  as  to  admit  of  larger 
plants  being  placed  in  them.  The  sunk- 
en pit,  however,  is  a  better  protection 
than  the  cold  frame  on  the  surface ;  for, 
when  sunk  to  the  depth  of  two  or  three 
feet,  and  covered  with  glass,  it  will  resist 
a  much  heavier  frost  than  the  frames  on 
the  surface.  Care  must  be  taken  that 
both  cold  frames  and  cold  pits  are  well 
drained,  either  from  the  nature  of  the 
soil  or  otherwise,  as  water  standing  in 
them  would  be  destructive  to  the  plants, 
whether  planted  in  the  soil  or  growing  in 
pots. 

Coleophylor  Coleoptile. — The  first  leaf  which 
follows  the  cotyledons  in  Endogens,  and 
ensheaths  the  succeeding  leaves. 

Coleorhiza. — The  sheath  formed  at  the  base 
of  an  endogenous  embryo,  where  it  is 
pierced  by  the  true  radicle. 

Coleitula. — The  small  bag  which  contains 
the  spore-case  of  Liverworts. 

Cottar. — The  ring  upon  the  stipe  of  an 
Agaric.  See  Collum.  Also  applied  to 
the  neck  or  line  of  junction  between  the 
root  and  stem  of  a  tree,  etc. 

Cottare. — The  ligule  or  transverse  mem- 
brane that  stands  in  grasses  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  blade  and  the  sheath  of  the 
leaf. 

Collateral. — Standing  side  by  side. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COL 

CoHapsion.—  The  act  of  closing  or  falling  to- 
gether. 

Collectors. — The  hairs  found  on  the  style  of 
such  plants  as  the  Campanula,  and  which 
collect  or  brush  out  the  pollen  from  the 
anthers. 

Collemaceoe. — A  natural  order  of  Lichens, 
distinguished  principally  by  their  gelati- 
nous substance,  and  the  green  globules 
which  are  so  distinctive  a  mark  of  Li- 
chens in  general,  forming  necklace-like 
threads.  They  are  found  in  various 
parts  of  the  world.  They  attract  little 
notice  when  dry,  but  a  few  hours'  rain 
swells  them  out  into  beautiful  objects. 
One  of  the  most  curious  genera  is  Myr- 
langium,  found  in  the  south  of  England, 
Algeria,  Australia,  and  the  United  States. 
It  grows  on  the  trunks  of  living  trees, 
and  is  remarkable  for  the  high  develop- 
ment of  the  sacs  or  asci,  in  which  the 
sporidia  (which  see)  are  contained.  The 
species  grow  on  trees,  rocks,  and  the 
bare  ground,  and,  if  Lichina  be  included, 
in  situations  exposed  to  frequent  immer- 
sion in  the  sea. 

CoUenchyma. — The  cellular  matter  in  which 
the  pollen  is  generated.  It  is  usually 
absorbed,  but  remains  and  assumes  a  def- 
inite form  in  some  plants,  as  in  Orchids, 
or  delicate  threads,  as  in  CEnothera. 

Cottinus. — Growing  on  low  hills. 

Collum.—  The  point  of  junction  between  the 
radicle  and  plumule,  or  the  root  and 
stem;  the  point  of  departure  of  the 
ascending  and  the  descending  axes, 
(which  see,)  or  the  stem  and  root,  which 
is  commonly  called  the  collar.  Also,  the 
lengthened  orifice  of  the  ostiolum  (which 
see)  of  a  Lichen ;  colliform  is  sometimes 
applied  to  an  ostiolum  whose  orifice  is 
lengthened  into  a  neck. 

Color,  (adj.  Colored,  Coloratus.) — Botanically, 


COM 

this  term  is  used  to  denote  any  color  ex- 
cept green.  In  technical  botany  white  is 
regarded  as  a  color,  but  green  is  not. 

Colorans. — Changeable,  colored. 

Colorate. — Colored,  painted. 

Colpenchyma. — Sinuous  cellular  tissue. 

Colum.  — An  obsolete  term  for  the  placenta. 

Columbinus. — Resembling  a  dove  in  shape 
or  color. 

Columella. — A  little  column;  the  firm  cen- 
ter of  the  spore-cases  of  an  Urn  Moss, 
from  which  the  spores  separate;  the  axis 
or  stem  of  the  fruit  of  Mosses.  The  long 
axis  around  which  the  parts  of  a  fruit  are 
united;  in  reality,  the  ripened  growing 
point.'  A  slender  axis  over  which  the 
spore-cases  of  such  Ferns  as  Trichamanes 
are  arranged.  Also,  an  axis  to  which  a 
carpel  of  a  compound  pistil  may  be  at- 
tached, as  in  the  Geranium. 

Column,  Columna. — The  combined  stamens 
and  styles  forming  a  solid  central  body, 
as  in  Orchids,  etc. 

Columnai~is. — Having  the  form  of  a  column, 
as  the  stamens  of  a  Mallow. 

Coma. — The  hairs  at  the  ends  of  some 
seeds;  the  empty  leaves  or  bracts  at  the 
end  of  the  spike  of  such  flowers  as  those 
of  the  Pineapple. 

Comatus. — Tufted. 

Comose. — Furnished  with  hairs  at  the  end. 
See  Coma. 

Combinate-venose. — When  the  lateral  veins 
of  a  leaf  unite  before  they  reach  the  mar- 
gin. 

Combretacece,  (Myrol)alans.) — A  natural  or- 
der of  polypetalous  Calycifloral  Dicotyl- 
edons belonging  to  Lindley's  Myrtal 
Alliance.  They  are  trees  or  shrubs, 
with  alternate  or-- opposite  entire  leaves 
without  stipules.  The  flowers  are  some- 
times imperfect,  some  having  stamens 
only,  and  others  pistils  only,  and  occa- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


321 


COM 

sionally  the  petals  are  wanting.  The  fruit 
is  succulent  or  dry,  one-celled  and  one- 
seeded.  The  seeds  are  without  albumen; 
the  cotyledons  of  the  embryo  are  rolled 
up.  They  are  natives  of  the  tropical 
parts  of  Asia,  Africa,  and  America.  Some 
of  the  plants  are  cultivated  for  ornament, 
and  others  furnish  timber.  They  have 
astringent  qualities,  Terminalia  Bellerica 
and  T.  Chebula  yielding  the  astringent 
fruit  called  Myrobalan.  The  bark  of 
Bucida  Buceras  is  used  for  tanning.  ; 
There  are  twenty -three  known  genera  and 
upward  of  two  hundred  species.  Com- 
bretum,  Terminalia,  and  Gyrocarpus  illus- 
trate the  order. 

Comb-shaped. — The     same     as     pectinate, 
which  see. 

Commelynacece,  (bpiderworts.) — A  natural 
order  of  hypogynous  Monocotyledons 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Xyridal  Alliance.  ! 
They  are  herbs  with  flat  leaves,  usually 
sheathing  at  the  base.  The  outer  peri- 
anth  (calyx)  consists  of  three  parts,  her-  j 
baceous;  the  inner  (corolla)  also  consists 
of  three,  colored;  the  stamens  are  six  or 
three,  the  anthers  opening  on  the  side 
next  the  pistil.  The  ovary  is  three- 
celled  with  a  central  placenta;  there  is 
one  style.  The  fruit  is  a  two  to  three- 
celled  capsule,  opening  by  two  or  three 
valves,  which  bear  the  partitions  on  the 
middle;  the  seeds  have  a  linear  hilum, 
(which  see;)  the  embryo  is  pulley-shaped. 
They  are  natives  of  New  Holland,  the  j 
East  and  West  Indies,  and  a  few  are 
found  in  North  America,  but  none  in 
Northern  Asia  or  Europe.  The  under- 
ground stems  of  many  yield  starch  and 
are  used  for  food.  The  filaments  of  the 
Tradescantias  have  jointed  hairs,  in  which 
a  granular  movement  is  seen  under  the  j 
microscope.  There  are  sixteen  known  | 


COM 

genera,  and  two  hundred  and  sixty 
species.  Commelyna,  Tradescantia,  and 
Cyanotis  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Commissure. — The  face  by  which  the  car- 
pels come  together  or  cohere,  as  in  Um- 
bettiferce. 

Common  Petiole. — The  first  and  principal 
leaf-stalk  in  compound  leaves;  the  sec- 
ondary petioles  are  called  partial 

Compact. — Close,  hard. 

Complexus. — The  name  for  tissue  of  various 
kinds;  as,  Complexiis  cellulosus,  cellular 
tissue;  C.  membranaceus,  the  thin  mem- 
brane which  is  the  foundation  of  all  tis- 
sue, elementary  membrane;  C.  tubularis, 
tubular  tissue  or  woody  fiber;  C.  utricu- 
laris,  angular  cellular  tissue;  C.  vascular- 
is,  spiral  vessels,  properly  so  called,  but 
often  extended  to  all  sorts  of  tubes  with 
markings  on  the  side,  thus  losing  pre- 
cision, and  with  it  its  value  as  a  scientific 
term. 

Complicate. — Folded  up  upon  itself. 

Complicato-carinate. — Folded  together  so  as 
to  form  a  sort  of  keel. 

Compositce,  (Composites.) — The  more  famil- 
iar name  of  Asteracece,  a  large  natural  or- 
der of  gamopetalous  Calycifloral  Dicotyl- 
edons belonging  to  Lindley's  Campanal 
Alliance.  The  order  consists  of  shrubs  and 
herbs  with  alternate  or  opposite  leaves 
having  no  stipules;  the  stamens  and  pistils 
are  either  in  the  same  or  in  separate 
flowers,  which  are  collected  into  a  head 
on  a  common  receptacle,  (hence  the  name 
Composite  or  compound  flowers,)  and 
surrounded  by  a  set  of  floral  leaves  or 
bracts  called  the  involucre.  The  fruit  is 
single  seeded,  crowned  with  the  limb  of 
the  calyx.  The  plants  were  included  by 
Linnaeus  in  his  class  Syngenesia.  They 
are  natives  of  all  parts  of  the  world,  and 
sometimes  assume  an  arborescent  form 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COM 

in  warm  countries.  They  possess  various 
properties,  but  bitterness  seems  to  pre- 
dominate, accompanied  with  tonic,  stim- 
ulant, aromatic,  and  sometimes  narcotic 
qualities.  See  Asteracece. 

Composites. — The  English  term  for  Gompo- 
xitce. 

Composition. — The  arrangement  of  organs, 
or  their  order  of  development,  or  their 
manner  of  branching,  etc. 

Compound,  Composite.— Formed  of  several 
parts  united  in  one  common  whole;  as 
pinnated  leaves,  and  all  kinds  of  inflor- 
escence beyond  that  of  the  solitary  flow- 
er. A  compound  umbel  is  formed  of 
several  simple  umbels,  etc. 

Compressed. — Flattened  lengthwise;  as  the 
pod  of  a  pea. 

Concave. — Hollow. 

Conceptacle. — A  term  sometimes  applied  to 
the  capsular  fruit  of  red-spored  Algo3. 

Concentric.— Points  or  lines  at  equal  dis- 
tances from  a  common  center. 

Conchiform. — Shaped,  like  one  valve  of  a 
common  bivalve  shell. 

Concolor. — Of  the  same  color  as  some  other 
thing  compared  with  it. 

Concrete. — Formed  into  one  mass;  joined  to- 
gether. 

Condensate.—  Bundled,  growing  close. 

Conduplicant. — Doubling  up;  as  when  the 
leaflets  of  a  compound  leaf  rise  up  and 
apply  themselves  to  each  other's  faces. 

Conduplicate,  Conduplication. — A  term  of 
aestivation,  (which  see,)  when  the  sides  of 
an  organ  are  applied  to  each  other  by 
their  facea 

Condylium. — The  antherid  of  a  Chara. 

Cone. — A  dense  aggregation  of  scale-like 
carpels,  arranged  symmetrically  round  an 
axis,  as  in  the  Pine  tribe. 

Conenchyma. — The  conical  cells  which  con- 
stitute hairs. 


CON 

•Conferruminate. — Glued  together. 

Confertus. — When  parts  are  pressed  closely 
round  about  each  other;  packed  close. 

Confervacece. — A  division  of  the  green- 
spored  Algce,  characterized  by  their  sim- 
ple or  branched  articulated  threads,  dif- 
fused endochrome,  (which  see,)  and 
small  zoospores.  They  are  found  in  all 
parts  of  the  world,  but  are  most  numer- 
ous in  temperate  regions.  They  are 
sometimes  so  abundant  that,  after  floods, 
they  form  a  thick  coat  like  paper  on  the 
ground,  to  which  the  name  meteoric  pa- 
per has  been  given.  See  Algce. 

Confluent.  — The  fastening  together  of  homo- 
geneous parts ;  gradually  uniting  organic- 
ally. 

Conformis,  Conform. — Of  the  same  form  as 
some  other  thing;  where  one  part  closely 
resembles  another  with  which  it  is  asso- 
ciated or  compared. 

Congested. — Crowded  very  closely. 

Conglobate,  Conglobated. — Collected  into  a 
ball,  as  the  florets  of  Echinops. 

Conglomerate. — The  same  as  clustered. 

Conglutinate. — Glued  together;  not  organic- 
ally united. 

Conically-subulate. — Between  cone  and  awl- 
shaped,  thickest  at  the  base. 

Conico-cylindrical. — Of  the  form  of  a  cylin- 
der, but  tapering  to  a  point. 

Conico-hemispherical. — Between  conical  and 
round. 

Conico-ovaf^. — Between  conical  and  ovate. 

Conico-subulate. — Awl-shaped  and  conical; 
tapering  to  a  point. 

Conidium. — The  gonidium  of  a  Lichen. 
See  Gonidium. 

Coniferce,  (Conacece,  Pinacece,  Conifers,  the 
Pine  family. )— A  %rge  and  important 
family,  constituting,  with  the  smaller 
groups  of  Cycadece  and  Gnetacece,  the  sub- 
class gymnosperms  (which  see)  of  Dicotyl- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CON 

edons.  It  consists  of  trees  or  shrubs, 
mostly  with  resinous  secretions.  The 
leaves  are  stiff,  sometimes  linear  or  needle- 
shaped,  sometimes  short  and  scale-like, 
or  more  rarely  broad,  lobed,  or  divided. 
The  flowers  are  unisexual,  either  in  cy- 
lindrical or  short  catkins  with  closely 
packed  scales,  or  the  females  are  solitary. 
There  is  no  perianth.  The  male  flowers 
have  the  stamens  either  inserted  on  the 
axis  of  the  catkin  under  the  scales,  or  the 
anther  cells  are  sessile  on  the  inside  of  the 
scales  themselves,  which  then  form  part 
of  the  stamens.  The  ovules  and  seeds 
are  naked,  that  is,  without  ovary,  style, 
or  pericarp,  although  sometimes  more  or 
less  inclosed  in  two  bracts,  or  in  a  fleshy 
or  hardened  disk.  The  seeds  are  albu- 
minous, with  one  or  sometimes  several 
embryos  in  the  center,  each  embryo  hav- 
ing sometimes  more  than  two  cotyledons. 
There  are  nearly  two  hundred  known 
species,  distributed  over  a  great  part  of 
the  globe,  several  of  them  forming  large 
forests  in  temperate  climates,  or,  more 
rarely,  within  the  tropics;  while  some  of 
them  extend  almost  to  the  limits  of  woody 
vegetation  in  high  latitudes,  or  at  great 
elevations.  They  are  distributed  into 
about  twenty-five  genera,  forming  three 
tribes  or  sub-orders,  viz. :  Atmtince,  with 
the  fruits  collected  in  cones  and  inverted 
ovules;  of  this  the  principal  genera  are 
Pinus,  (including  Abies,}  Araucaria,  Gun- 
ninghamia,  Sequoia,  etc.  2.  Gupressinece, 
with  the  fruits  collected  in  cones  and 
erect  ovules,  including  Juniperus,  Calli- 
tris,  Thuja,  Cupressus,  Taxodium,  Grypto- 
meria,  etc.  3.  Taxinece,  sometimes  con- 
sidered as  a  distinct  family,  with  the 
fruits  solitary  or  loosely  spiked,  including 
Podocarpus,  Dacrydium,  Phyllocladus, 
Salisburia,  Taxus,  etc. 


CON 

The  Coniferee  are  very  useful  and  im- 
portant, yielding  valuable  timber  and 
resin,  oil,  pitch,  and  turpentine.  Some 
attain  a  vast  height,  as  Sequoia  gigantea 
in  California,  specimens  having  been 
measured  more  than  450  feet  high  and 
116  feet  in  circumference  at  the  base. 
Taxodium  sempervirens  also  attains  a  very 
great  size.  The  Pines  have  their  leaves 
in  clusters  of  two,  three,  four,  five,  or  six, 
surrounded  by  a  membraneous  sheath  at 
the  base.  Pinus  sylvestris,  the  common 
Scotch  Fir,  abounds  in  cold  climates,  and 
supplies  timber,  turpentine,  and  pitch,  as 
well  as  a  hemp-like  fiber  from  its  leaves, 
which  is  used  for  stuffing  pillows  and 
cushions  under  the  name  of  pine  wool. 
Pinus  pinaster,  or  the  Bordeaux  Pine, 
thrives  well  \  on  the  seashore.  Abies  in- 
cludes different  species  of  Fir  and  Spruce, 
in  all  of  which  the  leaves  come  off  from 
the  stem  and  branches  singly.  Abies  ex- 
celsa  is  the  Norway  Spruce;  A.  balsamea 
is  the  Balm  of  Gilead  Fir;  A.  Canadensis 
is  the  Hemlock  Spruce;  and  A.  'pectinata 
is  the  Silver  Fir.  Gedrus  comprises  those 
Cedars  which  have  clustered  persistent 
leaves.  Gedrus  Libani  is  the  Cedar  of 
Lebanon,  the  Eres  of  the  Bible;  Cedrus 
Deodara  is  the  sacred  Cedar  of  India. 
Larix  includes  the  species  of  Larch,  which 
have  clustered  deciduous  leaves.  Larix 
Europea  is  the  European  Larch ;  L.  Amer- 
icana is  the  American  Larch,  commonly 
called  Hackmatack;  L.  Griffithii  is  the 
Himalayan  Larch.  The  Araucarias  have 
single-seeded  scales,  with  adherent  seeds 
and  many-celled  anthers.  Araucaria  im- 
bricata  is  a  Chilian  species;  A.  Bidivittiiis 
from  Moreton  Bay:  both  have  edible 
seeds.  Eutassa  excelsa  is  the  Norfolk  Is- 
land Pine,  which  yields  valuable  wood. 
Cryptomeria  Japonica  is  the  Japan  Cedar, 


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CON 

of  which  there  are  several  beautiful  forms,  j 
Cupressus  sempervirens  is  the   common 
Cypress.     The  Junipers  have  a  peculiar  ' 
succulent  fruit.     Janiperm  Bermudmna  \ 
and  J.  Virginiana  furnish  the  Cedar  for 
lead  pencils.     The  species  of  Thuja  are 
known  by  the  name  of  Arbor  Vitse. 

Conifers.— The  English  name  for  the  order 
Coniferce. 

Coniocysts. — Closed  spore-cases  resembling 
tubercles,  and  containing  a  mass  of 
spores. 

Coniothecce.—The  cells  of  an  anther. 

Conjugates. — A  tribe  of  green-spored  Algce. 
See  Algce. 

Conjugate.—  Paired;  joined  in  pairs,  as 
when  the  petiole  of  a  leaf  bears  one  pair 
only  of  leaflets;  a  term  chiefly  applied  to 
leaves. 

Conjugato-palmate.—Wheu.  a  leaf  divides  in- 
to two  arms,  each  of  which  is  palmate. 

Conjugato-pinnate. — When  a  leaf  divides  in- 
to two  arms,  each  of  which  is  pinnate. 

Conjunctorium. — Theoperculum  (which  see) 
of  the  spore-case  of  an  Urn  Moss. 

Connaracece,  (Connarads.)  —  A  family  of 
Calycifloral  Dicotyledons,  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Rutal  Alliance.  They  are  close- 
ly allied,  on  the  one  hand,  to  Xanthoxy- 
lece,  and  on  the  other  to  Leguminosce,  dif- 
fering from  the  former  chiefly  in  the 
more  completely  apocarpous  ovary,  and 
from  the  latter  in  the  perfectly  regular 
flowers,  and  in  the  seed,  in  which  the 
radicle  is  always  at  a  distance  from  the 
hilum.  They  are  trees  or  shrubs,  some- 
times climbing,  with  alternate,  usually 
pinnate  leaves;  the  stipules  are  either 
small  and  deciduous,  or  wanting;  the 
flowers  are  small,  in  terminal  or  axillary 
racemes  or  panicles.  There  are  five  se- 
pals and  petals,  ten  stamens,  and  one  to 
five  carpels,  with  two  ovules  in  each,  and 


CON 

distinct  terminal  styles.  They  are  na- 
tives of  the  tropics  of  both  hemispheres. 
Zebra-wood  is  obtained  from  Omphalo- 
bium  Lamberti.  There  are  about  forty 
species  and  six  or  seven  genera.  Con- 
narus,  Rourea,  and  Cnestis  are  representa- 
tive genera. 

Connate,  Connatus. — When  the  bases  of  two 
opposite  leaves  are  iTiiited  together.  Also, 
when  any  parts,  originally  distinct,  be- 
come united  in  after-growth. 

Connective^. — Of  or  belonging  to  the  connec- 
tive, which  see. 

Connective. — The  part  which  intervenes  be- 
tween the  two  lobes  of  an  anther,  and 
holds  them  together;  it  is  subject  to  a 
great  diversity  of  form.  It  seems  to  be 
analogous  to  the  midrib  of  a  leaf,  and  is 
only  absent  when  an  anther  is  strictly 
one-celled;  that  is,  when  the  whole  of  the 
interior  of  the  end  of  the  stamen  is  con- 
verted into  pollen. 

Connivent. — Convergent;  having  a  gradu- 
ally inward  direction,  as  many  petals. 

Conniving. — Converging.     See  Connivent. 

Conocarp. — A  fruit  consisting  of  a  collec- 
tion of  carpels,  arranged  upon  a  conical 
center,  as  the  Strawberry. 

Conoidal. — Resembling  a  conical  figure,  but 
not  truly  one,  as  the  calyx  of  Silene 
conoidea. 

Conservative  organs. — The  parts  or  organs 
of  a  plant  employed  in  carrying  on  the 
function  of  nutrition;  as  the  root,  stem, 
and  leaves. 

Conservatory. — The  term  usually  applied  to 
a  green-house  structure  when  attached 
to  the  dwelling-house,  or  when  it  is  used 
as  a  house  wherein  specimen  plants  are 
grown  or  displayed;  it  is  usually  of  an 
ornamental  character  and  of  various 
sizes.  When  detached,  a  convenient  size 
is  twenty  feet  wide  by  fifty  feet  in  length, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CON 

with  side   sashes    and  curvilinear  roofs 
sloping  equally  to  east  and  west  at  an  ', 
angle  of  about  35  degrees.     The  height  I 
from  the  floor  to  the  ridge  may  be  from 
twelve   to  fifteen  feet,  according  to  cir- 
cumstances.    The  height  of  the  front,  in- 
cluding three  feet  of  glass,  from  five  to 
six  feet. 

Conspersus. — Scattered  or  sprinkled. 

Constricted. — Tightened  or  contracted  in 
some  particular  place. 

Contiguous. — Where  two  neighboring  parts 
are  in  contact  through  the  whole  length 
of  their  edges  or  surfaces;  as  the  sepals 
of  Raphanus  and  the  cotyledons  of  many 
species  of  plants. 

Continuous. — The  reverse  of  articulated.  A 
stem  is  said  to  be  continuous  which  has 
no  joints. 

Contorted.- — Twisted  back  upon  itself;  ar- 
ranged so  as  to  overlap  other  parts;  an 
arrangement  of  petals  or  corolline  lobes, 
when  each  piece,  being  oblique  in  form  and 
overlapping  its  neighbor  by  one  margin, 
has  its  other  margin,  in  like  manner, 
overlapped  by  that  which  stands  next  to 
it,  as  in  the  flower  of  the  Oleander,  etc. 
A  flower  is  contorted  when  one  edge  of  a 
petal  is  exposed,  and  the  other  edge  is 
covered  by  the  adjoining  petal. 

Gontortuplicatus,  Contortuplicate.  — Twisted 
back  upon  itself. 

Convergenti-nervose. — "When  simple  veins 
diverge  from  the  midrib  of  a  leaf  and 
converge  towards  the  margin. 

Convergi-nerved. — "When  the  ribs  of  a  leaf 
describe  a  curve  and  meet  at  the  point, 
as  in  Plantago  lanceolala. 

Convex. — Rising  in  a  circular  form. 

Convolute,  Convolutive. — When  one  part  is 
wholly  rolled  up  in  another,  as  in  the 
petals  of  the  Wallflower,  or  the  spathe  of 
an  Arum. 


COR 

Convolvulacece,  (Bindweeds.} — A  natural  or- 
der of  corollifloral  Dicotyledons,  included 
in  Lindley's  Solanal  Alliance.  Herbs  or 
shrubs,  usually  twining,  and  with  a  milky 
juice,  having  alternate  leaves,  without 
stipules,  and  regular  flowers,  the  flower 
stalks  (peduncles)  bearing  one  or  many 
flowers.  They  are  abundant  in  tropical 
countries  and  rare  in  cold  climates.  They 
twine  around  other  plants,  and  creep 
among  weeds,  etc.,  along  the  seashore. 
The  plants  are  characterized  chiefly  by 
their  purgative  qualities,  and  many  of 
them  are  used  medicinally.  Jalap  is  pro- 
duced from  the  root  or  underground 
stem  of  Exogonium(Ipomo2a)  purga,  while 
the  gum  resin  called  Scammony  is  pro- 
duced by  Convolvulus  scammonia.  Ipo- 
mcea  Bona-nox,  which  produces  its  pure 
white  flowers  at  night,  is  the  Moon-flower 
of  Ceylon  and  other  warm  countries.  Ba- 
tatas edulis;  the  Sweet  Potato,  or  Batatas, 
is  cultivated  in  the  United  States,  Japan, 
and  China,  and  also  in  Spain  and  Portu- 
gal. In  the  Philippine  Islands  the  Bata- 
tas or  Camotes  are  used  for  making  soup, 
as  well  as  roasted.  This  order  comprises 
forty-six  known  genera,  and  nearly 
seven  hundred  species.  Convolvulus, 
Ipomoza,  Calystegia,  Exogonium,  Batatas, 
and  Pharbitis  are  illustrative  genera. 

Coracinus.  — Deep  shining  black. 

Corattiform,  Corattoid. — Resembling  coral  in 
general  appearance. 

Corculum. — The  embryo;  and  also  the 
small  axis  of  growth  in  such  dicotyledo- 
nous embryos  as  the  Walnut. 

Cordate. — Heart-shaped  in  outline;  applied 
to  a  plane  or  flat  body  having  two  round 
lobes  at  the  base. 

Cordato-hastate. — Between  cordate  and  has- 
tate. 

Cordato-ovate. — Between  cordate  and  ovate. 


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COB 

Cordato-sagittate. — Between  cordate  and 
sagittate. 

Cordiform.—  When  a  solid  has  the  form  of 
cordate. 

Cordleafs.—A.  name  given  by  Lindley  to  the 
group  Restiaceoe. 

Coreses. — Dark  red,  broad,  discoid  bodies, 
found  beneath  the  epicarp  or  external 
membrane  of  grapes. 

Coriaceous. — Having  the  consistence  of 
'leather. 

Corky. — Resembling  cork  in  texture. 

Corm. — A  fleshy,  solid  underground  stem, 
having  the  appearance  of  a  bulb,  and 
often  called  a  bulb,  from  which  it  is  distin- 
guished by  not  being  scaly.  See  Bulb.  The 
Gladiolus,  Crocus,  Babiana,  and  most  of 
the  Iridaceae  are  Corms.  ACorrn  is  only 
a  solid  mass  of  feculent  matter,  which 
modern  botanists  do  not  allow  to  be  a 
bulb,  but  call  it  an  underground  stem. 
Corms  do  not  require  taking  up  so  often 
as  bulbs;  and  when  they  are  intend- 
ed to  remain  for  several  years  in  the 
ground  they  should  be  planted  from  four 
to  six  inches  deep  at  first,  as  every  year  a 
new  Corm  will  form  above  the  old  one; 
and  thus,  if  planted  too  near  the  surface, 
the  Corm,  in  a  few  years,  will  be  pushed 
out  of  the  ground. 

Cornacece,  (Dogwood.)— A.  small  natural  or- 
der of  polypetalous  Calycifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons, belonging  to  Lindley 's*TJmbellal 
Alliance.  They  are  trees  or  shrubs,  usu- 
ally with  opposite  leaves  having  no  stip- 
ules. The  flowers  are  produced  in  cy- 
mose  clusters,  or  in  heads,  surrounded 
by  an  involucre.  The  fruit  is  a  two-celled 
drupe,  (like  a  cherry. )  They  are  natives 
of  the  temperate  parts  of  Europe,  Asia, 
and  America.  The  plants  are  used  as 
tonics  and  in  aguea  Cornus  mescula  is 
the  Akenia  of  the  Greeks,  and  the  Kizzil- 


COR 

jiek  of  the  Turks.  From  the  wood  of 
this  plant  the  Turks  obtain  the  dye  for 
their  red  fez.  Some  species  are  grown 
as  ornamental  plants,  and  the  common 
Dogwood,  which  is  very  heavy  and  solid, 
is  much  too  commonly  used  in  the  United 
States  for  baling  hay,  those  who  buy  the 
hay  very  properly  esteeming  it  a  fraudu- 
lent practice.  There  are  nine  known  gen- 
era and  forty  species.  Cornus,  Aucuba, 
and  Benthamia  are  illustrative  genera. 

Corneous. — Horny;  hard  and  very  close  in 
texture,  but  capable  of  being  cut  with- 
out difficulty,  the  parts  cut  off  not  being 
brittle;  as  the  albumen  of  the  Date,  and 
most  other  Palm  seeds. 

Corniculate. — Terminating  in  a  process  re- 
sembling a  horn,  as  the  fruit  of  Trapa  bi- 
cornis.  If  there  are  two  horns  the  word 
bicornis  isnised;  if  three  horns,  tricornis, 
and  so  on. 

Cornu,  (adj.  Cornutus.) — A  horn-like  pro- 
cess, commonly  solid,  and  usually  a  meta- 
morphosed state  of  some  organ.  Also 
employed  in  the  -sense  of  Calcar,  which 
see. 

Corolla,  (adj.  Corollaris,  Corottine.) — That 
part  of  a  flower  which  intervenes  between 
the  calyx  and  the  stamens.  Its  parts  are 
called  petals,  which  are  almost  always 
colored. 

Corolliflorce. — A  sub-class  of  Dicotyledons  or 
Exogens,  characterized  by  the  petals  be- 
ing united,  so  as  to  form  a  monopetalous 
corolla,  inserted  below  the  ovary,  and  by 
the  stamens  being  usually  attached  to  the 
corolla,  but  Sometimes  inserted  separate- 
ly below  the  ovary.  Such  orders  as  the 
Heath  family,  the  Gentians,  and  the  La- 
biates, may  serve  ds  illustrations. 

Corona — A  coronet;  literally  a  crown.  Any 
appendage  that  intervenes  between  the 
corolla  and  stamens,  as  the  cup  of  a  Daf- 


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327 


COK 

foclil  or  the  rays  of  a  Passion  Flower,  or 
the  crown-like  cup  which  is  found  at  the 
orifice  of  the  tube  of  the  corolla  of  the 
Narcissus,  etc.  Corona  xtaminea,  a  coro- 
net formed  from  transformed  stamens. 

Coronans. — Situated  on  the  top  or  crown 
of  anything.  Thus,  the  limb  of  the  calyx 
may  crown  an  ovary;  a  gland  at  the  apex 
of  the  filament  may  crown  a  stamen. 

Coronate. — Furnished  with  a  coronet  or 
crown.  Also  used  in  the  sense  of  Coro- 
nans, which  see. 

Coronule.  — The  small  calyx-like  body  which 
crowns  the  nucule  (which  see)  of  Chara, 
etc. 

Corpus. — The  mass  of  anything;  thus  cor- 
pus ligneum  or  lignosum  signifies  the  mass 
of  the  woody  tissue  of  a  plant,  and  corpus 
medullare  the  mass  of  its  cellular  tissue  in 
the  pith. 

Corpuscle. — A  small  body;  a  particle  of 
anything. 

Corpuscules. — The  spore  cases  of  certain 
Fungi.  Vermiform  corpuscules  are  the 
spiral  vessels  in  a  contracted,  strangled, 
or  distorted  condition. 

Corrugated,  Corrugative. — When  the  parts 
are  crumpled  up  irregularly,  as  the  petals 
of  the  Poppy  or  the  skin  of  some  seeds. 

Cor  Seminis. — An  old  name  for  the  embryo. 

Cortex. — The  bark.  Also  the  peridiuni 
(which  see)  of  certain  Fungi. 

Cortical — Of  or  belonging  to  the  bark. 

Cortical  Integument. — The  bark  or  false  bark 
of  Endogens. 

Cortical  Stratum.— The  superficial  layer  of 
tissue  in  the  thallus  (which  see)  of  a  Li- 
chen. 

Corticate. — Like  bark;  harder  externally 
than  internally;  having  a  ruid,  as  the 
Orange. 

Cortina. — The  filamentous  ring  of  certain 
Agarics  or  Mushrooms. 


COT 

Cortinate,  Cortinarious. — Having  a  cobweb- 
like  texture. 

Corymb,  (adj.  Corymbose.) — A  raceme  whose 
pedicels  grow  gradually  shorter  as  they 
approach  the  summit,  so  that  the  result 
is  a  flat-headed  inflorescence  or  flower 
head,  as  in  Candytuft,  etc.  A  compound 
corymb  is  a  branched  corymb,  each  of 
whose  divisions  is  corymbose. 

CorymbifercK. — Corymb-bearing  Composite 
plants,  a  sub-order  of  the  natural  order 
Qompositoe  or  Atteracece,  containing  plants 
with  numerous  flowers  on  a  common  re- 
ceptacle, forming  a  head  surrounded  by 
a  set  of  floral  leaves  or  bracts  called  an 
involucre.  Such  plants  as  Chamomile, 
the  Ox-eye  Daisy,  the  Dahlia,  Sunflower, 
Cineraria,  Ragwort,  Groundsel,  etc.,  be- 
long to  this  sub-order.  See  Asteraceae. 

Corymbose.— Formed  or  arranged  after  the 
manner  of  a  corymb,  as  in  Lopezia  coro- 
nata. 

Corymbosely-cymose.  — Between  a  corymb 
and  a  cyme. 

Corymbulose. — Formed  or  arranged  in  many 
small  corymbs,  as  in  Crassula  corymbulosa. 

Corynidia. — Processes  sunk  into  the  mar- 
gin of  the  germinating  leaf  of  Ferns,  and 
containing  spiral  threads. 

Costa.— The  midrib  of  a  leaf;  that  part 
which  is  a  direct  extension  of  the  petiole, 
and  whence  the  veins  arise ;  a  leaf  may 
have  several  costce. 

Costate. — When  there  is  only  one  rib,  as 
in  most  leaves.  The  term  is  also  the 
adjective  of  costa,  and  then  means  ribbed. 

Costato-venose. — When  the  parallel  side  veins 
of  a  feather-veined  leaf  are  much  stouter 
than  those  which  intervene. 

Cottony. — When  the  pubescence  is  com- 
posed of  long,  soft  hairs,  which  are  en- 
tangled or  interlaced,  resembling  raw 
cotton  in  appearance. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


COT 

Cotyledons.— The  seed  lobes;  the  primor- 
dial leaves  in  the  rudimentary  plant  or 
embryo;  the  fleshy  leaves  that  appear 
above  ground  when  a  seedling  plant  be- 
gins to  grow,  commonly  called  seed 
leaves.  Monocotyledons  have  only  one 
such  leaf,  as  Grasses,  Lilies,  Palms,  etc.; 
Dicotyledons  have  two,  as  the  Maple, 
Elm,  Pea,  Bean,  etc. 

Gotyliform. — Dished;  resembling  rotate, 
but  with  an  erect  limb. 

Cowled. — See  Cucuttate. 

Crass,  Crassus. — Something  thicker  than 
usual.  Leaves  are  generally  papery  in 
texture;  the  leaves  of  cotyledons,  which 
are  much  more  fleshy,  have  been  called 


Crassulacece,  (Semper  vivce,  Succulentce, 
Houseleeks,  Stonecrop  family.) — A  natural 
order  of  polypetalous  Calycifloral  Dicotyl- 
edons, included  in  Lindley's  Violal  Alli- 
ance. The  order  consists  of  succulent 
herbs  or  shrubs  with  exstipulate  (no 
stipules)  leaves  and  clustered  flowers, 
which  are  often  turned  toward  one  side; 
sepals  three  to  twenty,  more  or  less  com- 
bined; petals  three  to  twenty,  separate 
or  united;  stamens  equal  in  number  to 
petals,  or  twice  as  many;  ovary  composed 
of  numerous  one-celled  carpels,  hav- 
ing scales  at  their  base;  fruit  consisting 
of  follicles,  (which  see.)  They  are  natives 
of  dry  places  in  all  parts  of  the  world. 
They  are  found  on  rocks,  old  walls,  or 
hot,  sandy  plains,  exposed  to  the  heaviest 
dews  at  night,  and  the  scorching  rays  of 
the  midday  sun.  Some  species  are  as- 
tringent. Sedum  acre  is  very  acrid,  and 
is  hence  called  Wall  Pepper.  Sempervi- 
vum  tectorum,  the  Houseleek,  is  so  called 
from  being  grown  in  some  places  on  the 
tops  of  houses.  Bryophyllum  cdycinum 
property  of  producing  leaf- 


CRE 

buds  or  young  plants  along  the  margins 
of  its  leaves.  There  are  twenty-four 
known  genera  and  about  470  species. 
Crassula,  Sedum,  Sempervivum,  Bryo- 
phyllum, and  Penthorum  are  examples  of 
this  order. 

Cratera. — The  cup-shaped  receptacle  of  cer- 
tain Fungi. 

Crateriform. — Concave,  hemispherical,  a  lit- 
tle contracted  at  the  base. 

Cream  color. — White,  verging  to  yellow, 
with  little  luster. 

Creeper.  — Properly,  a  plant  that  trails  on  the 
ground. 

Creeping  stem. — In  common  usage,  applied 
to  stems  growing  horizontally,  both 
above  and  under  ground.  An  under- 
ground stem.  See  Stem  and  Rhizome. 

Cremocarp. — Fruit  consisting  of  two  or 
more  indehiscent,  (which  see,)  inferior, 
one-seeded  carpels,  adhering  round  a 
distinct  and  separable  axis,  like  the  fruit 
of  Umbelliferse. 

j  Crena,  Crenature,  Crenel. — A  round  or  con- 
vex flat  tooth. 

I  Crenate,  Creneled. — Having  convex  flat 
teeth,  or  rounded  or  scolloped  notches; 
applied  especially  to  the  indentations  on 
the  edges  of  leaves.  When  these  teeth 
are  themselves  crenated,  bicrenate  is  the 
word  used.  Compare  Serrate. 

Crenato-dentate. — Divided  at  the  edge  into 

triangular  notches. 

j  Crenato-serrate. — When  serratures  are  con- 
vex and  not  straight. 

Crenulate. — Having  the  edge  divided  into 
small  crenels  or  round  notches. 

Crested. — Having  an  elevated,  irregular,  or 
notched  ridge  resembling  the  crest  of  a 
helmet;  a  stamen  is  crested  when  the 
filament  projects  beyond  the  anther  and 
becomes  dilated.  This  term  is  chiefly 
applied  to  seeds,  and  to  the  appendages 


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ORE 

of  anthers.  It  also  belongs  to  bracts 
which  form  with  their  edges  an  appear- 
ance like  that  of  a  crest.  The  term  is 
often  applied  to  the  Moss  Rose. 

Cretaceous. — A  very  dull  white,  with  a  little 
touch  of  gray;  chalky. 

Cretaceously^pruinose. — Covered  with  white 
glittering  spots  or  pustules. 

Cribrose,  Cribriform. — Pierced  like  a  sieve 
with  numerous  close,  small  apertures. 

Grinite,  Crinitus. — Having  tufts  of  long, 
weak  hairs,  growing  from  different  parts 
of  the  surface. 

Crispate,  (adj.  Crispus.} — When  the  edge  is 
excessively  and  irregularly  divided  and 
puckered;  also  when  the  surface  is  much 
puckered  and  crumpled.  Well-known 
examples  are  afforded  by  Curled  Parsley, 
Curled  Endive,  Curled  Kale,  etc.  Crisp- 
ate  is  also  a  diminutive  of  Bullate,  which 
see. 

Cristate. — The  same  as  Crested,  which  see. 

Cristato-rugose. — When   the   wrinkles   of  a  ! 
surface  are  deep  and  sharp-edged. 

Croceus,  Crocatus. — Saffron-colored. 

Crops,  Eotation  of. — See  Rotation. 

Crowded. — When  subordinate  parts  thickly 
surround  a  common  support  or  axis. 

Cruciate,  Cruciform. — Having  the  form  of  a 
cross  with  equal  arms,  as  the  flowers  of 
the  Radish  or  the  Wallflower. 

Cruciferce,  (Brassicacece,  Crucifers,  the  Cru- 
ciferous family.) — A  natural  order  of 
Thalamifloral  Dicotyledons  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Cistal  Alliance.  They  are  herbs 
with  alternate  leaves  having  no  stipules, 
and  flowers,  usually  yellow  or  white,  ar- 
ranged in  racemes  or  corymbs  without  i 
bracts;  sepals  four,  falling  off;  petals 
four,  arranged  like  a  cross;  stamens  six, 
of  which  four  are  long  and  two  short. 
Fruit  a  siliqua  or  silicula,  that  is,  a  long 
or  short  pod  opening  by  two  valves,  with 


CRU 

a  partition  (septum)  in  the  center;  seeds 
without  albumen;  embryo  with  its  radicle 
folded  on  the  cotyledons.  The  plants  of 
this  very  natural  order  were  included  by 
Linnaeus  in  his  class  Tetradynamia.  They 
are  very  generally  distributed,  but  abound 
most  in  cold  and  temperate  regions,  es- 
pecially in  Europe.  This  order  has  been 
divided  into  sub-orders  and  tribes,  ac- 
cording to  the  nature  of  the  fruit  or  the 
embryo.  Considering  the  fruit,  we  have 
these  six  divisions:  1.  Siliquosce,&  siliqua 
or  long  pod  opening  by  two  valves  from 
below  upward.  2.  Siliculosce  latiseptce,  a 
silicula  or  short  pod  opening  with  two 
flat  or  convex  valves,  the  septum  (parti- 
tion) being  in  the  broadest  diameter.  3. 
Siliculosce  angustiseptce,  a  silicula  with 
folded  or  keeled  valves,  the  septum  in  the 
narrow  diameter.  4.  Nucumentacece,  a 
silicula  whose  valves  do  not  open,  one- 
celled,  having  no  septum.  5.  Septulatce, 
valves  with  transverse  partitions  on  their 
inside.  6.  Lomentacece,  a  pod  dividing 
transversely  into  single-seeded  portions, 
the  beak  sometimes  containing  one  or 
two  seeds,  while  the  true  pod  is  abortive. 
The  nature  of  the  embryo  gives  rise  to 
five  subdivisions,  viz.:  1.  Pleurorhizece, 
the  radicle  folded  on  the  edge  of  the 
cotyledons.  2.  Notorhizece,  the  radicle 
folded  on  the  back  of  the  cotyledons.  3. 
Orthoploceae,  the  cotyledons  folded  on 
the  radicle.  4.  Spirolobece,  cotyledons 
twice  folded.  5.  Diplecolobece,  cotyledons 
thrice  folded.  Crucifers  are  pungent,  and 
occasionally  acrid  in  their  properties. 
Not  one  of  them  is  poisonous,  but  many 
are  culinary  vegetables.  They  contain 
much  nitrogen  and  sulphur,  and  conse- 
quently give  out  a  fetid  odor  while  de- 
caying. 

The  order  contains  some  well-known 


330 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CRU 

flowering  plants,  such  as  the  Stock,  Wall- 
flower, Kocket,  etc.  Brassica  oleracea  is 
the  origin  of  the  Cabbage,  Cauliflower, 
Broccoli,  Savoy,  and  Curled  Kale.  Bras- 
,fu-a  Rapa  is  the  origin  of  the  Turnip,  but 
the  Swedish  Turnip  is  thought  by  some 
to  be  a  variety  of  Brassica  campestris, 
while  others  think  it  to  be  a  hybrid  be- 
tween B.  Rapa  and  B.  Napus,  the  wild 
Naveu  Rape,  or  Coleseed.  Grambe  marit- 
ima  supplies  Sea-Kale,  which  is  blanched 
to  fit  it  for  the  table.  Some  plants  of 
the  order  are  pungent,  as  Sinapis  nigra, 
Black  Mustard,  from  the  seeds  of  which 
the  best  Mustard  is  made;  8.  alba,  White 
Mustard,  is  less  pungent.  Other  pungent 
plants  are  Lepidium  sativum,  common 
Cress;  Nasturtium  qfficinale,  Water  Cress; 
Cochlearia  Armoracia,  Horseradish;  and 
Baphanus  sativus,  the  Radish.  Isatis  tinc- 
toria,  Woad,  yields  a  blue  dye;  and  /.  in- 
digotica  is  used  as  Indigo  in  China. 
Cochlearia  officinalis  grows  on  the  sea- 
shore, and  has  been  used  by  ships'  crews 
affected  with  scurvy,  and  has  hence  been 
called  Scurvy  Grass.  The  seeds  of  many 
species  yield  an  oil,  such  as  oil  of  Mus- 
tard, Rape  oil,  and  Camelina  oil;  and  the 
cake  left  after  pressing  the  oil  from  Rape 
seed  is  used  as  food  for  cattle.  There  are 
206  known  genera  and  about  1,730  spe- 
cies. Brassica,  Cheiranthus,  Erysimum, 
Arabis,  Lunaria,  Draba,  Teesdalia,  Hespe- 
riis,  Isatis,  Capsella,  etc.,  are  illustrative 


Cruciform.— The  same  as   Cruciate,  which 

see. 
Cruentus. — Marked  wi£h  red  blotches;   also 

where  any  part  is  wholly  red. 
Crusta. — The  upper  surface  of  Lichens. 
Crustaceous.  —  Hard,   thin,   and  brittle,    as 

the  seed  skin  of  Asparagus,  and  the  thal- 

lus  of  many  Lichens. 


CRY 

Crypta,  (a  vault.) — The  sunken  glands  or 
cysts  which  occur  in  dotted  leaves ;  re- 
ceptacles for  the  oily  and  other  secre- 
tions of  plants,  like  those  which  occur 
in  the  leaves  of  Myrtacece.  The  same  as 
Cyst,  which  see. 

Cryptogams,  (Cryptoganua.} — Many  names 
have  been  applied  to  the  vast  class  of 
plants  comprehended  under  this  name, 
such  as  Asexual  or  Flowerless  Plants, 
Acrogens,  Agamse,  Anandrse,  Acotyledons, 
Cryptogams,  Cryptophyta,  Cellulares, 
Exeinbryonata,  etc.  Of  these,  the  term 
Cryptogam  has  been  adopted  by  Berkeley 
and  others,  as  being  the  least  objection- 
able in  our  present  state  of  knowledge. 
"The  distinctive  point  in  Cryptogams 
does  not  consist  in  the  absence  of  decided 
male  and  female  organs,  nor  in  their  mi- 
nuteness, for  in  the  greater  part  their 
presence  has  been  ascertained  beyond  all 
doubt,  and  the  analogous  organs  in  Phae- 
nogams  often  require  the  assistance  of 
the  lens  to  make  out  even  their  external 
form  clearly.  The  main  point  is,  that  the 
reproductive  organs  are  not  true  seeds 
containing  an  embryo,  but  mere  cells 
containing  one  or  two  membranes  in- 
closing granular  matter.  These  bodies, 
whether  called  spores  or  sporidia,  pro- 
duce by  germination  a  thread  or  mass  of 
threads,  a  membrane,  a  cellular  body, 
etc.,  as  the  case  may  be,  which  either  at 
once  gives  rise  to  the  fruit,  or  to  a  plant 
producing  fruit.  Indeed,  the  differences 
are  so  great,  that  these  spores  seem 
rather  to  be  relatives,  or  what  is  techni- 
cally called  homologues,  of  pollen  grains, 
than  of  true  seeds."  Cryptogams  are  di- 
vided into  two  great  classes,  Thallogens  . 
and  Acrogens,  the  distinctive  characters 
of  which  will  be  found  under  those 
heads. 


HENDEESON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


331 


CRY 

Cryptonemata.—  Small,  cellular  threads, 
produced  by  cryptostomata,  which  see. 

CryptonemiacecK. — One  of  the  largest  natu- 
ral orders  among  the  rose-spored  Algce, 
belonging  to  the  section  Oongylospermece. 
The  genera  and  species  are  numerous  and 
occur  in  all  climates.  Ghondros  crispus, 
with  several  species  of  Iridcea  and  Oigar- 
tina,  abound  in  gelatine,  and  are  useful 
for  many  domestic  purposes.  See  Algce. 

Cryptophytes. — A  synonym  of  Cryptogams. 

Gryptos. — In  Greek  compounds  this  word 
means  concealed;  thus,  Cryptogams  are 
plants  with  concealed  sexes. 

Cryptostomata. — Little  circular  nuclei  on  the 
surface  of  some  Algce. 

Crystalline. — Consisting  of  or  resembling 
crystals,  as  the  prominences  on  Mesem- 
bryanthemum  crystallinum. 

Crystahvorts. — A  name  given  by  Lindley  to 
the  Bicciacece. 

Cuba  Bast.— See  Bast. 

Cubicus. — Cubical,  die-shaped. 

Cucuttate. — When  the  apex  or  sides  of  any- 
thing are  curved  inward,  so  as  to  resem- 
ble the  point  of  a  slipper  or  a  hood,  as  in 
the  lip  of  Cypripedium,  the  spathe  of  an 
Arum,  etc. 

Cucullus. — A  hood  or  terminal  hollow. 

Gucurbitacece,  (Nhandirobece,  Cucurbits, 
the  Cucumber  and  Gourd  family.) — A  nat- 
ural order  of  polypetalous  and  gamopeta- 
lous  Calycifloral  Dicotyledons,  character- 
izing Lindley's  Cucurbital  Alliance.  They 
are  succulent,  climbing  plants  with  ten- 
drils in  place  of  stipules,  alternate  pal- 
mately- veined,  rough  leaves.and  staminate 
and  pistillate  flowers.  The  fruit  is  suc- 
culent, a  pepo,  (gourd.)  They  are  chief- 
ly natives  of  hot  countries,  especially  of 
India  and  South  America;  a  few  are 
found  in  the  north  of  Europe  and  in 
North  Am  erica,  and  some  are  also  met 


CHL 

with  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  in 
Australia.  The  plants  of  this  order  gener- 
ally possess  a  certain  amount  of  acridity. 
The  pulp  of  the  fruit  of  Citrullus  Colocyn- 
this  is  the  Colocynth  of  the  shops;  this  is 
supposed  to  be  the  wild  gourd  of  the  Bi- 
ble. Ecbalium  purgans  or  agreste  (Mo- 
mordica  elaterium)  is  called  Squirting  Cu- 
cumber, on  account  of  the  elastic  force 
with  which  its  seeds  are  scattered.  Cu- 
cumis  sativus  is  the  common  Cucumber, 
C.  melo  is  the  Muskmelon,  and  C.  Gitrul- 
lis  is  the  Watermelon.  Cucurbita  Pepo, 
the  Gourd,  is  a  scrambling  plant,  to 
which  belong  the  Vegetable  Marrows, 
'  which  are  edible,  the  Orange  Gourds, 
which  are  bitter,  the  Egg  Gourds,  Gi- 
raumons,  Crooknecks,  Turk's  Caps,  and 
Warted  Gourds.  C.  maxima  is  the 
Pumpkin,  and  C.  Melopepo  the  Bush 
Squash.  The  seeds  of  Hodgsonia  are 
eaten  in  India.  Lagenariavulgaris  is  the 
Bottle  or  Dipper  Gourd.  The  fruit  of 
Luff  a  jEgyptiaca  is  cut  up  when  dry,  and 
used  as  a  flesh  brush  under  the  name  of 
Towel  Gourd.  Sechium  edule  yields  an 
edible  fruit  called  Choco  or  Chaca.  The 
species  of  Bryonia  are  purgative.  There 
are  three  divisions  of  this  order,  viz. : 
1.  Nhandirobece,  anthers  not  wavy,  pla- 
centas adhering  in  the  axis  of  the  fruit, 
seeds  numerous.  2.  Cucurbitece,  anthers 
wavy,  placentas  and  seeds  as  in  the  first. 
3.  Sicyece,  seeds  solitary  from  the  tops  of 
the  cell.  There  are  about  seventy  known 
genera  and  340  species.  Cucurbita,  Cu- 
cumis,  Citrullus,  Momordica,  Goccinia,  Tri- 
cosanthes,  Luffa,  and  Bryonia  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 

Cucurbits. — The  English  term  for  Gucurbita- 
cece. 

Culm. — The  straw  of  Wheat,  Eye,  etc.;  a 
kind  of  hollow  stem. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CUL 

Culmiferous.— Producing  culms. 

Cultivator. — This  is  the  general  name  ap- 
plied to  implements  for  stirring  the  soil, 
other  than  hoes,  whether  used  by  hand 
or  by  horse-power.  There  are  scores  of 
kinds  in  use  known  under  different 
names.  The  one  we  most  prefer  for  use 
in  garden  operations  for  cultivating  be- 
tween rows  is  what  is  known  as  the  Ad- 
justable Triangular  Harrow.  It  is  of  the 
same  shape  as  the  ordinary  shovel- 
toothed  Cultivator,  having  instead  the 
ordinary  harrow  teeth,  (about  eight 
inches  long,)  from  ten  to  fourteen  in  num- 
ber. This  implement  can  be  so  adjusted 
as  to  work  with  a  horse  between  rows, 
either  at  eighteen  or  forty  inches  apart. 
In  ordinary  pulverized  soil  the  teeth  sink 
down  from  three  to  four  inches,  so  as  to 
stir  the  soil  to  that  depth.  When  extra 
depth  is  wanted  a  weight  is  put  on  to 
sink  it  deeper.  The  same  implement  is 
made  light  enough  to  use  by  hand,  hav- 
ing a  wheel  in  front.  When  soils  are  al- 
lowed to  get  weedy,  the  shovel-toothed 
Cultivators  answer  the  purpose  better 
than  the  harrow  toothed. 

Cultrate,  CuUriform. — Shaped  like  a  prun- 
ing-knife,  as  in  Crassula  cultrata. 

Cumulate. — Heaped,  overflowed. 

Cuneiform-ovate. — Between  wedge-shaped 
and  egg-shaped. 

Cuneate,  Cuneiform. — Wedge-shaped;  in- 
versely triangular,  with  roundel  angles. 

Cunieulate. — Traversed  by  a  long  passage, 
open  at  one  end,  as  the  peduncle  of  Tro- 
pceolum. 

Cunix. — The  separable  space  which  inter- 
venes between  the  wood  and  bark  of  Ex- 
ogens.  The  word  is  now  obsolete. 

Cunoniacece,  (Ochranthacece,  Cunoniads.) — 
A  family  of  Dicotyledons,  closely  allied 
to  Saxifragacece,  and  very  generally  con- 


CUR 

sidered  as  a  tribe  only  of  that  family,  dif- 
fering more  in  their  habit  than  in  the 
structure  of  their  flowers  or  fruit.  They 
are  shrubs  or  trees  with  opposite  leaves, 
simple  or  compound,  and  have  stipules 
between  the  leaf  stalks.  The  fruit  is  cap- 
sular  or  indehiscent.  They  are  mostly 
natives  of  tropical  regions,  or  of  the 
southern  hemisphere,  and  especially  of 
Australia.  There  are  about  twenty  gen- 
era and  upward  of  a  hundred  species. 
Cunonia,  Belangera,  Callicoma,  Acrophyl- 
lum,  and  Weinmannia  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Cupreus. — Of  a  copper  color,  yellowish-red 
with  a  considerable  mixture  of  gray. 

Gupulate. — Shaped  like  a  cup. 

Cupule,  Cupula,  Cup. — The  cup  or  husk  of 
the  Acorn,  Spanish  Chestnut,  and  simi- 
lar plants;  a  collection  of  bracts;  a  sort 
of  involucre;  a  cup-like  body  found  in 
such  Fungi  as  Peziza. 

Curl. — A  disease  in  Potatoes,  referrible  to 
Chlorosis.  The  tubers  produce  deformed, 
curled  shoots,  of  a  pallid  tint,  which  are 
never  perfectly  developed,  and  give  rise  to 
minute  tubers.  It  is  a  local  disease,  how- 
ever, and  its  cause  is  not  certainly  known, 
It  is  distinct  from  the  curled  foliage  pro- 
duced by  the  presence  of  Aphides.  This 
term  is  also  applied  to  a  serious  disease 
affecting  the  leaves  of  the  Peach  tree,  in 
which  they  are  curled  and  blistered. 
Some  attribute  the  disease  to  Aphides, 
and  others  to  Fungi.  There  is  no  known 
remedy  but  the  destruction  of  the  tree. 

Curia. — Broken  off,  curtailed. 

Curvative.  — When  the  margins  are  slightly 
turned  up  or  down  without  any  sensible 
bending  inwards. 

Curve-ribbed. — When  the  ribs  of  a  leaf  de- 
scribe curves,  and  meet  at  a  point,  as  in 
Plantago  lanceolata. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CUR 

Curvi-nerved,  Curve-veined. — The  same  as 
Convergenti-nervose,  which  see. 

Cuscutacece,  (Dodders.) — A  natural  order  of 
corollifloral  Dicotyledons,  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Solanal  Alliance.  The  plants 
are  included  by  some  in  a  sub-order  of 
Convolvulacece.  They  are  leafless,  para- 
sitic, twining  herbs,  with  flowers  in  dense 
clusters.  The  fruit  is  two-celled,  either 
capsular  or  succulent;  seeds  with  fleshy 
albumen;  embryo  spiral,  filiform,  having 
no  cotyledons.  The  seeds  germinate  in 
the  soil  in  the  usual  way,  and  afterward 
become  true  parasites  by  attaching  them- 
selves to  plants  in  their  vicinity,  and 
growing  at  their  expense.  They  are  very 
destructive  to  some  kinds  of  plants.  They 
are  found  in  the  temperate  regions  of  both 
hemispheres.  There  are  four  known 
genera  and  upward  of  fifty  species.  Cus- 
cuta,  Lepidanche,  and  Epilinella  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 

Cuspidate. — Tapering  gradually  into  a  rigid 
point;  also,  abruptly  acuminate,  as  the 
leaflet  of  many  Ruhi.   A  leaf  is  cuspidate  < 
when  it  suddenly  tapers  to  a  point,  as 
Tritonia  rosea. 

Cut. — Where  the  incisions  are  rather  deep 
and  regular,  as  those  in  the  margins  of 
leaves,  which  extend  to  a  greater  depth 
than  where  they  are  said  to  be  "toothed," 
but  not  so  deep  as  "  laciniate." 

Cuticle. — The  external  homogeneous  skin 
of  a  plant,  consisting  of  a  tough  mem- 
brane overlying  the  epidermis.  The 
word  is  also  used  for  the  skin  of  any- 
thing, including  the  epidermis. 

Cutis. — The  peridium  of  certain  Fungi. 

Cutting.— A  portion  of  a  young  branch 
which,  when  inserted  into  the  earth  un- 
der suitable  conditions,  emits  roots,  and 
is  developed  as  a  distinct  individual.  See 
Propagation  by  Cuttings. 


CYC 

Cut-toothed.— Cut  and  toothed  at  the  same 
time. 

Cya/mium. — A  kind  of  follicle  resembling  a 
legume. 

Cyaneous,  Cyanceus,  Cyalinus. — In  composi- 
tion Cyano.  A  clear  bright  blue. 

Cyanochrous. — Having  a  blue  skin. 

Cyathiform. — Cup-shaped,  concave. 

Cyatheinece,  Cyathece. — The  former  is  a 
principal  sub-division  or  tribe  of  polypo- 
diaceous  Ferns.  The  latter  is  a  section 
of  this  group. 

Cyathus. — The  cup-like  body  which  con- 
tains propagula,  (which  see,)  or  the  re- 
productive bodies  of  Marchantia. 

Cycadacece,  (Cycads.) — A  natural  order  of 
achlamydeous  Dicotyledons,  belonging  to 
the  Gymnospemious  (naked-seeded)  Alli- 
ance. They  are  small,  palm-like  trees  or 
shrubs  with  unbranched  stems,  occasion- 
ally dividing  into  two,  marked  with  leaf- 
scars,  and  having  large  rays  in  the  wood 
along  with  punctated  ligneous  tubes.  The 
leaves  are  pinnate,  and  usually  rolled  up 
like  a  crozier  while  in  bud.  The  flowers 
are  staminate  or  pistillate,  and  without 
any  envelope,  (achlamydeous;)  the  stam- 
inate flowers  in  cones,  the  scales  bearing 
one-celled  anthers  on  their  lower  surface, 
the  pistillate  flowers  consisting  only  of 
ovules  on  the  edge  of  altered  leaves,  or 
placed  below  or  at  the  base  of  scales. 
The  seeds  are  either  hard,  or  with  a  soft, 
spongy  covering;  the  embryo  hanging 
by  a  long  cord  in  the  cavity  of  the  albu- 
men; the  cotyledons  are  unequal.  The 
plants  are  chiefly  natives  of  the  tropical 
and  temperate  regions  of  America  and 
Asia,  but  are  also  found  in  southern  Afri- 
ca and  in  Australia.  The  plants  are  mu- 
cilaginous and  starchy.  Cycas  reuoluta, 
one  of  the  best  known,  is  a  native  of  Ja- 
pan, and  supplies  a  kind  of  starch  which  is 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CYC 

used  as  Sago;  and  a  similar  kind  of  false 
Sago  is  supplied  by  C.  circinalis  in  the 
Moluccas.  Caffre  bread  is  made  from 
the  starch  of  a  Cape  species  of  Encepha- 
lartos.  In  the  West  Indies  a  kind  of  Ar- 
row-root is  obtained  from  some  species  of 
Zamia.  There  are  seven  known  genera  and 
about  fifty  species.  Cycas,  Zamia,  En- 
cephalartos,  and  Dion  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Cycads. — The  English  term  for  Cycaaacece. 

Cyclanthaceoe. — A  name  sometimes  given  to 
the  family  of  Pandanacece,  of,  which  the 
Cyclantheae  are  a  tribe. 

Cycle.— A  term  employed  in  the  theory  of 
spiral  leaf  arrangement  to  express  a  com- 
plete turn  of  the  spire,  which  is  assumed 
to  exist. 

Cyclical. — Rolled  up  circularly,  as  manv  em- 
bryos. 

Cylindraceous. — Having  the*ormof  a  cylin- 
der. 

Cylindrenchyma. — Cylindrical  cellular  tis- 
sue, such  as  that  of  Confervce,  of  many 
hairs,  etc. 

Cylindrical.  — Cylinder-shaped ;  approacn- 
ing  closely  to  the  form  of  a  cylinder,  as 
the  stems  of  grasses,  etc.,  which,  however, 
all  taper  more  or  less,  although  by  insensi- 
ble degrees. 

Cylindricatty-globose. — A  form  between  a 
cylinder  and  a  sphere. 

Cylindrico-campanulate. — Cylindrically  bell- 
shaped. 

Cymbdlce.—  Reproductive  locomotive  bod- 
ies, of  an  elliptical  form,  found  in  some 
Alga. 

Cymbiform.— Having  the  figure  of  a  boat  in 
miniature;  that  is  to  say,  concave,  taper- 
ing to  each  end,  with  a  keel  externally,  as 
the  glumes  of  Phalaris  Canariensis. 
Cyme. — A  kind  of  inflorescence,  produced 
by  the  rays  of  an  umbel  forming  one 


CYP 

terminal  flower,  and  then  producing  sec- 
ondary pedicels  from  below  it,  in  the 
centrifugal  manner,  as  in  the  Laurustinus 
and  the  Elder  (Sambucus. ) 

Cymose. — Flowering  in  cymes. 

Cyperacece,  ( Cyperoidece,  Sedges.) — A  natural 
order  of  glume-bearing  Monocotyledons 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Glumal  Alliance. 
They  are  grass-like,  tufted  plants,  having 
solid,  usually  jointed,  and  frequently  an- 
gular stems;  leaves  with  their  sheaths 
entire,  (not  split,  as  in  Grasses;)  and 
flowers  either  perfect  or  incomplete, 
(staminate  and  pistillate,)  each  borne  on 
a  solitary  bract  or  scale,  and  all  united 
in  an  imbricated  manner,  so  as  to  form  a 
spike.  Stamens  hypogynous,  varying 
from  one  to  twelve,  usually  three;  anthers 
attached  at  their  base  to  the  filament. 
Ovary  superior;  ovule  one,  style  two  to 
three  cleft.  Fruit  a  crustaceous  or  bony 
achene;  embryo  lens-shaped,  and  lying 
at  the  base  of  fleshy  or  mealy  albumen. 
The  plants  are  very  generally  distributed 
over  the  world,  and  abound  in  moist 
places.  Some  of  the  Sedges  are  demul- 
cent, others  are  bitter  and  astringent. 
Some,  by  means  of  their  creeping  under- 
ground stems,  bind  together  the  loose 
sands  of  the  seashore.  Their  cellular 
tissue  is  sometimes  used  for  paper,  and 
the  underground  stems  of  several  species 
of  Cyperus  are  used  for  food.  The  un- 
derground stems  of  Carex  arenaria  are 
used  for  Sarsaparilla.  The  species  of 
Eriophorum,  or  Cotton  Grass,  have  long, 
white,  silky  hairs  surrounding  the  fruit. 
Papyrus  antiquorum  (also  called  Cyperus) 
appears  to  be  one  of  the  plants  called 
Bulrush  in  the  Bible.  It  formerly  grew 
abundantly  at  the  mouth  of  the  Nile, 
which  was  hence  called  papyriferous  by 
Ovid,  but  it  is  now  gone.  The  cellular 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


CYP 

tissue  of  its  stems  was  used  in  place  of 
paper.  Scirpus  lacrustis,  the  Bulrush,  is 
used  for  making  mats,  baskets,  and 
the  bottoms  of  chairs.  In  South  America 
it  is  used  for  making  balsas  or  boats,  and 
a  similar  use  is  referred  to  in  Isaiah,  xviii., 
1,  2.  There  are  120  known  genera  and 
upward  of  2,000  species.  Cyperus,  Papy- 
rus, Carex,  Scirpus,  Eriophorum,  and 
Gladium  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Cyphelia. — Collections  of  gonidia  (which 
see)  in  the  form  of  cups;  a  term  only 
used  of  Lichens. 

Cyphellce. — Pale  wart-like  spots  found  on 
the  under  surface  of  the  thallus  (which 
see)  of  some  Lichens. 


DEC 

Cypsela. — The  dry,  one-celled,  one-seeded, 
inferior  fruit  of  Composites. 

Cyst. — The  spore-case  of  certain  Fungi; 
also  the  hollow  spaces  in  parenchyma, 
(which  see,)  in  which  the  oily  matter 
collects,  as  in  the  rind  of  the  Orange. 

Cystidia. — Salient  cells  accompanying  the 
basids  or  asci  (which  see)  of  Fungi ;  by 
some  regarded  as  antherids,  (which  see.) 

Cystocarpum.  — A  case  including  a  great 
many  spores.  The  term  is  confined  to  Algce. 

Cytoblast. — That  elementary  spherule,  de- 
rived from  organic  mucus,  which  pro- 
duces a  cell  from  its  side,  according  to 
Schleiden.  It  is  the  nucleus  of  R.  Brown 
and  others. 


D. 


/  jcedaleus. — When  a  point  has  a  large 
circuit,  but  is  truncated  and  ragged; 
or  wavy  and  irregularly  plaited,  as  the 
hymenium  (which  see)  of  some  Agarics. 

Danceacece. — The  name  of  a  natural  order 
of  Ferns,  also  called  Marattiacece,  which 
see. 

Daphnacece. — A  natural  order  of  monochia- 
mydeous  dicotyledonous  plants,  synony- 
mous with  Thymelceacece  or  Thymelacece, 
which  see. 

Daphnads. — A  name  used  by  Lindley  for 
the  Thymelaceos, 

Dasycarpos. — Hairy-fruited. 

Dasycladece.  —  A  small  natural  order  of 
green-spored  Algce,  which  are  either 
naked  or  coated  with  carbonate  of  lime, 
and  have  a  one-celled  simple  or  branched 
axis,  which  is  whorled  either  throughout 
its  whole  length  or  near  the  summit  with 
jointed  branchlets.  The  fruit  is  con- 
tained in  free  or  laterally  united  spor- 
angia. See  Algce. 


Dealbate.  — Covered  with  a  very  opaque  white 
powder. 

Deca. — In  Greek  compounds  means  ten  ;  as 
Decagynia,  having  ten  pistils. 

Decagynia. — An' artificial  order  in  the  Lin- 
nsean  system,  consisting  of  plants  which 
have  either  ten  pistils,  or  whose  pistil  has 
ten  free  styles. 

Decandria. — The  tenth  artificial  class  in  the 
Linnsean  system,  including  certain  flow- 
ers with  ten  stamens,  not  belonging  to 
other  classes.  Decandrous  flowers  in 
the  classes  Monadelphia,  Diadelphia, 
Monoscia,  Dicecia,  form  the  orders  "  De- 
candria,"  severally  subordinate  to  those 
classes. 

Decandrous. — Having  ten  stamens. 

Decaphyllous. — Having  ten  leaves. 

Deciduous. — Falling  off.  Leaves  which  are 
shed  annually  are  said  to  be  deciduous  ; 
as  are  also  trees  that  annually  lose  their 
leaves.  So  also  the  calyx  and  corolla  of 
Cruciferce. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DEC 

Declinate.—Bent  downwards. 

Decompound,  Decomposite. — Having  various 
compound  divisions  or  ramifications ;  a 
leaf  is  said  to  be  decompound  when  it  is 
twice  pinnated;  a  panicle,  when  its 
branches  are  also  panicled. 

Decumbent. — Reclining  upon  the  earth  and 
rising  again  from  it;  applied  to  stems 
when  they  recline  upon  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  but  have  a  tendency  to  rise  again 
at  the  extremities;  applied  to  stamens,  it 
is  a  synonym  of  Declinate,  which  see. 

Decurrent.  — Where  the  limb  of  a  leaf  is  pro- 
longed down  the  stem  on  each  side,  be- 
low the  point  of  insertion,  or  where  the 
midrib  quits  it;  as  though  the  leaf  were 
partially  united  to  the  stem  by  its  mid- 
rib. Common  in  the  Thistles. 

Decursively  pinnate. — When  a  petiole  is 
winged  by  the  elongation  of  the  base  of 
the  leaflets;  hardly  different  from  pin- 
natifid. 

Decussate,  Decussated. — Arranged  in  pairs 
that  alternately  cross  each  other;  when 
two  right  lines  cross  each  other  at  right 
angles  they  are  said  to  be  decussate; 
leaves  are  often  placed  in  this  position, 
as  in  Ixora  parmftora,  Phlox  decussata,  etc. 

Deferent. — Conveying  anything  downwards. 

Deftexed. — Bending  gradually  downwards 
through  the  whole  length. 

Defoliation. — The  casting  off  of  leaves. 

Deformation. — An  alteration  in  the  usual 
form  of  an  organ,  by  accident  or  other- 
wise. 

Degeneration.—  Some  peculiarity  in  the 
condition  of  an  organ,  induced  by  a  mod- 
ification of  the  circumstances  under 
which  its  more  usual  and  healthy  devel- 
opment is  effected. 

Degradation. — A  change,  consisting  of  an 
abstraction,  loss,  abortion,  or  non-devel- 
opment of  usual  organs. 


DEP 

Dehiscence. — The  opening  of  pods  and  of 
the  cells  of  anthers  at  maturity,  so  as  to 
emit  seeds,  pollen,  etc. 

Dehiscent. — Opening,  gaping;  an  expression 
applied  to  the  mode  in  which  the  anthers 
or  the  capsule  burst  open  and  discharge 
their  contents. 

Deliquescent. — Branched,  but  so  divided  that 
the  principal  axis  is  lost  trace  of  in  ram- 
ifications, as  the  head  of  an  Oak  tree. 

Deltoid. — A  solid,  the  transverse  section  of 
which  has  a  triangular  outline.  Also  ap- 
plied to  the  outline  of  thin  bodies. 

Demersed. — Buried  beneath  water. 

Dendroid. — Divided  at  the  top  into  a  num- 
ber of  branches,  so  as  to  resemble  the 
head  of  a  tree;  only  applied  to  small 
plants  like  Mosses. 

Dendron. — In  Greek  compounds  dendron 
means  a  tree. 

Dens. — A  toothing. 

Densum. — Thick,  tufted,  bundled. 

Dentate. — Having  sharp  teeth  with  concave 
edges.  When  these  teeth  are  themselves 
toothed,  the  part  is  duplicato-dentate ;  not 
bidentate,  which  means  two-toothed. 

Dentato-crenate. — The  same  as  crenato-den- 
tate,  which  see. 

Dentato-laciniate. — When  toothings  are  ir- 
regularly extended  into  long  points. 

Dentato-serrate. — When  toothings  are  taper- 
pointed  and  directed  forwards,  like  ser- 
ratures. 

Denticulate,  Denticulatus. — Having  very  fine 
marginal  teeth. 

Denudate,  Denudatus.  —  When  a  surface 
which  has  once  been  hairy,  downy,  etc., 
becomes  naked. 

Deoperculate. — A  term  used  in  describing 
Mosses,  when  the  operculum  will  not 
separate  spontaneously  from  the  spore- 


Depauperate. — When  some  part  is  less  pei- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


337 


DEP 

fectly  developed  than  is  usual  in  plants 
of  the  same  family;  thus,  when  the  lower 
scales  of  the  head  of  a  cyperaceous  plant 
produce  no  flowers,  such  scales  are  said 
to  be  depauperated  or  starved. 

Dependent. — Hanging  down. 

Depressed. — Pressed  downward;  having  the 
appearance  of  being  flattened  vertically, 
as  the  tuber  of  the  Turnip. 

Derma. — In  Greek  compounds  derma  means 
the  bark  or  rind. 

Dennis. — The  skin  of  a  plant. 

Descending.  —  Tending  gradually  down- 
ward ;  as  some  branches  and  leaves. 
Also,  penetrating  more  or  less  vertically 
into  the  earth;  as  with  the  root,  the  de- 
scending axis  of  vegetation. 

Desmos. — In  Greek  compounds  desmos 
means  anything  bound  to  another,  or 
brought  into  close  contact  with  it. 

Development. — That  gradual  extension  of 
parts  by  which  any  organ  or  plant  pro- 
ceeds from  its  nascent  state  to  maturity. 

Dewy.— Where  a  surface  appears  as  if  cov- 
ered with  dew,  arising  from  small,  irreg- 
ular, and  pellucid  expansions  of  cellular 
tissue. 

Di. — In  Greek  compounds  di  means  two, 
as  Digynia,  two  pistils. 

Diachyma. — The  green  cellular  matter  of 
leaves. 

Diadelphia. — An  artificial  class  in  the  Lin- 
nsean  system,  characterized  by  the  sta- 
mens being  united  by  their  filaments  into 
two  distinct  bundles. 

Diadelphous. — Consisting  of  two  parcels  or 
fraternities  of  stamens. 

Diagnosis. — The  short  character  or  descrip- 
tion by  which  one  plant  is  distinguished 
from  another. 

Dialypetalce.— Plants  with  distinct  petals,  in 
contra-distinction  to  GamopetaUv,  which 
have  the  petals  united  into  a  single  co- 


DIC 

rolla.  The  term  is  a  modern  one,  pro- 
posed to  be  substituted  for  Polypetalce, 
which  is  more  generally  used  in  the  same 
sense,  although  it  signifies  literally  plants 
with  many  petals. 

Dialypetalous. — The  same  as  polypetalbus, 
which  see. 

DialyphyUous. — The  same  as  polysepalous. 

Diandria. — An  artificial  class  in  the  Lin- 
nsean  system,  containing  plants  whose 
flowers  have  only  two  stamens. 

Diapeasiacece,  (Diapensiads.) — A  small  or- 
der of  corollifloral  Dicotyledons,  estab- 
lished by  Lindley  in  1836,  and  by  him 
referred  to  his  Gentianal  Alliance,  and  re- 
cently reconstructed  by  Dr.  Asa  Gray. 
Perennial  herbs,  sometimes  suffruticose, 
with  alternate  leaves  and  pentamerqus 
gamopetalous  flowers.  The  plants  inhab- 
it the  northern  parts  of  Europe  and 
North  America. 

Diaphanous. — Transparent,  or  nearly  so. 

Diaphysis. — A  preternatural  extension  of 
the  center  of  the  flower,  or  of  an  inflores- 
cence. 

Diatomacece. — A  very  distinct  natural  order 
of  green-spored  Algae,  remarkable  for  the 
enormous  quantity  of  silex  contained  in 
their  frond,  and  for  their  yellow-brown 
color.  See  Algw. 

Dibber. — This  is  the  pointed  implement 
used  for  setting  out  vegetable  plants 
that  have  long  roots,  such  as  Cabbage, 
Celery,  etc. ,  and  also  seedling  trees  and 
flowering  plants.  It  is  best  made  in  the 
form  of  a  pistol  handle,  about  ten  inches 
long,  one  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter, 
and  shod  with  three  or  four  inches  of  iron 
tapering  to  a  sharp  point. 

Dichlamijdeous. — Having  both  calyx  and  co- 
rolla. 

Dichogamous. — When  the  florets  of  an  in- 
florescence are  of  two  separate  sexes. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DIG 

Dichotomia,  Dii'hrtomous. — Having  the  divi- 
sions always  in  pairs;  a  term  equally 
applied  to  branches,  or  veins,  or  forks. 

Ifalesium.—A.  one-seeded  indehiscent  fruit 
inclosed  within  a  hardened  perianth,  as 
in  the  Marvel  of  Peru. 

DirliiinuH.  —  Having  the  stamens  in  one 
flower  and  the  pistil  in  another. 

Dicotyledonous. — Having  two  cotyledons. 

Dicotyledons,  Dicotyledonece.— Plants  having 
two  seed  leaves,  which  are  called  cotyle- 
dons. This  is  one  of  the  primary  divi- 
sions or  classes  of  the  vegetable  king- 
dom, including  about  7,000  known  gen- 
era, and  about  70,000  known  species  of 
flowering  plants.  The  class  also  receives 
the  name  of  Exogence  or  Exogens,  from 
the  structure  of  the  stems.  The  plants 
of  this  great  class  have  spiral  vessels; 
their  stems  are  formed  by  additions  ex- 
ternally in  the  form  of  zones  or  rings; 
stomata  or  pores  exist  in  the  leaves,  which 
have  a  reticulated  or  netted  venation. 
The  plants  have  stamens  and  pistils, 
either  in  the  same  or  in  different  flowers. 
The  symmetry  of  the  flowers  is  repre- 
sented by  five  or  two,  or  multiples  of 
these  numbers.  The  ovules  are  contained 
in  an  ovary,  or  more  rarely  are  naked; 
and  the  embryo  has  two,  sometimes  more, 
cotyledons. 

Dictyogens,  (Dictyogena?.} — A  sub-class  of 
Monocotyledons  or  Endogens,  according 
to  Lindley. 

Didymouf,. — Double;  growing  in  pairs,  as 
the  fruit  of  Umbellifers. 

Didynamia.—An  artificial  class  in  the  Lin- 
nnean  system,  characterized  by  the  flow- 
ers being  irregular,  and  containing  four 
stamens,  of  which  two  are  longer  than 
the  other  two. 

Didynamous. — Having  two  long  stamens 
and  two  short  ones  in  the  same  flower. 


DIM 

Dijformis. — Having  an  unusual  shape,  or 
remarkable  for  some  singularity  of  shape. 

Diffuse. — Scattered,  widely  spread,  as  in 
Veronica  saxatilis. 

Digamous. —  When  two  kinds  of  flowers, 
some  male  and  others  female,  are  placed 
on  the  same  receptacle  in  Composite. 

Digging. — This  is  now  nearly  all  done  by 
the  digging  fork  in  place  of  the  spade, 
unless  in  soils  that  are  being  broken  up 
from  sod.  The  fork  pulverizes  the  soil 
much  better,  (the  only  object  to  be  at- 
tained by  digging,)  is  much  lighter  to 
handle,  and  the  wonder  is  why,  for  gen- 
erations, the  spade  was  used,  when  the 
manure  fork,  at  the  same  time  in  use, 
had  not  suggested  its  value  for  digging 
purposes. 

Digilaliform. — Like  campanulate,  but  longer 
and  irregular,  as  the  corolla  of  Digitalis. 

Digitate. —  Where  several  distinct  leaflets 
radiate  from  the  point  of  a  leaf-stalk; 
applied  to  a  simple  leaf,  where  the  lobes 
are  very  narrow,  deeply  cut,  and  all  ex- 
tending nearly  to  the  base  of  the  limb, 
like  the  extended  fingers  of  the  human 
hand,  as  in  the  Horse-Chestnut,  Lupins, 
Spircea  palmata,  etc. 

Digitinerved. — When  the  ribs  of  a  leaf  radi- 
ate from  the  top  of  the  petiole. 

Digitus,  (adj.  Digitalis.) — The  length  of  the 
index  finger ;  about  three  inches  in  length. 

Digynia. — An  order,  in  some  of  the  classes 
of  the  artificial  system  of  Linnseus,  char- 
acterized by  the  flowers  having  two  pistils, 
or  at  least  two  different  styles.  • 

Digynous. — Having  two  styles  or  female 
organs. 

Dimidiate. — When  one  half  of  an  organ  is 
so  much  smaller  than  the  other  as  to 
seem  as  if  missing;  hardly  different  from 
oblique,  except  in  degree;  also  slit  half 
way  up. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


339 


DIM 


Dimidiato-cordate. — When  the  larger  half  of 
a  dimidiate  leaf  is  cordate. 

Dimorphous. — Where  similar  parts  of  the 
same  plant  assume  different  shapes  or 
characters. 

Dicecia,  (adj.  Dicecioux,  Dioicus.) — WThen  the 
sexes  of  a  plant  are  borne  in  different 
flowers  by  distinct  individuals;  the  dif- 
ferent sexes  on  different  plants.     A  sepa- 
rate class,  and  also  an  order  of  another  j 
class,  iu  the  artificial  system  of  Linnaeus,   ; 
characterized  by  the  unisexual  flowers  of  j 
the  same  species  being  produced  on  dis- 
tinct individuals,  as  in  Willows. 

Dioico-poli/gamotif.  — When  some  of  the  flow- 
ers  of   a   dioecious  plant    produce    her-  i 
m  aphrodite  flowers. 

Dioscoreacece,  (Yams.) — A  natural  order  of 
monocotyledonous  or  endogenous  plants, 
belonging  to  the  sub-class  of  Dictyogence. 
They  are  twining  shrubs  or  herbs  with  ! 
tubers   either   above   or   below  ground, 
usually  alternate  leaves  with  reticulated  \ 
venation,  and  small  staminate  and  pistil-  j 
late  flowers  growing  in  spikes.     Perianth 
six-cleft,  in   two   rows,  herbaceous   and  j 
adherent;  stamens  six,  inserted  into  the  i 
base    of    the    perianth;    ovary    inferior,   ; 
three-celled;    ovules,    one   or   two,    sus- 
pended;   style   three-cleft.     Fruit   com- 
pressed, three-celled,  two  cells  of  ten  abor-   | 
tive;    seeds    albuminous;    embryo   in   a  | 
cavity.     They  are  chiefly  natives  of  trop-    | 
ical  countries.      Tamus,  however,  is  a  na- 
tive of  Europe  and  of  the  temperate  parts  i 
of  Asia.  The  plants  are  mostly  acrid,  but 
contain   also  a  large  amount  of  starch.    « 
Several  species  of  Diosoorett  produce  edi-  j 
ble  tubers,  which  are  known  as  Yams, 
and  are  eaten  like  Potatoes.    Tarn  us  com-  I 
munis,  black  Bryony,  has  an  acrid,  pur- 
gative, and  emetic  tuber,  and  a  berried 
fruit  of  a  red  color.     Text ud inarm  ••/<'/i/mn- 


DIP 

lapsus  has  a  remarkably  tuberculated 
stem,  and  is  called  Elephant's  Foot  or  the 
Tortoise  Plant  of  the  Cape.  The  central 
part  is  eaten  by  the  Hottentots.  There 
are  seven  known  genera  and  one  hundred 
and  sixty  species.  Dioscorea,  Tamus,  and 
Testudinaria  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Dipetalous. — Consisting  of  two  petals. 

Diphyllom. — Two-leaved. 

Diploe. — That  part  of  the  parenchyma  of  a 
leaf  which  intervenes  between  the  two 
layers  of  epiderm. 

Diplostemonous. — Having  twice  as  many 
stamens  as  petals. 

Diplotegia. — An  inferior  capsule. 

Dipsacacece,  (Teazleivorts.)— A  natural  order 
of  gamopetalous  Calycifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons or  Exogens,  belonging  to  Lindley's 
Campanal  Alliance.  They  consist  of 
herbs  or  undershrubs  with  opposite  or 
whorled  exstipulate  leaves,  and  flowers 
in  heads  surrounded  with  an  involucre. 
Fruit  dry,  not  opening,  crowned  by  the 
poppus-like  calyx;  seed  albuminous. 
They  are  mostly  natives  of  the  South  of 
Europe,  Barbary,  the  Levant,  and  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  Some  of  the  species 
are  astringent.  Some  are  used  in  dress- 
ing cloth.  Dipsacus  Futtonum  is  the 
Fuller's  Teasel,  the  dried  heads  of  which, 
with  their  hooked,  spiny  bracts,  are  used 
in  fulling  cloth.  The  opposite  leaves  of 
the  wild  Teasel,  D.  sylvestris,  unite  at 
their  bases  so  as  to  form  a  basin,  in  which 
water  collects;  hence  the  plant  was  called 
Dipsacus,  or  thirsty.  There  are  six  known 
genera  and  about  170  species.  Dipsacus, 
AofawMO)  Marina,  and  Gephalaria  are  ex 
amples  of  the  order. 

Dipteracece,  (DipterocarpecK,  Dipterads.) — 
A  natural  order  of  thalamifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons or  Exogens,  belonging  to  Lindley's 
Guttiferal  Alliance.  They  are  large  trees 


340 


HENDEKSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


DIP 

with  resinous  juice,  and  alternate  invo- 
lute leaves  with  convolute  stipules.  The 
fruit  is  leathery,  one-celled;  seeds  single, 
without  albumen.  They  are  tropical  In- 
dian trees,  found  especially  in  the  islands 
of  the  Indian  Archipelago.  They  yield  a 
resinous,  balsamic  juice.  Dryabalanops 
Camphora  or  aromatica,  a  tree  from  a 
hundred  to  a  hundred  and  thirty  feet 
high,  supplies  the  hard  Camphor  of  Su- 
matra, which  exists  in  a  solid  state  in  the 
interior  of  the  stem,  sometimes  in  pieces 
weighing  from  ten  to  twelve  pounds.  It 
also  yields  by  incision  a  resinous,  oily 
fluid  called  the  Liquid  Camphor  or  Cam- 
phor Oil  of  Borneo.  Sometimes  five  gal- 
lons of  the  fluid  are  found  in  a  cavity  in 
the  trunk.  Several  others  yield  valuable 
resins.  There  are  seven  known  genera 
and  forty-seven  species.  Dipterocarpus, 
Valeria,  Dryobalanops,  and  Shorea  are  ex- 
amples of  the  order. 
Dipterous.—  Having  two  wing-like  processes, 

as  the  seeds  of  Halesia  diptera. 
Dipyrenous. — Containing  two  stones  or  py- 

rense,  which  see. 

Disciform.—  Flat  and  circular;  the  same  as 
orbicular,  which  see.  Also  a  name 
given  to  the  chambered  nuts  of  such 
plants  as  the  Walnut. 

Discocarpium.—  A  collection  of  fruits  placed 
within  a  hollowed  receptacle,  as  in  many 
Roseworts. 

Discoidal.  —  Orbicular,  with  perceptible 
thickness,  slightly  convex,  and  a  rounded 
border. 

Discolor.— Parts  having  one  surface  of  one 
color,  and  the  other  surface   of  another 
color.    Also,  any  green  color  altered  by  a 
mixture  of  purple,  as  in  Oissus  discolor. 
Discopodium.—The  foot  or  stalk  on  which 
some' kinds  of  disks  are  elevated, 
ooth,  without  thorns. 


DIV 

Disk. — An  organ  intervening  between  the 
stamens  and  ovary.  It  assumes  many 
forms,  the  most  common  of  which  is  a 
ring  or  scales,  and  it  is  apparently  com- 
posed of  metamorphosed  stamens.  Also, 
the  receptacle  of  certain  Fungi,  or  the 
hymenium  (which  see)  of  others. 

Disomorphous. — Two-shaped. 

Dispermus. — Two-seeded. 

Dissected. — Cut  into  many  deep  lobes. 

Dissectus. — Where  the  segments,  as  in  some 
leaves,  are  very  numerous  and  deeply  cut. 

Dissemination. — The  manner  in  which  ripe 
seeds  of  plants  are  naturally  dispersed. 

Dissepiments. — The  partitions  in  a  fruit 
caused  by  the  adhesion  of  the  sides  of 
carpellary  leaves.  Spurious  dissepiments 
are  any  partitions  in  fruit  which  have  not 
the  origin  just  explained. 

Dissimilar. — When  similar  organs  assume 
different  forms  in  the  same  individual; 
as  some  of  the  anthers  in  the  genus 


Distachyon. — Two-spiked. 

Distichous. — When  pai-ts  are  arranged  in 
two  rows,  the  one  opposite  the  other,  as 
the  florets  of  many  grasses. 

Distinct. — When  any  part  or  organ  is 
wholly  unconnected  with  those  near  it. 

Distractile. — Divided  into  two  parts  as  if 
torn  asunder,  like  the  connective  of  some 
anthers. 

Diurnal,  Diurnus. — Enduring  only  a  day, 
as  the  flowers  of  Tigridia  and  Hemero- 
callis,  (Day  Lily.) 

Divaricate,Divaricating. -Straggling ;  spread- 
ing abruptly;  branching  off  at  an  acute 
angle,  and  spreading  irregularly  in  various 
directions,  as  in  Veronica  pinnata. 

Divergent. — Growing  far  asunder;  applied 
to  branches  and  leaves. 

Diversiflorus. — When  a  plant  or  inflores- 
cence bears  flowers  of  two  or  more  sorts. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


DIV 

Divided. — Where  incisions  or  indentations 
extend  nearly  to  the  base. 

Dodecagynia. — An  order  in  the  artificial 
system  of  Linnaeus,  characterized  by 
flowers  which  have  twelve  pistils. 

Dodecandria. — The  eleventh  class  in  the 
artificial  system  of  Linnaeus,  including 
flowers  with  twelve  stamens,  or  rather 
those  which  have  between  twelve  and 
twenty,  provided  they  are  not  attached 
to  the  calyx. 

Dodecandrous. — Having  twelve  stamens. 

Dolabriform.  — Ax-shaped. 

Dorsal. — Attached  to,  or  growing  on,  the 
back  of  any  organ. 

Dorsiferous. — Bearing  something  on  the 
back. 

Dor  sum. — The  back  of  anything. 

Dotted. — Furnished  with  transparent  recep- 
tacles of  oil,  looking  like  dots;  marked 
with  punctures. 

Double. — When  applied  to  the  entire  flower, 
it  signifies  that  monstrous  condition  in 
which  the  parts  of  the  inner  floral  whorls, 
the  stamens  or  carpels,  become  converted  j 
into  petals.  Applied  to  the  calyx  or 
corolla  separately,  it  refers  to  certain 
examples  in  which  these  organs  appear 
to  consist  of  more  than  the  usual  normal 
number  of  subordinate  parts,  and  thus 
seem  as  if  they  were  double.  Double 
flowers  are  most  common  in  the  natural 
order  Composites. 

Double-bearing.  —  Producing  twice  in  the 
same  season. 

Doubly. — Having  a  form  or  structure  re- 
peated ;  doubly  -  toothed  means  teeth 
themselves  toothed,  and  so  on. 

Downy. — Covered  with  very  short,  weak, 
close  hairs. 

Downy^pubescent. — Having  soft,  short  down, 
closely  pressed  to  the  surface. 

Draconis. — Spotted  like  a  serpent. 


DRA 

Draining. — This  is  one  of  the  most  import- 
ant operations  in  horticulture.  No  mat- 
ter how  fertile  the  normal  condition  of 
the  soil;  no  matter  how  abundantly  it  is 
fertilized;  no  matter  how  carefully  and 
thoroughly  it  is  tilled,  if  water  remains  in 
it  at  the  depth  at  which  roots  penetrate, 
all  labor  will  be  in  vain ;  for  no  satisfac- 
tory result  can  ever  be  attained  until 
the  water  is  drained  off.  The  subject  is 
one  of  such  importance  that  we  cannot 
give  it  full  attention  here,  and  to  such  as 
require  to  operate  on  a  large  scale,  works 
specially  devoted  to  the  subject  should  be 
consulted,  or  a  draining  engineer  em- 
ployed. Soils  having  a  gravelly  or  sandy 
sub-soil  ten  or  twenty  inches  below  the 
top  soil  do  not  usually  need  draining; 
but  in  all  soils  underlaid  by  clay  or  hard 
pan,  draining  is  indispensable,  unless  in 
cases  where  there  is  a  slope  of  two  to 
three  feet  in  a  hundred;  and  even  in  such 
cases  draining  is  beneficial  if  the  sub-soil 
is  clay. 

In  soils  having  a  clay  or  hard-pan  sub- 
soil, drains  should  be  made  three  feet 
deep  and  not  more  than  twenty  feet 
apart.  If  stones  are  plenty,  they  may 
be  profitably  used  to  fill  up  the  drains, 
say  to  a  depth  of  twelve  or  fifteen  inches, 
either  placed  so  as  to  form  a  "  rubble  " 
drain,  if  the  stones  are  round,  or  built 
with  an  orifice  at  the  bottom,  if  the 
stones  are  flat.  In  either  case,  care  must 
be  used  to  cover  the  stones  carefully 
up  with  inverted  sods,  or  some  material 
that  will  prevent  the  soil  being  washed 
through  the  stones  and  choking  up  the 
drain. 

Drain  tiles,  when  they  can  be  obtained 
at  a  reasonable  price,  are  the  best  mate- 
rial for  draining.  The  horseshoe  pat- 
tern is  generally  used.  If  the  drain 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


DBA 

has  a  hard  bottom  they  can  be  placed  di- 
rectly on  it  when  leveled  to  the  proper 
grade;  but  if  the  ground  is  soft  and 
spongy,  a  board  must  be  laid  in  the  bot- 
tom, on  which  to  place  the  tiles.  It  is 
often  a  very  troublesome  matter  to  get 
the  few  drain  tiles  necessary  to  drain  a 
small  garden,  and  in  such  cases  an  excel- 
lent and  cheap  substitute  can  be  had  by 
using  one  of  boards.  Take  ordinary 
rough  boards,  Pine,  Hemlock,  or  Spruce, 
and  cut  them  into  widths  of  three  or  four 
inches,  and  nail  them  together  so  as  to 
form  a  triangular  pipe,  taking  care  to 
"break  the  joints  "  in  putting  the  lengths 
together.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the 
boards  are  not  nailed  together  too  close- 
ly, else  they  might  swell  so  as  to  prevent 
the  water  passing  into  the  drain  to  be 
carried  off.  These  drains  are  usually  set  j 
with  a  flat  side  down,  but  they  will  keep 
clear  better  if  put  with  a  point  down,  i 
though  it  is  more  trouble  to  lay  them. 
Drains  made  in  this  way  will  last  twenty  i 
years  or  more. 

Of  course,  in  draining,  the  greater  the 
fall  that  can  be  got  the  better,  though,  if 
the  grading  is  carefully  done  by  a  com- 
petent engineer,  a  very  slight  fall  will 
suffice.  Some  of  the  trunk  or  main  sew- 
ers in  our  cities  have  only  a  grade  of  one 
foot  in  a  thousand. 

Drainage  in  flower  pots  is  essential  for 
most  plants  whenever  the  pot  is  over 
five  inches  in  diameter.  Charcoal  broken 
into  pieces  from  one-half  to  one  inch  in 
diameter  we  prefer  to  every  other  kind 
of  drainage,  which  should  be  in  depth 
from  one  inch  to  three  inches,  according 
to  the  size  of  the  pot  to  be  drained, 
an  extra  quantity  being  necessary  if  the 
plant  is  being  shifted  into  a  pot  too 
large;  then  ample  drainage  is  indispen- 


DEU 


sable  to  admit  of  the  quick  escape  of 
water.  This  drainage,  so  called,  is  not 
alone  of  use  as  a  means  for  the  rapid  es- 
cape of  water,  but  also  for  the  admission 
of  air  to  the  roots,  which  brings  in 
another  important  matter  in  connection 
with  the  drainage  in  pots,  the  necessity 
to  stand  the  pots  on  some  rough  ma- 
terial, such  as  gravel  or  cinders;  for  if 
placed  on  sand,  soil,  or  anything  that  will 
close  up  the  orifice  in  the  bottom  of  the 
pot,  all  the  drainage  placed  in  it  will 
avail  nothing.  It  is  far  better  to  use  no 
drainage  at  all,  and  stand  the  pots  on  a 
rough  surface,  than  to  use  the  drainage 
and  place  the  plants  on  some  material 
that  will  close  the  outlet. 

Droseracece,  (Sundews.} — A  natural  order  of 
thalamifloral  Dicotyledons  or  Exogens 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Berberal  Alli- 
ance. They  are  herbs,  which  are  often 
covered  with  glandular  hairs.  They 
have  alternate  leaves  with  fringes  at  their 
base,  and  a  fern-like  growth.  The 
plants  inhabit  marshes  in  Europe,  India, 
China,  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Mada- 
gascar, North  and  South  America,  and 
New  Holland.  They  have  acid  and 
slightly  acrid  properties.  The  species  of 
Drosera  are  remarkable  for  their  glandu- 
lar hairs,  which  are  covered  with  drops  of 
fluid  in  sunshine.  Dioncea  muscipula  is 
a  still  more  remarkable  plant,  commonly 
called  Venus's  Fly-trap,  which  see.  Some 
include  Parnassia  in  this  order.  There 
are  seven  known  genera  and  about  one 
hundred  species.  Drosera,  Dioncea,  Droso- 
phyllum,  and  Aldrovanda  are  examples  of 
the  order. 

Drupacece,  (Drupiferis,  Amygdalece,  Almond- 
worts.} — According  to  Lindley,  this  is  a 
distinct  natural  order,  while  other  bot- 
anists regard  it  as  a  sub-order  of  Rosacew. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLA.NTS. 


343 


DKU 

The  order  belongs  to  the  class  of  Dico- 
tyledons, and  the  sub-class  Calyciflorce 
Polypetalce,  and  to  Lindley's  Rosal  Alli- 
ance. They  are  trees  and  shrubs  with 
simple  alternate  stipulate  leaves.  The 
flowers  are  white  or  pink,  in  umbels  or 
single.  The  fruit  is  a  drupe,  with  a  hard 
endocarp;  the  seed  usually  solitary;  no 
albumen.  The  plants  are  found  in  cold 
and  temperate  climates  of  the  northern 
hemisphere.  The  leaves,  flowers,  and 
seeds  yield  hydrocyanic  or  prussic  acid. 
The  fruit  is  in  many  cases  edible.  Amyg- 
dalus commums,  the  Almond  Tree,  a  na- 
tive of  Asia  and  Barbary,  is  cultivated  in 
the  south  of  Europe.  There  are  two 
varieties,  the  one  producing  sweet,  the 
other  bitter  Almonds.  From  the  kernels 
prussic  acid  is  obtained.  Cerasus  corn- 
munis  yields  the  common  or  cultivated 
Cherry.  C.  Lauro-cerasus,  the  Cherry 
Laurel  or  Bay  Laurel,  yields  a  hydrocy- 
anated  oil.  Prunus  communis  furnishes 
the  common  or  cultivated  Plum,  and  P. 
Armeniaca  the  Apricot.  Amygdalus  Per- 
sica  supplies  the  Peach,  and  a  variety 
gives  the  Nectarine.  There  are  five 
known  genera  and  a  hundred  and  ten 
species.  Amygdalus,  Cerasus,  and  Prunus 
are  examples  of  the  order. 
Drupe,  (adj.  Drupaceous.) — A  kind  of  fruit 
consisting  of  a  fleshy,  succulent  rind,  and 
containing  a  hard  stone  in  the  center,  > 
like  the  Olives,  Plums,  Apricots,  etc. 


EBE 


Drupel,  Drupeole. — A  very  small  Drupe. 
The  fruit  of  the  Blackberry  is  composed 
of  several  drupels,  seated  on  a  pulpy  re- 
ceptacle. 

Ducts. — Tubular  vessels  marked  by  trans- 
verse lines  or  dots;  apparently,  in  some 
cases,  modifications  of  spiral  vessels, 
when  they  are  called  closed,  annular,  retic- 
ulated, and  scalariform;  sometimes  analo- 
gous to  pitted  tissue,  when  they  are 
called  dotted,  and  form  bothrenchyma, 
which  see. 

Dulcis. — Sweet,  nectariferous. 

Dumus,  (adj.  Dumose.) — A  low  brandling 
shrub. 

Duplicate,  Duplicaio.— Growing  in  pairs. 
When  compounded  with  the  words  Cre- 
nate,  Dentate,  Serrate,  it  implies  that  the 
incisions  on  the  margins  of  leaves  bear- 
ing these  names  are  themselves  crenated, 
dentated,  and  serrated. 

Duplo. — Twice  as  much  as,  or  twice  as 
many  as. 

Duramen. — The  heart- wood,  or  that  part  of 
the  timber  of  a  tree  which  becomes  hard- 
ened by  the  matter  deposited  in  it.  It  is 
next  the  center  in  Exogens  and  next  the 
circumference  in  Endogens. 

Dusty. — Where  an  otherwise  smooth  sur- 
face is  covered  with  minute  granular  in- 
crustations resembling  dust. 

Dwarf. — Of  small  size  compared  with  other 
species  of  the  same  genus,  or  with  other 
varieties  of  the  same  species. 


E 


777  Ex. — In  compound  words  the  mean-  I  Ebenacece,    (Ebenads.) — A  natural  order  of 

J     ing  is  without;  as  ex-albuminous,  Corolh'floral  Dicotyledons,  belonging  t<> 

without  albumen.  Lindley's   Gentianal  Alliance.    They  are 

Eared. — Having  ears;  the  same  as  auricu-  !       trees  or  shrubs,  not  milky,  with  alternate 

late,  which  see.  exstipulate,  leathery,  and  entire  leaves. 


344 


HENPEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EBR 

The  flowers  are  hermaphrodite,  (perfect,) 
or  pistillate  and  staminate.  The  fruit  is 
a  round  or  oval  berry  with  albuminous 
seeds.  They  are  chiefly  natives  of  the  East 
Indies,  but  are  also  found  in  tropical  Africa, 
at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  in  South 
America,  Brazil,  Australia,  Northern  Asia, 
and  China.  The  trees  yield  a  hard  and 
durable  timber.  The  heart- wood  of  differ- 
ent species  of  Diospyros  is  the  Ebony  of 
commerce,  of  which  there  are  many  varie- 
ties. The  Keg-fig  of  Japan  is  the  edible 
fruit  of  Diospyros  Kaki,  and  our  common 
Persimmon  is  the  fruit  of  Diospyros  Vir- 
giniana.  There  are  five  recognized  genera 
and  about  250  species.  Diospyros,  Eoyena, 
Euclea,  and  Maba  are  examples. 

Ebracteate. — Having  no  bracts. 

Eburneus. — Of  the  color  of  ivory. 

Ecalcarate. — Not  having  a  spur. 

Ecaudate. — Spikeless;  without  a  stem. 

EcblaMesis. — The  production  of  buds  with- 
in flowers,  in  consequence  of  monstrous 
development ;  or  on  inflorescences. 

Echinate,  Echinaled. — Furnished  with  nu- 
merous rigid  hairs  or  straight  prickles; 
as  the  fruit  of  Costarica  vesca,  Amomum 
subulatum,  etc. 

Ecoslate. — Not  having  a  central  or  strongly 
marked  rib  or  costa. 

Eddoes.  — The  tuberous  stems  of  various  ara- 
ceous  plants,  as  Colocasia  esculenta,  Gala- 
dium  bicolor,  etc. 

Edentate. — Not  having  teeth. 

Edentulus.—Not  toothed. 

Edged.—  When  one  color  is  surrounded  by 
a  very  narrow  rim  of  another  color. 

Efflorescent. — The  action  of  beginning  to 
flower. 

Effoliation. — The  removal  of  leaves. 

Effuse. — Applied  to  inflorescence,  and  means 
a  kind  of  panicle  with  a  very  loose  ar- 
rangement 


ELL 
Efulcrate. — Said  of  buds  from  below  which 

the  customary  leaf  has  fallen. 
Egg-shaped. — The  same  as  ovate,  which  see. 
Eglandulose. — Not  having  glands. 
Ehretiacece,  (Ehretiads.) — A  natural  order  of 
Dicotyledons,  belonging  to  De  Candolle's 
sub-class   Corolliflorce,  and   to  Lindley's 
Echial  Alliance.     The  plants  are  closely 
allied   to  the  Borageworts.      They  are 
trees,  shrubs,  or  herbs.    They  are  chiefly 
tropical  plants,   though   some   occur  in 
the  south  of  Europe  and  others  in  our 
Southern  States.     The  Heliotrope,  a  na- 
tive  of  Peru,  was  introduced    in   1740, 
and  is  universally  esteemed  for  its  de- 
lightful   fragrance.      There   are   fifteen 
known   genera  and  about  330   species. 
Ehretia,   Heliotropium,   and    Tournefortia 
are  examples  of  the  order. 
Ehretiads. — The  English  term  for   Ehreti- 

acece. 

Elceagnacece,  (Oleasters.) — A  natural  order 
of  monochlamydeous  Dicotyledons,  be- 
longing to  Lindley's  Amental  Alliance  of 
diclinous  Exogens.  They  are  trees  or 
shrubs,  chiefly  natives  of  the  northern 
hemisphere.  There  are  four  known  gen- 
era and  thirty  species.  Shepherdia,  Eke- 
agnus,  and  Hippophae  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Elaio. — In  Greek  compounds  this  word 
means  olive  color,  a  mixture  of  green  and 
brown. 

Elaturs. — Cells  containing  a  double  spiral, 
which  occur  in  the  capsules  of  Junger- 
manniacece  and  Marchantiacece  in   com- 
pany with  the  spores. 
Elatus.— Tall. 
Eleidheros. — In   Greek   compounds    means 

distinct,  separate. 

Ellipsoid,  Ellipsoidal.— A  solid  with  an  ellip- 
tical figure;  like  an  ellipsis,  as  in  Nastur- 
tium amphibium. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


345 


ELL 

Elliptic. — A  flat  body  which  is  oval  and 
acute  at  each  end. 

Elliptic-lanceolate. — A  form  between  elliptic 
and  lanceolate,  as  in  Olea  Americana. 

Elongate,  Elongated.  —  Lengthened  or 
stretched  out;  when  any  part  of  an  organ 
is  in  any  way  remarkable  for  its  length 
in  comparison  with  its  breadth. 

Emarcid. — Flaccid,  wilted. 

Emarginate. — Having  a  small  notch  in  tha 
end,  as  if  a  piece  had  been  taken  out,  as 
in  Canna  coccinea. 

Embolus. — A  plug;  a  process  which  projects 
downward  from  the  upper  part  of  the 
cavity  of  the  ovary  in  Armeria,  and  closes 
up  the  foramen  of  the  ovule. 

Embossed. — Projecting  from  the  surface, 
like  the  boss  or  umbo  of  a  round  shield 
or  target. 

Embracing. — Clasping  with  the  base.  The 
same  as  amplexicaul,  which  see. 

Embryo,  (adj.  Embryonal.) — The  rudiment 
of  a  plant  contained  in  the  seed.  Ic 
makes  its  first  appearance  soon  after  the 
pollen  has  fertilized  the  ovule.  Fixed 
embryo,  a  leaf  bud. 

Embryo  buds. — Spheroidal  solid  bodies,  re- 
sembling woody  nodules,  formed  in  the 
bark  of  trees,  and  capable  of  extending 
into  branches  under  favorable  circum- 


Embryotegium,  Embryotega.  — A  little  papilla, 
often  separating  as  a  lid,  which  covers 
over  the  radicle  of  some  kinds  of  embryo. 
It  is  the  hardened  apex  of  the  nucleus. 

Empetracece,  (Crowberriea.) — A  natural  or- 
der of  monochlamydeous  Dicotyledons 
belonging  to  Lindley's  Euphorbia!  Alli- 
ance. They  are  shrubs  with  heath-like, 
evergreen  leaves  without  stipules,  and 
small  axillary  flowers,  Avhich  are  usually 
imperfect.  The  fruit  is  fleshy,  with  two 
to  nine  nucules;  seed  solitary.  They  are 


END 

natives  chiefly  of  the  northern  parts  of 
Europe  and  America.  There  are  four 
known  genera  and  five  species.  Empe- 
trum,  Ceratiola,  and  Corema  are  examples 
of  the  order. 

Emphysematose. — Bladdery;  resembling  a 
bladder. 

Endeca.  —  In  Greek  compounds  means 
eleven. 

Endecagynous. — Possessing  eleven  pistils. 

Endecandrous.  — Possessing  eleven  stamens. 
No  flowers  are  strictly  characterized  by 
possessing  either  eleven  stamens  or 
eleven  pistils,  but  as  such  conditions  oc- 
cur from  accidental  abortions  or  mon- 
strous developments,  the  terms  are  in  use. 

Endocarp. — The  lining  of  a  carpel;  the  in- 
ner surface  or  lining  of  a  fruit,  represent- 
ing at  that  time  the  upper  surface  of  a 
carpellary  leaf.  The  stone  of  a  Cherry  is 
its  endocarp. 

Endogens. — A  large  class  of  plants  to  which 
the  names  of  Monocotyledones  and  Amphi- 
bryce  are  also  given.  "  They  have  a  cel- 
lular and  vascular  system,  the  latter 
exhibiting  spiral  vessels.  Their  stem 
is  endogenous,  that  is  to  say,  increases 
in  diameter  by  the  addition  of  woody 
vessels  towards  its  interior,  the  outer 
part  being  the  oldest  and  densest,  and 
hence  the  name  Endogens,  inward  grow- 
ers; bundles  of  woody,  spiral,  and  pitted 
vessels  are  scattered  throughout  the  cel- 
lular tissue;  there  is  no  pith,  no  separ- 
able bark,  no  woody  rings  or  zones,  and 
no  true  medullary  rays.  The  age  of 
woody  Endogens  cannot  be  determined 
by  counting  concentric  rings,  as  in  Exo- 
gens.  The  leaves  are  usually  continuous 
with  the  stem,  and  do  not  fall  off  by  ar- 
ticulations; and  when  at  length  they  sep- 
arate, their  bases  leave  marks  or  scars  at 
definite  intervals  on  the  stem,  as  may  be 


346 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


END 

seen  in  Palms.  The  stems  of  Endogens 
are  often  subterranean,  in  the  form  of 
Conns,  Rhizomes,  or  Bulbs.  The  leaves 
have  stomates,  and  their  venation  is  usu- 
ally parallel,  though  in  a  few  cases  it  is 
slightly  reticulated.  The  flowers  have 
stamens  and  pistils,  and  three-membered 
symmetry.  The  ovules  are  contained  in 
an  ovary,  and  the  embryo  has  one  cotyle- 
don or  seed  lobe,  whence  they  are  called 
monocotyledonous. 

"The  class  has  been  divided  into  two 
sub-classes:  1.  Petaloideoe  or  Florida?,  in 
which  the  flowers  consist  either  of  a  col- 
ored perianth  or  of  scales  arranged  in  a 
whorl.  2.  Glumiferce,  in  which  the  flow- 
ers, in  place  of  sepals  and  petals,  have 
imbricated  bracts  or  scales  called  glumes, 
(which  see.)  Lindley  has  added  a  third 
sub-class  called  Dictyogence,  on  account 
of  the  net-veined  leaves.  Among  the 
PetaUridece  there  are  three  sections:  1. 
Epigynce,  having  perfect  flowers  and  a 
superior  perianth,  as  Orchids,  Gingers, 
Irids,  Amaryllids,  etc.  2.  Hypogynce, 
having  perfect  flowers  and  an  inferior 
perianth,  as  Lilies,  Bushes,  and  Palms. 
3.  Incomplete,  with  imperfect  flowers 
without  a  proper  whorled  perianth,  as 
Screw  Pines  and  Arums.  Among  Glumif- 
erce are  included  the  two  orders  of 


Endophlceum.— The  liber  of  bark;  the  inner 
layer,  containing  woody  tissue,  lying  next 
the  wood. 

EndophyUous.  —  Formed  from  within  a 
sheathing  leaf;  as  the  young  leaves  of 
endogenous  plants. 

Endopleura. — The  innermost  skin  of  a  seed 
coat. 

Endoptile. — Said  of  an  embryo  whose  plu- 
mule is  rolled  up  by  the  cotyledon,  as  in 
Endogens. 


EPA 

Endorhizal. — That  kind  of  germination  in 
which  the  original  radicle  forms  a  sheath 
round  the  first  root  which  comes  from 
within  the  former. 

Endos. — In  Greek  composition  means  with- 
in, or  in  the  inside  of  anything. 

Endosmose. — That  force  which  causes  a 
viscid  fluid  lying  within  a  cavity  to  attract 
to  itself  a  watery  fluid  through  an  or- 
ganic membrane. 

Endosperm. — The  albumen  of  a  seed. 

Endostome. — The  aperture  in  the  inner  in- 
tegument of  an  ovule. 

Endolhecium. — The  lining  of  an  anther. 

Enervis. — When  there  are  no  ribs  or  veins 
visible. 

Ennea. — In  Greek  compounds  means  nine. 

Enneagynia. — An  artificial  order,  charac- 
terized by  flowers  with  nine  free  pistils, 
styles,  or  stigmas. 

Enneandria. — The  ninth  class  in  the  artifi- 
cial system  of  Linnaeus,  containing  a  few 
plants  which  have  nine  stamens  in  each 
flower. 

Enneapetdotis. — Having  nine  petals. 

Ensiform,  Ensate. — Quite  straight,  with  the 
point  acute,  like  the  blade  of  a  broad- 
sword or  the  leaf  of  an  Iris. 

Enodis. — Where  a  stem,  or  other  part,  is 
without  joints  or  knots. 

Entangled.  —  Intermixed  in  so  irregular  a 
manner  as  not  to  be  readily  disentangled, 
as  the  hairs,  roots,  and  branches  of  many 
plants. 

Entire. — Having  no  kind  of  marginal  divi- 
sion. 

Entophyte.  —  A  plant  which  grows  from 
within  others,  as  some  rhizanths  and 
Fungi. 

Epacridacece,  (Epacrids.) — A  natural  order 
of  Corollifloral  Dicotyledons  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Erical  Alliance.  They  are 
shrubby  plants,  with  usually  simple  al- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


347 


EPH 

ternate  leaves,  and  regular  and  perfect 
flowers  in  spikes  or  racemes.  The  fruit  is 
either  fleshy  or  capsular;  embryo  with 
albumen  and  very  small  cotyledons.  The 
plants  are  natives  of  the  Indian  Archi- 
pelago and  Australia.  The  Epacris  is  a 
beautiful  flowering  green-house  plant. 
There  are  thirty-two  known  genera  and 
336  species.  Epacris,  Styphelia,  and-Draco- 
phyllum  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Ephemerus,  Ephemeral.  —  Existing  for,  or 
less  than,  one  day ;  as  where  a  corolla 
expands  for  a  few  hours  at  most,  and 
then  fades. 

Epi. — In  Greek  compounds  means  upon. 

Epiblast. — A  small  transverse  plate  (a  sec- 
ond cotyledon)  found  on  the  embryo  of 
some  grasses. 

Epiblema.  —  An  epidermis  consisting  of 
thick-sided  flattened  cells. 

Epicalyx. — The  involucelluni,  or  external 
series  of  envelopes  beyond  the  calyx,  as 
in  Malva. 

Epicarp. — The  outer  skin  or  coat  of  the 
pericarp,  when  ripened  into  a  fruit. 

EpichUe. — The  upper  half  of  the  lip  of  an 
Orchid,  when  that  organ  is  once  jointed 
or  strangulated. 

Epiclinal. — Placed  upon  the  disk  or  recep- 
tacle of  a  flower. 

Epidermis.  — The  true  skin  of  a  plant,  im- 
mediately underlying  the  cuticle. 

Epigceus. — Growing  on  land,  in  contradis- 
tinction to  growing  in  the  water.  Also 
when  any  part  of  a  terrestrial  plant  grows 
close  to  the  earth. 

Epigenous. — Growing  upon  the  surface  of  a 
part,  as  many  Fungi  on  the  surface  of 
leaves. 

Epigone. — The  membraneous  bag  or  flask 
wliich  incloses  the  spore-case  of  a  Liver- 
wort or  scale  Moss  when  young.  Also, 
the  nucleus  of  a  Chara. 


EQU 

Epigynom. — Upon  the  ovary;  a  term  ap- 
plied when  the  outer  whorls  of  the  flower 
adhere  to  the  ovary,  so  that  their  upper 
portions  alone  are  free,  and  appear  to  be 
seated  on  it,  as  in  Cmbelliferce,  etc. 

Epipelalous.  —  Inserted  or  growing  on  a 
petal 

Epiphlwum. — The  layer  of  bark  immediately 
below  the  epiderm.  The  cellular  integu- 
ment of  the  bark. 

Epiphragm. — A  membrane  drawn  over  the 
mouth  of  the  spore-case  in  Urn  Mosses, 
and  closing  it  up. 

Epiphyllous. — Either  growing  upon  or  in- 
serted on  a  leaf. 

Epiphyte,  (adj.  Epiphytal.) — Plants  which 
grow  upon  the  surface  of  others,  without 
deriving  any  nutriment  from  them,  as 
many  Mosses  and  Orchids. 

Epipterous. — Having  a  wing  at  the  summit. 

Epirhizous. — Growing  on  a  root. 

Epispertn. — The  skin  of  a  seed. 

Epiapore. — A  skin  that  covers  some  spores. 

Epithelium. — An  epidermis  consisting  of 
young,  thin-sided  cells,  filled  with  homo- 
geneous, transparent,  colorless  sap. 

Equal. — Where  one  part  is  of  the  same  gen- 
eral form,  disposition,  and  size,  as  some 
other  part  with  which  it  is  compared; 
applied  to  petals  and  sepals  when  they 
are  equal  in  size  and  shape  with  each 
other. 

Eqw&ateraL — Having  equal  sides. 

Equinoctial. — Plants  whose  flowers  expand 
and  close  at  particular  hours  of  the  day. 

EquisetaceoB,  (Equisetum.) — A  natural  order 
and  genus  of  the  higher  Cryptogamia,  re- 
markable for  the  external  resemblance 
which  they  bear  in  habit  to  Gasuarina  or 
Ephedra,  and,  as  regards  the  heads  of 
fructification,  to  Zanua.  All  resemblance, 
however,  ceases  there,  and  the  natural 
affinities  of  the  plants  are  with  Ferns. 


348 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


EQU 

Equitant. — A  mode  of  vernation,  or  of  ar- 
rangement of  leaves  with  respect  to  each 
other,  in  which  the  sides  or  edges  alter- 
nately overlap  each  other,  as  in  Morcea 
iridioides. 

Erectly-spreading.  —  Between  erect  and 
spreading. 

Erecto-patent. — Between  erect  and  spread- 
ing. 

Eremus.— A  ripe  carpel  separating  from  its 
neighbors  and  standing  apart. 

Ergot.— A  disease  of  Corn,  Rye,  etc.,  pro- 
duced by  Fungi. 

Erianthus. — When  some  parts  of  a  flower 
are  covered  with  a  woolly  or  cottony  pu- 


Ericacece,  (Heathworts.)—A.  natural  order  of 
CoroUifloral  Dicotyledons,  typical  of 
Lindley's  Erical  Alliance.  They  are  shrubs 
or  undershrubs,  with  evergreen,  rigid, 
entire,  whorled,  or  opposite  leaves  with- 
out stipules.  Arbutus  Unedo  is  the  Straw- 
berry Tree.  Rhododendron  arboreum  some- 
times reaches  in  India  a  height  of  forty 
feet,  and  some  species  grow  at  an  eleva- 
tion of  16,000  to  18,000  feet  in  the  Hima- 
layas. Several  species  of  Azalea,  Rhodo- 
dendron, and  Kalmia  are  natives  of  the 
United  Statea  The  plants  of  this  order 
are  highly  prized  for  the  beauty  of  their 
flowers.  There  are  about  fifty  known 
genera  and  nine  hundred  species.  Erica, 
Rhododendron,  Kalmia,  Clethra,  Arbutus, 
and  Ledum  are  examples  of  this  order. 

Erinus. — Prickly,  rough. 

Eriocaulacece,  (Pipeworts.)-A.  natural  order 
of  incomplete  Monocotyledons,  included 
in  Lindley's  Glumal  Alliance  among  the 
Endogens.  They  are  marsh  plants,  with 
narrow,  spongy  leaves.  There  are  ten 
known  genera  and  two  hundred  and 
twenty  species.  Eriocaulon,  Cladocaulon, 
and  Philodice  are  examples  of  the  order. 


EST 


Erion. — In  Greek  compounds  means  woolly. 

Erisma. — The  rachis  or  axis  of  grasses. 

Erose,  Eroded. — Having  the  margin  irregu- 
larly toothed,  as  if  bitten  by  an  animal;  a 
term  used  to  express  a  particular  kind  of 
denticulation,  as  in  Salvia  pinnata. 

Erosely-toothed. — "When  the  teeth  are  gnaw- 
ed or  erose. 

Eroso-dentate. — Toothed  in  a  very  irregular 
manner,  the  toothing  being  eroded. 

Erostrate. — Not  having  a  beak. 

Erubescent. — Reddish,  blush-colored. 

Erythrine. — A  coloring  matter  found  in 
Lichens. 

Erythro. — In  Greek  compounds  means  any 
pure  red. 

Eryfhrophyl. — The  red  coloring  matter  of 
plants. 

Erythrostomum. — Any  aggregate  fruit  like 
that  of  a  Strawberry  or  a  Ranunculus. 

Escalloniacece,  (Carpodetece,  Escalloniads.) — 
A  natural  order  of  Calycifloral  Dicotyle- 
dons belonging  to  Lindley's  Grossal  Alli- 
ance of  epigynous  Exogens.  They  are 
evergreen  shrubs,  often  odoriferous,  with 
alternate  exstipulate  leaves,  and  axillary, 
conspicuous  flowers.  The  order  is  con- 
sidered by  Bentham  and  Hooker  as  a 
tribe  of  Saxifragacece,  with  which  they 
similarly  unite  Ribesiacece.  The  plants  are 
chiefly  natives  of  South  America,  but  some 
are  found  in  the  southern  parts  of  Aus- 
tralia and  New  Zealand.  There  are  seven 
known  genera  and  about  sixty  species. 
EscaUonia,  Itea,  and  Carpodetus  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 

Escens. — A  termination  equivalent  to  the 
English  ish ;  thus,  rabescens,  reddish. 

Essential,. — The  most  prominent  character- 
istics by  which  a  particular  species  or  a 
particular  group  of  plants  is  separated 
from  all  others. 

Estivation. — The  manner  in  which  the  parts 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


349 


are  arranged  in  a  flower  bud.     See  ^Esti- 
vation. 

Etcerio,  Etairium. — Such  a  kind  of  aggregate 
fruit  as  that  of  the  Strawberry  or  the 
Ranunculus. 

Etiolated. — Deprived  of  color  by  being  kept 
in  the  dark;  blanched. 

Euphorbiacece,  ( Pseudanthece,  Trewiacece, 
Spurgeworts.) — A  natural  order  of  mono- 
chlamydeous  Dicotyledons,  typical  of 
Lindley's  Euphorbial  Alliance  of  dicli- 
nous Exogens.  They  are  trees,  shrubs,  or 
herbs,  with  opposite  or  alternate,  often 
stipulate  leaves,  and  involucrate,  incom- 
plete, sometimes  achlamydeous  flowers. 
The  plants  abound  in  South  America, 
and  are  also  found  in  North  America, 
Africa,  India,  and  Europe.  They  are  gen- 
erally acrid  and  poisonous,  and  contain 
much  milky  juice.  Some  yield  starch, 
and  others  oils  and  Caoutchouc.  Castor 
Oil  is  obtained  from  the  seeds  of  Ricinus  ' 
communis  and  Croton  Oil  from  Croton  \ 
Tiglium.  The  seeds  of  Jatropha  Curcas,  j 
the  Physic  Nut,  are  purgative.  Stillingia  , 
sebifera  is  the  Tallow  Tree  of  China,  the  j 
fatty  matter  being  procured  from  the  ! 
fruit.  Dyes  are  supplied  by  Crozophora 
tinctoria  and  Rottlera  tinctoria.  African  Oak 
or  Teak  is  yielded  by  Oldfieldia  Africana; 
Caoutchouc  by  Siphonia  elastica,  S.  lutea, 
S.  brevifolia,  S.  Braziliensis,  and  S. 
Spruceana ;  and  the  poisonous  Manchi- 
neel  by  Hippomane  MancineUa.  Janipha 
Manihot  or  Manihot  utilissima  furnishes 
Cassava  and  Tapioca,  which  consist  of 
starchy  matter  from  its  root.  Colliguaja 
odorifera  has  peculiar  jumping  seeds,  ow- 
ing to  their  becoming  the  habitation  of 
the  larva  of  an  insect.  Box-wood  is  the 
product  of  Buxiis  wmpcrvirens.  There 
are  other  useful  and  curious  species, 
some  of  which  are  cultivated  for  their 


EXC 

beautiful  flowers.  There  are  230  known 
genera  and  about  2,600  species.  Euphor 
bia,  Phyllanthus,  Croton,  Jatropha,  Siphonia, 
JRicinus,  Hura,  Andrachne,  and  Poinsettia 
(which  see)  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Emnescenti-venose. — When  lateral  veins  dis- 
appear within  the  margin. 

Evittate. — Not  striped;  destitute  of  vittse. 

Evolutio.  — The  act  of  development. 

Evolved.— Unfolded. 

Ex. — See  E.  But  exo  signifies  outward  or 
external,  as  in  Exogens  and  exintine,  quasi 
exointine. 

Exalbuminose. — Having  no  albumen. 

Exanthemata.  —  Skin  diseases,  blotches  of 
leaves,  etc. 

Exareolate. — Not  spaced  out. 

Exarillate. — Without  arils. 

Exaristate. — Destitute  of  an  arista,  awn,  or 
beard. 

Excentrical. — Out  of  the  center;  flying  off 
from  the  center,  as  in  Agaricus. 

Exasperate. — Covered  with  hard,  short,  stiff 
points. 

Excipide. — That  part  of  the  thallus  of  a 
Lichen  which  forms  a  rim  and  base  to 
the  shield.  Also  a  similar  part  in  certain 
Fungi. 

Excisa. — Bluntly  cut  off. 

Excitability. — That  faculty  by  which  living 
beings  take  cognizance  of  external  stim- 
uli, and  obey  their  influence.  This  is 
considered  by  some  vegetable  physiolo- 
gists to  be  the  sole  vital  property  distin- 
guishable in  plants. 

Excoriate,  Excoriated. — Stripped  of  the  bark 
or  skin. 

Excretion. — Any  superfluous  matter  thrown 
off"  by  the  living  plant  externally;  the  ac- 
tion by  which  a  superabundance  of  se- 
creted matter  is  rejected  from  a  secreting 
vessel.  Also  the  matter  itself  thus  ex- 
creted; gum,  resin,  etc.,  are  examples. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EXC 

Excurrent.— Projecting  or  running  beyond 
the  edge  of  anything;  running  out.  When 
a  stem  remains  always  central,  all  the 
other  parts  being  regularly  disposed 
round  it,  as  in  the  stem  of  a  Fir  Tree. 

E.rigttus. — Small,  slender,  minute. 

Exindusiate. — Without  an  indusium. 

K.rinfine.—The  middle  coat  of  a  pollen 
grain;  or,  if  three  or  four  coatings  are 
present,  then  that  next  the  intine,  which 
see. 

Exogens. — A  name  given  to  one  of  the  great 
classes  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  corre- 
sponding with  the  Dicotyledons.  The 
name  Exogen  is  from  the  Greek,  and 
signifies  out, ward  and  to  grow,  meaning 
growing  outwardly,  and  has  reference  to 
the  manner  in  which  the  woody  circles 
are  produced,  viz. ,  from  the  center  out- 
wardly toward  the  circumference.  The 
age  of  an  exogenous  tree,  especially  in 
temperate  climates,  may  be  determined 
by  counting  the  number  of  zones  or  cir- 
cles in  the  woody  stem,  each  circle  mark- 
ing one  year's  growth,  and  the  last-formed 
circle  being  external.  The  characters  of 
the  class  are  given  under  Dicotyledon.*, 
which  see. 

Exogenous. — Growing  by  addition  to  the 
outer  parts  of  the  stem. 

Exorhixu. — That   kind   of  germination    in 


FAL 

which  the  point  of  the  radicle  itself  be- 
comes the  first  root. 

Exosmose. — That  force  which  causes  a  vis- 
cid fluid  Iving  on  the  outside  of  an  or- 
ganic membrane  to  attract  watery  fluid 
through  it. 

Exostome. — The  aperture  in  the  outer  in- 
tegument of  an  ovule. 

Exotic. — Plants  that  are  brought  from  for- 
eign countries. 

Expanded. — When  a  flower  is  fully  blown. 
See  Diffuse. 

Exscapus. — Without  a  stalk. 

Exserted. — Where  one  part  protrudes  beyond 
another  by  which  it  is  surrounded;  as 
the  stamens  or  styles  beyond  the  mouth 
of  some  tubular  corollas. 

Exsuccous. — Juiceless. 

Exterior. — Exposed,  and  not  invested  by 
any  part  or  covering. 

Extine. — The  outer  coat  of  a  pollen  grain. 

Extra. — On  the  outside  of  or  beyond;  as, 
extra-ax  illar  is,  beyond  the  axil;  extra- 
foliarius,  'beyond  a  leaf;  extra-medianus, 
beyond  the  middle. 

Extrorse. — Turned  outward  fi-om  the  axis  of 
growth  of  the  series  of  organs  to  which  it 
belongs. 

Eye. — A  term  in  gardening  for  a  leaf -bud; 
also  for  the  center  or  the  central  markings 
of  a  flower. 


F. 


~7y  ahacecE. — The  Bean  or  leguminous 
family,  a  natural  order  of  Calycifloral 
Dicotyledons,  better  known  by  the  name 
Leguminosce,  under  which  head  their  pe- 
culiar characteristics  are  described.  The 
plants  are  distinguished  either  by  their 
papilionaceous  (pea-like)  flowers,  or  by 


their  fruit  being  a  legume,  a  pod  like  that 

of  the  Pea  or  Bean. 
!  Fades. — The  general  habit  or  appearance 

assumed  by  each  particular  species. 
Fwcula. — The    farinaceous    matter    which 

forms  starch,  etc. 
Falcate,  Falciform,. — Plane  and  curved  in 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


351 


FAL 

any  degree,  with  parallel  edges,  like  the 
blade  of  a  sickle;  as  the  pod  of  Medicago 
falcata. 

Falxe  Bark.  — That  layer  on  the  outside  of 
the  stem  of  an  Endogen  which  consists 
of  cellular  tissue,  into  which  fibrous  tis- 
sue passes  obliquely.  See  Bark. 

False-nerved.  — When  veins  have  no  vascular 
tissue,  but  are  formed  of  simple,  elongat- 
ed cellular  tissue,  as  in  Mosses,  Seaweeds, 
etc. 

Family. — A  synonym  for  "Order." 

Fan-shaped. — Plaited  like  a  fan,  as  the  leaf 
of  Brassus  flabelliformix. 

Fan-veined. — When  the  veins  or  ribs  are 
disposed  like  those  of  a  fan. 

Fariam. — In  rows:  thus,  bifariam,  in  two 
rows;  trifariam,  in  three  rows,  etc. 

Farinaceous. — Having  the  texture  of  flour, 
as  the  albumen  of  Wheat. 

Farinose. — Covered  with  a  white,  mealy 
substance,  as  the  leaves  of  the  Auricula, 
Primula  farinoxa. 

Fascia,  (adj.  Fasciate.) — A  cross  band  of 
color. 

Faseiarius. — Narrow;  very  long,  with  the 
two  opposite  margins  parallel,  as  the 
leaves  of  the  Seawrack. 

Fasciated. — When  a  stern  becomes  much 
flattened,  instead  of  retaining  its  usual 
cylindrical  figure,  as  in  the  Cockscomb, 
the  Lilium  monstrosuni,  etc.  Used  also 
for  Banded  and  Band-shaped,  which  see. 

Fascicle,  Fascicled,  Fasciculated.  —  Where 
several  similar  parts  proceed  from,  or 
originate  at  the  same  spot,  and  are  collect- 
ed, as  it  were,  into  a  bundle,  as  the  tubers 
of  the  Dahlia,  or  the  leaves  of  the  Larch. 

Fasciculato-ramose.  —  When  branches  or 
roots  are  drawn  closely  together,  so  as  to 
be  almost  parallel. 

Fastigiafc. — Tapering  to  a  narrow  point,  py- 
ramidal; as  where  many  like  parts  are 


FEU 

parallel,    and     point    upwards,    as    the 
branches  of  Populusfastigiata. 

Feather-veined. — Having  veins  which  pro- 
ceed from  a  midrib  at  an  acute  angle. 

Feathery. — Consisting  of  long  hairs  which 
are  themselves  hairy,  as  the  pappus  of 
the  Dandelion. 

Faux. — The  orifice  of  a  calyx  or  corolla. 

Faveolate. — Honeycombed;  the  same  as  Fa- 
vose,  which  see. 

Favose. — Excavated  in  the  manner  of  a  sec- 
tion of  honeycomb,  as  the  receptacle  of 
many  Composites. 

Favoso-areolate. — Divided,  into  spaces  re- 
sembling the  cavities  of  honeycomb. 

Fa  voso-dehiscent. — Appearing  honeycombed 
after  dehiscence,  as  the  anther  of  the  Mis- 
tletoe, ( Viscum.) 

Fenestra,  (adj.  Fenestrate. )— An  opening 
through  a  membrane,  like  a  window  in  a 
wall. 

Fer,  Ferus. — A  Latin  termination  signifying 
the  carrying  of  something,  Q&florifer,  the 
carrier  of  flowers. 

Fernery. — See  Wardian  Case. 

Ferns. — The  highest  of  the  sub-groups  of 
Acrogens,  technically  called  Filices, 
which  see. 

Ferrugino  us.  — Iron-colored ;  rusty ;  light 
brown,  with  a  little  mixture  of  red. 

Fertile.—  Producing  fruit.  Also,  capable  of 
effecting  the  process  of  fertilization;  or  of 
producing  perfect  seeds,  as  the  anthers 
when  filled  with  pollen;  fertilized. 

Fertilization.  — The  reproductive  function  by 
which  the  action  of  the  pollen  renders 
the  ovule  fertile. 

Fertilizi'i's. — This  word  is  generally  used 
only  in  connection  with  commercial  fer- 
tilizers, or  concentrated  fertilizers, 
though,  of  course,  in  its  full  significance 
it  refers  to  any  substance  suitable  for  the 
food  of  planis.  The  best  known  fertiliz- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLA.NTS. 


FER 

era  of  commerce  are  Peruvian  Guano  and 
Bone  Dust,  though  there  are  numbers 
of  others,  such  as  Fish  Guano,  Dry  Blood 
Fertilizer,  Blood  and  Bone  Fertilizer, 
with  the  various  brands  of  Superphos- 
phates, all  of  more  or  less  value  for  fertil- 
izing purposea  It  is  useless  to  go  over 
the  list,  and  we  will  confine  ourselves  to 
the  relative  merits  of  pure  Peruvian  Gua- 
no and  pure  Bone  Dust  Guano  at  $65 
per  ton  we  consider  relatively  equal  in  val- 
ue to  Bone  Dust  at  $40  per  t6n,  for  in  the 
lower-priced  article  we  find  we  have  to 
increase  the  quantity  to  produce  the  same 
result.  Whatever  kind  of  concentrated 
fertilizer  is  used,  we  find  it  well  repays 
the  labor  to  prepare  it  in  the  following 
manner  before  it  is  used  on  the  land:  to 
every  bushel  of  Guano  or  Bone  Dust  add 
three  bushels  of  either  leaf  mould,  (from 
the  woods,)  well  pulverized  dry  muck, 
sweepings  from  a  paved  street,  stable 
manure  so  rotted  as  to  be  like  pulverized 
muck,or,if  neither  of  these  can  be  obtained, 
any  loamy  soil  will  do ;  but  in  every  case  the 
material  to  mix  the  fertilizers  with  must  be 
fairly  dry  and  never  in  a  condition  of  mud; 
the  meaning  of  the  operation  being, 
that  the  material  used  is  to  act  as  a  tem- 
porary absorbent  for  the  fertilizer.  The 
compost  must  be  thoroughly  mixed,  and 
if  Guano  is  used,  it  being  sometimes 
lumpy,  it  must  be  broken  up  to  dust  be- 
fore being  mixed  with  the  absorbent. 
The  main  object  of  this  operation  is  for 
the  better  separation  and  division  of  the 
fertilizer,  so  that,  when  applied  to  the  soil, 
it  can  be  more  readily  distributed.  Our 
experiments  have  repeatedly  shown 
that  this  method  of  using  concentrated 
fertilizers  materially  increases  their  value,  j 
probably  twenty  per  cent  The  mix-  , 
ing  should  be  done  a  few  months  pre-  \ 


FEE 

vious  to  spring,  and  it  should,  after  being 
mixed,  be  packed  away  in  barrels,  and 
kept  in  some  dry  shed  or  cellar  until 
wanted  for  use.  Thus  mixed,  it  is  par- 
ticularly beneficial  on  lawns  or  other 
grass  lands.  The  quantity  of  concen- 
trated fertilizer  to  be  used  is  often  per- 
plexing to  beginners.  We  give  the  fol- 
lowing as  the  best  rules  we  know,  all  de- 
rived from  our  own  practice  in  growing 
fruits,  flowers,  and  vegetables:  Taking 
Guano  as  a  basis,  we  would  recommend 
for  all  vegetables  or  fruit  crops,  if  earli- 
ness  and  good  quality  are  desired,  the 
use  of  not  less  than  1,200  pounds  per 
acre,  (an  acre  contains  4,840  square  yards, 
and  cultivators  for  private  use  can  easily 
estimate  from  this  the  quantity  they  re- 
quire for  any  area,)  mixed  with  two  tons 
of  either  of  the  materials  recommended. 
If  Bone  Dust  is  used,  about  one  ton  per 
acre  should  be  used,  mixed  with  three 
tons  of  soil  or  the  other  materials  named. 
When  used  alone,  without  being  mixed 
with  the  absorbent,  it  should  be  sown  on 
the  soil  after  plowing  or  digging,  about 
thick  enough  to  just  color  the  surface,  or 
about  as  thick  as  sand  or  sawdust  is  sown 
on  a  floor,  and  then  thoroughly  harrowed 
in  if  plowed,  or,  if  dug,  chopped  in  with 
a  rake.  This  quantity  is  used  broadcast 
by  sowing  on  the  ground  after  plowing, 
and  deeply  and  thoroughly  harrowing  in, 
or  if  in  small  gardens,  forked  in  lightly 
with  the  prongs  of  a  garden  fork  or  long- 
toothed  steel  rake.  When  applied  in 
hills  or  drills,  from  100  to  300  pounds 
should  be  used  to  the  acre,  according  to 
the  distance  of  these  apart,  mixing  with 
soil,  etc. ,  as  already  directed. 

When  well  rotted  stable  manure  is 
procurable  at  a  cost  not  to  exceed  $2  or 
$3  per  ton,  whether  from  horses  or  cows, 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


353 


FIB 

it  is  preferable  to  any  concentrated  fertil- 
izer. Rotted  stable  manure,  to  produce 
full  crops,  should  be  spread  on  the 
ground  not  less  than  three  inches  thick, 
and  should  be  thoroughly  mixed  with  the 
soil  by  plowing  or  spading.  The  refuse 
hops  from  breweries  form  an  excellent 
fertilizer,  at  least  one-half  more  valuable, 
bulk  for  bulk,  than  stable  manure.  Other 
excellent  fertilizers  are  obtained  from  the 
scrapings  or  shavings  from  horn  or 
whalebone  manufactories.  The  best  way 
to  make  these  quickly  available  is  to 
compost  them  with  hot  manure  in  the 
proportion  of  one  ton  of  refuse  horn  or 
whalebone  with  fifteen  tons  pf  manure. 
The  heated  manure  extracts  the  oil,  which 
is  intermingled  with  the  whole. 

The  manure  from  the  chicken  or 
pigeon  house  is  very  valuable,  and  when 
composted  as  directed  for  Bone  Dust 
and  Guano,  has  at  least  one-third  their 
value.  Castor  oil  pomace  is  also  valuable. 

Poudrette  is  the  name  given  to  a  com- 
mercial fertilizer,  the  composition  of 
which  is  night  soil  and  dried  swamp 
muck  or  charcoal  dust  as  an  absorbent. 
It  is  sold  at  about  $12  to  $15  per  ton,  and 
at  that  price  may  be  equal  in  value,  if  too 
much  of  the  absorbing  material  is  not 
used,  to  Bone  Dust  at  $40  per  ton. 

Salt  has  little  or  no  value  as  a  fertiliz- 
er, except  as  a  medium  of  absorbing 
moisture.  For  experience  shows  that 
soils  impregnated  by  a  saline  are  no 
more  fertile  than  those  inland  out  of  the 
reach  of  such  an  atmosphere. 
Fiber,  Elementary. — That  thread  which  is 
turned  round  the  interior  of  the  tubes 
that  are  called  spiral  vessels,  or  of  any 
similar  kind  of  tissue. 

Fibril,  Fibrittce,  (adj.  Fibrillose.)—  The  roots 
of  Lichens;  any  kind  of  small  thread- 


FIL 

shaped  root;  a  fine,  ultimate,  hair-like 
subdivision  of  the  root,  or  hair-like  ap- 
pendages to  its  branches. 
j  Fibrous. — Containing  a  great  proportion  of 
woody  fiber,  as  the  rind  of  a  Cocoanut; 
composed  of  fibers. 

Fibro-wscular. — Consisting  of  woody  tis- 
sue and  spiral  or  other  vessels. 

Fiddle-shaped. — Obovate,  with  one  or  two 
deep  recesses  or  indentations  on  each 
side,  as  the  leaves  of  the  Fiddle  Dock, 
Rumex  pulcher. 

Fidus,  Fissus. — Divided  half  ivay  into  two 
or  more  parts. 

Filament. — The  stalk  of  the  anther;  any 
kind  of  a  thread-like  body. 

FHices. — One  of  the  principal  groups  of 
Cryptogams,  some  of  the  leading  pecu- 
liarities of  which  will  be  found  explained 
in  the  article  Acrogens.  They  are  com- 
monly called  Ferns,  and  consist  of  arbor- 
escent or  herbaceous  perennials,  very 
rarely  annual  plants,  those  of  arborescent 
habit  having  a  trunk  varying  from  two 
or  three  to  sixty  or  eighty  feet  in  height, 
and  formed  of  the  consolidated  bases  of 
the  fronds,  surrounding  a  soft  central 
mass  of  tissue.  Those  of  herbaceous 
habit  either  have  a  caudex  formed  on  a 
plan  similar  to  the  arborescent  kinds, 
but  on  a  smaller  scale,  the  young  fronds 
forming  the  growing  point,  or  have  a 
more  or  less  fleshy  rhizome,  whose  grow- 
ing point  is  in  advance  of  the  develop- 
ment of  the  fronds,  which  are  produced 
from  its  sides  instead  of  its  apex.  All 
true  Ferns  may  be  recognized  by  the 
circinate  growth  of  their  young  fronds 
or  leaves,  and  by  their  hypophyllous 
fructification. 

Many  schemes  have  been  proposed  for 
the  classification  of  Ferns,  but  that  seems 
to  be  preferable  which  is  based  on  the 


364 


HENDEKSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


FIL 

modifications  of  the  vascular  system  in 
conjunction  with  the  fructification.  All 
Ferns  may  be  referred  to  one  of  the 
groups  Ophioglossacece,  Marattiaceoe,  or 
Polypodiacece,  of  which  the  first  two, 
sometimes  called  pseudo-Ferns,  are  very 
limited,  while  the  latter,  containing  the 
true  Ferns,  includes  the  greater  portion 
of  all  the  known  species. 

Filicales. — That  alliance  of  Acrogens  to 
which  the  Ferns  belong. 

Filiform,  Filiformis. — Cylindrical  and  slen- 
der, like  a  thread. 

Filipendulous. — Where  tuberous  swellings 
are  developed  in  the  middle  or  at  the 
extremities  of  filiform  rootlets,  as  in  Spi- 
rceafilipendula. 

Fimbria. — A  fringe.  An  elastic  toothed 
membrane  situated  beneath  the  opercu- 
lum  in  Urn  Mosses. 

Fimbriate. — Fringed. 

Fimbrialo-laciniate.— Having  the  edge  cut 
up  into  divisions  which  are  fimbriated. 

Fimbrittiferous. — Bearing  many  little  fringes, 
as  the  receptacle  of  some  Composites. 

Fimetarious. — Growing  on  or  amid  dung. 

Fingered. — The  same  as  digitate,  which  see. 

Fish  Guano. — See  Fertilizer. 

Fissidentece.—A.  natural  order  of  Mosses, 
remarkable  for  their  peristome  being  like 
that  of  Dicranum,  or  almost  rudimentary, 
accompanied  by  a  totally  different  habit, 
due  to  the  flat,  broad-keeled,  sheathing 
leaves.  The  species  grow  in  running 
water,  and  one  only  has  at  present  been 
found  in  Europe.  Drepanophyllum,  a 
magnificent  Moss,  is  found  in  Cayenne. 

Fissiparous.— Propagating  by  a  sub- division 
of  the  interior  of  a  cell  into  two  or  more 
other  cells,  by  the  production  of  a  mem- 
braneous partition  or  septum,  from  the 
lining  of  the  mother  cell. 

Fissus.— Divided  half  way,  usually  into  a  de- 


FLO 

terminate  number  of  segments.  We  say, 
bifidus,  split  in  two;  trifidus,  in  three,  and 
so  on;  or  multifidus,  when  the  segments 
are  very  numerous. 

Fistular,  Fistulous. — This  is  said  of  a  cylin- 
drical or  terete  body  which  is  hollow, 
but  closed  at  each  end,  as  the  leaves  and 
stem  of  the  Onion. 

Flabdlat  us,  Flabelliformis.— ^Fan-shaped. 

Flaccid. — Feeble,  weak;  bending  without 
elasticity,  as  some  peduncles  under  the 
weight  of  flowers;  wilted  or  relaxed  in 
consequence  of  the  loss  of  moisture. 

Flagelliform. — Flexible,  narrow,  and  taper- 
ing, like  the  thong  of  a  whip,  as  the  run- 
ners of  many  plants. 

Flagellum. — A  twig  or  small  branch;  also  a 
runner  like  that  of  a  Strawberry. 

Flammeus,  Flame-colored, — Very  lively  scar- 
let; fiery  red. 

Flavedo. — YeUowness;  a  disease  in  plants 
in  which  the  green  parts  assume  that 
color. 

Flavescens,  Flavidus,  Flavus. — Pale  yellow, 
or  pure  yellow  diluted. 

Flavo-virens. — Green,  much  stained  with 
yellow. 

Fleshy. — When  the  flesh  is  firm  and  succu- 
lent. 

Flexible. — Capable  of  being  bent,  but  re- 
turning with  elasticity  to  its  original 
state. 

Flexuose. — Ziz-zag;  having  a  wavy  direc- 
tion, gently  bending  alternately  inward 
and  outward. 

Flocci. — Woolly  threads  found  mixed  with 
sporules  in  Fungi;  also  any  wool-like 
hairs. 

Floccose. — Covered  with  little  tufts  of  hair, 
like  wool. 

Flora,  (the  goddess  of  flowers.) — The  aggre- 
gate of  all  the  species  of  plants  inhabit- 
ing a  particular  country. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


355 


FLO 

Floral. — Of  or  belonging  to  the  flower. 
Floral  envelopes,  the  calyx  and  corolla, 
one  or  both. 

Florets. — When  many  small  flowers  are  col- 
lected in  clusters  or  heads,  each  flower  is 
called  a  floret.  The  florets  of  the  disk 
are  those  which  occupy  the  center  of  the 
head  of  a  Composite;  while  florets  of  the 
ray  occupy  the  circumference. 

Florifer. — Flower  bearing. 

Floriparous. — Producing  flowers. 

Florist's  Flowers. — "Flowers  which,  by  their 
beauty  or  fragrance,  power  to  produce 
permanent  varieties,  and  facility  of  culti- 
vation, are  so  largely  in  demand  as  to 
render  them  especially  worthy  of  cultiva- 
tion as  an  article  of  comm  erce. "  The  term 
is  most  generally  applied  to  flowers  that 
have  "  broke  "  from  the  original  species 
into  varieties,  such  as  the  Dahlia,  Ver- 
bena, Pelargonium,  Gladiolus,  etc.,  in 
distinction  from  such  plants  as  still  hold  to 
their  natural  condition  without  variation. 

Florus. — In  composition  is  equivalent  to 
flowered;  thus,  uniflorusis  one-flowered; 
biflorus,  two-flowered;  triflorus,  three- 
flowered;  multiflorus,  many-flowered. 

Flos. — A  flower. 

Flosculi,  (adj.  Flosculose.) — The  same  as 
florets,  which  see. 

Flower. — That  assemblage  of  organs  in  a 
plant,  of  which  the  stamens  or  pistils,  or 
both,  form  part. 

Flues,  single  and  double. — See  Heating. 

Fluitans. — Floating  on  the  surface  of  water. 

Fluvial,  Fluviatile. — Of  or  belonging  to  the 
water. 

Fwmineus. — Female,  bearing  pistils  only. 

Foliaceous. — Having  the  form  of  leaves. 

Foliage  Plants. — A  popular  term,  though  an 
incorrect  one,  given  to  distinguish  such 
plants  as  are  used  for  decorative  pur- 
poses, for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage 


FOV 

rather  than  for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers. 
It  is  more  particularly  used  for  such 
plants  as  are  used  for  massing  in  color; 
for  example,  the  Achyranthes,  Centau- 
reas,  (Dusty  Millers,)  Pyrethrum  aureum, 
(Golden  Feather,)  Coleus,  and  plants  of 
that  class  used  in  "  ribbon  line  "  bed- 
ding, are  called  "  foliage  "  plants;  though, 
among  plants  for  inside  decoration,  the 
Crotons,  Dracaenas,  Pandanus,  Fancy 
Caladiums,  etc.,  are  sometimes  so  named; 
but  the  proper  designation  for  all  such 
plants,  whether  used  for  outside  or  in- 
side decoration,  is  "  Ornamental-leaved 
Plants,"  or  "  Ornamental-foliaged  Plants." 

Foliar. — Inserted  upon,  or  proceeding  from, 
the  leaf;  thus  a  cirrhusfoliaris  is  a  ten- 
dril growing  from  a  leaf. 

Foliate.  — Clothed  with  leaves. 

Foliation. — The  act  of  leafing;  the  period 
when  the  buds  begin  to  expand. 

Foliiparous. — Producing  leaves  only,  as  leaf 
buds. 

Foliole,  (adj.  Foliolate.)—A.  leaflet;  the  sec- 
ondary divisions  of  a  compound  leaf. 

Foliose. — Covered  closely  with  leaves. 

Follicle. — An  inflated  seed-vessel;  as  that 
of  the  Colutea. 

Foramen. — An  aperture.  The  foramen  of 
an  ovule  is  an  aperture  through  the  in- 
teguments, allowing  the  passage  of  the 
pollen  tubes  to  the  nucleus. 

Foraminule. — The  ostiolum  (which  see)  of 
certain  Fungi. 

Forcipate. — Forked,  like  a  pair  of  pincers. 

Forked. — Separating  into  distinct  branches, 
more  or  less  apart. 

Fornix. — Little  arched  scales  in  the  orifice 
of  some  flowers. 

Fovea,  (adj.  Foveate,  dim.  Foveolate.) — A 
small  excavation  or  pit;  hence  pitted. 

Foveole. — The  perithecium  (which  see)  of 
certain  Fungi. 


356 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OP  PLANTS. 


FBA 

Fracid.—Ot  a  pasty  texture;  between  fleshy 
and  pulpy. 

Frankeniacece,  (Frankeniads.)— A  natural  or- 
der of  thalamifloral  Dicotyledons,  be- 
longing to  Lindley's  Violal  Alliance  of 
hypogynous  Exogens.  Herbs  or  under- 
shrubs,  with  branching  stems  and 
opposite  exstipulate  leaves  with  a 
sheathing  base.  They  are  chiefly  na- 
tives of  North  Africa  and  the  south  of 
Europe;  a  few  are  found  in  South  Africa, 
South  America,  Australia,  and  the  tem- 
perate parts  of  Asia.  They  have  few 
properties  of  importance.  There  are  six 
known  genera  and  upward  of  thirty  spe- 
cies. Frankenia,  Beatsonia,  and  Hyperi- 
copsis  are  examples. 

Free. — Not  adhering  to  anything  else;  not 
adnate  to  any  other  body. 

Fringed. — The  same  as  fimbriate,  which  see. 

Frond,  Frons. — A  combination  of  leaf  and 
stem,  as  in  many  Algce  and  Liverworts; 
also  improperly  applied  to  a  leaf  which 
bears  reproductive  bodies,  as  that  of 
dorsiferous  Ferns;  generally  applied  to 
Ferns.  Linnseus  applied  it  to  Palm 
leaves,  and  thus  destroyed  its  meaning. 

Frondose. — Covered  with  leaves;  bearing  a 
great  number  of  leaves. 

Frondiparous. — A  monstrosity,  consisting 
in  the  production  of  leaves  instead  of 
fruit. 

Frosted. — Covered  with  guttering  particles, 
as  if  fine  dew  had  been  congealed  upon 
it. 

Fructification.— The  parts  of  the  flower,  or, 
more  properly,  the  fruit  and  its  parts; 
the  phenomena  which  attend  the  devel- 
opment of  the 'fruit  from  its  first  appear- 
ance to  maturity.  The  distribution  or 
arrangement  of  the  fruit  itself  on  any 
plant 

Fructiparous. — A  monstrosity,  consisting  in 


FUM 


the  production  of  several  fruits,  instead 
of  the  one  which  is  metamorphosed. 
I  Fruit. — That  part  of  a  plant  which  consists 
of  the  ripened  carpels,  and  the  parts  ad- 
hering to  them;  the  seed  vessel  with  its 
ripe  contents.  Spurious  fruit  is  any  kind 
of  inflorescence  which  grows  up  with  the 
fruit,  and  forms  one  body  with  it,  as  a 
Pine  cone. 

Frustules. — The  joints  into  which  the  Brit- 
tleworts  separate. 

Frustidose. — Consisting  of  small  fragments. 

Frutex,  (adj.  Fruticose,  Frutescent.) — A 
shrub;  a  woody  plant  which  does  not 
form  a  trunk,  but  divides  into  branches 
nearly  down  to  the  ground. 

Fruticulus. — A  small  shrub. 

Fucaceae. — A  natural  order  of  dark-spored 
Algce,  consisting  of  olive-colored,  inar- 
ticulate Seaweeds,  whose  spores  are  con- 
tained in  spherical  cavities  in  the  frond. 
See  Algce. 

Fugacious,  Fugax. — Soon  falling  off,  or  per- 
ishing very  rapidly. 

Fulciens. — Supporting  or  propping  up  any- 
thing; said  of  one  organ  which  is  placed 
beneath  another. 

Fulcra,  (adj.  Fulcrate.) — Additional  organs, 
such  as  pitchers,  stipules,  tendrils, 
spines,  prickles,  hairs,  etc. 

Fulcraceous.  — Of  or  belonging  to  the  fulcra. 

Fuliginous,  Fuliginose. — Dirty  brown,  verg- 
ing upon  black. 

Fulvous.— Tawny  yellow  or  fox-colored,  as 
in  Sansevierafulvocincta. 

Fumariacece,  (Fumeworts.) — A  natural  or- 
der of  thalamifloral  Dicotyledons  belong- 
ing to  Lindley's  Berberal  Alliance  of  hy- 
pogynous Exogens.  They  are  herbs  with 
brittle  stems,  watery  juice,  alternate,  cut, 
exstipulate  leaves,  and  irregular,  unsym- 
metrical  flowers.  They  are  chiefly  na- 
tives of  the  temperate  regions  of  the 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OP   PLANTS. 


357 


FUM 

northern  hemisphere;  a  few  occur  at  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  possess  slight 
bitterness  and  acridity.  There  are 
eighteen  known  genera  and  about  160 
species.  Fumaria,  Dielytra,  Corydalis, 
and  Hypecoum  are  examples  of  the  order. 

Fumous,  Fumose. — Gray,  changing  to  brown ; 
smoke-colored. 

Fumeworts. — The  plants  of  the  order  Fu- 
mariacece. 

Fumigating. — See  Insects. 

Funalis. — Formed  of  coarse  fibers  resem- 
bling cords. 

Function. — The  peculiar  action  induced  by 
the  agency  of  vitality  upon  any  pa,rt  of  a 
living  plant,  when  placed  under  certain 
influences. 

Fundamental. —  Constituting  the  essential 
•part  of  anything  ;  in  a  plant,  the  axis 
and  its  appendages.  Fundamental  or- 
gans, the  nutritive  organs  essential  to 
the  existence  of  the  individual. 

Fundus  Plantce. — The  collar,  or  place  of 
juncture  of  the  root  and  stem. 

Fungals. — The  plants  of  the  order  Fungi, 
including  Lichens. 

Fungi,  (Fungals.} — A  large  class  of  Crypto- 
gams, distinguished  from  Algce  more  by 
habit  than  by  any  general  character. 
They  are  divided  into  a  number  of 


GAL 

Fungiform,  Fungilliform.-r-Cylindric&l,  hav- 
ing a  rounded,  convex,  overhanging  ex- 
tremity. 

Funginous. — Of  or  belonging  to  a  Fun- 
gus. 

Funicular. — Having  threads  or  Funiculse, 
which  see. 

Funiculus,  Funicle. — The  cord  or  thread 
which  sometimes  connects  the  ovule  or 
seed  to  the  placenta. 

Funiliform. — Formed  of  cord-like  fibers  ; 
resembling  a  cord. 

Funnel-shaped. — A  calyx  or  corolla,  or  other 
organ,  in  which  the  tube  is  obconical, 
gradually  enlarging  upward  into  the 
limb,  so  that  the  whole  resembles  a  fun- 
nel, as  in  the  Convolvulus  or  Morning 
Glory. 

Furcate. — Having  long  terminal  lobes,  like 
the  prongs  of  a  fork,  as  Ophioglossum 
pendulum. 

Furfuraceous. — Scurfy  ;  covered  with  soft 
scales,  which  are  easily  displaced. 

Furrowed. — Marked  by  longitudinal  chan- 
nels, as  the  stem  of  the  Parsnip. 

Fuscous. — Brown,  with  a  grayish  or  black- 
ish tinge. 

Fusiform. —  Spindle-shaped;  thick,  taper- 
ing to  each  end,  like  the  root  of  a  long 
Radish.  Sometimes  conical  roots  are 
called  fusiform. 


S~Yala,  Galacto. — In  Greek  compounds  is 

equivalent  to  milk  or  white  as  milk. 

Galea. — The  helmet  or  arched  part   of  a 

flower,  always  placed  at  the  back,  that  is, 

next  to  the  axis. 
Galeworts. — Lindley's   name  for  the  Myri- 

cacece. 


Galiacece,  (Stdlates,  Madderworts.) — A  natu- 
ral order  of  calycifloral  Dicotyledons  be- 
longing to  Lindley's  Cinchona!  Alliance 
of  epigynous  Exogens.  Natives  of  the 
northern  parts  of  the  northern  hemi- 
sphere, and  of  high  mountains  in  South 
America  and  Australia.  Some  of  the 


358 


HENDEBSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


GAL 

plants  have  tonic  qualities  and  others  are 
used  for  dyeing.  There  are  ten  known 
genera  and  about  380  species.  Galium, 
Asperula,  and  Rubin  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Galls. — Excrescences  of  various  kinds  and 
forms  produced  in  plants  by  the  presence 
of  the  larvse  of  different  insects. 
Gamo. — In  Greek  compounds  means,  united 
by  the  edges  ;  thus,  gamophyllus  signifies 
leaves  united  by  their  edges;  gamosepa- 
lous  means  monosepalous;  gamopetalous, 
monopetalous. 

Ganglia. — The  mycelium  (which  see)  of  cer- 
tain Fungi. 

Gas  Tar  or  Coal  Tar.— This  has  been  used 
to  a  considerable  extent  on  wood-work 
as  a  preservative,  such  as  benches,  gut- 
ters, posts,  and  other  parts  of  green- 
house structures.  We  are  inclined  to 
believe  it  is  of  very  little  value  for  that 
purpose,  unless  for  gutters  or  other  out- 
side wood- work,  and  then  only  if  it  is  put 
on  annually,  so  as  to  form  a  skin  or  coat- 
ing to  prevent  the  penetration  of  moist- 
ure. Its  use  inside  is  often  fraught  with 
danger,  particularly  whenever  exposed  to 
a  high  temperature,  say  100  degrees,  as 
a  gas  is  evolved  that  is  quickly  destruc- 
tive to  plants.  A  not  unusual  blunder  in 
putting  hot-water  pipes  in  the  green- 
house or  grapery  is  to  paint  them  with 
coal  tar;  and  many  fall  into  this  error 
every  season,  in  spite  of  all  the  warnings 
given.  When  the  hot-water  pipes  have 
been  painted  with  coal  tar,  just  as  soon 
as  the  pipes  are  heated  up  by  firing,  gas 
is  emitted  most  destructive  to  plants, 
which  is  seen  in  the  showers  of  falling 
leaves  and  flowers,  after  a  few  hours  of 
firing.  When  any  one  has  been  unfor- 
tunate enough  to  fall  into  this  blunder, 
there  is  no  remedy  but  to  take  down  the 


GEN 

pipes  and  build  strong  fires  under  them 
sufficient  to  drive  out  every  particle  of 
the  gas  tar.  We  have  seen  every  im- 
aginable remedy  tried,  but  all  was  of  no 
avail;  for  the  tar  penetrates  through  the 
pores  of  the  metal;  and  though  the  sur- 
face is  scraped  entirely  clean,  the  gas  is 
given  out  on  the  application  of  heat  just 
as  bad  as  if  the  surface  had  not  been 
scraped.  So  that,  as  we  have  before 
said,  there- is  no  known  remedy  except 
the  troublesome  and  expensive  one  of 
taking  the  pipes  down,  and  burning  the 
tar  out  of  them,  which  is  always  effectual 
if  properly  done. 

Gas  Lime. — This  is  the  refuse  lime  thrown 
out  from  the  gas-houses,  to  which  has 
been  ascribed  great  qualities,  not  only  as 
a  fertilizer,  but,  at  the  same  time,  as  .an 
insect  destroyer.  We  much  doubt  the 
last  quality  ascribed  to  it,  and  know  that 
it  is  not  only  worthless  as  a  fertilizer,  but 
that  its  use,  particularly  when  it  has  been 
used  fresh,  is  most  injurious  to  vegeta- 
tion, and  would  therefore  advise  strongly 
against  its  use  on  land  for  any  purpose. 

Geminate. — Growing  in  pairs. 

Gemini. — Two  together. 

Geminiftorous. — When  two  flowers  grow 
together. 

Gemma.—  A  leaf  bud;  leaf  buds  are  also 
sometimes  called  foliiferce  gemmce,  and 
flower  buds  floriferce  gemmce. 

Gemmule. — The  plumule;  also  the  ovule. 

Gemmatio. — The  act  of  budding;  the  man- 
ner in  which  young  leaves  are  folded  up 
in  the  bud  prior  to  its  unfolding. 

Gemmation. — Either  the  disposition  of  the 
buds  on  plants,  or  the  period  of  their  ex- 
pansion. 

Geniculate. — Where  any  part  is  bent  abrupt- 
ly, so  as  to  form  a  decided  angle,  as  the 
stems  of  many  grasses. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


359 


GEN 

Gentianacece,  (Gentianwortx.) — A  natural  or- 
der of  corollifloral  Dicotyledons  belong- 
ing to  Lindley's  Gentianal  Alliance  of 
perigynous  Exogens.  They  are  herbs, 
rarely  shrubs,  with  opposite,  entire,  exstip- 
ulate,  usually  ribbed  leaves,  and  showy 
flowers.  They  are  found  in  almost  all 
parts  of  the  world,  some  at  high  eleva- 
tions, and  others  in  hot  tropical  plains. 
They  are  generally  bitter ;  some  are 
narcotic.  There  are  about  seventy  known 
genera  and  upward  of  590  species.  Gen- 
tiana,  Lisianthus,  Menyanthex,  Villarsia, 
Swertia,  and  Chlora  are  examples  of  the 
order. 

Genus. — A  family  of  plants  agreeing  in  their 
flower  and. fruit;  an  assemblage  of  spe- 
cies possessing  certain  characters  in  com- 
mon, by  which  they  are  distinguished 
from  all  others. 

Geraniacece,  (Cranesbills.)' — A  natural  order 
of  thalamifloral  Dicotyledons,  character- 
izing Lindley's  Geranial  Alliance  of  hy- 
pogynous  Exogens.  They  are  herbs  or 
shrubs  with  swollen  joints,  and  opposite 
or  alternate  leaves,  which  are  usually  pal- 
mately  veined  and  lobed,  often  stipulate. 
The  plants  are  distributed  over  various 
parts  of  the  world.  The  species  of  Pe- 
largonium are  abundant  at  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope.  It  is  this  genus  that  has 
furnished  the  beautiful  varieties  that  or- 
nament the  green-house  in  winter  and  the 
garden  in  summer,  one  class  of  which  are 
commonly  known  as  Scarlet  Geraniums. 
The  species  of  Geranium  and  Erodium 
:are  mostly  natives  of  Europe,  North 
America,  and  Northern  Asia.  There  are 
.about  540  species.  Geranium,  Pelargo- 
nium, Erodium,  and  Monsonia  are  exam- 
ples of  the  order. 

Germination. — The  first  act  of  vegetation  in 
a  peed,  commonly  called  "  sprouting." 


GLA 

Gesneracece,  ( Cyrlandraceoe,  Didymocar- 
pece,  Gesnerworts.) — A  natural  order  of 
corollifloral  Dicotyledons  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Bignonial  Alliance  of  perigy- 
nous  Exogens.  They  are  herbs  or  shrubs, 
often  growing  from  scaly  tubers,  with 
wrinkled,  usually  opposite  leaves  and 
showy  flowers.  They  are  natives  of  va- 
rious parts  of  the  world,  but  chiefly  the 
warmer  regions  of  America.  The  succu- 
lent roots  are  occasionally  edible,  and 
some  of  the  species  yield  a  dye.  The 
leaves  of  some  of  them  produce  buds 
when  laid  on  the  soil,  similar  to  Begonias 
of  the  Hex  type.  There  are  upward  of 
eighty  genera  and  nearly  300  species. 
Gesnera,  Gloxinia,  Achimenes,  Streptocar- 
pus,  and  Cyrtandra  are  examples. 

Gesnerworts. — A  name  proposed  by  Lindley 
for  the  Gesneracece. 

Gibber. — A  pouch-like  enlargement  of  the 
base  of  a  calyx,  corolla,  etc. 

Gibberose,  Gibbous,  Gibbose. — More  convex 
or  swollen  in  one  place  than  another. 

Gills. — The  lamellae  or  plates  growing  per- 
pendicularly from  the  cap  or  pileus  of  an 
Agaric  or  Mushroom. 

Gilvus. — Dull  yellow,  with  a  mixture  of 
gray  and  red. 

Githagineus.  — Greenish-red. 

Glabrous. — Without  hair  or  other  covering, 
as  the  Camellia  leaf. 

Gladate. — Sword-shaped,  as  the  leaves  of  an 
Iris. 

Qlans. —  An  inferior  fruit,  one-celled  by 
abortion,  not  dehiscing,  (which  see,)  con- 
taining one  or  two  seeds,  and  seated  in  a 
cupule,  as  in  the  acorn. 

Glands,  Glandules. —  Wart -like  swellings 
found  on  the  surface  of  plants,  or  at  one 
end  of  their  hairs,  serving  the  purpose 
of  secreting  organs.  They  are  extremely 
various  in  form. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GLA 

Glandular. — Furnished  with  glands. 

Glandulose,  Glanduliferous.—Besuing  glands. 

Glandidososerrate. — Having  serratures  tip- 
ped by  glands. 

Glareose.— Growing  in  gravelly  places. 

Glaucescent. — Dull  green,  passing  into  gray- 
ish blue. 

Glaucous. — Covered  with  a  fine  bloom,  like 
that  of  the  Plum  or  Echeveria  secunda 
glauca. 

Glazing. — The  operation  of  glazing  green- 
houses is  now  well  understood  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  large  cities;  but  in  many  sec- 
tions of  the  country  the  awkward  and 
imperfect  methods  of  twenty  years  ago 
are  still  in  use.  The  plan  now  almost 
universally  adopted  is  to  "bed"  the 
glass  in  thin  putty,  lapping  only  about 
one-sixteenth  part  of  an  inch,  and  using 
large-sized  glazier's  "  points  "  to  keep  the 
glass  in  position.  These  are  triangulai', 
and  one  corner  is  turned  down,  so  that, 
when  driven  into  the  wood,  it  keeps  the 
glass  in  place,  preventing  it  from  slip- 
ping down.  No  putty  is  used  on  the 
top,  but  two  coats  of  thick  white  lead  are 
put  on,  so  as  to  fill  up  any  crevice  that 
may  be  between  the  glass  and  the  wood. 
The  size  of  glass  varies  according  to 
what  it  is  wanted  for.  If  for  portable 
3X6  feet  sashes,  they  will  be  stronger  by 
using  6X8  inch  glass  put  in  the  6-inch 
way;  but  if  for  green-houses  or  graperies, 
requiring  as  much  light  as  possible  dur- 
ing the  winter  months,  not  less  than 
10X12  glass  should  be  used,  put  in  the 
12-inch  way.  The  quality  of  the  glass  is 
a  matter  of  cost;  when  that  is  not  of  con- 
sequence, the  first  quality  double  thick 
American  or  French  glass  should  be 
used.  For  such,  however,  as  begin  with 
limited  means,  or  who  wish  to  be  eco- 
nomical in  such  matters,  second  quality 


GRA 

single  thick  American  glass  will  answer, 
provided  it  is  clear  from  blotches,  such 
as  will  form  a  lens  to  concentrate  the 
sun's  rays,  and  burn  the  foliage.  This  is 
one  of  the  most  important  points  in 
choosing  glass,  and  from  which  the  un- 
initiated often  suffer. 

Globose. — Bound  like  a  globe,  as  the  heads 
of  flowers  of  Echinops. 

Globuline.  —  Elementary  cells;  starch 
grains. 

Glochis,  (adj.  Glochidate.)  —  A  barb; 
hooked  back  at  the  point  like  a  fish-hook 

Glomerate. — Collected  into  close  heads  or 
parcels. 

Glomeruli. — The   same  as   Soredia,   which 
.  see. 

Glomerulus. — A  cluster  of  capitules  in- 
closed in  a  common  involucre,  as  in  Echi- 
nops. 

Glossology. — That  part  of  botany  which 
teaches  the  meaning  of  technical  terms. 

Gluma,  Glume. — The  exterior  series  of  the 
scales  which  constitute  the  flower  of  a 
grass. 

Glumaceous. — Plants  are  said  to  be  gluma- 
ceous  when  their  flowers  are  like  those 


Glutinium. — The  flesh  of  certain  Fungi. 

Glutinose. — Covered  with  a  sticky  exuda- 
tion. 

Gnomonical. — Bent  at  right  angles. 

Gongyhdes. — Having  an  irregular,  round- 
ish figure. 

Gracilis. — Slender,  applied  to  parts  which 
are  long  and  narrow. 

Grafting. — This  differs  only  from  budding, 
(which  see,)  inasmuch  as  the  operation 
is  usually  performed  on  deciduous  plants 
when  in  a  partially  dormant  condition, 
and  that  larger  portions  of  the  shoots  are 
taken.  The  different  forms  of  grafting 
are  known  as  "wedge,"  "whip,"  "side" 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


361 


GRA 

grafting,  etc.  "Wedge  grafting  consists 
in  sawing  off  the  stock  to  be  grafted,  and 
shaping  the  "cion"  or  "graft"  like  a 
wedge,  splitting  the  sawed  off  stock  an 
inch  or  two,  and  inserting  the  wedge- 
shaped  graft,  being  careful  to  let  the 
bark  of  the  graft  join  the  bark  of  the 
stock.  If  the  stock  is  more  than  an  inch 
in  diameter  a  graft  should  be  placed  on 
each  side.  The  whip  graft  is  used  for 
small  stocks,  which  are  of  the  thick- 
ness of  the  cions  to  be  grafted.  The 
stock  and  cion  are  cut  with  a  similar 
slope,  an  inch  or  more  in  length;  to  best 
keep  them  in  place  before  being  covered 
with  wax  or  wax  cloth,  it  is  well  to  cut 
what  is  called  a  "  tongue"  in  the  center 
of  each,  so  that,  when  placed  to- 
gether, the  cion  will  keep  in  place,  the 
tongues  being  interlocked.  The  whip 
system  is  that  mostly  used  in  root  graft- 
ing Roses,  Apples,  Clematis,  etc.  After 
the  cion  has  been  attached  to  the  stock 
by  any  of  the  methods  of  grafting,  it  is 
covered  over  either  with  a  mixture  of  ad- 
hesive clay  and  cow  dung  or  grafting 
wax,  so  as  to  keep  it  in  position  until  it 
starts  to  grow. 

Grafting  wax  can  be  purchased  in  most 
seed  stores,  but  when  wanted  in  quantity 
it  is  made  according  to  the  following  for- 
mula: four  pounds  rosin,  thi-ee  pounds 
bees-wax,  and  two  pounds  of  tallow. 
This,  heated  and  mixed,  will  give  the 
grafting  wax  of  the  shops.  A  conven- 
ient way  to  use  the  grafting  wax  is  to  dip 
in  it  thin  calico  or  muslin  cloth,  which 
can  be  torn  into  strips  readily,  and 
wrapped  around  the  graft  so  as  to  ex- 
clude the  air. 

Graft  Hybrids. — This  is  the  term  used  by 
Mr.  Chas.  Darwin,  in  his  work,  "  Plants 
and  Animals  under  Domestication,"  to 


GRE 

describe  what  he  believes  to  be  an  amal- 
gamation of  the  stock  and  the  graft,  so 
that  there  is  a  seeming  blending  of  the 
individualities  in  some  few  cases,  which 
he  cites.  This  theory  of  Mr.  Darwin's  is 
by  no  means  universally  accepted,  and  it 
is  to  be  regretted  that  it  should  have 
been  propounded  with  such  a  sparse  ar- 
ray of  examples  in  illustrating  such  a 
novel  theory. 

Grammicus. — When  the  spots  upon  a  sur- 
face assume  the  form  and  appearance  of 
letters. 

Graniform. — Formed  like  grains;  granu- 
lar. 

Granular,  Granulate. — Divided  into  little 
knobs  and  knots,  as  the  roots  of  Saxifra- 
ga  granulate;  covered  as  if  with  small 
grains. 

Granules. — Any  small  particles;  grains;  the 
hollow  shells  which  constitute  pollen. 

Graveolens. — Strong-scented;  having  a  smell 
which  is  unpleasant  because  of  its  in- 
tensity. 

Green-house. — The  name  generally  given  to 
all  kinds  of  glass  structures.  For  private 
purposes  the  styles  are  so  varied  that  it 
would  be  useless,  in  this  work,  to  give 
examples,  as  in  such  cases  it  is  always 
economy  to  employ  a  competent  green- 
house architect;  but  for  commercial  pur- 
poses, in  our  own  establishment,  we  use 
exclusively  the  ridge  and  furrow  style; 
that  is,  the  houses  are  joined  to  each 
other  by  a  ten  or  twelve  inch  gutter. 
Each  house  is  twenty  feet  wide  at  base,  four 
feet  high  at  the  gutter,  and  eleven  feet 
high  at  the  apex,  giving  an  angle  to  the 
glass  roof  of  about  thirty-five  degrees, 
which  slopes  equally  to  east  and  west. 
When  green-houses  are  wanted  for  forc- 
ing Roses  or  other  flowers  in  winter,  it  is 
better  not  to  connect  them  together,  fcut 


362 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


GKE 

to  make  them  say  twenty  feet  wide  at 
base,  the  roof  forming  what  is  known  as 
a  three-quarter  span;  that  is,  the  long 
slope  of  the  roof,  which  must  face  south, 
is  about  eighteen  or  nineteen  feet  long, 
while  the  short  slope  to  the  north  is  six 
or  seven  feet,  both  at  an  angle  of  about 
thirty  degrees.  The  front  or  south  wall 
should  be  four  or  five  feet  high,  and 
the  rear  or  north  wall  seven  or  eight  feet 
high,  making  the  apex  from  the  ground 
level  about  ten  feet.  Our  space  will  not 
admit  of  details  of  construction,  for 
which  see  our  work,  Practical  Floricul- 
ture, pages  53  and  266. 

Greens. — The  common  name  for  Spinach, 
Cabbage,  Kale,  and  other  leafy  esculents. 

Griseus. — Pure  gray,  a  little  verging  to  blue. 

Grossification. — The  swelling  of  the  ovary 
after  fertilization. 

Grossus. — Coarse;  larger  than  usual;  thus, 
grosse  crenatus,  coarsely  crenated;  grosse 
serratus,  coarsely  serrated. 

Growing  Point. — The  soft  center  of  a  bud, 
over  which  the  nascent  leaves  are  formed; 
and  all  modifications  of  it. 

Grumous. — Divided  into  little  clustered 
grains;  as  the  fecula  in  the  stem  of  the 
Sago  Palm. 


HAN 

. — A  vegetable  secretion  which  may  be 
detected  in  the  sap  of  most  plants,  and 
which  is  excreted  by  many,  and  hardens 
on  their  surface. 

Guttatus. — Spotted. 

Gyrnnogynous. — Having  a  naked  ovary. 

Gymnos.  —  In  Greek  compounds  means 
naked  or  uncovered. 

Gymnosperm. — Bearing  naked  seeds. 

Gynandrous.  —  Having  the  stamens,  and 
style,  and  ovary  all  blended  into  one 
common  body,  as  in  Orchids,  Aristolochia, 
etc. 

Gynixus,  Gynizus.  —  The  depressed  stig- 
matic  surface  of  Orchids. 

Gynobase. — The  growing  point  inserted  be- 
tween the  base  of  carpels,  in  a  conical 
manner,  so  as  to  throw  them  into  an 
oblique  position. 

Gyncecium. — The  pistil  and  all  that  belongs 
to  it. 

Gynophore. — The  stalk  of  the  ovary,  within 
the  origin  of  the  calyx. 

Gynostemium. —  The  column  of  Orchids; 
that  is  to  say,  the  part  formed  by  the 
union  of  stamens,  style,  and  stigma. 

Gyrate.  —  The  same  as  Circmate,  (which 
see;)  curled  inward  like  a  crozier. 

Gyrose. — Turned  round  like  a  crook. 


H. 


x 


JIlTabit. — The  general  appearance  of  a 
plant;  its  manner  of  growth,  with- 
out reference  to  details  of  structure. 

Habitat. — The  situation  in  which  a  plant 
grows  in  a  wild  state. 

Hcemattiieus.— Doll  red,  with  a  slight  mix- 
ture of  brown. 

Hand  Glass.—  This  is  used  to  protect  Mel- 
<ons,  Cucumbers,  Tomatoes,  or  other  ten- 


der plants,  on  being  set  out  early  in  the 
open  ground.  They  are  usually  about 
twenty  inches  square,  with  a  flat  or 
conical  top.  A  cheaper  contrivance  for 
the  same  purpose  is  a  wooden  frame  of 
about  the  same  size,  having  a  small  sash 
to  fit  the  top.  Thousands  of  these  are 
used  by  the  London  and  Paris  gardeners 
to  forward  Cucumbers  and  Melons,  but 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HAN 

they  are  less  used  here  than  formerly,  as 
the  growing  of  vegetables  in  the  South- 
ern States  for  Northern  markets  renders 
their  use  no  longer  profitable.  See  Bell 
Glass. 

Hanging  Baskets. — These  are  made  in  a 
great  variety  of  styles.  Those  known  as 
"rustic"  baskets  are  made  with  a  wood- 
en bowl  to  hold  the  soil,  covered  with 
roots  of  grotesque  shapes.  They  are 
mostly  made  of  Laurel  roots,  and  are 
well  fitted  to  give  the  basket  the  neces- 
sary rough -looking  outer  covering.  The 
bowls  to  hold  the  soil  are  from  six  to  fif- 
teen inches  in  diameter,  and  of  a  propor- 
tionate depth;  the  three  handles  form 
a  triangle,  meeting  at  the  top,  in 
which  an  eye  is  fixed  by  which  to  sus- 
pend it.  Another  form  is  made  of  wire, 
and  these,  when  lined  with  moss  to  pre- 
vent the  soil  from  being  washed  out,  are 
far  the  best  for  the  well-being  of  the  plants. 
Many  other  beautiful  forms  are  made  from 
pottery  ware  to  represent  stumps,  logs, 
rocks,  and  other  natural  objects.  The 
plants  used  for  filling  hanging  baskets  of 
course  vary  in  accordance  with  the  purpose 
for  which  they  are  wanted.  If  for  shady 
rooms,  shady  verandas,  or  shady  places 
out  doors,  where  there  is  not  exposure 
to  drying  winds,  Mosses  (Selaginellas) 
and  Ferns  are  sometimes  used  exclusive- 
ly; or,  for  the  same  places,  Ivies  of  all 
sorts,  Tradescantias,  Moneywort,  (Lysi- 
machia,)  Vincas,  Ivy-leaved  Geraniums, 
Smilax,  Climbing  Fern,  Fittonias,  etc.,  are 
plants  suited  to  droop  over  the  sides,  while 
the  center  plant  should  be  a  Dracaena 
indwisa  or  D.  terminalis,  or  some  well- 
marked  Croton  or  Caladium,  but  not  to 
exceed  one  foot  in  height. 

For  baskets  to  be  placed  in  the  sun- 
light or  partial  sunlight,  Coleus,  Bego- 


HEA 

nias,  or  bright  Geraniums  should  be  used 
as  center  plants,  with  Lobelias,  Tropae- 
olums,  Petunias,  Torenias,  Peristrophe, 
Sedums,  etc.,  to  droop.  It  will  be  found 
of  great  benefit,  after  setting  out  the 
plants  in  baskets,  to  cover  the  soil  with 
an  inch  or  two  of  (Sphagnum)  Moss,  to 
prevent  it  drying  up  too  quickly;  for 
when  the  basket  is  hung  in  the  air, 
of  course  it  dries  up  much  quicker  than 
when  placed  on  a  shelf  in  the  green- 
house or  on  the  ground;  and  one  of  the 
main  reasons  for  success  with  hanging 
baskets  is  the  careful  attention  to  water- 
ing, which  is  quickest  and  most  thor- 
oughly done  by  taking  the  basket  down 
and  immersing  it  in  a  tub  of  water,  so 
that  the  soil  is  thoroughly  soaked 
through.  This  will  be  necessary  once, 
twice,  or  thrice  a  week,  according  to  the 
position  the  basket  is  placed  in,  the 
condition  of  the  atmosphere,  or  the  state 
of  the  plants;  for,  if  in  a  shaded  position, 
it  will  require  less  water;  if  the  atmos- 
phere is  damp,  less;  or  if  the  plants  have 
not  attained  vigor  of  growth,  less;  the 
opposite  of  these  conditions,  more.  The 
soil  used  in  hanging  baskets  need  in  no 
way  differ  from  that  used  in  the  general 
culture  of  plants. 

Hardy  Annuals. — This  term  applies  to  those 
plants  that  perfect  their  growth  and 
ripen  seed  the  same  year  they  are  sown  in 
the  open  ground. 

Hastate.— Shaped  like  the  head  of  a  hal- 
bert;  enlarged  at  the  base  into  two 
lobes  directed  nearly  horizontally,  as  in 
the  leaf  of  Sheep's  SorreL 
Head. — A  close  terminal  collection  of  flow- 
ers surrounded  by  an  involucre,  as  in 
Composite  flowers. 

Heating  by  Flues. — This  is  now  but  little 
done,  except  by  beginners  whose  means 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HEA 

are  limited,  or  where  a  temporary  green- 
house is  erected.  The  objection  to  heat- 
ing by  flues  is,  that  unless  carefully  con- 
structed, there  is  danger  from  fire,  or 
escape  of  gas  injurious  to  the  plants; 
still,  many  large  green-house  establish- 
ments are  yet  heated  by  flues,  in  which 
plants  are  grown  quite  as  well  as  by  hot- 
water  heating.  In  constructing  the  fur- 
nace for  flue  heating,  the  size  of  the  fur- 
nace doors  should  be  from  ten  to  sixteen 
inches  square,  according  to  the  size  of 
space  to  be  heated;  the  length  of  the  fur- 
nace bars  from  eighteen  to  forty  inches; 
the  furnace  should  be  arched  over,  the 
top  of  the  inside  of  the  arch  from  sixteen 
to  twenty-four  inches  from  the  bars.  The 
flue  will  always  "  draw  "  better  if  slightly 
on  the  ascent  throughout  its  entire 
length ;  it  should  be  elevated  in  all 
cases  from  the  ground,  on  flags  or 
bricks,  so  that  its  heat  may  be  given  out 
on  all  sides.  The  inside  measure  of  the 
brick  flue  should  not  be  less  that  8X14 
inches;  if  tiles  can  be  conveniently  pro- 
cured, they  are  best  to  cover  with;  but, 
if  not,  the  top  of  the  flue  may  be  con- 
tracted to  six  inches,  and  covered  with 
bricks.  After  the  flue  has  been  built  of 
brick  to  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  from 
the  furnace,  cement  or  vitrified  drain- 
pipe, seven,  eight,  or  nine  inches  in  diam- 
eter, should  be  used,  as  they  are  not  only 
cheaper,  but  radiate  the  heat  quicker 
than  the  bricks;  they  are  also  much  easi- 
er constructed  and  cleaned.  Care  should 
be  taken  that  no  wood-work  is  in  con- 
tact with  the  flue  at  any  place.  We  i 
have  known  cases  where  wood-work  has 
caught  fire  after  the  house  had  been  in 
operation  for  years;  but  an  unusually 
strong  draft  intensified  the  heat,  and  the  i 
charred  timber  ignited  and  totally  de-  I 


HEA 

stroyed  the  green-house  and  its  contents. 
It  should  be  taken  as  a  safe  rule,  that 
wood-work  should  in  no  cases  be  nearer 
the  flue  or  furnace  than  eight  inches.  In 
constructing  do  not  be  influenced  by 
what  the  mechanics  will  tell  you,  as  few  of 
them  have  any  experience  in  such  mat- 
ters, and  are  not  able  to  judge  of  the 
dangers  resulting  from  wood-work  being 
in  close  contact  with  the  heated  bricks. 
The  position  in  which  the  flue  is  placed 
in  the  green-house  depends  upon  its 
size.  Presuming  that  the  green-house  to 
be  heated  is  an  equal  span  of  twenty 
feet  wide  by  fifty  feet  long,  the  best  way 
is  to  start  the  furnace  at  the  north  end, 
so  that  the  flues  will  run  under  the  cen- 
ter or  middle  bench,  the  top  of  the  fur- 
nace being  inside  the  green-house,  the 
fire,  of  course,  being  applied  in  the  shed 
outside.  A  comparatively  new  plan  of 
constructing  flues  is  to  have  the  flue  run 
to  the  end  of  the  green-house,  and,  re- 
turning, connect  with  the  chimney,  which 
is  placed  on  the  top  of  the  arch  of  the 
furnace.  By  this  method,  as  soon  as  a 
fire  is  lighted  in  the  furnace,  the  brick- 
work forming  the  arch  gets  heated,  and 
at  once  starts  an  upward  draft,  which 
puts  the  smoke-flue  into  immediate  ac- 
tion and  maintains  it ;  hence  there  is 
never  any  trouble  about  the  draft,  as  in 
ordinary  flues,  having  the  chimney  at  the 
most  distant  point  from  the  furnace.  It 
will  be  seen  that  by  this  plan  we  not 
only  get  rid  of  the  violent  heat  given  out 
by  the  furnace,  but  at  the  same  time  it 
insures  a  complete  draft,  and  the  heated 
air  from  the  furnace  is  so  rapidly  carried 
through  the  entire  length  of  the  flue,  that 
it  is  nearly  as  hot  when  it  enters  the 
chimney  as  when  it  left  the  furnace.  This 
perfect  draft  also  does  away  with  all 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


366 


danger  of  the  escape  of  gas  from  the  I 
flues  into  the  green-house,  which  often  j 
happens   when   the   draft   is  not  active.   I 
Formerly  the  flues  used  to  be  run  along  | 
one  side  or  end  of  the  green-house,  emp-  | 
tying  into  a  chimney  placed  there;  but  j 
this  method  is  rarely  satisfactory,  as  the 
cold  outside  air,  rushing  down  the  chim- 
ney, throws  back  the  heated  air,  particu- 
larly in  high  winds,  so  as  to  nearly  de- 
stroy the  heat;  but  by   the  method   of 
constructing  the  chimney  on  the  top  of 
the  arch  of  the  furnace,  and  returning 
the  flue  back  into  it,  no  such  difficulty 
can  occur. 

Heating  by  Hot-Beds. — The  preparation  of 
the  heating  material  for  the  hot-bed  is  a  j 
matter    of    importance.      It   should   be 
manure  fresh  from  the  horse-stable,  and   j 
when  they  can  be  procured,  it  is  better  j 
to  mix  it  with  about  an  equal  bulk  of  j 
leaves  from  the  woods,  or  refuse  hops. 
If  the  weather  is  very  cold,  the  bulk  of 
manure  must  be  of  good  size,  from  five  to 
six  wagon  loads,  thrown  into  a  compact 
round  heap,   else  the  mass  may  be  so 
chilled  that  heat  will  not  generate.     If  a 
shed  is  convenient,  the  manure  may  be 
placed  there,  especially  if  the  quantity  is 
small,  to  be   protected  from  cold  until 
the  heat  begins  to  rise.    The  heap  should 
be  turned  and  well  broken  up  before  be- 
ing  used   for  the  hot-beds,  so  that  the 
rank  steam  may  escape,  and  the  manure 
become  of  the  proper  ' '  sweetened  "  con- 
dition.    It  is  economy  of  the  heating  ma-  j 
terial  to  use  a  pit  for  the  hot-bed.     This 
should  be  made  from  two  to  three  feet  i 
deep,  six  feet  wide,  and  of  any  required 
length.    After  the  heating  material  has  j 
been  packed  in  the  pit  to  the  depth  of  j 
twenty  to  twenty-four  inches,  according  ; 
to  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  wanted,  or  j 


the  season  of  the  year,  (the  earlier  in  the 
season,  the  deeper  it  is  needed,)  the  sashes 
should  be  placed  on  the  frame,  and  kept 
close  until  the  heat  generates  in  the  hot- 
bed, which  will  usually  take  twenty-four 
hours.     Now  plunge  a  thermometer  into 
the  manure,  and  if  all  is  right  it  will  in- 
dicate 100  degrees  or  more;  but  this  is 
yet  too  hot  as  bottom  heat  for  the  growth 
of  seeds  or  plants,  and  a  few  days  of  de- 
lay must  be  allowed  until  the  thermome- 
ter indicates  a  falling  of  eight  or  ten  de- 
grees, when  the  soil  may  be  placed  upon 
the  manure,    and    the   seeds    sown    or 
plants  set  out  in  the  hot-bed.     Amateurs 
are  apt  to  be  impatient  in  the  matter  of 
hot-beds,  and  often  lose  their  first  crop 
by  sowing  or  planting  before  the  first  vio- 
lent heat  has  subsided.      Another  very 
common  mistake   is   in   beginning    too 
early  in  the  season.     In  the  latitude  of 
New  York  nothing  is  gained  by  begin- 
ning before  the  first  week  in  March,  and 
the  result  will  be  very  nearly  as  good  if 
not  begun  until  a  month  later.    There  are 
two  or  three  important  matters  to  bear 
in  mind  in  the  use  of  hot-beds.     It  is  in- 
dispensable for  safety  to  cover  the  glass 
at  night  with  shutters  or  mats  until  all 
danger  of  frost  is  over;  for  it  must  be  re- 
membered that  the  contents  of  u  hot- 
bed are  always  tender,  from  being  forced 
so  rapidly  by  the  heat  below,  and  that  the 
slightest  frost   will   kill   them.      Again, 
there  is   danger   of  overheating   in  the 
daytime  by  a  neglect  to  ventilate  when 
the  sun  is  shining.    As  a  general  rule,  it 
will  be  safe  in  all  the  average  days  of 
March,  April,  and  May,  to  have  the  sash 
of  the  hot-bed  tilted  up  from  an  inch  to 
three  inches  at  the  back  from  9  A.M  to  4 
P.M.    Much  will,  of  course,  depend  upon 
the  activity  of  the  heating  material  in  the 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


HEA 

hot-bed,  the  warmth  of  the  weather,  and 
the  character  of  the  plants  in  the  bed,  so 
that  we  can  only  give  a  loose  general 
rule.  Numbers  of  inexperienced  ama- 
teur cultivators  often  lose  the  entire 
contents  of  the  hot-bed  by  having  omit- 
ted to  ventilate  their  hot-bed,  and  on 
their  return  home  from  business  at  night 
find  all  the  contents  scorched  up.  Or  the 
danger  of  the  other  extreme  is,  that  the 
plants  are  frozen  through  neglect  to 
cover  them  at  night.  A  hot-bed  requires 
a  certain  amount  of  attention,  which 
must  be  given  at  the  right  time,  or  no 
satisfactory  results  can  be  expected. 
Heating  by  Hot  Water. — This  is  now  the 
method  in  use  in  nearly  all  well-appoint- 
ed green-house  structures.  But  little  de- 
tail need  be  given,  as  this  branch  of  heat- 
ing is  done  almost  exclusively  by  firms 
who  make  a  special  business  of  it,  and 
who  generally  understand  the  construc- 
tion and  requirements  necessary  in  heat- 
ing, better  than  those  who  employ  them 
usually  do;  but  there  are  some  points 
which  it  is  perhaps  as  well  to  state.  In 
any  section  of  the  country  where  the 
thermometer  falls  below  zero,  if  a  green- 
house ten  feet  high,  twenty  feet  wide, 
and  100  long,  is  to  be  heated  by  hot 
water,  and  a  temperature  of  sixty  degrees 
is  required,  there  should  be  not  less  than 
eight  "  runs  "  of  four^inch  pipes  running 
the  length  of  the  house;  if  fifty  degrees 
are  required,  six  "runs  "  of  pipe;  if  forty 
degrees,  four  "  runs  "  of  pipe.  The  styles 
of  boilers  in  use  are  so  varied  that  we  for- 
bear to  give  any  one  in  particular  a  prefer- 
ence here.  For  small  green-houses,  or 


contrivance  known  as  the  Base-burning 
"Water  Heater  is  very  convenient.  The 
boiler  takes  up  no  more  room  than  an 


HEA 

ordinary  stove,  and  the  fire  requires  no 
more  skill  or  attention  than  any  ordinary 
base-burning  stove,  being  fed  by  coal 
from  the  top.  It  can  be  left  with  safety 
ten  or  twelve  hours  withoiit  any  atten- 
tion. At  present  prices,  a  Base-burning 
Water  Heater,  with  pipes  sufficient  to 
heat  a  green-house  10X50  feet,  will  cost 
about  $200,  or  twice  that  size  about  $350. 
Heating  by  Steam. — Few  green-houses  are 
as  yet  heated  by  steam,  though  the  cost 
of  construction  is  much  less,  and  it  is  also 
claimed  that  there  is  greater  economy  in 
fuel ;  but  though  we  have  had  green-houses 
heated  for  the  past  forty  years,  both  in 
Europe  and  America,  by  hot  water,  steam 
heating  for  glass  structures  has  made 
little  progress.  It  has  been  successfully 
done,  however,  both  in  Pittsburg,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  and  ex- 
periments with  it  on  a  large  scale  are 
now  being  tried  in  several  parts  of  the 
country.  We  have  but  little  doubt  that 
in  erecting  green-houses  on  an  extensive 
scale  at  one  time  it  is  economy  to  use 
steam  heating;  but  nearly  all  such  struc- 
tures are  progressive,  a  few  being  added 
each  year,  and  the  heating  by  the  ordi- 
nary hot-water  pipes  is  as  yet  believed  by 
the  uninitiated  to  be  the  safer  mode.  It 
must  be  some  such  reason  as  this,  whether 
right  or  wrong,  that  has  so  long  caused 
green-houses  to  be  heated  by  hot  water 
in  this  age  of  steam. 

The  following  is  from  E.  H.  Bochman, 
Pittsburg,  Penn.,  who  has  been  eminent- 
ly successful  with  Steam  Heating  for 
green-houses.  He  is  strong  in  the  belief 
that  it  will  eventually  supersede  all  other 
methods: 

"  The  New  System  of  Heating  Green- 
houses by  Low-pressure  Steam,  by  which 
are  gained  important  advantages  in  every 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


367 


HEA 

essential  requisite  in  a  heating  apparatus, 
viz.,     efficiency,    economy    of    fuel     and 
attention,    safety,    and    simplicity,    con- 
sists of  a  series  of  steam  tubes  of  not  less 
than  two  inches  diameter,  placed  under  the 
benches  or  suspended  along  the  walls,  as 
may  be  best  suited,  in  such  a  manner  as 
to   drain  themselves  into   a  water  and 
steam-tight  vessel,  which,  therefore,  has 
to  be  situated  at  the  lowest  convenient 
point.     These  tubes  or  pipes  should  pre- 
sent a  radiating   surface   of  about  one 
square  foot  to  ten  square  feet  of  glass 
surface;  or,  better  expressed,  one  square 
foot  to  seventy  cubic  feet  of  space  to  be 
heated  to  at  least  fifty-five  degrees  in  any 
weather  up,  or  rather  down  to  twenty- 
five  degrees  below  zero,  and  at  a  pressure 
of  steam  not  to  exceed  fifteen  pounds  io  the 
square  inch.     If  a  higher  temperature  is 
desired,  say  from  sixty-five   to   seventy 
degrees,  make  the  radiating  surface  equal 
say  one  square  foot  to  fifty  cubic  feet  for 
the  same  pressure  of  steam.     The  form 
of  boiler  is  immaterial;  whichever  is  best 
suited  and  most  economical  for  the  par- 
ticular fuel  you  use,  is  the  one  to  adopt, 
and  its  capacity  should  not  be  less  than 
one-horse  power  to  120  square  feet  of  ra- 
diating  surface,   which,   represented    in 
two-inch  pipe,  is,  in  round  numbers,  240 
lineal  feet.  This  boiler  should  be  provided 
with  an  automatic  and  positive-acting  steam 
trap,   to  return  the    condensation  which 
gathers  in  the  vessel  above-mentioned  to 
the  boiler,  thereby  maintaining  at  all  times 
sufficient  water;  in  fact,  establishing  com- 
plete circulation,  much  the  same  as  by 
hot  water;  and  when  you  add  to  this  an 
efficient  automatic  damper-regulator,    (do 
not  let  yourself  be  humbugged  into  any 
diaphragm     nuisance,)    you  have     'The 
coming  heating   apparatus,'  compared  to 


HET 

which  any  other  hitherto  in  use,  of  what- 
ever form,  is  a  cumbersome,  wasteful,  and 
inefficient  affair.  Five  seasons'  use  speaks 
volumes  for  its  superiority,  and  it  has 
already  the  entire  endorsement  of  some 
of  the  most  successful  and  progressive 
commercial  florists  of  the  country." 

Hederacece. — Another  name  for  Araliacece, 
which  see. 

Heliotropiacece. — A  group  of  corollifloral  Di- 
cotyledons, considered  by  most  botanical 
writers  as  a  sub-order  of  Ehretiacece, 
which  see. 

Helmet. — The  hooded  upper  part  of  some 
flowers,  as  in  the  Monkshood;  the  same 
as  Galea,  which  see. 

HemerocallidecB. — The  Hemerocallis  family, 
a  sub-division  of  the  natural  order  Lilia- 
cece.  HemerocaUis,  Funkia,  Agapanthus, 
and  Tritonia  are  examples.  See  LUiacece. 

Hemi. — In  Greek  compounds  means  half 
or  halved. 

Hepta.  —  In  Greek  compounds  means 
seven. 

Heptagynia. — Having  seven  pistils. 

Heptandria. — Having  seven  stamens. 

Herb. — A  plant  that  does  not  possess  a 
woody  stem. 

Herbaceous. — Merely  green,  or  thin  green 
and  cellular,  as  the  tissue  of  membran- 
eous leaves.  Also  producing  an  annual 
stem  from  a  perennial  root. 

Hermaphrodite. — Having  both  stamens  and 
pistils  in  one  bloom,  as  in  most  common 
plants. 

Heterocarpus. — Where  a  plant  bears  fruit 
more  or  less  distinguishable  into  two 
separate  forms. 

Heterocephalous. — Bearing  in  the  same  indi- 
vidual, heads  of  entirely  male  flowers,  and 
others  entirely  female. 

Heterogamous. — Bearing  flowers  of  different 


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HEX 

Hexa. — In  Greek  compounds  means  six. 
Hexagynia. — Having  six  pistils. 
Hexandria. — Having  six  stamens. 
Hill. — This  is  a  term  used  to  designate  the 
place  where   Tomatoes,  Corn,  Potatoes, 
Melons,  etc.,  are  planted;  and  the   use 
of  the  term   often  leads  the  novice  to 
serious  errors  in  planting,  as  it  gives  the 
impression  that  a  hill  or  mound  must  be 
made  to  sow  and  plant  on,  and  which  is 
often  done  to  the  detriment  of  the  crop, 
as  in  our  hot  and  dry  climate,  if  a  mound 
of  four  or  five  inches  is  raised  above  the 
general  level,  the  plants  suffer  often  se- 
verely in   dry  weather.     If  a  "hill"  is 
formed  at  all,  it  should  only  be  by  draw- 
ing the  soil  up  to  the  plant  to  support 
it  after  it  has  well  started  to  grow;  such 
a  mound  will  then  do  less  harm,  as  the 
foliage  shades  the  ground.     In  planting, 
then,  particularly  on  light,  dry  soils,  the 
"  hills  "  for  sowing  or  planting  should  be 
made  nearly  on  the  level  surface. 
Hirsute,    Hirtus.  —  Hairy;    covered     with 

stiff  hairs. 

Hispid. — Covered  with  long,  soft  hairs. 
Hoary. — Covered  with  white  down. 
Hoe. — This  consists  of  the  "  draw  "  and  the 
"  push  "  or  "  scuffle  "  hoe.     There  are  a 
great  many  modifications  of  these.     For 
deep  hoeing  the  steel-pronged  draw  hoe 
is  the  best  implement,  being  much  pref- 
erable to  the  blade  draw  hoe,  as  it  not 
only  pulverizes  the  soil  better,  but  its 


IMM 

points  penetrate  the  soil  easier,  and  the 
work  is  thus  made  much  lighter  for  the 
operator.  The  blade  draw  hoe  should 
never  be  used,  except  when  the  ground 
is  overgrown  with  weeds,  (a  condition  of 
things  which,  if  possible,  should  never 
be  allowed,)  or  to  draw  earth  up  to 
plants,  such  as  Celery  or  Cabbages.  After 
the  ground  is  newly  planted,  before  it  is 
allowed  to  get  hard,  the  "  scuffle  "  or 
"  push  hoe "  is  far  more  effective  than 
the  draw  hoe,  particularly  between  rows; 
nearly  twice  the  amount  of  work  car.  be 
done  than  with  the  draw  hoe,  but  of 
course  that  is  simply  stirring  the  surface ; 
for  deep  cultivation,  the  steel  pronged 
hoe  is  the  best  implement. 
Homogeneous. — Having  a  uniform  nature  or 

principle. 
Honey-pore. — The    pore   in   flowers   which 

secretes  honey. 
Hooded. — Flowers  formed  into  a  hood  at 

the  end,  like  the  Aconites. 
Horn. — Any   appendage  which   is   shaped 
somewhat  like  the  horn  of  an  animal;  as 
the  spur  of  the  petals  in  Linaria. 
Humilis. — Low. 
Hyacinthus. — Blue  with  a  violet  tinge;  blue 

with  a  little  red. 

Hybrids,  Hybridce. — Plants  obtained  by  ap- 
plying the  pollen  of  one  species  or  vari- 
ety to  the  stigma  of  another;  the  com- 
mon offspring  of  two  distinct  species. 
Hypo. — In  Greek  compounds  means  under. 


J~cos.  — In    Greek   compounds    means 


I. 


twenty. 


Icosandria.—  Having    twenty  stamens  or 


more. 


Imbricate,  Imbricated. — When  bodies  over- 
lap each  other,  like  the  tiles  or  shingles 
on  a  roof. 

Immersed. — Growing  entirely  under  water. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


IMP 

Imperfect. — Where   certain   parts   are   not 
developed.     As  the  stamens  in  some,  and 
the  carpels  in  other  flowers. 
Incised,    Incisus. — Kegularly    divided     by 

deep  incisions. 

Included. — Inclosed  in  anything;  not  ex- 
tending beyond  the  organs  surrounding 
it. 

Incrusted,  Incrustate. — Where  the  outer  en- 
velope is  firmly  attached  to  the  part  it 
covers,  as  when  a  pericarp  invests  the 
seed  so  closely  that  it  seems  to  form  a 
portion  of  it. 

Incurved,  Incurvus,  Incurvate. — Bending  in- 
wards; as  where  the  stamens  curve  to- 
wards the  pistil. 

Indefinite. — Many,   but  uncertain  in  num- 
ber, like  the  stamens  of  some  Cacti. 
Indigenous. — A  plant  which  is  the  natural 

production  of  any  country;  not  exotic. 
Individual. — Whatever  is  capable  of  sepa- 
rately   existing,    and    reproducing     its 
kind. 
Indusium. — The  membraneous  covering  of 

the  spore-cases  of  many  Ferns. 
Inferior. — When  one  organ  is  placed  be- 
low another;  thus  an  inferior  calyx 
grows  below  the  ovary,  while  an  inferior 
ovary  grows,  or  seems  to  grow,  below  a 
calyx. 

Inflated.  —  Thin,     membraneous,     slightly 
transparent,  swelling  equally,  as  if  inflat- 
ed with  air. 
Inflorescence. — The  general  arrangement  or 

disposition  of  the  flowers  in  a  plant. 
Insects. — In  the  green-house  or  grapery,  or 
any  place  where  plants  are  grown  under 
cover,  insects,  with  few  exceptions,  are 
under  control ;  but  when  in  the  open 
field  or  garden,  we  are  often  powerless 
against  their  ravages,  particularly  when 
they  attack  the  roots  of  plants.  We  can 
manage  many  of  them,  even  outside, 


INS 

when  they  attack  branches  or  leaves;  but 
with  others  we  are  as  powerless  as  with 
those  attacking  the  roots.     There  is  no 
doubt  that  the  encouragement  of  birds 
on  farms  and  in  gardens,  by  feeding  and 
sheltering  them,  well  repays,  in  the  re- 
turn  for   the   insects  they  destroy.     In 
nearly  all  the  large  cities  in  this  country, 
since  the  introduction  of  the  European 
Sparrow,  though   in   part  a   seed-eater, 
there  has  been  a  marked  absence  of  .the 
"Measuring  Worm,"  "Rose  Slug,"  and 
other  caterpillar-like  insects.     The  Rose 
Slug  (Selandria  rosea)  is  a  light  green  in- 
sect; when  fully  developed  it  is  about  an 
inch  in  length.     There   are  apparently 
two  kinds,   one  of  which  eats  only  the 
outer  skin  of  the  leaf  on  the  under  side, 
the  other  eats  it  entire.     The  first  is  by 
far  the  most  destructive.     In  a  few  days 
after  the  plants  are  attacked,   they  ap- 
pear as  if  they  had  been  burned.     An 
excellent  application  for  the  prevention  of 
the  Rose  Slug  is  whale  oil  soap  dissolved 
in  the  proportion  of  one  pound  to  eight 
gallons  of  water;  this,  if  steadily  applied 
daily  for  a  week  with  a  syringe  on  Rose 
plants,  in  early  spring,  before  the  buds 
begin  to  develop,  will  never  fail  to  pre- 
vent the  attacks  of  this  insect     If  this 
precaution  has  been  omitted,   and   the 
insects  are   seen  on    the  leaves,   white 
Hellebore  powder  dusted  on  the  plants 
will  quickly   destroy  them   without  in- 
jury to   the   plants.       The    Rose  Beetle, 
(Aramigus  Fulleri,)  or  Bug,  as  it  is  com- 
monly called,  however,  is  a  much  more 
difficult  insect  to  deal  with.     For  infor- 
mation regarding  it  see  page  196.     The 
Rose  or  Grape  Vine  Beetle  (Melolontha 
subspinosa)  is    another  pest,  usually  de- 
stroying the  flowers   on   the  Rose,  and 
both  flowers  and  young  fruit  on  the  vine. 


370 


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INS 

The  only  certain  remedy  is  to   destroy 
them  by  hand. 

The  Green  Fly,  or  Aphis,  is  one  of 
the  most  common,  but  most  easily  de- 
stroyed of  almost  any  insect  that  infests 
plants,  either  indoors  or  out.  In  our 
green-houses,  we  fumigate  twice  a  week, 
by  burning  about  half  a  pound  of  refuse 
tobacco  stems  (made  damp)  to  every  five 
hundred  square  feet  of  glass  surface,  but 
in  private  green-houses  or  on  plants  in 
rooms,  fumigating  is  often  impracticable. 
But  Tobacco  in  any  form  is  quickly  fatal 
to  the  Green  Fly;  so  in  private  green- 
houses or  in  rooms,  where  the  fumes  of 
Tobacco  would  be  objectionable,  Tobacco 
stems  can  be  used  by  steeping  one  pound 
in  five  gallons  of  water,  until  the  water 
gets  to  be  the  color  of  strong  coffee.  This 
is  applied  over  and  under  the  leaves  with 
a  syringe,  and  destroys  the  insect  quite 
as  well  as  by  fumigating,  only  in  either 
case  the  application  should  be  made  be- 
fore the  insects  are  seen,  to  prevent  their 
coming  rather  than  to  destroy  them 
when  established;  for  often  by  neglect 
they  get  a  foothold  in  such  legions  that 
all  remedies  become  ineffectual  to  dis- 
lodge them,  unless  by  brushing  them  off 
the  leaves  with  a  light  brush.  Another 
means  of  preventing  the  Green  Fly  is  to 
apply  Tobacco  in  the  shape  of  dust  or 
snuff.  The  sweepings  of  Tobacco  ware- 
houses can  be  bought  in  most  places  at 
a  cost  of  five  to  ten  cents  per  pound. 
This,  applied  once  or  twice  a  week  to  an 
ordinary  sized  private  green-house,  would 
effectually  prevent  any  injury  from  the 
Green  Fly.  No  special  quantity  of  this 
need  be  prescribed,  as  it  is  in  no  way 
hurtful  to  the  plant;  all  that  is  necessary 
is  to  see  that  it  is  so  dusted  on  that  it 
reaches  ah1  parts  of  the  plant,  and  on 


INS 

both  sides  of  the  leaves.  It  is  best  to 
slightly  moisten  the  leaves  beforehand, 
so  that  the  dust  will  adhere  to  them. 
When  applied  to  plants  out-doors,  it 
should  be  done  in  the  morning  when  the 
dew  is  on,  or  after  a  rain.  Fruit  trees  of 
many  kinds,  shrubs,  and  Eoses  of  all 
kinds,  out  of  doors,  are  particularly  lia- 
ble to  injury  from  some  species  of  Aphis, 
but  the  application  of  Tobacco  in  any  of 
the  forms  alluded  to,  if  made  in  time, 
will  be  found  a  cheap  and  effectual  rem- 
edy. 

Ground  or  Blue  Aphis  is  another  spe- 
cies of  Aphis  that  gets  its  living  from 
the  roots  down  in  the  soil,  which  may 
have  the  effect  of  changing  its  color, 
while  the  Green  Aphis  feeds  in  the  air 
on  the  leaves.  The  Blue  Aphis  attacks 
a  great  many  varieties  of  plants,  both 
flower  and  vegetable,  particularly  in  hot, 
dry  weather,  and  whenever  Asters,  Ver- 
benas, Petunias,  Centaureas,  Beets,  Rad- 
ishes, Lettuce,  etc.,  begin  to  droop,  it 
will  be  found  on  examination,  in  three 
cases  out  of  four,  that  the  farthest  ex- 
tremities of  their  roots  are  completely 
surrounded  by  the  Blue  Aphis.  The 
only  remedy  we  have  ever  found  for 
this  pest  is  a  strong  decoction  of  Tobacco 
stems,  made  by  being  boiled  until  it  gets 
to  the  color  of  strong  coffee,  and  poured 
on,  when  cold,  in  quantity  enough  to 
reach  the  extremity  of  the  roots.  There 
is  no  fear  of  injuring  the  plants  by  this 
application,  as  it  acts  as  a  fertilizer  to 
some  extent. 

The  Verbena  Mite  is  an  insect  that  can 
only  be  seen  by  the  use  of  a  powerful 
microscope,  and  its  presence  is  only 
known  by  the  appearance  of  the  leaves 
known  as  "  Black  Rust,"  which  see. 

The    Mealy    Bug,   as   it   is  familiarly 


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371 


INS 

known,  from  its  white,  inealy-like  appear- 
ance, belongs  to  the  same  family  as  the 
Cochineal  insect,  (Coccu*  Cadi,)  from 
which  the  Cochineal  dye  is  obtained. 
,  It  is  one  of  the  most  troublesome  of  all 
insects  to  dislodge.  The  only  certain  rem- 
edy we  have  ever  been  able  to  get  to  kill 
Mealy  Bug  without  injury  to  the  leaves, 
is  a  mixture  known  as  "Cole's  Insect  De- 
stroyer," the  ingredients  of  which  we  do 
not  know,  as  the  inventor  so  far  has  been 
able  to  keep  his  secret.  This,  put  on 
with  a  barber's  atomizer,  never  fails  to 
destroy  them.  The  great  objection  to 
this  remedy  is  its  price,  which  is  entirely 
too  high  to  admit  of  its  being  used  on  a 
large  scale.  The  common  method  to 
get  rid  of  Mealy  Bug  is  to  brush  it  off 
the  leaves  with  a  brush,  made  soft 
enough  not  to  scratch  the  leaves  ci- 
sterns. 

Ants. — These  are  sometimes  very  de- 
structive to    vegetation,    particularly  in 
dry,  sandy   soils.     We   have  repeatedly 
suffered  serious  losses  from  them,  both  in 
our  green-houses  and  out  of  doors.     The  ! 
most  efficacious  remedy  we  have  tried  is 
to  saturate  pieces  of  sponge  with  sugar,  i 
or  to  place   fresh  bones    around  their  | 
haunts;  they  will  leave  everything  else  to 
feed  on  these,  and  when  they  are  thus 
trapped,  can  be  destroyed  by  dipping  in  j 
hot  water  or  burning. 

Thrips  (Tettigonia)  vary  in  color,  be-  ! 
ing  light  green,  brown,  and  black.  It 
is  much  more  active  in  its  movements 
than  the  Green  Fly,  and  more  difficult 
to  destroy,  and  when  it  once  gets  a  foot- 
hold is  one  of  the  most  destructive  ene- 
mies to  the  grapery  or  green-house.  To- 
bacco smoke  that  will  destroy  the  Aphis, 
has  but  little  effect  on  Thrips;  bufe  in  our 
experiments  in  destroying  insects  in  the 


winter  of  1881  in  our  green-houses,  -we 
found  that  Tobacco  stems  boiled,  so  that 
the  liquid  from  them  was  as  dark  as 
strong  coffee  or  porter,  was  certain 
death  to  the  Thrips.  *  We  had  a  large 
house  of  Dracaenas  and  other  tropic- 
al plants  badly  affected  by  Thrips;  we 
syringed  the  plants  freely  with  the  Tobac- 
co water  for  ten  or  twelve  days  with  the 
most  satisfactory  results,  as  at  the  end  of 
that  time  not  an  insect  was  to  be  seen, 
and  the  plants  at  once  began  to  grow 
with  unwonted  vigor. 

The  Red  Spider  (Acarus  tellarius)  is 
another  well-known  pest  to  the  green- 
house, and,  like  the  Thrips,  seems  per- 
fectly indifferent  to  the  fumes  of  To- 
bacco. It  is  one  of  the  most  insidious 
of  all  our  insect  enemies,  as  it  works 
nearly  always  on  the  under  part  of  the 
leaves,  and  often  has  got  a  firm  foothold 
before  its  presence  has  been  discovered. 
The  experienced  gardener  knows  that 
the  main  cause  of  Bed  Spider  is  a  dry, 
hot  atmosphere,  as  it  is  never  present  to 
injure  in  a  moist  atmosphere  and  low 
temperature.  So  the  preventive  is  at 
all  times  an  atmosphere  in  the  green- 
house that  will  prevent  the  attacks  of  the 
Red  Spider,  which  at  the  same  time  is 
most  congenial  to  the  health  of  the  plants, 
for  it  is  certain  that  if  the  Eed  Spider  is 
present  in  force,  then  the  atmosphere 
has  been  too  dry  for  the  well-being  of 
the  plants.  To  avoid  this  in  private 
green-houses,  where  the  walks  cannot  be 
splashed  with  water,  evaporating  pans 
should  be  placed  on  the  pipes,  or  any 
other  method  that  may  suggest  itself  to 
increase  the  moisture  of  the  atmosphere. 
Last  season  we  filled  the  space  between 
the  rows  of  pipe  with  Sphagnum  Moss, 
from  which,  when  wet,  a  steady  moisture 


372 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


INS 

was  given  out.     When  the  Bed  Spider  is 
present,  the  best  way  to   destroy  it  is  ; 
repeated  forcible  syringingsof  the  leaves,   i 
with  applications  of  a  sulphur  wash  to  the 
pipes,     as    recommended  for    Mildew, 
which  see. 

"Carnation  Ticitter"  is  an  insect  but 
little  known,  and  in  this  district  only 
by  its  local  name  of  "  Carnation  Twit- 
ter," given  from  its  rapid  and  nervous 
motion.  As  seen  by  the  naked  eye,  it 
is  about  the  twentieth  part  of  an  inch 
in  length,  and  of  a  thickness  not  more 
than  that  of  a  needle  point.  It  is  of  vari- 
ous shades  of  color,  from  green  to  black. 
It  is  never  very  numerous  on  the  plants, 
but  most  destructive,  and  evidently  poi- 
sonous in  its  attacks  on  all  varieties  of 
the  Carnation  or  Dianthus  family.  Its 
effects  on  plants  somewhat  resemble 
those  of  the  Bed  Spider,  except  that, 
when  attacked  by  the  "Twitter,"  the 
leaves  have  a  cankered  and  twisted  ap- 
pearance, easily  distinguishable  from  the 
browning  effects  of  the  Spider;  and  it  is 
far  more  destructive.  We  have  often 
seen  thousands  of  Carnation  plants  de- 
stroyed by  it  in  a  season.  We  regret  to 
say  that,  so  far,  we  have  found  nothing 
that  will  destroy  this  insect  that  does  not 
at  the  same  time  injure  the  plant.  We 
have  tried  Tobacco  in  all  forms,  lime, 
soot,  Hellebore,  Paris  Green,  Quassia, 
Aloes,  and  all  the  nostrums  usually  bane- 
ful to  insect  life,  without  seeming  in  the 
slightest  to  disturb  the  "  Twitter."  We 
have  found,  however,  that  its  ravages  are 
worst  on  light  soils;  on  heavy,  stiff  clay 
land  we  have  never  known  it  to  do  much 
injury. 

Brown  and  White  Scale  Insects  are  often 
troublesome  on  old  plants  of  Oleanders, 
Orange  trees,  and  some  hot-house  plants,  i 


INS 

They  are  best  destroyed  by  being  wash- 
ed or  rubbed  off. 

The  Angle  Worm,  or  the  common  red 
worm,  seen  in  nearly  every  soil,  in  pots 
or  in  the  open  ground,  is  harmless  as 
far  as  feeding  on  the  plant  goes,  for  it 
does  not  feed  on  the  plants,  but  bores  and 
crawls  around  in  a  way  which  seriously 
disturbs  the  roots  of  plants,  particularly 
when  growing  in  pots.  Some  savant  has 
recently  given  it  as  his  opinion  that  the 
Angle  Worm  is  highly  beneficial  in  pul- 
verizing the  soil,  and  that  Nature  has 
placed  it  there  for  that  purpose.  We  are 
afraid  that  there  are  few  cultivators  that 
feel  grateful  to  the  Angle  Worm  for  such 
service,  and  that  most  of  us  would  rather 
be  allowed  to  do  our  own  pulverizing 
without  this  "  natural  "  assistance.  The 
Angle  Worm  is  easily  destroyed  with 
the  following  solution:  one  peck  of  shell 
lime  in  forty  gallons  of  water,  allowing 
the  residue  to  settle  at  the  bottom,  and 
watering  the  plants  with  the  clear  lime 
water.  The  caustic  of  the  lime  acts  on 
the  cuticle  of  the  worms,  and  is  quickly 
fatal  to  them. 

There  are  many  insects  that  attack 
the  Cabbage  tribe,  among  the  best  known 
of  which  is  that  which  causes  the  dis- 
.  ease  known  as  "  Club  Boot,"  (which  see.) 
Another  enemy  of  the  Cabbage  plant, 
and  one  that  is  sometimes  even  more  de- 
structive than  the  Club  Boot,  is  the  Cab- 
bage Caterpillar  or  Cabbage  Worm.  This 
insect  is  comparatively  a  new  comer  in 
the  vicinity  of  New  York,  having  been,  it 
is  believed,  imported  from  Europe.  It  is 
produced  by  a  small  Avhite  butterfly  that 
is  seen  hovering  over  the  Cabbage 
patches  in  spring.  It  attacks  the  leaves 
of  the  plant,  and  is  such  a  voracious 
feeder  that  it  will  quickly  destroy  a  whole 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


373 


INS 

plantation.  We  find  an  excellent  remedy 
for  this  pest  to  be  White  Hellebore  powder, 
which  must,  however,  be  put  on  in  the 
early  stage  of  the  plant's  existence,  as 
when  heading  up  of  course  it  would  not 
be  safe  to  apply  it.  The  past  fall  and 
winter  our  cold  frame  Cabbage  and  Cau- 
liflower plants  were  attacked  by  the  Cab- 
bage Worm,  both  in  the  seed  bed  in  the 
open  field,  and  also  after  being  trans- 
planted into  the  frames.  One  good  dust- 
ing of  White  Hellebore  powder  destroyed 
them  completely  on  both  occasions. 
There  are  three  kinds  of  insects  which 
attack  the  roots  of  Cabbages  after  being 
planted  out  in  the  field  to  head.  One  is 
a  species  of  Wire  Worm,  that  imbeds  it- 
self in  the  stem;  another,  a  white  mag- 
got-like grub,  that  eats  the  bark  of  the 
root  a  few  inches  below  the  surface  of 
the  ground;  another  still,  of  a  dull  gray 
color,  resembling  a  caterpillar  somewhat 
in  shape,  that  cuts  the  root  clean  off.  We 
regret  to  say  that  for  none  of  these  dan- 
gerous insects  can  we  suggest  anything 
that  will  kill  them  without  at  the  same 
time  killing  the  plant.  The  only  conso- 
lation we  can  give  cultivators  is,  that  by 
some  kind  provision  of  nature  it  is  rare 
that  they  follow  up  their  attacks  in  suc- 
cessive years;  and  in  many  sections  they 
disappear  for  many  years.  In  long  cul- 
tivated grounds,  that  are  continually  be- 
ing turned  up  by  the  plow  and  culti- 
vator, they  now  do  but  little  harm,  as  the 
continued  stirring  of  the  ground  no  doubt 
disturbs  them  so  as  to  prevent  their  in- 


The  Phylloxera,  which  has  been  so  de- 
structive to  the  Grape  vine  in  Europe,  is, 
fortunately,  mostly  localized  with  us 
thus  far,  and  its  ravages  have  been 
far  from  alarming,  though  many  feel  ap- 


mi 

prehensive  of  the  future.  Its  depreda- 
tions, which  are  of  a  deadly  nature,  are 
confined  chiefly  to  the  roots,  and  thus 
far  no  certain  means  for  its  destruction 
have  been  discovered.  The  Phylloxera 
nas,  in  a  few  places,  been  found  quite  de- 
structive to  the  foreign  vine  grown  under 
glass,  especially  in  parts  of  Rhode  Island, 
making  it  necessary,  in  some  cases,  to  re- 
new both  the  vines  and  the  borders. 

Colorado  Bug,  or  Potato  Beetle,  so  de- 
structive some  years  ago,  has  now  been 
well-nigh  driven  off  by  the  persistent  use 
of  Paris  Green  by  farmers  and  gardeners. 

Insertion. — The  manner  in  which  one  part 
is  inserted  into,  or  adheres  to,  or  origi- 
nates from  another;  as  the  leaf  on  the 
branch,  the  branch  on  the  stem,  etc. 

Integument. — A  portion  closely  investing  or 
merely  surrounding  another. 

Internode. — The  space  between  two  nodes. 

Interstices. — Spaces  between  one  thing  and 
another. 

Inverted. — Having  the  apex  in  an  opposite 
direction  to  that  of  some  other  thing,  as 
many  seeds. 

Involucre,  Involucrum. — A  ring  or  rings  of 
bracts  surrounding  several  flowers,  such 
as  the  whorled  bracts  at  the  base  of  an 
umbel,  a  head,  or  a  single  flower. 

Involute,  Involutive. — Rolled  inward;  when 
edges  are  rolled  inward  on  each  side. 

Iridaceoe,  (Ensatce,  Inds.) — A  natural  order 
of  Monocotyledons  belonging  to  Lind- 
ley's  Narcissal  Alliance  of  Endogens. 
They  are  herbs  with  corms,  rhizomes,  or 
fibrous  roots,  and  mostly  with  equitant 
leaves,  and  flowers  in  sheaths.  They  are 
found  in  warm  and  temperate  regions, 
and  abound  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
There  are  about  fifty  genera  and  upward 
of  five  hundred  species..  Iris,  Oladwlus, 
Crocus,  and  Ixia  are  examples. 


374 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


JA6 

~T~asm,inaceoe,  (Jasminece,  Bolivarwce,  Jas- 
minwortif.) — A  natural  order  of  corol- 
lifloral  Dicotyledons  belonging  to  Lind- 
ley's  Echial  Alliance  of  perigynous  Exo- 
gens.  They  are  shrubs,  often  twining, 
with  opposite  or  alternate,  usually  com- 
pound leaves.  They  are  found  chiefly 
in  the  tropical  parts  of  India.  There 
are  six  known  genera  and  above  a  hun- 
dred species.  Jasminum  and  Nyctanthes 
are  examples  of  the  order. 
Joints. — Certain  parts  where  the  uniformity 
of  the  tissue  is  altered,  and  where  it 
may  readily  be  ruptured  or  fall  asunder 
in  decay. 


LAT 

Juglandacece,  (Juglands.) — A  natural  order 
of  monochlamydeous  plants  belonging  to 
Lindley's  Qusrnal  Alliance  of  diclinous 
Exogens.  They  are  trees  with  alternate 
pinnate  stipulate  leaves  and  unisexual 
flowers.  They  are  chiefly  natives  of 
North  America  and  the  Indies.  Juglans 
regia  is  the  English  "Walnut  or  Madeira 
Nut  of  the  fruit  stores.  Carya  alba  is  the 
American  Hickory  Nut.  Juglans  nigra  is 
the  Black  Walnut.  They  are  valuable 
timber  trees.  There  are  few  known 
genera  and  about  thirty  species.  Jug- 
lans and  Carya  are  examples  of  the  or- 
der. 


K 


~T7~~ed. — When  the  midrib  of  a  leaf  or 
petal  is  sharp  and  elevated  exter- 
nally it  is  called  a  keel. 
Keeled. — Formed  in   the   manner    of    the 
keel  of  a  boat;  that  is  to   say,  with   a 


sharp  projecting  ridge,  arising  from  a 
flat  or  a  concave  central  plate,  as  the 
glumes  of  grasses. 

Knot.  — A  swelling  iu  some  stems  where  the 
attachment  of  the  leaves  takes  place. 


L. 


J~abettum.—lAy ;  or  rather  the  lower  Up 
only.  The  third  petal  of  an  Orchid, 
usually  turned  toward  the  lower  front  of 
the  flower,  and  very  different  from  the 
remainder;  also  a  similar  petal  in  other 
flowers. 

Labiate. — Having  lips;  a  term  applied  to 
that  form  of  a  monopetalous  calyx  or 
corolla  which  is  separated  into  two  un- 
equal divisions,  the  one  anterior  and  the 
other  posterior;  with  respect  to  the  axis. 


Laciniate. — Cut  or  divided  into  segments; 

fringed. 
Lactescent. — Containing  or  yielding  a  milky 

juice. 
Lana,  Lanugo,  (adj.  Lanate,  Lanuginose.)— 

Long,  dense,  curled,   and  matted  hairs, 

resembling  wool 
Lanceolate.  —  Shaped  like  the   head   of  a 

spear;  narrow  and  tapering  at  each  end. 
Lanuginosus. — Downy;  cottony.  See  Lana. 
Latent.  —  Lying  dormant  till  excited  by 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


375 


LAT 

some  particular  stimulus;  as  the  adventi- 
tious buds  occasionally  developed  in 
trees. 

Lateral. — Proceeding  from,  or  fixed  on,  or 
near  the  side  of  a  stem  or  other  organ. 

Lauracece,  (Laurinece,  Lauri,  Laurels.) — A 
natural  order  of  Dicotyledons  belonging 
to  Lindley's  Daphnal  Alliance  of  perigy- 
nous  Exogens.  They  are  trees,  with  ex- 
stipulate,  usually  alternate,  dotted  leaves. 
They  are  tropical,  aromatic,  and  fragrant 
plants.  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicurn  yields 
Cinnamon  Bark.  C.  cassia  supplies  Cas- 
sia Bark.  Camphora  officinarum,  a  na- 
tive of  China,  Japan,  and  Cochin  China, 
yields  Camphor.  Persea  gratissima  fur- 
nishes the  fruit  called  Avocado  Pear  or 
Alligator  Pear.  Sassafras  cfficinale  is  the 
American  Sassafras  Tree.  Laurus  nobttis 
is  the  Sweet  Bay.  There  are  about  fifty 
genera  and  between  four  and  five  hun- 
dred species.  Laurus,  Cinnamomum, 
Camphora,  and  Sassafras  are  examples 
of  the  order. 

Laurenciacece. — A  natural  order  of  rose- 
spored  Algae.  See  Algoe. 

Lawn. — Is  the  name  given  to  the  open  grass 
space  surrounding  a  dwelling.  The 
preparation  of  the  lawn  should  be  pre- 
liminary to  the  laying  out  of  flower-beds 
in  grounds  having  pretensions  to  what  is 
called  Landscape  Gardening.  The  for- 
mation of  the  lawn  is  too  often  hastily 
and  imperfectly  done;  it  is  the  founda- 
tion of  all  subsequent  operations,  and  if 
badly  done  at  first,  the  fault  can  never 
be  remedied  afterward.  The  first  thing 
to  be  done  is  to  get  the  ground  shaped 

t  to  the  desired  grade,  taking  care  in 
grading,  that  when  hills  or  rocks  are  re- 
moved, sufficient  subsoil  is  also  removed 
to  be  replaced  with  top  soil;  so  ,that  at 
least  five  inches  of  good  soil  will  overlay 


LAW 

the  whole  in  all  places.  When  the  grad- 
ing is  finished,  if  the  nature  of  the  ground 
requires  it,  (see  Draining,)  drains  should 
be  laid  wherever  necessary;  then  the 
whole  should  be  thoroughly  plowed,  a 
sub-soil  following  in  the  wake  of  the  com- 
mon plow,  until  it  is  completely  pulver- 
ized. A  heavy  harrow  should  then  be 
applied  until  the  surface  is  thoroughly 
fined  down;  all  stones,  roots,  etc.,  should 
be  removed,  so  that  a  smooth  surface 
may  be  obtained.  The  lawn  is  now 
ready  to  be  sown.  When  the  seed  is 
sown,  a  light  harrow  should  again  be 
applied,  and  after  that  a  thorough  roll- 
ing given,  so  that  the  surface  is  made  as 
smooth  and  firm  as  possible.  In  the  lat- 
itude of  New  York,  the  seed  may  be  sown 
any  time  during  the  months  of  April  and 
May,  and  will  form  a  good  lawn  by  Au- 
gust, if  the  preparation  has  been  good. 
If  sown  in  the  hot  months  of  June  or 
July,  a  sprinkling  of  oats  should  be  sown 
at  the  same  time,  so  that  the  shade  given 
by  the  oats  will  protect  the  young  grass 
from  the  sun.  Lawns  are  also  some- 
times sown  during  the  early  fall  months 
(September  being  the  best)  with  excel- 
lent results.  The  formula  for  seed  for 
lawn  grass  now  known  in  New  York  as 
Central  Park  Mixture,  is  as  follows: 
Eight  quarts  Rhode  Island  Bent  Grass; 
three  quarts  Creeping  Bent  Grass;  ten 
quarts  Red  Top  Grass;  ten  quarts  Ken- 
tucky Blue  Grass;  one  quart  White  Clo- 
ver. For  small  plots,  of  course,  digging, 
trenching,  and  raking  must  be  done,  in- 
stead of  plowing,  sub-soiling,  and  harrow- 
ing. In  sloping  banks  it  is  often  neces- 
sary to  use  sod,  as  the  rains  wash  the 
soil  off  before  the  grass  seed  has  time  to 
germinate.  It  is  sometimes  even  neces- 
sary, in  sodding  very  steep  banks,  to  use 


376 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


LAX 

pins  eight  or  ten  inches  in  length,  to  pin 
the  sods  in  place,  to  prevent  them  from 
being  washed  down  by  excessive  rains 
before  the  grass  roots  have  had  time  to 
fasten  in  the  soil. 

Lax,  Laxus. — Loose ;  said  of  parts  which  are 
distant  from  each  other,  with  an  open  ar- 
rangement, such  as  the  panicle  among 
the  kinds  of  inflorescence. 
Leaf. — An  appendage  to  the  stem,  consid- 
ered as  an  expansion  of  the  bark,  com- 
posed of  cellular  tissue,  and   generally 
with  fibers  of  vascular  tissue  intermixed. 
Leaflets. — The   subdivisions   of  compound 

leaves. 

Leathery. — "With  a  consistency  more  or  less 
resembling  the  toughness  of  leather;  the 
same  as  coriaceous. 

Legume. — A  name  given  to  the  seed-vessel 
of  the  Pea  family,  opening  in  two  valves, 
and  having  the  seeds  attached  to  the 
ventral  suture. 

Leguminosce,  (Fabaceas,  Leguminous  plants. ) 
— A  natural  order  of  Dicotyledons  belong- 
ing to  Lindley's  Rosal  Alliance  of  perigy- 
nous  Exogens.  They  are  herbs,  shrubs,  or 
trees,  with  alternate,  usually  compound 
exstipulate  leaves.  The  plants  occur  in 
all  parts  of  the  world,  but  are  abund- 
ant in  tropical  countries.  The  order  is 
a  large  one,  and  has  been  divided  into 
three  sub-orders,  viz. :  Papilionaceas,  Cces- 
alpiniece,  and  Mimosece.  They  supply 
food,  timber,  fiber,  gums,  dyes,  and  vari- 
ous •economical  substances.  Some  are 
poisonous.  Among  the  useful  plants  may 
be  mentioned  Beans,  Peas,  Lentils,  Pulse 
of  various  kinds,  Lupins,  Clover,  Lu- 
cerne, Sainfoin,  Tragacanth,  Indigo,  and 
others.  There  are  about  550  genera  and 
7,000  species.  Phaseolus,  Vicia,  Pisum, 
Lotus,  Cassia,  and  Acacia  are  examples 
of  the  order. 


LIM 

Lenticular,  Lentiform.— Shaped  like  a  lens; 
resembling  a  double  convex  lens. 

Leprous. — Covered  with  spots  or  scales. 

Leucanthus. — Bearing  white  flowers. 

Leuco. — In  Greek  compounds  means  white. 

Liber. — The  inner  lining  of  the  bark  of  Ex- 
ogens, where  alone  its  woody  matter  re- 
sides. 

Ligneous,  Lignose. — Having  the  texture  of 
wood;  of  or  belonging  to  wood. 

Lignum. — The  wood;  that  central  part  of  a 
stem  which  lies  beneath  the  bark,  or  its 
equivalent,  the  cortical  integument 

Ligula. — A  membrane  at  the  base  of  the 
blade  of  the  leaf  of  Grasses. 

Ligulate. — Strap-shaped;  narrow,  moderate- 
ly long,  with  the  two  margins  parallel. 

Lilac. — Pale,  dull  violet;  blue  and  red,  with 
a  little  gray. 

Liliacece,  (Hemerocallideae,  Tulipacece,  Coro- 
narice,  Asphodelece,  Asparaginece,  Conval- 
lariacece,  Lilyworts,  etc.) — A  natural  order 
of  monocotyledonous  plants  belonging  to 
the  sub-class  Petaloidece,  and  constituting 
the  type  of  Lindley's  Lilial  Alliance  of 
Endogens.  They  are  herbs,  shrubs,  or 
trees,  with  bulbs,  corms,  rhizomes,  or 
fibrous  roots,  simple  sheathing  or  clasp- 
ing leaves,  and  regular  flowers.  They  are 
natives  of  both  temperate  and  tropical 
regions,  and  possess  medicinal  qualities. 
Onions,  Leeks,  Garlic,  Chives,  Shallot, 
Rocambole,  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Lilies, 
etc.,  are  all  furnished  by  plants  belong- 
ing to  this  extensive  order.  There  are 
upward  of  150  genera  and  1, 200  species. 
LUium,  Tulipa,  Hyacinthus,  Yucca,  Aga- 
panthus,  Asphodelus,  and  Draccena  are 
examples  of  the  order. 

Limb. — The  flattened,  expanded  part  of  a 

leaf  or  a  petal. 

Limbate. — Having  one  color  surrounded  by 
an  edging  of  another. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


377 


LIN 

Linear. — Narrow,  short,  with  parallel  mar- 
gins, as  the  leaf  of  the  Yew. 

Lineate,  Lineolatus. — Lined;  marked  with 
fine  parallel  lines. 

L qyped.—  Having  a  distinct  lip  or  labellum, 
like  the  Snapdragon. 

Livid. — Of  a  pale  lead  color. 

Lobe. — A  rounded  projection  or  division  of 
a  leaf  or  other  organ. 

Lobed.  — Divided  into  lobes. 

Loculaments. — Partitions  or  cells  of  a  seed- 
vessel. 

Lorate. — Shaped  like  a  strap.  The  same  as 
ligulate. 

Low. — When  a  plant  is  of  smaller  dimen- 
sions than  other  species  with  which  it  is 
aUied. 


MF.T, 

Lucid. — Bright,  shining. 

Lunate,  Lunulate. — Shaped  like  a  half  moon ; 
crescent-shaped. 

Lurid. — Of  a  dingy  brown;  gray  with 
orange. 

Luxuriant,  Luxuria. — A  rank  or  unnatural- 
ly exuberant  growth.  A  luxuriant  flower 
is  one  which  multiplies  the  covers  of  the 
fructification  so  as  to  destroy  the  essen- 
tial parts. 

Lymph.  —  Sap  ;  the  crude,  unelaborated 
fluid  of  vegetation.  Lymphceducts  are 


Lyrate,  Lyre-shaped. — A  lyrate  leaf  is  pin- 
natifid,  with  the  upper  lobes  much  larger 
than  the  lower,  and  ending  in  one  still 
larger. 


M. 


~j\/f  acula,  (adj.  Maculate,  Maculose.) — A 
broad,  irregular  spot  or  blotch. 

Male  System. — All  that  part  of  a  flower 
which  belongs  to  the  stamens. 

Manicate. — Covered  with  hairs. 

Many-headed. — When  many  distinct  buds 
are  seated  on  the  crown  of  a.  root. 

Marcescent,  Marcid. — Not  falling  off  till  the 
part  which  bears  it  is  perfected,  but  with- 
ering long  before  that  time,  as  the  flow- 
ers of  Orobanche. 

Marker. — This  is  a  simple  implement  used 
mostly  by  market  gardeners  to  line  out 
drills.  It  is  often  home  made  by  taking 
a  piece  of  joist  3X4  inches,  and  about 
six  feet  in  length,  and  to  each  side  nail- 
ing pointed  slats  eight  or  nine  inches 
long,  at  a  width  apart  usually,  on  one 
side  of  fourteen  inches,  and  the  other 
of  nine  inches.  Two  handles  four  or  five 


feet  in  length  are  fastened  to  it,  by  which 
it  is  dragged,  the  teeth  marking  the  rows* 
If  wanted  deep,  a  weight  is  placed  on  the 
joist.  In  operating  it,  a  line  is  stretched 
across  the  bed  to  be  sown  or  planted,  the 
first  teeth  being  guided  by  the  line ;  it  is 
steadily  dragged  along  the  bed,  making 
from  four  to  six  lines  at  once,  in  a  much 
more  uniform  manner  than  can  be  done 
with  the  hoe. 

Maturation. — The  process  of  ripening;  also 
the  time  when  fruits  are  ripe. 

Mealy. — Covered  with  a  scurry  powder. 

Mealy  Bug. — See  Insects. 

Medulla,  (adj.  Medullary. )— The  pith  of  a. 
plant;  that  central  column  of  cellular 
matter  over  which  the  wood  is  formed  in 
Exogens. 

Melanospermece. — One  of  the  three  great  di- 
visions of  Algae. 


378 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


MEL 

Melliferous.— Honey-bearing. 
Membrane.— A  delicate  pellicle  of  homoge- 
neous tissue.     Also,  a  very  thin  layer  of 
cellular  tissue. 

Meshes.— The  openings  in  any  tissue. 
Midrib.— The  large  vein  extending  along 
the  middle  of  a  leaf,  from  its  petiole 
nearly  or  quite  to  the  other  end. 
Mildew.— The  term  used  for  the  parasitical 
fungus  so  common  to  vegetation,  both 
under  glass  and  in  the  open  air.  Like 
nearly  all  other  parasites  hurtful  to 
plants,  it  seems  to  us  that  Mildew  only 
attacks  plants  when,  from  some  cause  or 
other,  they  are  in  an  abnormal  state.  For 
instance,  we  find  that  if  some  varieties  of 
Hoses  and  Grape  Vines,  either  under  glass 
or  in  the  open  air,  are  exposed  to  exces-  ! 
sive  drought,  so  as  to  enfeeble  the  leaf  j 
action,  or  if  exposed  to  a  sudden  change 
of  temperature,  they  are  almost  certain 
to  be  attacked  with  Mildew.  Many  years 
ago,  in  our  green-houses  at  Jersey  City, 
N.  J.,  we  had  a.  marked  instance  well  illus- 
trating this  belief.  We  had  a  Hose  house, 
on  which  the  sashes  had  been  slid  down 
for  ventilation;  it  came  up  suddenly  cold, 
and  before  the  green-house  could  be 
closed,  some  six  or  eight  square  spaces  of 
3x3  feet,  where  the  sashes  had  been  let 
down,  were  frozen  so  severely  that  the 
young  shoots  of  the  Roses  hung  down, 
and  we  thought  they  were  ruined.  The 
next  morning,  however,  they  appeared 
all  right;  but  in  a  few  days  after  Mildew 
appeared  in  the  square  space  (3x3  feet) 
with  the  lines  nearly  as  closely  defined  as 
if  struck  out  with  a  rule,  the  other  por- 
tions of  the  Rose  house  being  entirely 
free  from  it.  Now  we  reason  from  this 
incident,  and  others  nearly  as  marked, 
that  spores  or  germs  of  mildew  are  near- 
ly always  present,  floating  in  the  atmos- 


MIL 

phere,  and  that  when  a  congenial  soil,  so 
to  speak,  is  formed  by  a  relaxed  condition 
of  the  plant,  the  floating  germ  is  sown  on 
the  enfeebled  leaves,  and  the  parasite 
starts  into  the  low  organic  life  known  as 
Mildew.  Fortunately,  we  have  a  rarely- 
failing  antidote  against  Mildew.  Sulphur, 
applied  in  various  forms,  is  almost  a  cer- 
tain specific.  For  Grape  Vines,  Roses,  or 
other  plants  affected  by  Mildew  outdoors, 
the  flowers  of  sulphur  applied  by  the 
sulphur  bellows,  when  used  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  attack,  will  at  once  check  it; 
but  when  Mildew  attacks  Roses  or  Grape 
Vines  under  glass  in  winter,  the  best  plan 
is  to  paint  the  hot  water  pipes  with  a  wash 
of  sulphur  and  lime  or  sulphur  and  Gua- 
no (the  Guano  or  lime  is  only  used  to 
make  the  sulphur  stick  to  the  pipes) 
every  eight  or  ten  days.  The  fumes  of 
the  sulphur,  evolved  by  the  heated  water 
in  the  pipes,  (about  200  degrees,)  is  cer- 
tain destruction  to  the  germ  producing 
Mildew.  We  find  it  also  valuable,  when 
so  applied,  in  preventing  the  ' '  fungus  of 
the  cutting  bench,"  often  so  annoying 
to  the  propagator.  When  flues  are  used 
instead  of  hot-water  pipes,  the  sulphur 
wash  may  be  used  on  them;  but  care 
must  be  taken  that  it  is  only  on  the  end 
of  the  flues  farthest  from  the  furnace,  as, 
if  much  hotter  than  200  degrees,  it  will 
injure  the  leaves;  but  no  harm  can  ever 
ensue  from  its  use  on  the  hot- water  pipes 
or  on  the  smoke  flue,  if  not  hotter  than  200 
degrees.  At  seasons  when  no  fires  are  used, 
the  following  preparation  will  usually  be 
found  a  prompt  remedy  against  Mildew: 
take  six  pounds  each  of  flowers  of  sul- 
phur and  lump  lime,  put  together  and 
slake  the  lime,  adding  ten  gallons  of 
water.  Boil  all  together  until  it  is  re- 
duced to  four  gallons;  allow  the  liquid 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


371) 


MIN 

to  settle  until  it  gets  clear,  and  then  bot- 
tle for.  use.  One  gill  only  of  this  is  to 
be  mixed  with  five  gallons  of  water,  and 
syringed  freely  over  the  plants,  care  being 
taken  not  to  let  it  drop  on  expanded 
flowers  or  ripe  fruit,  as  its  odor  is  very 
disagreeable. 

Miniatus. — Of  a  vermilion  color;  pure  red 
with  a  little  yellow. 

Mitnform. — Formed  like  a  miter. 

Mdli*.—  Soft. 

Man.— In  Greek  compounds  means  one; 
as  monanthes,  one-flowered. 

Monadelphous. — Having  all  the  stamens 
united  by  their  filaments  into  a  tube. 

Monandrous. — Having  only  one  stamen. 

Monanthus. — Either  where  each  peduncle 
bears  a  single  flower,  or  where  the  plant 
produces  only  one  flower. 

Moniliform. — Formed  like  a  necklace ;  that 
is  to  say,  with  alternate  swelh'ngs  resem- 
bling beads. 

Monocarpous. — Producing  fruit  but  once  in 
its  life,  as  an  annual. 

Monochlamydeous. — Having  but  one  floral 
envelope. 

Monocotyledons,  (Endogenas,  Endogens,  Am- 
phihrya.) — One  of  the  primary  classes  in 
the  natural  system,  consisting  of  plants 
having  only  one  cotyledon.  The  sub- 
classes are,  Dictyogence,  Petaloideat  or 
Floi-idce,  and  Glumiferce  or  Glumacece. 

Monoecious. — Having  male  and  female  or- 
gans in  different  flowers  on  the  same 
plant. 

Monogamic. — Having  flowers  distinct  from 
each  other,  and  not  collected  in  a  head. 

Monogynous. — Having  but  one  style,  even 
though  many  carpels  be  present. 

Monopetcdous. — Having  one  petal;  having 
all  the  petals  united  by  their  edges. 

Monosepalous. — Having  one  sepal;  having 
all  the  sepals  united  by  their  edges. 


MUL 

Morphology. — That  department  of  botany 
which  treats  of  the  forms  and  modifica- 
tions of  the  organs  of  plants. 

Moschatus. — Possessing  the  odor  of  musk. 

Mucous,  Mucose. — Covered  with  a  slimy  se- 
cretion, or  with  a  coat  that  is  readily  sol- 
uble in  water,  and  becomes  slimy;  re- 
sembling mucus. 

Mucronaie. — Abruptly  terminated  by  a  hard, 
sharp  point;  thus,  mucronato-serrate  is 
when  the  serratures  terminate  in  a  hard, 
sharp  point. 

Mulching. — Placing  leaves  or  rough  litter 
around  newly  planted  trees  to  prevent 
evaporation  from  the  soil  has  been  long 
practiced.  Good  cultivators  apply  leaves, 
rough  manure,  etc.,  to  the  surface  of  the 
soil  to  protect  the  roots  of  certain  plants 
against  the  action  of  frost,  it  being  useful, 
not  so  much  against  freezing  as  to  pre- 
vent alternate  freezing  and  thawing.  In 
Strawberry  culture,  the  mulch  applied  in 
the  fall  protects  the  roots  during  winter; 
it  is  allowed  to  remain  on  the  bed,  where, 
if  thick  enough,  it  keeps  down  weeds, 
and  prevents  the  evaporation  of  moisture 
from  the  soil  during  the  dry  time  we  are 
apt  to  have  between  the  flowering  and 
the  ripening  of  the  Strawberry.  The 
utility  of  a  mulch  is  not  confined  to  the 
Strawberry  among  fruits;  Raspberries 
and  Currants  are  much  benefited  by  it; 
and  the  finer  varieties  of  English  Goose- 
berries, a  fruit  with  which  very  few  suc- 
ceed in  our  hot  summers,  can  be  success- 
fully grown  when  so  treated.  Newly 
planted  trees,  whether  of  fruit  or  orna- 
mental kinds,  are  much  benefited  by  a 
mulch,  and  its  application  often  settles 
the  question  of  success  or  failure.  We 
have  known  a  whole  Pear  orchard  to  be 
mulched,  and  the  owner  thought  its  cost 
was  more  than  repaid  by  saving  the  fall- 


HENDEKSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


MUL 

en  fruit  from  bruises.  Spinach  is  pro- 
tected in  the  same  way,  and  Carnations, 
Pansies,  Roses,  and  other  partly  hardy 
plants,  are  mulched  in  the  same  manner. 
The  rooting  of  a  layer  is  by  some  gar- 
deners thought  to  be  facilitated  by  plac- 
ing a  flat  stone  over  the  buried  branch; 
the  fact  being  that  the  stone  acts  as  a 
mulch,  and  prevents  the  soil  around  the 
cut  portion  from  drying  out,  and  greatly 
favors  the  rooting  process.  Even  in  the 
vegetable  garden  mulching  is  found  use- 
ful, especially  with  Cauliflowers,  which 
find  our  summers  quite  too  dry.  The 
material  of  the  mulch  is  not  of  much  im- 
portance; mostly  one  kind  of  litter  will 
answer  nearly  as  well  as  another.  The 
material  will  be  governed  in  great  meas- 
ure by  locality;  those  living  near  salt 
water  will  find  salt  hay,  as  hay  from  the 
marshes  is  called,  the  most  readily  pro- 
cured; those  who  live  near  Pine  forests 
use  the  fallen  leaves,  or  Pine  needles,  as 
they  are  called;  in  the  grain-growing 
districts  straw  is  abundant,  and  nothing 
can  be  better;  it  can  be  applied  more 
thoroughly  if  run  through  a  cutter. 
Leaves  are  Nature's  own  mulch,  and 
answer  admirably;  if  there  is  danger  of 


NEE 

their  being  blown  away,  brush  laid  over 
them,  or  even  a  little  earth  sprinkled  on 
them,  will  keep  them  in  place.  One  of 
the  best  materials  to  use  for  summer 
mulching  is  the  green  grass  mowed  from 
lawns.  This,  applied  to  the  thickness  of 
two  or  three  inches  around  the  roots  of 
all  kinds  of  small  fruits,  will  be  found  not 
only  to  greatly  benefit  the  crop,  particu- 
larly in  dry  weather,  but  will  save  great- 
ly in  labor  by  preventing  the  growth  of 
weeds.  Stable  manure,  particularly  that 
of  cows,  is  extensively  used  in  Eose 
growing  in  winter,  two  or  three  inches  of 
which  is  placed  over  the  soil  when  grow- 
ing in  pots  or  benches;  Moss  mulching  is 
also  used  for  this  and  other  purposes. 
See  page  208. 

Multifid. — Divided    half-way    into     many 
parts  or  segments. 

Multiplex. — Where  many  of  the  same  parts 
or  organs  occur  together. 

Muricated. — Covered  with  sharp  points,  as 
in  Panicum  muricatum. 

Musci. — An  important  tribe  of  Cryptogams, 
comprising  the  true  Mosses. 

Mycelium. — A  word  equivalent  to  spawn. 

Myurus. — Long  and  tapering,  Like  a  mouse's 
tail 


.— Where  a  surface  is  destitute 
of  pubescence. 
Naked  Seeds.— Seeds  having  no  pericarpel 

covering,  as  in  Conifers  and  Cycads. 
Nanus. — Dwarf. 
Napiform. — Turnip-shaped. 
Nebulous,  Nebulose. — Clouded. 
Neck.— The  upper  tapering  end  of  bulbs  is 


called  the  neck,  as  in  Crinum,  Amaryllis, 
etc. 

Nectarium,  Nectary. — An  organ  which  se- 
cretes honey. 

Nervation. — The  manner  in  which  veins  are 
arranged. 

Nerves,  Nervures. — The  ribs  or  principal 
veins  of  a  leaf. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


381 


NIG 

Niger.— Black,  or  black  a  little  tinged  with 
gray. 

Nigricans. — Blackish. 

Niveus. — Snow-white;  the  purest  white. 

Nocturnal. — Lasting  through  a  night. 

Nodding.— Having  the  top  bent  downward; 
drooping. 

Node. — That  part  or  point  in  a  stem  from 
which  a  leaf,  whether  complete  or  incom- 
plete, arises. 

Nodose,  Nodulose. — Knotted;  having  many 
nodes  or  knots. 

Nodules. — Small  hard  knots. 

Normal. — When  the  ordinary  structure  pe- 
culiar to  the  family  or  genus  of  a  plant 
is  in  nowise  departed  from. 


ORC 

Nucamentojceous. — Having  the  hardness  of  a 
nut. 

Nucleus. — The  kernel.  The  term  has  a  va- 
riety of  applications. 

Nudicaulis. — When  a  stem  has  no  leaves. 

Nut. — A  hard,  indehiscent  pericarp,  usu- 
ally containing  only  one  seed;  the  same 
as  Glans  and  Achene,  which  see. 

Nvtans,  Nutant. — Nodding;  inclined  very 
much  from  the  perpendicular,  so  that  the 
apex  is  directed  downward,  as  the  flower 
of  the  Snowdrop. 

Nutrition. — The  vital  function  by  which  the 
development  of  the  various  parts  of  the 
vegetable  structure  is  effected. 

Nux. — The  same  as  nut. 


o. 


x     signifying     inversion. 
Thus,  obovate  means  inversely  ovate. 
Oblong. — Elliptical   or   long   oval,  equally 

blunt  or  round  at  each  end. 
Obscure. — Of  a  dark,  dingy  color. 
Obtuse. — Blunt  or  rounded. 
Occidental. — Coming  from  or  relating  to  the 

west,  as  Platinm  Occidentalis. 
Ocellated. — Spotted  in  a  manner  somewhat 

resembling  the  iris  of  an  eye. 
Ochraceous. — Having  the  color  of  clay  or 

yellow  ochre. 

Octandrous.  — Having  eight  stamens. 
Octo. — In  composition  means  eight. 
Octogynous. — Having  eight  styles. 
Oculus. — An  eye;  that  is,  a  leaf-bud. 
Oculatus. — Marked   with    concentric  spots 

of  different  colors  or  tints. 
Officinalis. — Applied   to   plants   which  are 

useful  in  medicine  or  the  arts. 
Oleaginous. — Fleshy  in  substance,  but  filled 

with  oil.     Also,  like  oil. 


Oleus. — Strong  smelling,  whether  agreeable 
or  nauseous. 

Oleraceous.  — Esculent,  eatable. 

Opaque. — When  the  surface  is  dull,  or  not 
at  all  shining. 

Opercular. — Covered  with  a  lid. 

Operculum.  — The  lid  of  anything,  as  in  the 
pitcher  of  Nepenthes. 

Orbicular. — Nearly  round  and  flat. 

Orchard  Baler. — This  name  is  given  to  an 
invention  that  promises  to  be  of  great 
value  to  the  fruit-growing  interest  of  the 
United  States.  It  is  a  machine  by  which 
the  branches  of  fruit  or  other  trees  are 
tied  in  a  pyramidal  form,  and  in  this  shape 
thatched  with  straw  or  hay,  as  a  protec- 
tion in  winter  against  the  severe  frosts 
which  cause  so  much  injury  to  the  buds 
of  Peaches  and  other  fruit  trees.  Thus 
thatched  and  excluded  from  the  sun,  the 
flower  buds  of  fruit  trees  will  be  held 
back  from  opening  for  nearly  a  week, 


382 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


ORC 


which  will  often  be  sufficient  to  save 
them  from  late  spring  frosts.  It  is 
claimed  that  Peach  Trees  so  protected 
never  fail  to  produce  annually  a  crop  of 
fruit  A  pair  of  these  machines  cost 
from  $25  to  $50;  and  it  is  claimed  that 
two  men  can  bale  and  thatch  fifty  trees 
per  day.  The  time  for  the  operation  is 
after  the  leaves  have  fallen  in  autumn,  or 
any  time  except  when  the  limbs  are  fro- 
zen. Of  course,  it  is  equally  applicable 
to  ornamental  trees,  and  for  such  trees 
as  the  Magnolia  grandiftora,  which  is 
rarely  seen  in  good  condition  south  of 
Richmond,  it  would  be  particularly  valu- 
able. 


PAK 

Organ. — A  general  name  for  any  defined 
subordinate  part  of  the  vegetable  struc- 
ture, external  or  internal;  as  cell,  fiber, 
leaf,  root,  etc. 

Orifice. — An  opening. 

Osseous. — Bony,  hard,  brittle,  and  very  close 
in  texture,  as  the  stone  of  a  Peach. 

Ovary. — That  part  of  the  pistil  which  con- 
tains the  ovules  or  seeds. 

0  vote.  — Egg-shaped. 

Ovule. — The  young  seeds  of  plants  con- 
tained in  the  ovarium. 

Oxycanthus. — Furnished  with  many  sharp 
thorns  or  prickles. 

Oxycarpus.  — Where  the  fruit  is  sharp- 
pointed. 

\ 


P. 


/  Ja/ote.—  The  prominent  parts   of  the  j 
base  of  the  lower  lip  which  closes  j 
the  mouth  of  a  ringent  flower. 

Pofea.^The  leaf-like  parts  of  the  flower  of  ; 
Grasses,   inclosing   the   stamens,  pistils, 
and  hypogynous  scales. 

Palmacece. — See  Palms  in  the  body  of  this 
work. 

Palmate. — Having  five  lobes,  the  midribs  of  i 
which  meet  in  a  common  point,  so  that 
the  whole  bears  some  resemblance  to  the 
human  hand. 

Panduriform. — Having  the  figure  of  a  fid- 
dle. 

Panicle. — A  compound  raceme. 

Papilionaceous. — Having  such  a  corolla  as 
that  of  the  Pea;  butterfly-shaped  flowers. 

Papillose.— Producing  small  glandular  ex- 
crescences like  nipples. 

Pappus. — The  calyx  of  Composites,  varying 
from  a  ring  of  membraneous  scales  to  i 


bristles  or  hairs.  It  is  very  frequently  of 
a  downy  texture,  as  in  Thistles. 

Papulose. — Producing  small  glands  like 
pimples. 

Parasite. — A  plant  which  obtains  its  nour- 
ishment directly  from  the  juices  of  some 
other  plant  to  which  it  is  attached. 

Parenchyma. — Cellular  tissue  which  has  a 
spheroidal,  not  tubular  form;  all  the 
parts  of  plants  which  consist  of  cellular 
tissue  only. 

Parlor  Gardening. — In  parlor  gardening,  or 
the  keeping  of  plants  in  private  rooms, 
one  of  the  most  essential  things,  for  satis- 
faction to  the  owner,  is  to  start  with 
young,  healthy  plants,  rather  than  old 
and  matured  specimens.  One  of  the 
most  common  errors  in  keeping  plants 
in  rooms  is  that  of  keeping  the  tempera- 
ture too  high.  Very  few  plants  suitable 
for.  the -parlor  guow  well  in  a  temperature 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PAR 

above  50  degrees  at  night.     To  be  sure, 
there  are  quite  a  number  of  plants  grown 
in  private  rooms,  that  require  a  much 
higher  temperature;  but  to  have  satisfac- 
tory  results,  the  two  divisions  should  be 
kept   in   separate   rooms,    at  the  differ- 
ent    temperatures,    say   50    degrees    at  i 
night    for    the     so-called     green-house 
plants,  and  65  degrees  at  night  for  the 
tropical   or   hot-house.      A  few   of    the 
best  green-house  plants  suited  for  par- 
lor culture,  the  average  temperature  at  ; 
night  being  50  degrees,  are  as  follows: 
Azalias,    Abutilons,    Ageratums,   Callas,  j 
Cinerarias,  Carnations,  Cyclamen,  Camel-  i 
lias,    Echeverias,    Ferns,  (green-house,) 
Ferns,   (climbing,)  Feverfews,  Fuchsias, 
Geraniums,  (Pelargoniums,)  Hoy  as,  (Wax 
Plant,)  Holland  Bulbs  of  all  kinds,  Ivies,  j 
(Parlor  and  Hardy,)  Lobelias,  Passifloras,  ! 
Roses,  etc.     A  limited  list  of  the   best 
suited  tropical  or  hot-house   plants  for  I 
parlor  culture,  the  temperature  at  night  j 
to  average  65  degrees,  is  as  follows:  Alia-  j 
mandas,   Begonias,   Bouvardias,    Ca^,di-  j 
urns,  Cissus,  Crotons,  Coleus,  Dracaenas,  j 
Ferns,  (tropical,)  Heliotropes,  Hibiscus,  i 
Poinsettia,  Torenias,  Tropaaolums,  Palms, 
etc.     The  instructions  for  Propagating,   I 
Watering,    Potting,   Killing   of    Insects,  ! 
Soil,  Mulching,  and  all  other  operations  i 
given  for  culture  of  plants,  will  be  found  ; 
under  these  different  heads,  and  will  be  , 
found  equally  applicable  to  the  culture  of 
plants  in  rooms  as  in  green-house  or  hot- 
house culture.    Saucers  in  which  to  place 
the   pots   are  sometimes  a  necessity  in 
rooms  to  save  the  floors  from  getting  wet; 
but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  allow  the 
water  to  stand  for  any  length  of  time  in 
the  saucers.     Plants  in  rooms  during  the 
winter  months,  when  grown  in  a  tempera- 
ture of  50  degrees,  will  not  usually  re- 


PER 

quire  water  more  than  twice  a  week,  and 
in  the  temperature  of  65  degrees  perhaps 
thrice  a  week;  but  in  no  case  water  un- 
less the  lightness  of  the  color  of  the  soil 
on  the  top  gives  indications  that  the  plant 
is  dry,  and  then  water  sufficiently  to  go 
through  the  pots;  those  that  seem  less  dry 
water  more  sparingly,  and  those  that  are 
wet  give  none  whatever  until  they  be- 
come dry,  no  matter  how  long  the  time 
may  be.  As  plants  grown  in  rooms  have 
only  one  side  to  the  light,  it  will  conduce 
to  the  health  and  symmetry  of  the  plant 
to  turn  it  around  at  least  once  a  week,  so 
that  each  side  will  have  a  like  proportion 
of  light 

Parvus. — Small;  applied  relatively,  where 
some  object  is  small  by  comparison  with 
similar  objects. 

Patens,  Patent. — Spreading  wide  open,  as 
petals  from  the  calyx.  Patentissimus  is 
spreading  open  so  much  as  to  fall  back. 

Patulus. — Slightly  spreading. 

Pedate. — A  modification  of  the  palmate  leaf, 
when  its  lower  lobes  are  again  divided 
and  directed  downwards,  as  in  Saxifraga 
pedatifida. 

Pedicel,  Pedicide,  (adj.  PedicilMe,  Pedicu- 
late. } — A  peduncle  of  a  second  or  higher 
order,  as  in  the  raceme,  where  the  prin- 
cipal flower  stalk  is  the  peduncle,  and 
the  lateral  secondary  ones  are  pedicils. 
Pediculus  antherce  is  the  filament  of  the 
stamen. 

Peduncle. — The  common  stalk  of  flowers. 

Peltate. — Attached  by  the  middle,  as  the 
leaf  of  Tropceolum. 

Penciled.  — Marked  in  lines,  as  if  with  a 
pencil. 

Pentagynoiis. — Having  five  styles. 

Pentandrom. — Having  five  stamens. 

Perennial,  Perennans,  Perennis.  — Lasting 
many  years,  yet  flowering,  every  year. 


384 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PEB 


Perfect.— Complete  in  all  its  parts;  where 
every  part  of  a  flower  is  developed,  and 
none  abortive. 

Perfoliate. — When  the  two  basal  lobes  of  an 
amplexicaul  leaf  are  united  together,  the 
leaf  completely  surrounding  the  stem,  so 
that  the  stem  seems  to  pass  through  the 
leaf,  as  in  Eupaioriumperfoliatum,  (Bone- 
set) 

Perianth. — The  calyx  and  corolla  combined; 
that  is  to  say,  when  they  look  so  much 
alike  that  they  cannot  be  readily  distin- 
guished, as  in  a  Hyacinth. 

Pericarp. — The  shell  or  rind  of  all  fruits 
taken  as  a  whole.  When  it  separates  in- 
to layers,  each  layer  may  have  a  different 
name,  but  the  whole  is  still  the  peri- 
carp. 

Perigynous. — Growing  upon  some  part 
which  surrounds  the  ovary,  usually  the 
calyx,  though  sometimes  the  corolla  is 
also  included  within  the  meaning. 

Persistent. — Not  falling  off,  but  remaining 
green  until  the  part  which  bears  it  is 
wholly  matured,  as  the  leaves  of  ever- 
greens, etc. 

Personate. — A  term  applied  to  a  monopeta- 
lous  corolla,  the  limb  of  which  is  une- 
qually divided,  as  in  the  Antirrhinum. 

Petals. — The  divisions  of  the  corolla  or 
flower  when  they  are  not  united  to  each 
other  by  their  edges. 

Petiole,  (adj.  Petiolate. )— The  stalk  of  a  leaf. 

Phcenogamous. — Having  manifest  flowers. 

Piceus. — Black  with  a  brownish  tinge. 

Pictus.— Painted. 

Pileate,  PHeiform. — Having  the  form  of  a 
cap  or  lid,  like  the  cap  of  a  Mushroom. 

Pinnate. — When  simple  leaflets  are  arranged 
on  each  side  of  a  common  petiole;  a 
compound  leaf. 

Pinnatifid.— A  leaf  deeply  cut  into  segments 
nearly  to  the  midrib. 


PLA 

Pinnules,  Pinnulce. — The  secondary  divi- 
sions of  a  pinnate  leaf. 

Pistil — The  female  part  of  a  flower,  con- 
sisting of  ovary,  style,  stigma,  and  ovules. 

Pitcher. — A  hollo  wed-out  leaf,  so  called,  as 
in  Nepenthes,  Sarracenia,  etc. 

Pith. — The  same  as  medulla,  which  see. 

Pitted. — Having  numerous  small,  shallow 
depressions  or  excavations. 

Placenta. — The  place  or  part  on  which 
ovules  originate. 

Plane. — Where  the  surface  is  flat  or  level. 

Planting. — This  is  an  operation  performed 
by  the  fingers,  dibber,  trowel,  or  by  the 
spade.  The  condition  of  soil  for  plant- 
ing should  be  similar  to  that  for  Sowing, 
(which  see.)  And  here,  too,  as  in  sow- 
ing, the  same  necessity  for  moderately 
firming  the  soil  to  the  roots  is  as  impor- 
tant as  in  firming  the  soil  over  seeds,  and, 
as  advised  in  seed  sowing,  no  better 
method  can  be  used  in  firming  the  soil 
after  planting  than  by  the  feet.  In  the 
driest  weather  in  July  hundreds  of  acres 
of  Celery,  Cabbage,  etc.,  are  planted  by 
•our  market  gardeners  on  newly  plowed 
ground,  without  using  a  particle  of  water, 
by  the  system  of  firming  the  plants  with 
the  foot  after  planting.  The  planter  sets 
the  plants  with  the  dibber,  and  on  finish- 
ing the  row,  returns  on  it,  pressing  the  soil 
to  each  plant  firmly  with  the  side  of  his 
foot.  This  prevents  the  dry  air  penetrat- 
ing the  loose  soil,  and  plants  so  set  will 
strike  out  new  roots  in  thirty  or  forty 
hours,  after  which  they  are  safe.  The  same 
rule  should  be  adopted  in  setting  out  all 
plants,  shrubs,  trees,  or  anything  else, 
particularly  if  the  weather  is  hot  and  dry. 
Countless  millions  of  plants  are  lost  every 
season  by  want  of  the  simple  operation 
of  firming  the  roots  after  planting.  In 
planting  out  plants  that  have  been  grow- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PLE 

ing  in  pots,  there  is  perhaps  not  so  much 
necessity,  as  the  roots  are  not  mutilated, 
and  hence  make  a  quicker  start;  still  cir- 
cumstances must  be  the  guide  in  the 
operation;  and  if  the  soil  is  very  dry  and 
the  weather  warm,  a  moderate  amount  of 
pressure  around  the  ball  of  earth  will  be 
necessary.  Sometimes,  in  planting  out 
plants  from  pots,  the  ball  is  so  hard  as  to 
prevent  the  inner  roots  getting  easily  to 
the  surface:  in  such  cases  the  ball  should 
be  crushed  or  beaten,  so  as  to  render  it 
partially  loose,  which  greatly  conduces  to 
the  growth  of  the  plant. 
Plenus,  Plena. — Double,  as  in  double  flowers. 
Plicate,  Plicative.  — Plaited  or  folded  to- 
gether lengthwise,  like  a  closed  fan. 
Plowing. — Many  gardeners  yet  ignore  the 
plow  in  the  garden,  even  where  it  is  per- 
fectly practicable  to  use  it.  We  have 
used  the  plow  and  harrow  for  pulveriz- 
ing on  every  foot  that  it  was  possible  to 
use  them  in,  in  all  our  operations  in  the 
ground,  whether  for  fruit,  flowers,  or 
vegetables,  for  the  past  thirty  years,  and 
feel  convinced  that  their  use  for  that  pur- 
pose is  far  better  than  the  spade  or  dig- 
ging fork,  besides  the  immense  saving  in 
labor. 

Plumose. — Feathery,  resembling  feathers. 
Plumule. — The  bud  of  a  seed;  the  youngest 
bud  in  a  plant;  the  bud  or  growing  point 
of  the  embryo. 

Pod. — The  capsule  or  seed-case  of  legumi- 
nous and  cruciferous  plants,  those  of  the 
former  (Pease,  Beans,  etc.)  being  called 
legumes,  and  those  of  the  latter  (Cab- 
bage, Turnip,  etc.)  siliques  and  silicules, 
which  see. 

Pollen.  —  The  powdery  or  other  matter 
usually  contained  in  the  cells  of  an  an- 
ther, by  whose  action  on  the  stigma  the 
fertilization  of  the  ovules  is  accomplished. 


POT 

Polyadelphous.  —  Having  many  parcels  of 
stamens. 

Polyandrous. — A  flower  having  more  than 
twenty  stamens  inserted  in  the  recepta- 
cle. 

Polyanthemus. — Bearing  many  flowers. 

Polycotyledonous. — Having  more  than  two 
cotyledons. 

Polygamous. — Having  on  the  same  plant 
some  flowers  that  are  male,  others  that 
are  female,  and  others  hermaphrodite  or 
perfect. 

Polygynous. — Having  many  styles. 

Polymorphous. — Where  a  part  or  an  entire 
species  are  subject  to  considerable  diver- 
sity of  form;  assuming  various  forms. 

Polypetalous. — Having  many  separate  or 
distinct  petals. 

Polypodiacece. — See  Filices. 

Polysephaloua. — Having  many  separate   se- 


Pome. — An  inferior  fleshy,  many-celled 
fruit,  like  that  of  the  Apple. 

Pores. — Small,  often  roundish  holes  or  aper- 
tures. 

Potting. — The  first  operation  of  potting  is 
when  the  rooted  cutting  is  transferred 
from  the  cutting  bed,  or  the  seedling 
from  the  seed  box  to  the  pot. 

Almost  without  exception,  cuttings  or 
seedlings  should  be  placed  in  pots  not 
exceeding  two  and  a  half  inches  in  diam- 
eter. We,  in  our  own  practice,  invaria- 
bly use  pots  two  and  a  quarter  inches  in, 
diameter  at  the  top  and  of  the  same 
depth.  Rooted  cuttings  do  much  better 
in  this  smaller  size,  for  the  reason  that 
the  small  amount  of  soil  in  the  2^-inch 
pot  allows  the  moisture  to  pass  off  quick- 
ly, and  thus  prevents  the  soil  from  be- 
coming sadden  for  want  of  air,  which 
would  be  the  case  if  the  cutting  had 
been  potted  in  a  3  or  4-inch  pot,  as  ama- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


POT 

teur  gardeners  sometimes  do.  The  pot- 
ting of  cuttings  is  very  simple,  and  in 
commercial  gardens  is  performed  with 
great  rapidity,  average  workmen  doing 
300  plants  per  hour.  One  of  our  work- 
men has  obtained  almost  national  fame 
in  this  operation,  as  he  has  repeatedly 
potted  10,000  plants  in  ten  hours,  his  av- 
erage being  6,000  per  day.  The  pot  is 
filled  to  the  level  with  soil,  a  space  made 
with  the  finger  in  the  center  of  the  soil 
of  sufficient  size  to  admit  the  root,  which 
is  placed  in  the  opening  thus  made;  the 
soil  is  closed  in  again  by -pressing  with 
the  thumbs  close  to  the  neck  of  the  cut- 
ting, which  firms  the  soil  around  the 
root.  Bat  when  plants  are  required  to 
be  grown  as  specimens,  or  of  larger  size, 
they  must  be  repotted  at  intervals,  as 
the  condition  of  their  growth  demands. 
For  example,  to  grow  a  Geranium  of  a 
height  of  3  feet  and  3  feet  in  diameter,  a 
pot  of  at  least  8  inches  across  at  top, 
and  8  inches  in  depth,  would  be  neces- 
sary, but  it  would  not  do  to  move  from 
the  2J-inch  cutting  pot  to  this  size  at 
once;  three  or  four  different  shifts  are 
necessary.  These  shifts  should  be  made, 
as  a  general  thing,  not  greater  than  from 
a  24-inch  size  to  a  3  inch,  and  so  on. 

The  time  to  shift  a  plant  from  a  smaller 
to  a  larger  pot  is  known  by  the  roots  be- 
ginning to  show  around  the  outer  surface 
of  the  ball.  It  is  not  necessary  to  shift 
when  the  first  roots  touch  the  side  of 
the  pot;  let  them  curl  pretty  well  around 
the  ball,  but  they  must  not  be  allowed  to 
remain  long  enough  to  become  hard  or 
woody.  They  must  be  of  that  condition 
which  we  call  "  working  roots, "  a  condi- 
tion not  very  easy  to  describe,  unless  to 
say  that  the  appearance  of  such  roots  is 
white,  soft,  and  succulent.  In  most  cases, 


PKI 

the  slightest  tap  on  the  edge  of  the  pot 
is  sufficient  to  turn  out  the  ball  of  earth. 
Soil,  in  depth  according  to  the  size  of  the 
plant,  should  be  placed  in  the  bottom  of 
the  pot,  the  ball  placed  in  the  center,  and 
the  soil  packed  moderately  firm  in  the 
space,  either  by  the  fingers,  or  by  a  stick 
made  of  suitable  size  for  the  purpose. 
When  plants  are  first  potted  off,  or  shift- 
ed, they  should  be  stood  with  the  pots 
touching  each  other,  if  the  diameter  of 
the  plant  is  less  than  that  of  the  pot;  but, 
as  they  begin  to  develop  growth,  the 
plants  should  be  spread  an  inch  or  so 
apart  to  admit  air  between  the  pots; 
this  greatly  strengthens  the  plants,  and 
inclines  them  to  a  stocky  growth.  Though 
we,  in  our  own  practice,  use  drainage  in 
few  kinds  of  plants  except  Koses,  yet 
it  is  perhaps  safer  to  the  unpracticed 
cultivator  to  use  it.  See  Drainage. 

Pouch. — A  little  sack  or  bag  at  the  base  of 
some  sepals  and  petals. 

Powdery. — Covered  with  a  fine  bloom  or 
powdery  matter,  as  the  bloom  on  Plums, 
and  the  leaves  of  some  plants  and  the 
flowers  of  others. 

Prcecox. — Early;  appearing  or  flowering 
earlier  than  other  allied  species. 

Pratensis. — Belonging  to  or  growing  in 
meadows. 

Pricking  off.—  This  is  a  term  used  by  gar- 
deners for  the  process  of  transplanting 
small  seedlings  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to 
handle,  and  replanting  them  closely  to- 
gether, preparatory  to  being  planted  in 
pots  or  in  the  open  ground.  It  is  distin- 
guished from  planting  proper,  inasmuch 
as  the  "  pricking  off"  process  is  always 
preparatory  to  the  final  planting.  For 
example,  when  Tomatoes  come  up  thickly 
in  the  seed  bed,  they  must  be  pricked  off 
at  a  distance  of  an  inch  or  so  apart  in  a 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


387 


PRI 

hot-bed,  again  to  be  planted,  either 
wider  or  in  the  open  air.  If  this  is  not 
done  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to  handle, 
the  plants  will  spindle  and  get  weak,  and 
often  will  die  off  altogether  from  damp- 
ing. 

Primary,  Primarius. — The  part  which  is 
first  developed,  or  the  principal  division 
of  any  organ. 

Process,  Processus. — Any  extension  or  pro- 
jection from  a  surface. 

Procumbent. — Lying  flat  on  the  ground. 

Proliferous. — A  plant  is  said  to  be  prolif- 
erous when  it  forms  young  plants  in 
abundance  about  its  roots. 

Propagation   by  Seeds. — The   most  natural 
way  of  increasing  plants  is  by  seeds;  and 
whenever  it  is  practicable  to  do  so,  it  is 
preferable  to  all  others,  so  that  in  our  own  ! 
practice,  any  plant  of  which  we  can  pro-  1 
cure  the  seed,  we  rarely  increase  in  any  ; 
other  way,  unless,   of  course,  in   cases  j 
where  particular  varieties  are  wanted  that  [ 
we  know  will  not  reproduce  themselves  i 
from  seed,  so  as  to  be  certain  of  color  or 
form  ;    but  in  all  cases  where  seed  taken 
from  a  variety  or  species  will  reproduce 
itself  exactly,  or  in  cases  where   a  gen- 
eral   variety   is    wanted,   the    propaga- 
tion by  seed  is  invariably  practiced.     As 
propagation  by  seeds  refers  more  usually 
to  ornamental  plants   cultivated  under 
glass,  we  will  briefly  relate  our  own  prac- 
tice, which   we  have   greatly  improved 
during    the    past    few    years,    and    in 
which  we  have  attained  almost  unfailing 
satisfactory  results.    We  have  found  that 
seeds  sown  in  shallow  boxes,  from  one 
and  a  half  to  two  inches  deep,  can  be 
given  a  far  more  uniform  degree  of  moist- 
ure  than  when  sown  in  earthen  flower 
pots,  or  earthen  seed  pans  made  specially 
for  that  purpose.     These  boxes  are  made 


PRO 

from  the  ordinary  soap  box,  from  four  to 
five  being  made  from  each,  with  the  bot- 
tom boards  so  put  on  as  to  allow  free  es- 
cape of  moisture,  though,  of  course,  not 
so  wide  apart  as  to  allow  the  soil  to  wash 
through.  These  boxes  are  filled  with 
finely  sifted  soil,  such  as  has  been  run 
through  a  sieve  fine  as  mosquito  netting. 
This  surface  is  then  made  perfectly  level 
and  smooth,  and  the  seeds  sowed  on  it 
as  evenly  as  possible,  and  in  thickness 
corresponding  to  the  variety  sowed, 
though  it  must  be  here  remembered  that 
in  "  union  there  is  strength,"  and  that, 
if  sown  too  thin,  weak  seeds  may  fail  to 
press  up  the  soil  if  isolated  too  much. 
After  the  seeds  are  sown,  and  before  they 
are  covered,  they  are  pressed  down  by  a 
smooth  board  into  the  soil,  so  that  the 
surface  is  again  smooth  and  level 

The  seed  box  is  now  ready  for  its  cov- 
ering. For  the  past  year  we  have  used 
finely-sifted  Moss  (Sphagnum)  exclusively 
for  covering.  To  prepare  this  it  is  rub- 
bed through  a  mosquito  wire  sieve  when 
dry,  and  sifted  over  the  seed  only  thick 
enough  to  cover  it,  usually  about  one- 
sixteenth  part  of  an  inch.  In  the  absence 
of  Moss,  dry  refuse  hops,  cocoanut  fiber, 
or  leaves  will  answer,  prepared  in  the 
same  manner,  the  great  object  being  to 
use  a  material  light  in  weight,  having 
non-conducting  properties,  and  that  will 
thus  hold  the  moisture  uniformly.  Of 
all  these,  we  think  Moss  the  best,  and 
now  use  nothing  else,  as  its  sponge-like 
character  keeps  just  the  right  degree  of 
moisture  wanted.  These  seed  boxes 
should  be  placed  in  the  open  sunlight,  in 
the  windows  of  the  dwelling  room,  in  the 
hot-bed  or  green-house,  and  never  shaded, 
in  a  temperature  running  from  55  de- 
grees to  65  degrees  at  night,  with  10  de- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PRO 

grees  higher  during  the  day;  and  if  a 
proper  degree  of  moisture  is  applied,  say 
a  light  sprinkling  once  a  week,  if  there  is 
life  in  the  seed,  germination  is  certain. 
As  soon  as  the  seeds  have  grown  so  as 
to  attain  the  first  true  leaves,  (that  is, 
the  first  leaves  that  show  after  the  seed- 
leaves,)  they  must  be  "pricked  off" 
(which  see)  carefully  in  soft,  light  soil, 
similar  to  that  used  for  the  seeds,  at  from 
one  to  two  inches  apart,  according  to  the 
kind.  This  will  not  only  prevent  them 
from  damping  off,  as  many  of  them  are 
very  apt  to  do,  but  they  will  be  much 
strpnger  and  suffer  less  when  put  into 
flower  pots  or  replanted  in  the  open 
ground.  We  prefer  to  replant  the  seed- 
lings in  the  shallow  boxes  already  de- 
scribed. And  here  we  again  find,  that  if 
the  soil  is  mixed  with  half  its  bulk  of 
sifted  Sphagnum,  we  get  a  far  better 
development  of  fibrous  roots.  They  are 
more  portable  thus  than  if  planted  again 
in  the  soil  of  the  hot-bed,  or  bench  of  the 
green-house,  though,  of  course,  after 
planting  in  the  boxes  these  are  put  again 
in  the  hot-bed  or  green-house.  After  the 
seedlings  have  been  planted  in  these 
boxes,  lightly  water  them  and  shade  for 
two  or  three  days. 

To  such  as  have  not  the  convenience 
of  a  hot-bed  or  green-house,  vegetable  or 
flower  seeds  may  be  sown  in  the  shallow 
boxes  above  mentioned,  and  placed  in 
the  window  of  a  south  or  east  room, 
where  the  thermometer  does  not  average 
less  than  70  degrees.  Success  would  be 
more  complete,  however,  if  panes  of  glass 
were  placed  over  the  seeds,  resting  on 
the  edge  of  the  box  an  inch  or  so  from 
the  soil.  This  would  prevent  evapora- 
tion, and  render  watering  less  necessary. 
Propagation  of  Plants  by  Cuttings.—  As  now 


PRO 

understood,  this  is  a  simple  matter. 
Formerly  no  operation  in  horticulture 
was  more  befogged  by  ignorant  pretend- 
ers, who,  in  writing  or  speaking  on  the 
subject,  so  warped  the  operation  with 
troublesome  conditions  as  to  discourage, 
not  only  amateurs  in  horticulture,  but 
inexperienced  professional  gardeners  as 
well. 

One  of  the  first  necessary  conditions  in 
<Jie  propagation  of  plants  by  cuttings  is, 
that  the  plant  from  which  the  cutting  or 
slip  is  taken  must  be  in  vigorous  health. 
If  weak  or  tainted  by  disease,  failure  is 
almost  certain  to  result.  If,  for  exam- 
ple, we  wish  to  root  cuttings  of  green- 
house or  bedding  plants,  such  as  Bou- 
vardias,  Chrysanthemums,  Fuchsias,  Gera- 
niums, Heliotropes,  Salvias,  Verbenas,  etc., 
one  of  the  best  g  aides  to  the  proper  con- 
dition is  when  the  cutting  breaks  or 
snaps  clean  off  instead  of  bending  or 
kneeing;  if  it  snaps  off  so  as  to  break, 
then  it  is  in  the  condition  to  root  freely; 
if  it  bends,  it  is  too  old,  and  though  it 
will  root,  it  will  root  much  slower,  and 
make  a  weaker  plant  than  the  slip  that 
snaps  off  on  being  bent.  With  excep- 
tions so  few,  and  those  of  so  little  import- . 
ance  that  it  is  hardly  worth  while  to  al- 
lude to  them,  cuttings  of  all  kinds  root 
freely  from  slips  taken  from  the  young 
wood,  that  is,  the  succulent  growth,  before 
it  gets  hardened,  and  when  in  the 
condition  indicated  by  the  "  snapping 
test,"  as  it  is  called.  We  believe  we 
were  the  first  to  call  attention  to  this 
valuable  test  of  the  condition  of  the  cut- 
ting (snapping)  in  our  work,  Practical 
Floriculture,  first  published  in  1868. 
A  very  general  idea  is  current,  that 
cuttings  must  be  cut  at  or  below  an 
eye  or  joint.  The  practice  of  this  sys- 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


PRO 

tern  leads  undoubtedly  to  many  cases 
of  failure;  not  that  the  cutting  at  or  be- 
low a  joint  either  hinders  or  assists  the 
formation  of  roots  ;  but  from  the  fact 
that,  when  a  slip  is  cut  at  a  joint,  the  shoot 
often  has  become  too  hard  at  that  point, 
while  half  an  inch  higher  up  or  atwve  the 
joint,  the  proper  condition  will  be  found. 
We  know  that  it  will  root  even  when  in 
the  too  hard  condition,  but  the  roots 
emitted  will  be  hard  and  slender,  and,  as 
a  consequence,  will  not  be  likely  to  make 
a  plant  of  the  same  vigor  as  that  made 
from  the  cutting  in  the  proper  state;  be- 
sides, as  the  hard  cutting  takes  double 
the  time  to  root,  its  chances  of  damping 
off  from  unfavorable  atmospheric  condi- 
tions are  thus  increased.  With  these  in- 
structions for  the  proper  state  of  the  cut- 
ting, we  now  proceed  to  describe  the 
medium  wherein  it  is  to  be  placed,  and 
the  conditions  of  temperature,  moist- 
ure, etc.  If  these  are  strictly  followed, 
failure  is  an  impossibility;  for  the  laws 
governing  the  rooting  of  a  slip  are  as 
certain  as  those  governing  the  germina- 
tion of  a  seed.  In  our  own  practice, 
when  these  conditions  are  strictly  fol- 
lowed, failure  is  unknown. 

The  most  proper  condition  of  tempera- 
ture to  root  cuttings  of  the  great  major- 
ity of  green-house  and  bedding  plants  is 
65  degrees  of  bottom  heat,  indicated  by 
a  thermometer  plunged  in  the  sand  of 
the  bench,  and  an  atmospheric  tempera- 
ture of  15  degrees  less.  A  range  of  10 
degrees  may  be  allowed,  that  is,  5  de- 
grees lower  or  5  degrees  higher,  but  the 
nearer  the  heat  of  the  sand  can  be  kept 
to  65  degrees,  and  that  of  the  rest  of  the 
house  to  50  degrees,  the  more  perfect  the 
success  will  be. 
Sand  is  the  best  medium  in  which  to  place 


PRO 

cuttings;  color  or  texture  is  of  no  special 
importance.  What  we  use  is  the  ordi- 
nary sand  used  by  builders;  this  is  laid 
on  the  hot-bed  or  bench  of  the  green- 
house to  the  depth  of  about  three  inches 
and  firmly  packed  down.  When  "  bot- 
tom heat"  is  wanted,  the  flue  or  pipes 
under  the  bench  of  the  green-house  are 
boarded  in,  so  that  the  heat  strikes  the 
bottom  of  the  bench,  thus  raising  the 
temperature  in  the  sand. 

From  the  time  the  cuttings  are  in- 
serted in  the  sand  until  they  are  rooted, 
they  should  never  be  allowed  to  get  dry: 
in  fact,  our  practice  is  to  keep  the  sand 
soaked  with  water,  the  cutting  bench  be- 
ing watered  copiously  every  morning, 
and  often,  when  the  atmosphere  is  dry, 
again  in  the  evening.  Kept  thus  satu- 
rated, there  is  less  chance  of  the  cutting 
getting  wilted,  either  by  heat  from  the 
sun  or  from  fire  heat;  for  if  a  cutting 
once  gets  wilted,  its  juices  are  expend- 
ed, and  it  becomes  in  the  condition  of  a 
hard  cutting,  in  the  condition  in  which, 
when  bent,  it  will  not  snap  nor  break, 
which  has  already  been  described.  To 
avoid  this  wilting  or  flagging  of  the  cut- 
ting, every  means  that  will  suggest  itself 
to  the  propagator  is  to  be  used.  Our 
practice  is  to  shade  and  ventilate  in  the 
propagating  house  or  hot-bed  just  as  soon 
in  the  forenoon  as  the  action  of  the  sun's 
rays  on  the  glass  raises  the  temperature 
of  the  house  to  65  degrees  or  70  degrees. 
Tin's  practice  of  ventilating  the  propagat- 
ing house  or  hot-bed  is,  we  are  aware, 
not  in  very  common  use;  many  contend- 
ing that  the  place  where  the  propagating 
is  done  should  at  all  times  be  kept  close. 
We  have  tried  both  methods  long  enough 
and  extensively  enough  to  satisfy  us  be- 
yond all  question,  that  ventilating  and 


390 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PRO 

propagating  at  a  low  temperature  is  ca- 
pable of  producing  a  larger  number  of 
plants  during  the  season  than  at  a  high 
temperature  and  in  a  close  atmosphere. 
There  need  be  no  failures;  and  it  has  the 
important  advantage  of  producing  a 
healthy  stock,  which  the  close  or  high 
temperature  system  would  fail  to  do  in 
the  case  of  many  plants.  We  have  often 
heard  propagators  boasting  of  rooting 
cuttings  in  five  days.  We  are  well  aAvare 
that  this  may  be  done,  but  we  are  also 
aware  that  it  is  often  done  in  damp  and 
cloudy  weather  at  the  risk  of  the  whole 
crop,  and  it  must  be  done  at  a  high  tem- 
perature, which  at  all  times  causes  the 
plants  to  draw  up  slender,  and  thus  im- 
pairs their  vigor. 

Permitting  a  moderate  circulation  of 
air  in  the  propagating  house  tends  to 
prevent  the  germination  of  that  spider- 
web-like  substance,  which,  for  want  of  a 
better  term,  is  known  among  gardeners 
as  the  "fungus  of  the  cutting  bench." 
Every  one  who  has  had  any  experience 
in  propagating  knows  the  baneful  effects 
of  this;  how  that,  in  one  night,  it  will 
often  sweep  off  thousands  of  cuttings  that 
a  few  hours  before  were  in  healthful  vig- 
or. But  this  dangerous  enemy  of  the 
propagator  requires,  like  vegetation  of 
higher  grades,  conditions  suitable  to  its 
development,  which  evidently  are  a  calm 
atmosphere  and  a  temperature  above  55 
or  60  degrees.  Hence,  to  avoid  this 
pest,  we  make  every  effort  by  shading, 
airing,  and  regulation  of  fire  heat,  to  keep 
the  atmosphere  of  the  house  so  that  it 
shall  not  exceed  60  degrees.  This,  of 
course,  is  not  practicable  when  the  out- 
side temperature  in  the  shade  is  above 
60  degrees;  but  the  temperature  can  be 
reduced  considerably  by  dashing  water 


PRO 

on  the  pathways  and  other  parts  of  the 
house.  It  is  rarely,  however,  that  the 
outside  temperature  ever  exceeds  60  de- 
grees in  the  shade  for  any  length  of  time 
in  the  district  of  New  York  before  the 
middle  of  May,  and  all  propagating  had 
better  be  finished  previous  to  that  time, 
unless  of  tropical  plants.  In  the  fall 
months,  about  the  middle  of  September, 
operations  in  propagating  may  again  be- 
gin. 

The  temperature  is  prevented  from  ris- 
ing in  the  house  in  various  ways,  some 
using  canvas,  or  bast-matting,  or  paint- 
ing the  glass  with  lime  or  whitewash. 
We  find  the  best  and  most  convenient 
shading  to  be  that  formed  by  flexible 
screens  made  of  common  lath,  planed 
and  attached  together  like  Venetian 
blinds,  the  laths  being  an  inch  or  so 
apart;  these  can  be  quickly  rolled  or  un- 
rolled, and  give  an  ever-varying  modified 
shade,  sufficiently  cooling  to  the  house, 
yet  not  darkening  the  cutting  enough  to 
impair  its  vigor.  These  are  not  un- 
rolled in  the  morning  until  the  tempera- 
ture inside  indicates  it  to  be  necessary,  and 
are  rolled  up  in  the  afternoon  as  soon  as 
the  sun  ceases  to  shine  on  the  glass,  for 
it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  cut- 
tings receive  as  much  light  as  they  will 
bear  without  becoming  wilted.  The  time 
required  by  cuttings  to  root  varies  from 
eight  to  twenty  days,  according  to  the  va- 
riety, condition  of  the  cutting,  and  tem- 
perature. Verbenas,  Fuchsias,  or  Helio- 
tropes, put  in  in  proper  condition,  and 
kept  without  ever  being  allowed  to  wilt, 
will  root,  in  an  average  bottom  heat  of  65 
degrees,  in  eight  days,  while  Roses,  Pe- 
largoniums, or  Petunias  will  take  at  least 
double  that  time  under  the  same  condi- 
tions. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


PRO 

It  is  best  to  pot  off  the  cuttings  at 
once  when  rooted,  no  matter  how  small 
the  roots  may  be;  half  an  inch  is  a  much 
better  length  for  them  to  be  when  potted 
than  two  inches,  and  the  operation  is 
much  quicker  performed  when  the  roots 
are  short  than  when  long.  But  the  main 
evils  of  delaying  the  potting  off  of  cut- 
tings are,  that  when  left  too  long  the  cut- 
tings grow  up  weak  and  spindling,  the 
roots  become  hard,  and  do  not  take  as 
quickly  to  the  pot.  The  same  care  is  re- 
quired in  shading  and  watering  after 
potting,  nearly,  as  in  the  cutting  bench; 
for  no  matter  how  carefully  taken 
up,  in  the  operation  of  potting  the 
delicate  roots  get  less  or  more  injured, 
and  until  they  begin  to  emit  roots  are 
nearly  as  liable  to  wilt  as  the  unrooted 
cuttings.  Cuttings  should  always  be 
placed  in  small  pots,  the  best  size  being 
from  two  to  two  and  a  half  inches  wide 
and  deep;  if  placed  in  larger  pots  the 
soil  dries  out  too  slowly,  and  the  tender 
root,  imbedded  too  long  in  a  mass  of  wet 
soil,  rots  and  the  plant  dies.  Though 
we  generally  prefer  soil  to  be  unsifted  in 
potting  large  plants,  yet  for  newly  potted 
cuttings  it  is  better  to  be  sifted  fine,  not 
only  that  it  is  more  congenial  thus  to  the 
young  roots,  but  also  that  the  operation 
is  quicker  done  with  finely-sifted  soil. 
After  potting,  the  cuttings  are  placed  on 
benches  covered  with  an  inch  or  so  of 
sand,  watered  freely  with  a  fine  Kose 
watering  pot,  and  shaded  for  four  or  five 
days;  by  that  time  they  will  have  begun 
to  root,  when  no  further  shading  is  ne- 
cessary. These  methods  of  propagating 
by  cuttings  are  such  as  are  now  practiced 
by  commercial  florists,  but  for  amateurs 
in  horticulture,  or  gardeners  who  have 
charge  of  private  green-houses,  there  is  j 


PRO 

usually  no  necessity  for  a  regular  propa- 
gating house,  unless  the  requirements  for 
plants  are  unusually  large,  as  the 

"  Saucer  System  "  of  Propagation  will 
answer  every  purpose,  and  it  is  the  safest 
of  all  methods  in  inexperienced  hands, 
We  were,  we  believe,  the  first  to  intro- 
duce this  system  some  twenty  years  ago, 
and  here  repeat  the  directions  first  given 
in  one  of  the  horticultural  journals  at 
that  time.  "  Common  saucers  or  plates 
are  used  to  hold  the  sand  in  which  the 
cuttings  are  placed.  This  sand  is  put  in 
to  the  depth  of  an  inch  or  so,  and  the 
cuttings  inserted  in  it  close  enough  to 
touch  each  other.  The  sand  is  then  wa- 
tered until  it  becomes  in  the  condition  of 
mud,  and  placed  on  the  shelf  of  the 
green-house,  or  on  the  window-sill  of  the 
sitting-room  or  parlor,  fully  exposed  to 
the  sun,  and  never  shaded.  But  one  con- 
dition is  essential  to  success:  until  the 
cuttings  become  rooted  the  sand  must  be 
kept  continually  saturated,  and  kept  in  the 
condition  of  mud;  if  once  allowed  to  dry 
up,  exposed  to  the  sun  as  they  are,  the 
cuttings  will  quickly  wilt,  and  the  whole 
operation  will  be  defeated.  The  rules 
previously  laid  down  for  the  proper  con- 
dition of  the  cuttings  are  the  same  in  this 
case,  and  those  for  the  temperature  near- 
ly so;  although,  by  the  saucer  system,  a 
higher  temperature  can  be  maintained 
without  injury,  as  the  cuttings  are  in  re- 
ality placed  in  water,  and  will  not  droop 
at  the  same  temperature  as  if  the  sand 
was  kept  in  the  regular  condition  of  moist- 
ure maintained  in  the  propagating  bench. 
Still,  the  detached  slip,  until  rooted,  will 
not  endure  a  continuation  of  excessive 
heat,  so  that  we  advise,  as  we  do  in  the 
regular  method  of  propagating,  that  the 
attempt  should  not  be  made  to  root  cut- 


HENDEESON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


PEO 

tings  in  this  way,  in  this  latitude,  in  the 
months  of  June,  July,  or  August,  unless 
with  plants  of  a  tropical  nature.  When 
the  cuttings  are  rooted,  they  should  be 
potted  in  small  pots,  and  treated  care- 
fully by  shading  and  watering  for  a  few 
days,  as  previously  directed." 

Propagation  by  Layering. — Although  layer- 
ing may  be  done  with  the  ripened  wood 
of  vines  or  shrubs  of  the  growth  of  the 
previous  season,  yet  it  is  preferable  to 
use  the  shoot  of  the  present  year  in  its 
half  green  state;  for  example,  a  Eose  or 
flowering  shrub  is  pruned  in  the  usual 
way  in  spring;  by  June  or  July  it  will 
have  made  strong  shoots  one,  two,  or 
three  feet  in  length  from  or  near  the  base 
of  the  plant.  Take  the  shoot  then  in  the 
left  hand,  (after  having  stripped  it  of  its 
leaves  for  a  few  inches  on  each  side  of 
where  it  is  to  be  cut,)  keep  the  fingers 
under  the  shoot,  and  make  a  clean  cut 
on  the  upper  part,  an  inch  or  so  in  length, 
and  to  about  half  the  thickness  of  the 
shoot,  then  slightly  twist  the  "  tongue  " 
or  cut  part  to  one  side.  Having  opened 
a  shallow  trench,  fasten  the  branch  down 
with  a  hooked  peg,  and  cover  with 
earth.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  place  a  flat 
stone  over  the  layer  to  prevent  the  soil 
from  drying  out.  This  plan  of  cutting 
the  shoot  on  the  upper  side  we  have 
never  seen  in  illustrations  showing  the 
manner  of  layering,  it  being  usually 
either  on  the  side  or  under;  but  we  have 
found  in  practice  that  it  is  much  the 
safest  plan,  as  the  "  tongue,"  when  cut  on 
the  top  part  of  the  shoot,  has  far  less 
chance  to  be  broken  off. 

Propagation  by  Layering  in  Pots  is  the  pro- 
cess of  layering  shoots  or  runners  of 
plants  in  pots,  so  that,  when  the  root 
forms  in  the  pot,  the  plant  can  be  de- 


PKO 

tached  without  injury  to  it,  as  the  roots 
are  confined  exclusively  to  the  soil  in  the 
pot.  Layering  plants  in  pots  can  be 
done  with  Koses,  vines,  or  shrubs  of  any 
kind,  with  always  more  certainty  of  mak- 
ing a  plant  quicker  than  by  the  ordinary 
way  of  layering  the  shoot  in  the  soil.  This 
system  of  propagating  Strawberries  has 
been  largely  practiced  during  the  past 
ten  years  in  the  United  States,  and  is 
now  a  favorite  method.  For  details,  see 
Strawberry,  p.  221. 

Propagation  by  Layering  in  the  Air. — About 
twenty  years  ago  we  published  a  method 
of  propagating  Geraniums,  that  we  be- 
lieved originated  with  us,  and  which  we 
called,  for  want  of  a  better  term,  "  Lay- 
ering in  the  Air."  It  consists  in  tongu- 
ing  the  shoot  to  be  used  as  a  cutting 
half  through  with  a  knife,  as  in  the  ordi- 
nary layering;  the  shoot  so  treated  formed 
granulations,  or  "  callus, "  on  the  cut 
surface,  and  was  in  a  condition  to  form 
roots  immediately  on  being  detached  and 
put  into  the  earth.  A  year  or  two  ago 
we  bethought  ourselves  of  our  long- 
forgotten  plan  of  "  layering  in  the  air," 
but  this  time  we  improved  upon  the 
former  way  of  doing  it.  Instead  of 
tonguing  the  shoot  to  be  used  for  a  cut- 
ting, as  before,  it  was  merely  snapped 
short  off  at  a  point  where  the  condition 
of  the  shoot  or  slip  would  make  it  hang 
on  to  the  plant  by  the  merest  shred  of 
bark.  Slight  as  this  strip  of  bark  is,  it  is 
sufficient  to  sustain  the  cutting,  without 
any  material  injury  from  wilting,  until  it 
forms  the  "  callus,"  or  granulated  condi- 
tion, which  precedes  the  formation  of 
roots.  The  cutting,  or  slip,  may  be  de- 
tached in  from  ten  to  twelve  days  after 
it  has  been  broken  in  the  manner  de- 
scribed, and  then  potted  in  two  or  three 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


393 


PRO 

inch  pots.  If  watered  and  shaded  rather 
less  than  required  by  ordinary  cuttings, 
it  will  form  roots  in  ten  or  twelve  days 
more,  and  not  more  than  two  per  cent, 
will  fail.  Plants  of  the  Tricolor  Gerani- 
ums, which  all  know  are  difficult  to  root 
under  the  ordinary  modes  of  propaga- 
tion, particularly  in  hot  weather,  do  ex- 
cellently by  this  plan. 

The  advantage  of  this  method  is  not 
only  that  the  slips  root  with  far  greater 
facility,  but  the  injury  to  the  stock  or 
mother  plants  is  far  less  than  if  the  slips 
had  been  cut  clean  off  instead  of  be- 
ing only  partly  detached.  Many  other 
plants  can  be  thus  propagated  with  safe- 
ty, notably  Begonias,  Petunias,  Poinsettias, 
and  such  plants,  the  cuttings  of  which  s 
have  a  tendency  to  damp  in  hot  weather. 
Prothallus. — A  term  intended  to  indicate 


BAD 

the  first  results  of  the  germination  of  the 
spores  in  the  higher  Cryptogams. 

Pseudo. — In  Greek  compounds  means  spu- 
rious. 

Pseudo-bulb. — A  stem  having  the  appear- 
ance of  a  bulb,  but  not  its  structure,  seen 
in  the  thickened  above-ground  stem  of 
many  Orchids. 

Pterocarpus. — When  a  fruit  is  winged. 

Pulverulentus,  Pulverulent. — Covered  with  a 
powdery  substance. 

Pumilus. — Short,  dense,  or  close-growing, 
as  compared  with  other  species  of  the 
same  genus  or  family. 

Pungent. — Terminating  gradually  in  a  hard, 
sharp  point. 

Puniceus. — Pure  red.  The  same  as  Phce- 
niceus,  which  see. 

Pustular,  Pustulate. — Covered  with  glandu- 
lar excrescences,  like  pustules. 


Q 


Q. 


uadrifarious. — Arranged  in  four  rows 
or  ranks. 


Quadrifid. — Divided  four  times. 
Quinate. — Arranged  in  fives. 


E. 


•7-)  M^ — A  term  applied  to  varieties  of 
~~^  plants  as  distinguished  from  spe- 
cies, when  they  can  be  perpetuated  by 
seed  through  a  series  of  generations, 
when  they  become  permanent  varieties. 
The  Cauliflower,  Broccoli,  Cabbage,  etc., 
are  distinct  races  which  have  sprung  from 
the  species  Srassica  oleracea. 
Raceme. — An  inflorescence  in  which  the 
flowers  are  arranged  singly  on  distinct 
pedicels  along  a  common  axis;  a  spike 
with  stalked  flowers,  as  the  Laburnum. 


Racemose.— Flowering  in  a  raceme. 

Rachis. — The  axis  or  central  stem  of  some 
kinds  of  inflorescence. 

Radiant. — A  flower  is  said  to  be  radiant 
when,  in  a  cluster  or  head  of  florets, 
those  of  the  circumference  or  ray  are 
long  and  spreading,  and  unlike  those  of 
the  disk. 

Radical. — Springing  from  the  root,  or  from 
its  crown. 

Radicans.— Booting  from  the  stem. 

Radix. — The  root;  the  descending  axis. 


394 


HENDEBSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BAK 

Bake. — This  is  the  implement  usually  used 
for  leveling  the  soil  after  digging,  or  in 
cleaning  up  walks,  etc.,  but  for  many 
years  we  have  found  the  steel  rake, 
of  a  size  suitable  to  the  work  to  be  done, 
to  be  the  most  effective  tool  used  in  our 
grounds  for  the  prevention  of  weeds. 

Nearly  all  our  first "  hoeing  "  is  done  by 
these  rakes;  that  is,  the  ground,  in  from 
three  to  four  days  after  planting  or  sowing, 
is  raked  over,  thus  destroying  the  weeds 
just  as  they  begin  to  germinate  and  before 
they  appear  on  the  surface.  In  from  five 
to  ten  days,  according  to  the  state  of  the 
weather,  the  ground  is  again  gone  over 
with  the  rakes.  We  are  no  believers  in 
deep  hoeing  in  newly-planted  ground;  it 
is  only  when  plants  begin  to  grow,  and 
when  the  soil  gets  hard,  that  deep  hoeing 
is  beneficial.  By  the  use  of  the  steel 
rake  in  this  manner,  three  times  as  much 
work  can  be  done  as  by  the  hoe.  It  can- 
not be  used,  of  course,  if  the  weeds  are  up, 
but  if  it  is  thus  used  before  the  weeds 
appear  on  the  surface,  one  man  will  do 
more  than  six  will  if  delay  has  been 
made  until  the  weeds  have  to  be  cut 
down  by  the  hoe. 

Ramose. — Branching. 

Ramuli. — Twigs  or  small  branches. 

Ray. — Parts  diverging  in  a  circle  from  a 
central  point.  The  outer  flowers  when 
differently  formed  from  the  inner  in  um- 
bels. 

Receptacle. — That  part  of  the  fructification 
which  supports  the  other  parts. 

Reniform. — Kidney-shaped  in  outline. 

Repens. — Creeping. 

Reticulate,  Setiform.  — Besembling  net-work. 

Retrorse. — Backwards. 

Retuse. — Terminating  in  a  round  end. 

Rewlute. — Rolled  back;  as  certain  tendrils 
and  the  sides  and  ends  of  some  leaves. 


BOG 

Rhizome,  Rhizoma. — A  prostrate,  more  or 
less  subterranean  stem,  producing  roots 
and  leafy  shoots. 

Rhomboid,  Rhombeus,  Rhomboidal. — Besem- 
bling a  rhombus;  oval,  a  little  angular  in 
the  middle,  as  the  leaf  of  Hibiscus  rhom- 
bifolius. 

Bib. — The  principal  vein  or  nervure  which 
proceeds  from  the  petiole  into  a  leaf;  also 
any  firm  longitudinal  elevation. 

Ringent. — Gaping. 

Riparious. — Growing  on  the  banks  of  rivers 
or  lakes. 

Rock-work. — Often,  on  cleaning  up  after  the 
formation  of  new  grounds,  masses  of  rock 
and  stumps  are  present,  which  are  often 
difficult  materials  to  get  rid  of;  such  may 
be  arranged  in  natural-looking  mounds 
or  screens  for  wind-brakes,  which,  when 
the  interstices  are  filled  in  with  soil  and 
planted  with  bright  leaved  or  bright 
flowering  plants,  can  be  made  most  at- 
tractive; or  in  locations  where  rocks  exist 
in  their  natural  condition,  they  can  be 
made  highly  interesting  and  ornamental 
by  setting  out  plants  of  a  drooping  or 
creeping  habit  to  overhang  among  them. 
The  rocky  caves  in  the  grounds  of  the  Na- 
tional Soldiers'  Home  at  Dayton,  Ohio, 
have  been  so  utilized  both  inside  and  out, 
and  are  one  of  the  most  attractive  objects 
of  that  grandly  kept  place.  Purely  ar- 
tificial "rock- work"  may  be  made  by 
clinkers  from  iron  or  other  furnaces  be- 
ing dipped  in  hot  lime,  which  gives  a 
coloring  of  pure  white  to  their  grotesque 
shapes.  These  are  used  in  building  the 
"  rock-work "  to  the  shape  and  dimen- 
sions wanted,  care  being  taken  that,  in 
forming  the  upper  courses,  cavities  eight 
or  twelve  inches  deep  and  wide  be  left 
to  be  filled  with  soil  in  which  to  grow 
the  plants.  For  this  style  of  rock-work 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


EOO 

bright  colors  should  be  used  to  contrast 
with  the  ground- work  of  white.    A  simple 
yet  elegant  effect  is  produced  by  plant- 
ing with  Scarlet  Geraniums,  and  nothing 
else.     But  if  desired  to  be  varied,  bright 
colored  Verbenas,  Coleus,  Lobelias,  Rose- 
colored  Geraniums,  Golden  Moneywort, 
and  many  other  similar  plants  can  be 
used  with  effect.     A  rockery  so  formed 
and  planted,  without  having  any  preten- 
sions to  being  natural,  is  always  an  at- 
tractive and  interesting  object  on  a  well- 
kept  lawn.     If  cement  or  "  water-lime  " 
is  used  instead  of  lime,  the  rock-work 
can  be  made  of  a  pleasing  drab  color. 
Boot. — The  descending  axis.     See  Radix. 
Rotate,  Rotceform. — Resembling  a  wheel. 
Rotation  of  Crops. — All  observing  cultivators 
soon  discover  that,  no  matter  how  fertile 
a  soil  may  be,  the  same  kind  of  crop  can- 
not be  grown  so  well  on  it  successively, 
as  if  it  were  alternated  with  a  crop  of  an 
entirely  different  character.     No  satisfac- 
tory reason  can  be  assigned  for  this  that 
we  know  off,  unless  in  the  familiar  case 
of  the  Cabbage  crop.     We  find  that  if 
Cabbages  on  most  soils  are  grown  two 
years  in  succession,  the  crop  will  be  af- 
fected by  the  disease  known   as  "Club 
Root,"  (which  see;)  but  in  this  particular 
instance  we  get  at  a  tangible  cause.     A 
great  many  theories  have  been  assigned 
why  the  same  crops  deteriorate  by  being 
grown  successively  on  the  same  soil,  but 
they  have  been  far  from  satisfactory,  and 
in  no  case  that  we  know  of,  unless  in  the 
case  of  the  Cabbage,  or  Brassica  tribe,  have 
they  led  to  any  beneficial  practical  re- 
sults.    The  following  general  rules  have 
been  laid  down  as  a  guide : 

First.  Plants  of  the  same  natural  order 
should  not  be  planted  to  succeed  each 
other.  Second.  Crops  which  for  a  num- 


KUS 

ber  of  years  occupy  the  ground,  such  as 
Strawberries,  Rhubarb,  or  Asparagus, 
should  be  succeeded  by  annual  crops, 
such  as  Cabbages,  Lettuce,  or  Radishes. 
Third.  Crops  grown  for  their  heads,  such 
as  Cabbage,  Cauliflower,  or  Lettuce, 
should  be  succeeded  by  plants  grown  for 
their  roots,  such  as  Parsnips,  Carrots,  or 
Beets.  It  is  not  always  practicable  to 
vary  crops  according  to  rules,  nor  should 
such  rules  be  taken  as  arbitrary,  but  only 
as  a  guide.  When  vegetables  or  fruits 
are  grown  for  market,  the  necessities  of 
the  cultivator  compel  usually  double 
crops  of  the  land  each  season,  and  that, 
with  heavy  manuring  and  deep  cultiva- 
tion, seems  to  do  away,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  with  any  need  for  systematic  ro- 
tation, which  would  often  be  found  to  be 
impracticable.  As  has  been  previously 
said,  the  crops  of  afl  others  that  we  find 
most  benefited  by  change  are  the  Cab- 
bage tribe,  together  with  the  allied  fam- 
ilies of  Turnip,  Radish,  etc.  While,  on 
the  other  hand,  Onions  never  seem  to  be 
injured  by  successive  plantings  on  the 
same  soil  When  space  is  limited,  or 
when  it  is  not  convenient  to  rotate  crops, 
the  next  best  thing  is  deep  culture,  by 
trenching  or  subsoiling,  which  see. 

Rudimentary. — In  an  incomplete  condition. 

Ruga. — A   wrinkle;  hence   rugose,  covered 
with  wrinkles. 

Rupestris. — Growing  on  or  near  rocks. 

. — This  term  is  used  for  a  destructive 
form  of  disease  affecting  many  widely 
different  kinds  of  plants.  It  is  known  by 
the  dry,  shriveled,  or  curly  appearance 
of  the  foliage,  the  leaves  being  less  or 
more  discolored  with  blackish  blotches 
or  spots.  It  is  not  always  easy  to  deter- 
mine the  cause,  but  we  think  it  safe  to  say 
that  in  many  plants  it  is  owing  to  a  weak- 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


BUS 

ened  condition  of  the  plant  that  invites 
the  attacks  of  parasites,  causing  the 
"rust."  This  we  have  proved  to  be  the 
case  so  often  in  our  practice,  that  we 
now  no  longer  doubt  on  the  subject. 

We  find,  for  example,  if  we  leave  such 
plants  as  Heliotrope,  Verbenas,  Lanta- 
nas,  Pelargoniums,  or  other  plants  subject 
to  the  disease  known  as  "black  rust,"  so 
that  they  become  enfeebled  for  want  of 
pot  room,  they  are  almost  certain  to  be 
affected.  A  few  years  ago  we  tried  an 
experiment  on  one  hundred  each  of  He- 
liotrope and  Verbena  plants,  (that  were 
in  fine  healthy  condition,  growing  in  two- 
inch  pots,)  of  shifting  one-half  of  each  lot 
into  three-inch  pots,  the  other  half  being 
allowed  to  remain  unshifted.  The  shift- 
ed plants  grew  vigorously,  and  in  six 
weeks  were  twice  the  size  of  the  others, 
and  in  fine,  vigorous  health;  while  those 
unshifted,  becoming  impoverished  for 
want  of  new  soil,  were  stunted,  and  near- 
ly all  became  affected  by  "black  rust." 

The  examination  of  the  diseased  leaves 
by  a  powerful  microscope  revealed  num- 
bers of  crab-like  mites  feeding  on  the 
leaves,  while  on  healthy  leaves  of  the 
same  plant  not  a  parasite  could  be  found. 
The  inference  then  is,  that  the  weak- 


SCA 

ened  condition  of  the  plant  made  it  a 
congenial  soil  for  the  deposit  of  the  germ 
of  this  parasitical  insect.  Another  kind 
of  "rust,"  evidently  distinct  from  the 
preceding,  is  now  one  of  the  most  serious 
obstacles  to  the  forcing  of  Lettuce  under 
glass,  whole  crops  being  utterly  destroy- 
ed by  it.  We  are  inclined  to  believe  that 
the  Lettuce  rust  is  the  work  of  a  vegeta- 
ble parasite,  as  a  microscopic  examina- 
tion of  the  diseased  leaves  show  a  fungoid 
structure  very  similar  to  Eose  mildew. 
The  only  remedy  we  can  advise  in  this 
case  is  to  work  with  young  plants  on  fresh 
soil,  as  far  as  practicable.  The  usual 
method  of  obtaining  Lettuce  plants  for 
forcing,  is  to  use  plants  sown  or  planted 
in  cold  frames  in  fall,  for  all  the  plantings 
during  the  entire  winter;  but  we  have 
found  that  such  plants  are  more  liable  to 
the  disease  than  those  sown  later;  and 
now  the  most  successful  growers  of  Let- 
tuce for  winter,  use  only  the  cold  frame 
(fall  sowed  plants)  for  their  first  crop, 
which  is  usually  ready  at  Christmas, 
while  for  the  succession  crops,  new  sow- 
ings are  made  about  six  weeks  before  the 
plants  are  needed,  it  being  found  that 
these  fresh  young  plants  are  less  liable  to 
the  rust  than  the  others. 


s. 


,  Sabulosus. — Growing  in  sandy 
places. 

Saccharate. — Having  a  sweet  taste. 
Sacciform. — Having  the  form  of  a  bag. 
Sagittate. — Shaped  like  an  arrow. 
Samara. — An  indehiscent  fruit  producing  a 
wing-like  expansion  from  its  back  or  end. 
Sap.— The  juice  of  a  plant. 


Sapid. — Having  an  agreeable  taste. 
Sapor. — The  taste  which  a  thing  has. 
Sarmentum. — A  runner. 
Sarmentose. — Producing  runners. 
Sujcatttis. — Growing  on  rocks  or  stones. 
Scabrous. — Hough  with  little  asperities. 
Scales. — Minute  rudimentary  leaves. 
Scandens. — Climbing,  but  not  twisting. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


397 


SCA 

Scape. — A  stem  rising  from  the  crown  of  a  ! 
root,  and  bearing  nothing  but  flowers. 

Scion. — A  cutting  intended  for  a  graft. 

Secretion. — Any  organic  but  unorganized  • 
substance  produced  in  the  interior  of  j 
plants. 

Secund. — All  the  flowers  or  leaves,  or  other 
organs,  turned  toward  the  same  side. 

Seed  Dritt. — This  is  the  implement  used  in 
sowing  field  crops  of  Onions,  Carrots,   | 
Turnips,  etc.     It  can  be  adjusted  so  as  to  | 
sow  all  sizes  of  seeds.     To  use  the  seed 
drill  successfully,  the   ground   must   be 
soft  and  smooth.     It  is  never  safe  to  use 
it  in  harsh  clayey  or  stony  soils.     By  its 
use  only  about  one-fourth  the  quantity 
of  seed  is  required  than  when  sown  by   j 
hand;  and  the  plants  coming  up  in  less 
numbers,  they  are  easier  thinned  out.     It  ; 
is  rarely  used  in  small  gardens. 

Sedges. — A  tribe  of  marsh  plants. 

Semi. — As  a  prefix  denotes  half. 

Seminal. — Belonging  to  the  seed. 

Senarious. — Arranged  in  six  together  of  the  j 
same  kind. 

Sepals. — The  divisions  of  the  calyx. 

Sepaloid. — Resembling  a  sepal. 

Septum. — The  partition  that  divides  the  in- 
terior of  the  fruit. 

Sessile. — Sitting  close  upon  the  body  that 
supports  it,  without  any  sensible  stalk. 

Seta. — A  bristle  of  any  kind ;  a  bristle  tip- 
ped with  a  gland;  a  slender  prickle. 

Shading. — A  great  many  plants  are  invigor- 
ated by  a  moderate  amount  of  shade  from 
the  intensity  of  the  sun's  rays  during  the 
summer  months,  requiring  more  or  less, 
according  to  their  nature,  those  whose 
native  habitat  is  shady  woods  requiring 
more  than  those  that  grow  partly  or 
fully  exposed  to  sunlight.  Such  plants 
as  Dracaenas,  Ferns,  Palms,  Fuchsias, 
Camellias,  Orchids,  and  the  greater  part 


SIL 

of  cultivated  tropical  plants,  when  grown 
under  glass,  are  benefited  by  a  light  shade, 
even  in  the  winter  months,  and  a  heavier 
one  as  the  hot  weather  advances.  Such 
plants  as  Roses,  when  grown  under  glass, 
only  require  a  very  slight  shading  during 
the  summer  months,  (say  June,  July,  and 
August,)  which  requires  to  be  removed 
when  the  fall  months  begin.  A  simple 
and  cheap  shading,  which  we  have  found 
excellent  in  every  respect,  is  Naphtha 
mixed  with  a  little  white  lead,  so  as  to 
give  it  the  color  of  thin  milk.  It  is 
syringed  over  the  outside  of  the  glass, 
and  costs  only  about  twentv-five  cents 
for  every  1,000  square  feet  of  surface. 
This  shading  modifies  the  intensity  of  the 
sun's  rays  without  much  lessening  the 
light;  and  though  it  adheres  tenaciously 
to  the  glass,  it  is  easily  rubbed  off  in  fall, 
particularly  after  the  first  frost.  Shading 
is  sometimes  necessary  with  such  plants 
as  are  set  but  of  doors  in  summer,  and 
for  this  purpose  a  light  framework  is 
constructed  and  covered  on  the  top  with 
portable  screens,  made  of  common  lath, 
or  strips  of  that  width,  which  are  nailed 
to  light  frames.  A  convenient  size  is 
four  by  six  feet.  They  are  sometimes 
tacked  on  to  the  framework,  but  are  bet- 
ter portable,  as  in  dull  weather  the  plants 
are  better  without  additional  shade. 

Sheath. — A  part  which  is  rolled  round  a 
stem  or  other  body,  as  the  lower  part  of 
the  leaf  that  surrounds  the  stem. 

Shoot. — Any  fresh  branch,  more  especially 
one  given  off  immediately  from  the  up- 
per extremity  of  the  root. 

Shrub. — A  woody  plant  wluch  does  not.  form 
a  true  trunk  like  a  tree,  but  has  several 
stems  rising  from  the  roots. 

Silique. — The  long  taper  pod  of  Cruciferw. 

Silky. — When  hairs  are  glossy,  like  silk. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


SIL 

Silvery.— Having  a  whitish  metallic  luster. 

Simple.— Not  compound;  not  branched. 

Sinuate.— Having  many  large  blunt  lobes. 

Sioshed.  —Where  a  surface  is  divided  by 
deep  and  very  acute  incisions. 

Slugs.— A.  certain  remedy  against  Slugs  is 
salt  strewn  along  the  edges  of  the  bench 
or  table.  It  is  a  sure  dead  line,  the 
crossing  of  which  is  fatal  to  the  slugs. 

Smooth. — Free  from  asperities  or  hairs. 

Sobole. — A  creeping  rooting  stem. 

Soboliferous. — Producing  young  plants  from 
the  roota 

Soil. — A  good  soil  is  the  base  of  success  in 
all  operations  of  the  garden.  What  are 
the  properties  of  a  good  soil  is  not  very 
easy  to  convey  in  writing,  as  quality  is 
not  always  confined  to  a  particular  color  j 
or  texture,  though  the  practical  horticul- 
turist can  nearly  always  tell,  by  turning 
up  with  a  spade,  the  relative  qualities  of 
a  soil.  If  selection  can  be  made  for  gen- 
eral purposes,  a  rather  dark-colored  soil 
should  be  chosen,  neither  too  sandy  nor 
too  clayey,  and  as  deep  as  can  be  found, 
but  not  less  than  ten  inches,  or  the 
chances  are  that  it  will  not  be  of  first 
quality.  It  should  overlay  a  sandy  loam 
of  yellowish  color,  through  which  water 
will  pass  freely.  The  condition  of  the 
subsoil  is  of  the  first  importance  in  choos- 
ing soil.  Sandy  loam  we  believe  to  be  the 
best;  next  to  that  a  porous  gravel,  and 
the  least  to  be  desired  is  a  stiff  blue  clay. 
Land  having  a  clay  subsoil  is  always  later 
in  maturing  crops  than  one  having  a  sandy 
or  gravelly  subsoil;  and  if, the  land  is  at 
all  level,  draining  is  indispensable  at 
every  fifteen  or  twenty  feet,  or  no  satis- 
faction can  be  had  in  culture.  It  is  a 
common  belief  that  poor  land  can  be 
brought  up  by  cultivation.  A  portion  of 
the  land  used  by  us  has  the  blue  clay 


SOI 

subsoil  above  referred  to,  and  although  in 
the  past  twenty  years  we  have  expended 
large  sums  in  draining,  subsoiling,  and 
manuring,  we  have  failed  to  get  it  into 
the  condition  of  other  portions  of  our 
grounds,  having  the  proper  subsoil,  and 
do  not  think  that  any  culture  would 
bring  it  into  as  good  shape. 

The  soil  for  potting  plants  in  is  often  a 
matter  causing  great  anxiety  to  the  ama- 
teur florist,  many  of  the  books  giving  ad- 
vice on  the  subject  insisting  that  special 
kinds  are  indispensable  fpr  different 
families  of  plants.  We  are  glad  to  tell 
our  readers  that  in  our  own  establish- 
ment, where  upward  of  two  millions  of 
plants  are  now  grown  annually  in  pots, 
we  do  not  find  it  necessary  to  make  these 
nice  distinctions.  The  great  bulk  of  the 
soil  we  use  in  potting  is  composed  of 
sods  cut  about  three  inches  deep  from 
any  good  sod  land,  preferring  such  as  is 
known  as  sandy  loam.  The  sods  are 
heaped  up  in  alternate  layers  of  one-fourth 
of  thoroughly  rotted  horse  or  cow  manure, 
or  rotted  refuse  hops  from  breweries,  when 
such  are  obtainable.  Either  of  these 
three  manures  will  do  separately  or 
mixed  together,  as  convenient.  This 
compost  is  better  to  stand  six  or  eight 
months,  but  often  our  necessities  compel 
us  to  use  it  much  sooner,  which  makes  no 
material  difference,  provided  it  is  at  a  sea- 
son of  the  year  when  the  sod  will  rot. 
The  manure  and  sods  are  thoroughly 
mixed  and  chopped  up,  and  for  the  small- 
er plants  is  run  through  a  fine  sieve. 

Peat,  so  much  insisted  on  as  a  necessi- 
ty for  Azaleas,  Ferns,  and  other  fine 
rooted  plants,  we  rarely  use,  substituting 
instead  either  mould  formed  from  thor- 
oughly rotted  refuse  hops,  or  dried  Moss 
(Sphagnum)  run  through  a  fine  sieve; 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


SOW 

either  of  these,  mixed  in  about  equal  parts 
with  our  sod  mould,we  use  instead  of  peat 
for  all  thread-like  rooting  plants.  Besides,    I 
true  peat  is  rarely  to  be  found  in  this   i 
country,    and   is  well   replaced  by   leaf  ! 
mould,  if  necessary. 

Souring. — Is  one  of  the  operations  of  the 
garden  that  it  is  easy  to  give  instructions  j 
in;  and  if  they  are  carefully  followed,  there  j 
need  never  be  failure.  One  of  the  most 
important  things  is  the  condition  of 
the  soil,  which  should  be  as  thoroughly 
broken  up  and  pulverized  by  plowing 
and  harrowing,  digging  or  raking,  as 
its  nature  will  admit,  care  being  taken 
that  it  is  worked  when  in  that  state 
that  is  neither  too  dry  nor  too  wet.  If 
too  dry,  particularly  if  the  soil  is  of  a 
clayey  nature,  it  cannot  well  be  got  in 
the  proper  friable  condition  without  an 
unusual  amount  of  labor;  and,  on  the  j 
other  hand,  if  too  wet,  it  clogs  and  bakes, 
and  becomes  so  hard  that  the  air  cannot 
penetrate,  leaving  it  in  a  condition  from 
which  good  results  cannot  be  obtained. 
We  have  seen  stiff,  clayey  land  that  has 
shown  bad  results  for  years  after,  by  be- 
ing plowed  and  harrowed  while  too  wet. 
Another  condition  of  the  soil,  before  sow- 
ing seeds,  is  to  have  the  surface  as 
smooth  and  level  as  possible.  Seeds  can 
either  be  sown  broadcast  or  in  drills,  and  | 
for  all  garden  operations  the  sowing  is 
mostly  done  in  drills.  If  sowing  such 
vegetables  as  Parsnips,  Onions,  Beets,  or 
Carrots  is  to  be  done  on  a  large  scale, 
the  use  of  the  Seed  Drill  (which  see) 
will  save  seed  and  labor;  but  if  for  ordi- 
nary garden  use,  it  had  better  be  done 
by  hand.  If  only  a  small  quantity  is 
wanted,  the  drills  can  be  made  with  a 
hoe;  but  if  larger,  a  simple  implement 
known  as  a  Marker  (which  see)  had  bet- 


SPO 

ter  be  used.  It  is  often  given  as  a  rule, 
that  seeds  should  be  covered  with  soil 
only  as  deep  as  their  own  bulk;  but  this 
rule  can  hardly  be  followed  in  our  dry 
climate,  as  many  kinds  would  dry  up  or 
shrivel  with  such'  a  slight  covering.  As 
an  example,  Onion  or  Carrot  seed  should 
be  covered  from  a  half  inch  to  an  inch, 
while  Beans  or  Pease  should  be  covered 
from  two  to  three  inches.  For  sowing 
of  flower  seeds,  see  "Propagation  of 
Plants  by  Seeds. "  But  the  most  import- 
ant matter  of  all  in  sowing  seeds  in  the 
open  ground  is,  that  they  be  properly 
firmed  in  the  soil.  A  simple  way  is  to 
tread  the  rows,  after  the  seed  is  sown, 
with  the  feet.  This  is  detailed  fully  in 
Onion  culture,  page  150. 
Spadix. — A  succulent  spike  bearing  many 
sessile,  closely  placed  flowers;  a  spike  in- 
closed in  a  spathe. 

Spathe. — A  large  bract  rolling  over  an  in- 
florescence, and  guarding  it  while  young, 
as  in  the  Calla  and  Arum. 
Sperma,  Spermum. — In  Greek  compounds, 

a  seed,  or  any  seed-like  part 
Spherical.  — Kound  like  a  sphere. 
Spica. — A  spike,  which  see. 
Spicate. — Having  a  spike. 
Spike,  Spica.— A.  long  simple  axis  with  many 
sessile  flowers.     A  compound  spike  is  a 
collection  of  spikes  arranged  in  a  race- 
mose manner. 

Spikelet. —  The  small  terminal  group  of 
florets  in  Grasses  inclosed  within  one  or 
more  glumes. 

Spine.— A.  stiff,  sharp-pointed  body,    con- 
sisting of  woody  tissue  covered  with  cel- 
lular tissue;  a  thorn. 
Spiral.  —Twisted  like  a  screw. 
Spongiole,  Spongekt.— The    young,    tender 
extremity  of  a  root,  by  which  fluid  food 
is  absorbed  from  the  earth. 


400 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


SPO 

Sponge.— Having  the  texture  of  a  sponge. 

Sporadic. — When  a  given  species  occurs  in 
more  than  one  of  the  separate  districts 
assigned  to  particular  Floras. 

Spare,  Sporule.—The  reproductive  body  in 
cryptogamous  plants,  analogous  to  the 
seed  of  phaenogamous  plants 

Spur. — A  tubular  extension  of  the  lower 
part  of  a  petal  or  monopetalous  corolla; 
a  loose  prolongation  of  the  base  of  a  leaf 
beyond  its  point  of  attachment.  The 
same  as  Calcar,  which  see. 

Squarrose. — Eough  with  projecting  scales. 

StaUc. — The  stem  or  support  to  an  organ,  as 
the  petiole  of  a  leaf,  the  peduncle  or 
pedicel  of  a  flower,  etc. 

Stamen. — That  organ  of  the  flower  which 
contains  the  pollen. 

Staminode,  Staminodium. — A  rudimentary 
stamen,  or  what  appears  to  be  so. 

Standard. — The  fifth  petal  of  a  papilionace- 
ous flower. 

Stellate. — Radiating  from  the  center  like  a 
star. 

Stem. — The  ascending  axis  of  a  plant,  from 
which  leaves,  flowers,  and  fruit  are  de- 
veloped. 

Stigma,  (pi.  Stigmata.}— That  surface  of  a 
style,  usually  at  its  extremity,  to  which 
the  pollen  adheres  when  it  fertilizes  the 
ovules. 

Stimuli. — Stinging  hairs,  as  in  Nettles. 

Stipe.—  The  stalk  of  Terns  up  to  the  first 
pinnae. 

Stipules.— Processes  or  appendages  of  vari- 
ous kinds,  usually  leaf-like,  arising  from 
the  base  of  a  leaf,  usually  from  its  sides; 
leaf-like  appendages  at  the  base  of  the 
petiole. 

Stock.— Synonym  for  a  race.  A  plant  to 
which  a  graft  or  bud  has  been  applied. 

Stole,  Stolon.— A  sucker;  a  lax  trailing  branch 
given  off  at  the  summit  of  the  root,  and 


sue 

taking  root   at  intervals,  whence   fresh 
buds  are  developed. 

Stoloniferous. — Producing  many  stoles. 

Stool. — A  plant  from  which  "  layers  "  are 
propagated,  by  bending  its  branches  into 
the  soil,  so  that  they  may  take  root. 

Strictus. — Perfectly  straight  or  upright. 

Structure. — The  peculiar  manner  in  which 
the  several  organs,  elementary  or  com- 
pound, are  disposed  in  plants. 

Style. — The  part  which  bears  the  stigma;  the 
narrowed  upper  end  of  a  carpellary  leaf. 

Sub. — In  composition  means  somewhat  or 
approaching;  as  sub-rotund,  somewhat 
round;  sub-globose,  approaching  globular. 

Subsoiling. — This  is  indispensable  to  the 
best  culture,  either  in  the  garden  or  on 
the  farm.  On  soils  having  a  clayey  or 
hard-pan  subsoil,  the  subsoil  plow  should 
be  used  at  least  every  two  years.  It  ac- 
complishes the  work  of  loosening  and 
pulverizing,  and  thus  admitting  air  to  a 
depth  of  eighteen  or  twenty  inches,  or 
twice  the  usual  depth  turned  up  by  the 
surface  plow.  In  our  own  practice  in 
our  stiff  clay  soil,  we  use  it  nearly  every 
alternate  year.  The  subsoiler  now  used 
stirs,  loosens,  and  pulverizes  the  soil  only, 
but  does  not  invert  it,  following  immedi- 
ately behind  in  the  furrow  made  by  the 
surface  plow  of  course,  or  the  necessary 
depth  could  not  be  attained.  The  im- 
plement is  made  for  one  and  two  horses. 
On  light  sandy  subsoils  the  one  horse 
size  is  sufficient,  but  for  clay  or  hard-pan 
two  powerful  horses  are  necessary  to  get 
to  the  proper  depth.  See  Plowing.  When 
subsoiling  is  done  by  the  spade  it  is 
called  trenching,  which  see. 

Subulate,  Subuliform. — Awl-shaped;  linear, 
tapering  from  a  broadish  base  to  a  fine 
point;  a  long,  narrow  triangle. 

Succulent. — Very  cellular  and  juicy. 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PIANT3. 


401 


sue 

Succulents. — Plants  possessing  thick,  fleshy 

leaves,  such  as  Cacti,  Sedums,  Sempervi- 

vums,  Crassulas,  etc. 
Suffruticose.  —  Half-shrubby ;      having     a 

somewhat  shrubby  habit. 
Sulcate. — Furrowed,  channeled. 
Superior. — Growing  above  anything.     An 

ovary  is  superior  when  it  grows  above 

the  origin  of  the  calyx. 
Surculi. — Young  shoots. 


TEM 

Suture. — The  line  of  junction  of  two  differ- 
ent parts. 

Sylvestris,  Sylvaticus,  Sylvan. — Growing  in 
woods. 

Syn. — In  Greek  compounds  means  union, 
adhesion,  or  growing  together. 

Syngenesious. — Having  the  anthers  united 
at  their  edges,  so  as  to  form  a  tube;  be- 
longing to  the  nineteenth  class  in  the 
Linnsean  system. 


T. 


riTJ  able,  Stage,  and  Bench. — These  are  the 
different  terms  used  for  the  struc- 
ture whereon  plants  are  set  in  the 
green-house.  The  bench  or  table  more 
particularly  refers  to  one  flat  platform, 
which,  if  in  the  front  of  the  green-house,  is 
from  three  to  four  feet  wide ;  if  in  the 
middle  or  center  of  the  house,  seven 
or  eight  feet  wide,  and  from  two  to 
three  feet  in  height,  according  to  the 
style  of  the  house.  These  widths  and 
heights  are  important  as  being  the 
most  convenient  for  use,  as  well  as  to 
show  the  plants  to  the  best  advantage. 
The  Stage  is  a  series  of  platforms,  placed 
usually  in  the  center  of  the  green-house, 
being  of  various  widths,  from  one  to 
three  feet.  For  instance,  if  the  base 
width  of  the  platform  be  nine  feet,  three 
stagings  of  three  feet  each  would  be  re- 
quired (each  elevated  a  foot  above  the 
other)  to  make  the  width.  This  style  of 
green-house  benching,  however,  is  less 
to  be  recommended  than  one  platform  of 
the  same  height,  as  the  latter  is  not  only 
more  convenient  to  work  with,  but  the 
plants  show  on  it  to  better  advantage 
than  if  elevated  too  high. 


The  green-house  benches  are  usually 
made  of  inch  boards,  but  in  our  own 
practice  we  have  for  the  past  three  years 
had  all  the  "  sheeting  "  for  our  benches 
made  of  rough  roofing  slate,  over  which 
is  laid  half  an  inch  of  cement.  These  ma- 
terials cost  only  about  25  per  cent,  more 
than  the  board  benches,  and  will  be  an  im- 
mense saving,  as  the  wooden  benches' 
rot  out  from  the  heat  and  moisture  in 
four  or  five  years.  The  skeleton  or 
frame-work  of  the  benches  we  make  of  Yel- 
low Pine.  If  the  frame-work  were  made  of 
iron,  such  benches  would  be  indestructi- 
ble; but  even  with  the  pine  wood  frame- 
work they  will  stand  for  twenty  years,  as 
the  cement  covering  laid  over  the  slates 
prevents  the  water  getting  to  the  wood 
work.  Care,  however,  must  be  taken  to 
leave  spaces  every  ten  feet  or  so,  where 
the  water  can  escape  through  the  bench. 
For  the  material  covering  the  bench  on 
which  to  set  the  plants,  see  Drainage. 

Tegmen. — The  inner  skin  which  covers  the 
seed;  the  glumes  of  grasses. 

Tegmentum. — The  outer  scales  of  a  leaf  bud. 

Temperature. — A  temperature  suited  to  the 
nature  of  the  plant  is  one  of  the  most  im- 


402 


HENDERSON'S   HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


TEM 

portant  conditions  to  the  well-being  of 
plants  under  cultivation,  and  the  nearer 
we  can  come  to  the  conditions  of  tem- 
perature and  moisture  of  the  native  hab- 
itat of  the  plant,  the  nearer  we  come  to 
perfection  in  cultivation.  Thus  we  find 
that  in  our  garden  weeds,  the  Chickweed 
(Alsine  or  Stettaria  media)  is  only  trouble- 
some in  early  spring  and  in  the  fall,  when 
the  average  temperature  is  perhaps  50° 
or  60°,  because  it  is  a  native  of  a  country 
(Britain)  where  there  is  no  higher  aver- 
age; while  our  too  familiar  Purslane 
(Portulaca  oleracea)  only  rears  its  head  to 
injure  in  the  dog  days,  when  the  ther- 
mometer averages  70°  or  80°,  because  it 
is  an  importation  from  the  tropics. 

A  large  proportion  of  Lima  Beans, 
Sweet  Corn,  and  other  tropical  vegetable 
seeds  annually  perish  by  being  sown  two 
to  three  weeks  too  early  by  our  impatient 
amateur  horticulturists;  while,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  colder  blooded  Parsnip 
or  Carrot  all  but  refuse  to  germinate, 
and  often  fail  to  grow  in  the  hot  summer 
weather.  Seeds  of  Calceolarias,  Cinera- 
rias, Primroses,  Pansies,  etc.,  which  in 
England  are  sown  and  germinate  freely 
in  July,  will  in  a  majority  of  cases  utter- 
ly fail  if  attempted  at  the  same  date 
here,  where  we  have  15°  to  20°  higher 
temperature  and  a  drier  atmosphere. 
"We  hear  of  hundreds  of  failures  of  this 
kind  every  season,  which  are  laid  to  the 
quality  of  the  seeds  by  Scotch  and  Eng- 
lish gardeners,  who  have  not  yet  had 
experience  with  our  American  climate. 
The  same  seeds,  sown  during  the  months 
of  Februar}%  March,  or  April,  or  Septem- 
ber or  October,  would  germinate  without 
trouble,  because  the  temperature  and  at- 
mosphere then  can  be  made  inside  con- 
genial to  their  nature. 


TEM 

The  same  necessity  for  congenial  tem- 
perature exists  in  growing  matured 
plants,  and  one  of  the  main  causes  of 
want  of  success  in  cultivating  plants  un- 
der glass  is  a  want  of  knowledge,  or  care- 
lessness in  keeping  a  temperature  un- 
suited  to  the  growth  of  the  plants.  In 
ordinary  green-house  collections  the  fault 
is  oftener  in  the  temperature  being  kept 
too  high  than  too  low,  for  it  is  usually  much 
easier,  requiring  far  less  watchfulness 
by  the  person  in  charge  to  keep  up  a 
high  temperature.  The  injury  done  by 
this  is  gradual,  and  will  not,  like  the  ac- 
tion of  frost  on  the  plants,  show  in  the 
morning.  In  consequence  of  this,  we 
often  see  the  green-houses  containing 
Camellias,  Azaleas,  Pelargoniums,  Carna- 
tions, etc.,  sweltering  under  a  continued 
night  temperature  of  60°  or  65°,  when 
their  nature  demands  15°  lower.  In 
large  establishments,  where  there  are  a 
number  of  green-houses,  this  is  made  an 
easy  matter  by  placing  the  proper  num- 
ber of  four-inch  pipes  in  a  green-house 
to  suit  the  different  temperatures;  for 
example,  in  our  own  establishment,  where 
our  houses  are  uniformly  twenty  feet 
wide,  for  a  temperature  of  from  35°  to 
40°  in  coldest  weather,  we  use  four  runs 
of  pipes,  that  is,  two  pipes  on  each  side; 
for  40°  to  45°  we  use  five  pipes;  for  45° 
to  50°  we  use  six  pipes;  for  55°  to  60° 
we  use  eight  pipes;  and  for  65°  to  70° 
we  use  ten  pipes. 

It  is  true,  we  too  often  see  collections 
of  hot-house  and  green-house  plants  in- 
termingled, and  attempts  made  to  grow 
them,  which,  of  necessity,  result  in  failure 
to  one  or  the  other.  The  temperature  to 
grow,  in  healthy  condition,  Dracaenas,  Cro- 
tons,  Coleus,  Bouvardias,  or  Poinsettias, 
(hot-house  plants,)  would  not  be  likely  to 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


403 


TEP 

maintain  Azaleas,  Camellias,  Verbenas, 
Carnations,  or  Geraniums  long  in  a 
healthy  state.  The  same  rules  follow  as 
to  the  propagating-house,  showing  the 
necessity  of  observing  the  requirements 
of  their  different  natures.  See  Propaga- 
tion of  Plants  by  Cuttings. 

The  subject  is  one  that  relates  to  so 
many  varieties  and  different  conditions 
of  organism  at  the  different  seasons  of 
growth,  that  it  is  impossible  to  convey  to 
the  inexperienced  what  these  varieties 
and  conditions  are;  but  our  object  is  to 
impress  upon  inexperienced  readers  what 
we  have  long  believed  to  be  an  important 
truth,  that  the  supplying  the  proper  con- 
ditions of  temperature  to  plants  under 
glass,  according  to  their  different  natures 
and  conditions,  has  as  much  to  do  with 
their  welfare  as  any  other  cause,  if  not 
more ;  and  that  often,  when  ascribing  the 
unhealthy  state  of  a  plant  to  uncongenial 
soil  or  defective  drainage,  or  the  "  damp- 
ing off"  of  some  favorite  cutting  to  the 
way  it  was  cut  or  the  sand  it  was  put  in, 
the  true  and  sole  cause  of  failure  was 
nothing  more  than  condemning  them  to 
an  atmosphere  uncongenial  to  their  na- 
ture. 

Tephrosius. — Of  an  ash  gray  color. 

Teres,  Terete. — Tapering;  free  from  angles; 
cylindrical,  or  nearly  so. 

Ternaie,    Ternary. — Growing   in   threes;    a 
whorl  of  three. 

Tetra. — In  Greek  compounds  means  four. 

Tetrachotomous. — A   stem   that   ramifies  in 
fours. 

Tetradynamous.  —  Having   six   stamens,   of  j 
which   four   are   longer    than    the    two 
others. 

Tetragynous. — Having  four  styles. 

Thallus. — A  fusion  of  root,  stem,  and  leaves 
into  one  general  mass;  the  cellular  mass 


TRE 

of  which  the  lower  cryptogamous  plants 
are  entirely  composed. 

Thyrse,  (adj.  Thyrsiform.) — A  kind  of  dense 
panicle  like  that  of  the  Lilac. 

Tomentose. — Covered  with  cottony  hairs. 

Tomentum. — The  down  which  produces  the 
tomentose  character. 

Toothed. — Dentate;  having  small  divisions 
on  the  margin. 

Top  Dressing. — See  Fertilizer*. 

Tree. — Any  woody  plant  of  perennial  dura- 
tion with  a  trunk  or  single  stem  rising 
from  the  ground. 

Trenching. — This  is  a  means  of  preparing 
the  soil  but  little  practiced  in  the  United 
States,  though  still  much  in  use  in  old 
English  gardens.  It  consists  in  making 
a  trench  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet 
deep,  and  of  nearly  the  same  width,  the 
earth  from  which  is  wheeled  to  the  rear 
of  the  ground  to  be  trenched;  then  a 
line  is  set  across  the  bed  to  the  width  of 
the  excavation,  (one  and  a  half  or  two 
feet,  as  it  may  be;)  the  top  spit  of  this  is 
thrown  in  the  bottom  of  the  trench,  the 
under  part  being  thrown  on  the  top;  in 
a  word,  trenching  is  simply  reversing  the 
soil,  turning  it  upside  down  to  such  a 
depth  as  may  be  decided  on.  The  prac- 
tice is  proper  enough  in  soils  that  are 
deep  enough;  but  when  trenching  is 
practiced  in  say  a  top  soil  only  twelve 
inches  deep,  and  a  clayey  subsoil  is 
thrown  on  the  top,  or  even  mixed  well 
with  the  top  soil,  injury  may  be  done  to 
the  soil  from  which  it  will  never  recover. 
A  subsoil  of  sand  is  not  quite  as  bad 
thrown  on  the  top  or  mixed  with  the  soil, 
but  in  either  case  the  subsoil  should  only 
be  loosened,  as  in  Subsoiling,  (which  see,) 
and  allowed  to  remain  without  being 
mixed  with  or  thrown  on  the  top  of  the 
soil  proper. 


HENDEESON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


TEI 

Triadelphous.—  Having  the  stamens  collect- 
ed into  three  distinct  bundles,  the  fila- 
ments of  those  in  separate  bundles  co- 
hering. 

Triandrous. — Having  three  stamens. 

Trianthus.— When  the  peduncle  has  three 
flowers. 

Trichophyllus.— Where  a  leaf  is  either  hair- 
like,  or  terminates  in  a  hair. 

Tricotyledon.—A.  plant  whose  embryo  is 
furnished  with  three  cotyledons. 

Tricuspidatus.—  Having  three  points. 

Triftd.  —Divided  into  three. 

Trifoliate. — Composed  of  three  leaflets,  as 
the  leaves  of  Clover. 


VAS 
Trigynous. — Having  either  three  pistils  or 

at  least  three  distinct  styles. 
Tripartite. — Divided  into  three  parts  nearly 

to  its  base. 
Tripetalous. — When   a   corolla    consists  .of 

three  petals. 
Tripinnate. — When  the  leaflets  of  a  bipin- 

nate  leaf  become  themselves  pinnate. 
Truncate. — Blunt,  as  if  cut  off  at  the  end, 

as  the  leaf  of  the  Tulip  tree. 
Truncus,  Trunk.  —  The   bole   or  principal 

stem  of  a  tree. 
Tuber. — An  underground  fleshy  stem,  like 

the  Dahlia. 
Tubercles. — Little  round  knobs. 


TJ. 


~T~Tmbel. — An  inflorescence  in  which  the 

/"^  stalks  radiate  from  a  common  point, 
and  form  a  flat  or  convex  surface  above, 
as  in  the  Carrot.  It  is  simple  or  com- 
pound. 

Umbettiferce. — See  Apiacece. 

Umbilicus. — The  hilum  of  a  seed. 

Unarmed. — Destitute  of  spines  or  prickles. 

.Undershrub. — A  woody  plant  of  small  size, 


the  ends  of  whose  branches  perish  every 

year. 

Uniflorus. — Supporting  a  single  flower. 
Unilateral. — Turned  to  one  side;  one-sided. 
Unisexual. — A  plant  producing   flowers  of 

one  sex  only. 
Urceolate.—  Pitcher-shaped,   contracted   at 

the  mouth. 
Urens. — Stinging. 


Y, 


~V7~alvular. — Consisting  of  val 
vessels. 

VanabUis,  Varians. — Presenting  a  variety 
of  character;  as  when  leaves  are  various- 
ly modified  on  the  same  plant. 

Variety. — A  term  indicating  a  lower  grade 
of  subdivision,  next  to  the  species;  as  the 
different  sorts  of  Pears,  Apples,  Gerani- 
ums, Roses,  etc. 

Vases. — These   are  formed  of  iron,  stone, 


earthenware,  etc.,  and  are  usually  raised 
on  a  pedestal  to  a  height  of  four  or  five 
feet.  They  are  of  various  sizes  and  pat- 
terns. The  bowls  for  the  soil  vary  in 
depth  from  six  to  eighteen  inches;  but  in 
all  cases  holes  must  be  made  in  the  bot- 
tom, (if  not  already  there,)  to  allow  free 
drainage  for  water;  for  without  these 
(and  some  are  made  without  them)  the 
soil  would  soon  get  saturated  and  sour. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


408 


YEN 

Almost  the  same  character  of  plants  is  I 
used  for  planting  vases  as  for  window 
boxes,  (which  see.)  A  very  beautiful 
practice  is  now  in  use  to  plant  them  in 
early  spring  with  Pansies,  which  remain 
in  bloom  until  June,  the  time  at  which 
the  summer  plants  are  ready  to  be 
planted  to  take  their  place.  Vases  are 
usually  exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the 
sun  on  the  open  lawn,  and,  consequently, 
require  a  great  deal  of  watering  to  keep 
them  in  good  condition.  By  the  use  of 
Moss  on  the  surface  (see  Moss  Mulching) 
a  great  deal  of  labor  will  be  saved. 

Venation. — The  arrangement  of  veins  in  a 
leaf,  etc. 

Ventilating.  — Or  "  Airing,"  as  gardeners  call 
it,  is  an  important  operation  in  growing 
plants  under  glass,  and  ignorance  or 
carelessness  in  the  work  often  results  in 
dire  disaster  to  the  contents  of  the  hot- 
bed, green-house,  or  grapery.  It  often 
happens,  when  inexperienced  country 
carpenters  undertake  the  erecting  of 
green-house  structures,  that  they  are 
built  with  entirely  inadequate  means  of 
ventilation,  so  that,  no  matter  how  care- 
ful the  person  in  charge  may  be,  he  has 
not  the  means  allowed  to  provide  suffi- 
cient ventilation.  In  a  span-roofed  green- 
house or  grapery,  having  a  base  width  of 
twenty  feet,  the  glass  roofs  sloping  to  the 
east  and  west  will  be  each  about  thir- 
teen feet,  making  twenty-six  feet  in  the 
span.  To  properly  ventilate  a  structure 
of  this  kind,  movable  sashes,  two  feet  in 
width,  extending  the  entire  length  of  the 
roof,  should  be  hinged  to  the  apex  on  the 
east  side.  The  sashes,  when  lifted  up  by 
the  patent  ventilating  apparatus,  are 
raised  from  one  inch  to  two  feet,  as  de- 
sired, the  entire  length;  thus,  when  fully 


VOL 

up,  about  one-thirteenth  part  of  the  en- 
tire glass  roof  is  thrown  open  for  venti- 
lation ;  and  in  hot  days  this  is  often  found 
to  be  none  too  much.  In  a  series  of 
green-houses,  requiring  different  temper- 
atures, it  is  a  good  plan  to  mark  the 
maximum  and  minimum  allowed  for 
ventilation,  close  to  each  thermometer, 
so  that  the  workman  in  charge  of  venti- 
lating can  be  held  to  accountability;  for 
example,  if  70  is  the  degree  required,  let 
the  maximum  of  temperature  be  75°  and 
the  minimum  65°,  allowing  a  range  of 
ten  degrees.  The  patent  ventilating  ap- 
paratus usually  costs  about  seventy-five 
cents  or  one  dollar  per  running  foot;  but 
it  is  indispensable  to  a  well-regulated 
green-house  or  grapery,  from  its  power 
to  grade  the  amount  of  ventilation  to 
suit  all  weathers.  In  the  use  of  portable 
sashes  for  hot-beds  or  frames,  the  best 
way  to  ventilate  is  to  raise  the  sash  at 
the  back  by  pieces  of  wood  so  notched 
that  from  one  inch  to  five  or  six  inches 
can  be  given,  as  required. 

Ventricose. — Swelling  unequally  on  one  side. 

Vernation. — The  arrangement  of  leaves  in  a 
bud. 

Verucosus,  Verucose. — Warty. 

Versatile. — Affixed  by  the  middle;  swinging 
freely,  as  the  oscillating  anthers  of  grasses. 

Verticittate. — Arranged  in  whorla 

Vesicle.— A  little  cell  or  bladder,  one  of  the 
ultimate  atoms  of  which  the  bulk  of 
vegetable  tissue  is  built  up. 

Villous. — Shaggy,  with  loose,  long,  soft  hair. 

Virens. — Green. 

Virgatus. — Twiggy. 

Viridis. — Green. 

Viscous. — Clammy. 

Vitreous.  — Iran  sparent. 

VoluMis.— Twisting. 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


W. 


WAL 

\A/  alkx. — It  was  Downing,  we  believe, 

who  laid  down  the  common-sense  , 
rule,  that  in  the  laying  out  of  walks  or 
drives  in  the  garden  or  pleasure-ground,  j 
there  "never  should  be  any  deviation  from  j 
a  straight  line  unless  from  some  real  or  i 
apparent  cause."  So,  if  curved  lines  are 
desired,  trees,  rock,  buildings,  or  mounds 
must  be  placed  at  the  bend  or  curve, 
as  a  reason  for  going  round  such  ob- 
stacles. If  any  one  doubts  the  necessity 
for  this  rule,  let  him  observe  the  effect 
produced  on  level  ground,  where  a  line 
runs  in  corkscrew  fashion,  as  is  sometimes 
seen  in  the  space  between  the  house  and 
the  street.  The  absurdity  is  apparent, 
for  no  matter  what  leisure  one  may  have, 
to  be  compelled  to  go  a  roundabout  way 
to  reach  a  point  where  there  is  no  appar- 
ent reason  or  necessity  for  it,  is  certain 
to  grate  on  the  senses;  yet,  ridiculous  as 
this  is,  such  cases  are  by  no  means  rare, 
as  there  is  a  prevailing  notion  that  such 
walks  or  drives  must  be  curved  lines, 
(the  curve  being  the  line  of  beauty,) 
whether  the  necessities,  naturally  or  ar- 
tificially formed  for  such  lines,  are  pres- 
ent or  not.  Often  the  formation  of  new 
grounds  is  totally  ruined  in  this  way. 
The  proprietor,  entirely  ignorant  of  what 
is  wanted,  places  himself  in  the  hands  of 
some  ignorant  gardener,  who  pretends  to 
a  knowledge  of  what  strictly  belongs  to 
the  trained  landscape  engineer.  As  well 
might  he  expect  the  average  brick-layer, 
working  for  two  or  three  dollars  per  day, 
to  plan  and  supervise  the  erection  of  his 
dwelling  house  as  the  average  gardener, 
to  whom  he  pays  $50  or  $60  a  month, 


WAL 


to  lay  out  his  carriage  drives  and  lawn; 
for  the  one  is  oftentimes  equally  as  much 
a  matter  of  taste  and  skill  as  the  other. 
In  suburban  residences,  where  the  house 
is  not  more  than  a  hundred  feet  or  so 
from  the  street,  a  drive  is  best  made  by 
having  an  entrance  at  each  side  of  the 
lot,  so  that  the  carriage  can  enter  at  one 
gate  and  go  out  at  the  other,  presuming 
that  the  width  of  the  ground  is  500  feet, 
and  the  distance  from  the  street  to  the 
front  door  is  1 50  feet.  Then  the  foot- walk 
should  be  in  a  straight  line  direct  from 
the  street  to  the  front  door.  The  width 
of  the  roads  or  walks  must  be  governed 
by  the  extent  of  the  grounds.  For  the 
carriage-way  the  width  should  not  be  less 
than  ten  feet,  and  for  foot-walks  five  feet. 
Often  gardens  of  considerable  pretensions 
have  the  walks  not  more  than  three  feet 
wide,  where  it  is  utterly  impossible  for 
two  persons  to  walk  abreast  without  get- 
ting their  dresses  torn  cr  faces  scratched 
by  overhanging  branches.  Of  course,  it 
is  another  matter  when  the  garden  plot 
is  limited  to  the  width  of  a  city  lot,  (25 
or  50  feet;)  then  such  economy  of  space 
is  perfectly  excusable.  The  character  of 
the  soil  must  in  a  great  measure  deter- 
mine the  manner  of  making  the  walk  or 
road.  Every  one  must  have  noticed  that, 
after  a  heavy  rain,  unpaved  streets  in 
some  districts  remain  next  to  impassable 
for  many  hours,  while  in  others,  after  the 
same  amount  of  rainfall,  they  are  com- 
paratively dry.  This  is  entirely  due  to 
the  nature  of  the  subsoil,  which,  if  grav- 
elly or  sandy,  will  quickly  allow  the  Welter 
to  pass  off;  if,  however,  the  subsoil  is  of 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


407 


WAR 

clay,  then  provision  must  be  made  for 
ample  drainage,  else,  no  matter  of  what 
material  the  walk  or  road  is  composed, 
unless  the  water  passes  through  it  or  off  j 
it  rapidly,  it  will  never  be  satisfactory. 
As  the  formation  of  walks  and  roadways 
cannot  well  be  explained  without  illustra- 
tions, we  beg  to  refer  the  reader  to  our 
work,  Practical  Floriculture,  page  20. 
Wardian  Case. — This  is  a  neat  contrivance, 
used  for  such  plants  as  require  a  moist, 
still  atmosphere,  such  as  Ferns,  Mosses, 
the  so-called  "  insect  eating  "  plants,  such 
as  Nepenthes,  Sarracenias,  Dionceas,  etc.,  or 
tropical  plants  grown  for  the  beauty  of 
their  leaves,  as  Draccenas,  Crotons,  Maran- 
tas,  Caladiums,  etc.  The  Wardian  Case 
has  a  base  or  tray  made  of  Black  Wal- 
nut, Oak,  or  other  ornamental  wood  about 
six  inches  deep,  and  lined  with  zinc,  and 
glass  sides  and  hinged  top;  or  the  tray 
is  made  of  terra  cotta  or  other  earthen- 
ware. They  are  made  of  various  sizes, 
the  average,  however,  being  about  twen- 
ty-four inches  long,  and  sixteen  inches 
in  width  and  heigh't.  They  should  be 
elevated  on  a  stand  to  a  height  that  will 
allow  its  contents  to  be  best  seen,  as  the 
plants  used  for  that  purpose  should  be 
such  as  will  bear  the  closest  inspection 
for  richness  of  shading  or  curious  con- 
struction of  leaves.  When  the  Wardian 
Case  is  first  filled  with  plants,  it  should 
be  given  water  sufficient  to  reach  to  the 
bottom  of  the  soil,  but  not  enough  to 
make  the  soil  too  wet  The  top  of  the 
case  is  hinged,  so  that  it  can  be  lifted  to 
allow  the  escape  of  moisture,  which,  when 
in  excess  when  the  case  is  closed,  will  be 
known  by  its  trickling  down  the  sides  of 
the  glass.  Usually  it  will  be  sufficient  to 
raise  the  lid  an  inch  or  so  every  day  or 
two  to  keep  the  glass  free  from  this 


WAT 

moisture;  and  no  ventilation  is  necessary 
except  to  get  rid  of  this  excess,  as  the 
closer  it  is  kept  the  better  it  is  for  the 
welfare  of  the  peculiar  class  of  plants 
suited  for  it.  The  effectiveness  of  the 
Wardian  Case  depends  a  great  deal  on 
the  arrangement  of  the  plants,  the  tallest 
and  most  conspicuous  being  in  the  cen- 
ter, with  the  smallest  towards  the  edges, 
varying  the  interest  on  all  sides  of  it  by 
contrasting  the  different  colorings  and 
forms  of  the  leaves.  The  Wardian  Case 
should  be  placed  in  a  position  where  it 
does  not  get  the  direct  sunlight  The 
plants  with  which  it  is  usually  filled  are 
natives  of  shady  woods  or  marshes,  where 
they  are  sheltered  from  winds  and  in 
partial  shade,  and  the  nearer  their  natu- 
ral condition  can  be  imitated  in  the 
Wardian  Case  the  better.  Ferneries,  so 
called,  require  substantially  the  same 
character  of  plants  and  the  same  treat- 
ment, the  only  real  difference  being  that 
they  are  round,  and  the  glass  covering  is 
what  is  known  as  a  bell  glass,  which  see. 

Wart. — A  firm  glandular  excrescence  or 
hardened  protuberance  on  the  surface. 

Watering.  — This  is  one  of  the  most  import- 
ant operations  in  the  indoor  culture  of 
plants,  and  one  that  it  is  almost  impossi- 
ble to  get  a  proper  knowledge  of  without 
actual  experience,  as  the  circumstances 
are  so  various  when  water  should  be 
given  or  withheld,  that,  were  we  to  write 
a  volume  on  the  subject,  it  would  not  be 
of  as  much  value  as  a  year's  actual  prac- 
tice. There  are,  however,  some  general 
rules  that  it  will  help  the  beginner  to  keep 
in  mind.  One  important  rule  is,  never 
to  water  a  plant  until  it  is  dry.  What 
this  condition  of  dryness  is,  is  governed 
not  altogether  by  the  indications  of  the 
soil  being  dry  on  the  surface,  but  also  by 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF   PLANTS. 


WAT 

the  vigor  of  the  plant.  A  luxuriant  plant, 
growing  in  a  temperature  of  70°  or  80°, 
with  indications  of  dryness  on  the  surface 
of  the  pot,  should  receive  sufficient  water 
to  saturate  the  soil  to  the  bottom;  while 
a  plant  that  has  been  cut  down  for  cut- 
tings, or  by  any  other  reason  defoliated, 
and  thus  lessened  in  vigor,  should  not  be 
watered  until  almost  at  the  point  of  wilt- 
ing. Again,  experience  tells  us  that  soft- 
wooded  plants,  such  as  Geraniums,  Fuch- 
sias, or  Heliotropes,  will  recuperate 
even  when  dried  to  wilting  if  thoroughly 
soaked,  while  hard-wooded  plants,  such 
as  Azaleas,  Heaths,  or  Camellias,  under 
the  same  circumstances  would  fail  to  re- 
cover. All  succulent  plants,  such  as 
Cacti,  Sedums,  Echeverias,  etc.,  will  ad- 
mit of  being  kept  nearly  entirely  dry 
during  the  dormant  season;  and  although- 
they  will  exist  with  but  little  water  even 
for  twelve  months,  yet,  when  their  proper 
season  of  growth  begins,  (which  will  be 
indicated  by  the  developing  of  the  buds 
or  shoots,)  they  require  water  nearly  as 
regularly  as  the  ordinary  class  of  soft- 
wooded  plants. 

The  degree  of  atmospheric  moisture  kept 
in  the  green-house  greatly  determines 
the  amount  of  water  required  at  the 
roots,  and  a  proper  degree  of  atmos- 
pheric moisture  is  indispensable  for  the 
welfare  of  the  plants.  When  firing  in 
winter  sufficient  to  raise  the  temperature 
to  50  degrees,  or  in  dry  weather  at  other 
seasons,  this  moisture  can  either  be  had 
by  evaporating  pans  on  the  pipes,  or  by 
Moss  packed  between  the  pipes,  and  kept 
moistened,  or  by  syringing,  judgment  be- 
ing used,  of  course,  by  the  state  of  the  at- 
mosphere; for  in  wet  or  muggy  weather 
the  artificial  means  of  producing  mois- 
ture should  be  stopped.  It  is  claimed  by 


WEE 

some  that  plants  should  be  watered  or 
syringed  by  water  at  the  same  tempera- 
ture as  the  house.  When  this  can  be 
done  without  inconvenience,  it  may  be 
as  well  to  do  so:  but  we  have  proved  by 
over  twenty-five  years'  extensive  experi- 
ence, that  it  is  not  a  necessity,  for  we 
rarely  use  water  at  a  higher  temperature 
than  45  degrees  either  in  watering  or 
syringing,  and  have  never  known  an  in- 
stance where  injury  was  done.  The  ordi- 
nary watering  of  plants  from  sowings  or 
plantings  in  the  open  ground  in  dry 
weather  we  believe  to  be  of  little  avail, 
if  it  is  not  sometimes  a  positive  injury, 
-unless  the  circumstances  are  such  that 
the  plants  can  be  completely  flooded  or 
irrigated. 

Weeds.—  All  plants  are  so  called  that  come 
up  spontaneously  in  the  ground  where 
crops  are  sown  or  planted,  no  matter 
what  they  are ;  for,  if  not  wanted  there, 
no  matter  how  ornamental  they  may  be, 
they  are  out  of  place,  and  should  be  cut 
down  as  weeds.  Annual  weeds  are  the 
most  troublesome  on  cultivated  grounds, 
but,  if  taken  in  time,  are  easily  kept  down 
by  use  of  the  steel  rake,  which,  if  used 
before  the  weeds  appear  above  the  sur- 
face, makes  this  part  of  cultivation  a  sim- 
ple matter.  (See  Rake.}  It  is  of  the  ut- 
most importance  for  the  welfare  of  crops 
that  weeds  should  never  get  a  headway; 
for  not  only  is  the  labor  of  destroying 
them  doubled  or  quadrupled,  but  they 
are  generally  the  grossest  kind  of  feeding 
plants,  which  thus  deprive  the  crop  of 
its  legitimate  food.  The  evil  of  neglect 
to  destroy  weeds  is  not  confined  to  one 
season;  for  when  allowed  to  go  to  seed, 
the  penalty  is  paid  year  after  year,  often 
for  four  or  five  years  after,  the  seeds 
coming  up  as  plowing  or  digging 


HENDERSON'S  HANDBOOK  OF  PLANTS. 


409 


WHO 

brings  them  to  the  surface  for  germina- 
tion. We  can  call  to  mind  instances 
where  market  gardens,  cultivated  in  close 
seed  crops,  were  rendered  almost  useless 
in  the  hands  of  slovenly  owners.  When 
ground  gets  into  this  condition,  the  only 
remedy  is  to  grow  crops  such  as  Cabbage, 
Potatoes,  or  Corn,  which  have  vigor 
enough  to  crowd  down  an  excessive  crop 
of  weeds.  If  land  is  filled  with  the  seeds 
of  weeds,  such  crops  as  Onions,  Carrots, 
Parsnips,  Strawberries,  or  Spinach,  will 
rarely  pay  for  the  labor  of  cleaning. 

Whorl — Similar  organs  arranged  in  a  circle 
round  an  axis,  as  the  leaves  of  some  Lilies. 

Window  Gardening. — This  is  yearly  becom- 
ing more  popular  with  us,  and  in  all  our 
best  appointed  hotels  window  boxes  or 
stands  of  plants  are  seen,  often  arranged 
with  exquisite  taste.  The  plants  selected 
are  usually  such  as  are  attractive  for  their 
beauty  of  foliage  rather  than  flower,  as  it 
is  found  that  few  plants  can  be  found 
whose  flowers  will  long  remain  perfect 
in  the  dry  atmosphere  and  gas  of  such 
rooms  as  our  dining  halls  in  hotels.  The 
plants  best  fitted  for  such  purposes  are 
found  to  be  Palms,  Crotons,  and  Dra- 
caenas. The  Screw  Pine,  Climbing  Fern, 
etc.,  for  winter,  and  Caladiums,  Coleuses, 
fancy-leaved  Begonias,  etc.,  for  summer. 
When  flowering  plants  are  used  for  tem- 
porary decorations,  Primulas,  Azaleas, 
Camellias,  Mignonette,  Sweet  Alyssum, 
Heliotrope,  Carnations,  Roses,  or  other 
flowering  plants  having  fragrance  are  se- 
lected. The  boxes  used  in  window  garden- 
ing are  made  of  a  great  variety  of  mate- 
rials, such  as  wood,  terra  cotta,  iron,  rustic 
wicker  work,  etc.  But  as  the  box  is  only 
a  medium  to  hold  the  plants,  the  latter 
should  be  the  object  of  attraction,  and 
not  the  box,  so  that  any  ordinary  box 


WOR 

made  of  pine  will  answer  a  temporarv 
purpose  just  as  well  as  an  expensive  one, 
as  the  sides  soon  become  covered  up 
with  the  drooping  or  creeping  plants. 

The  window  box  should  be  made  of  a 
length  to  suit  the  size  of  the  window  sill, 
and  from  eight  to  twelve  inches  wide, 
with  a  depth  of  from  four  to  six  inches. 
On  a  visit  to  London  a  few  years  ago  we 
found  that  the  rivalry  of  the  occupants 
of  houses  in  window  gardening  even  ex- 
ceeded that  in  their  door  yards,  the  win- 
dows of  the  houses  on  each  side  of  the 
street  to  four  and  five  stories  in  height, 
for  miles  in  length,  presenting  a  scene  of 
bright  colors  perfectly  dazzling,  markedly 
among  which  were  the  blue  of  the  Lo- 
belia, the  yellow  of  the  golden  Money- 
wort, and  the  scarlet  of  the  Tropseolum, 
forming  drooping  curtains  of  these  bril- 
liant colors,  often  to  a  length  sufficient 
to  reach  the  window  below.  The  plants 
used  in  arranging  the  window  box 
are  so  much  a  matter  of  taste  that  we 
will  not  here  make  suggestions,  other 
than  to  say  that  the  best  effect  is  had  by 
planting  the  inner  row  of  plants  of  a 
bushy  nature,  say  Geraniums  or  Mignon- 
ette, while  for  the  outer  row  to  droop, 
Lobelias,  Nasturtiums,  Golden  Money- 
wort, Petunias,  etc. 

Wings. — The  lateral  petals  of  a  Pea  flower; 
the  flat,  membraneous  appendages  of 
some  seeds,  as  those  of  many  Conifers 
and  the  Maples. 

Working  Hoots. — This  term,  we  believe,  was 
first  used  by  the  author  in  Practical 
Floriculture,  to  distinguish  the  young 
white  roots  emitted  from  the  dry  or  old 
roots,  and  is  well  applicable  from  the 
fact  that  it  is  only  when  these  young 
white  roots  are  emitted  that  a  plant  be- 
gins to  grow,  the  buds  or  shoots  starting 


410 


HENDERSON'S    HANDBOOK    OF    PLANTS. 


WOB 

simultaneously  with  these  young  roots. 
For  example,  when  we  take  a  dormant 
Kose  that  has  been  grown  in  a  pot,  no 
matter  how  well  it  may  be  supplied  with 
old  roots,  there  is  no  healthy  develop- 
ment of  leaves  and  flowers  until  the 
emission  of  young  roots.  When  we 
plant  out  such  plants  as  Celery,  Cabbage, 
or  Strawberries,  in  the  garden,  the  young 
or  "  working  roots "  emitted  from  the 
main  roots  are  certain  indications  that 
the  plant  has  started,  and  that  their 


WOK 

growth  and  future  development  is  fairly 
assured  against  drought  or  other  causes; 
but  if  the  "  working  roots "  are  not 
emitted,  then  there  is  yet  danger  of  the 
plants  failing. 

Wort. — A  term  applied  to  plants  generally, 
and  sometimes  especially  to  those  of  her- 
baceous habit,  or  herbs.  It  is  now  chief- 
ly used  in  compounds,  as  Liver-ioort, 
Money-wor£,  Lung-wort,  Mug-tcorf,  etc. 
The  term  is  also  used  to  designate  a 
sweet  infusion  of  malt  or  grain. 


INDEX 


[To  give  additional  value  to  the  Handbook  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  add  to  the  Glossary  a  num- 
ber of  brief  articles  relating  to  the  best  methods  of  culture,  the  most  useful  implements  now  in  use, 
insects  and  their  destruction,  modes  of  propagation,  and  other  useful  subjects,  which,  placed  as  they 
are,  seemed  to  require  an  Index  for  more  convenient  reference;  and  in  addition  mention  is  also  made  in 
tho  Index  of  some  of  the  more  popular  and  important  plants  in  the  body  of  the  work,  and  which  are 
now  extensively  grown  by  the  florist,  the  fruit  grower,  and  the  market  gardener.] 


Acclimatize  .......................  .  .....................  260 

Air  Plants  ..............................................  264 

Amaryllis  ...............................................  12 

Annual  .................................................  273 

Aspect  .................................................  281 


Bark 


286 


Bean 288 

Sodding 289 

Begonia 25 

Bouoh 401 

Biennial 292 

Blight 294 

Bone  Dust 295 

Bouquet 298 

Budding 


lib. 


.301) 


Calla 190 

Camellia 36 

Campanula 37 

Caiina 37 

Cattley  a 40 

Celosi.i 41 

Chinese  Prim rose 17D 

Chrysanthemum 45 

Cineraria 46 

Clarkia 48 

Clematis , 48 

Clerode  n  dron 49 

Clian thus 49 

Climbing  Fern 125 

Club  Root 317 

Coffee  Tree SI 

ColdFramo 319 

Cold  Pit  319 

Conservatory 324 

Coral  Tree  (Erythrinum) 80 

Cranberry 154 

Crocus 5'J 

Cultivator 332 

Cyclamen 62 

Cypress  Vino 183 

Dahlia 65 

Dondrobium 67 

Dian thus 68 

DraciBna 73 

Draining 341 

Egg  Plant 76 

Epacris 77 

Eueharis 81 

Fertilizers 351 

Florist's  Flowers 355 

Fuchsia 86 

Gas  Lime 358 

Gas  Tar 358 

Gladiolus 90 

Glazing 360 

Gloxinia 94 

244 

360 

Green-Souse 361 

Hand  Glasses 361 

Hanging  Baskets 3ii3 

Heath.   . 78 

Heating  by  Flues 3i!:» 

••'        '  Hot-bods :»!.-> 

"  Hot  Water :«iii 

"  Steam 3fiti 

368 


•ufiiii 


Grafting 

in- House.. 


Hill. 


.105 


Hyacinth 

Hydrangea 

Insects 36) 

Larkspur 67 


Lilium  ...................................................  119 

Lily  of  the  Valley  .......................................  54 

Marker  ........................................  377 


Moss  Mulching 

6 


Mushroom 137 

Karcissus 143 

Nasturtium 143 

Onion 150 

Orchard  Baler 381 

Pansy 158 

Parlor  Gardening 382 

Parsley 159 

Pearl  Millet.... 


Petunia 
Phlox 


161 
165 
167 
Planting  ................................................  384 

Plowing  ................................................  385 

Poinsettia  ..............................................  175 

Port  ulaca  ...............................................  178 

Potting  .................................................  385 

Pricking  Off  .............................................  386 

Primrose,  Chinese  ............................  ,...179 


Propagation  by  Seeds 3K7 

"  Cuttings 388 

"  the  "Saucer  System" 391 

"  Layering 392 

inPots 393 

"        intheAir 392 

Radish 184 

Rake 394 

Raphia,  Rattia 18 i 

Ranunculus  185 

Rhubarb  187 

Rock- work 394 

Roue 191 

Rotation  of  Crops ....395 

Rust ...395 


Sea-Kale 205 

Seed  Drill 397 

Shading 397 

Shallot 20!) 

Srailax 142 

Soil 398 

Sorghum 213 

Sowing 399 

Spinach 217 

Spiraea 217 

Stage 401 

Strawberry ..821 


Stock-Gilliflower Ii9 

Subsoiling 400 

Table 401 

Temperature 401 

Trenching 403 

Tritoma -'33 

Tuberose 176 

Tulip 231 

Turnip 235 

Vases 404 


Ventilation 406 

Verbena «39 


Viola 243 

AValks  406 

WardianCaso 407 

Watering 407 

AVater  Lily 148 

Weeds  403 

Window  Gardening 409 

Working  Roots 409 


By  PETER  HENDERSON. 


For  those  who  have  not  seen  our  other  works  on  Gardening,  we  give  below  a  brief  statement  of 
their  scope  and  contents: 

"QAMDEMNQ    FQB   PROFIT." 

To  such  as  are  intending  to  begin  the  business  of  Market  Gardening,  wo  offor  for  their  instruction 
our  work  "Gardening  for  Profit,"  published  first  in  1S66,  and  new  edition  in  1873.  "  Gardening  for 
Profit"  has  had  a  larger  sale,  probably,  than  any  work  ever  published  on  tao  subject  of  Horticulture. 
Upwards  of  fifty  thousand  copies  have  been  sold,  and  we  have  hundreds  of  grateful  testimonials  from 
those  who  have  been  benefited  by  its  teachings.  The  subjects  of  its  contents  are: 

The  Men  fitted  for  the  Business;  Amount  of  Capital  Re- 
quired »nd  Working  Force  per  Acre;  Profits  of  Market 
Gardening;  The  Market  Gardens  near  London;  Location, 
Situation,  and  Laying  Out;  Soils,  Drainage,  and  Prepara- 
tion: Manures;  Implements:  The  Uses  and  Management 
of  Cold  Frames;  The  Formation  and  Management  of  Hot- 


bels;  Forcing  Pits  anl  Q-oon-houses;  Seeds  an:l  Reed 
Raisin';;  How,  Waeri.  and  Wnerj  to  Sow  Seeds;  Trans- 
planting: racking  ot'  Vegetables  for  Shipping;  Preserva- 
tion of  Vegetables  in  Winter:  Insects;  Vegetables,  their 
Variety  and  Cultivation;  Monthly  Calendar  of  Operations. 


Our  second  work,  written  in  1868,  second  edition  in  1873,  and  the  third  edition  December,  1878,  is 
entitled 


and  it,  like  its  contemporary,  was  written  to  teach  how  flowers  and  plants  can  bo  best  "  grown  for  prof- 
it." The  success  of  this  has  been  even  more  marked  than  the  first,  when  we  consider  that  it  only  refers 
to  a  business  that  is  exclusively  a  luxury.  Upwards  of  twenty-five  thousand  copies  of  this  work  havo 
been  sold,  and  it  has  been  the  means  of  establishing  thousands  of  persons  in  an  agreeable  and,  in  a  ma- 
jority of  cases,  profitable  business.  Its  contents  embrace : 

quets.  Baskets,  et~.:  Wire  Designs  for  Cut  Flowers:  Hang- 
ing Baskets;  Parlor  and  Window  Gardening;  Wardian 
Cases.  Ferneries,  etc.;  Formation  of  Rock- work;  Insects; 
Ars  Plants  rajurious  to  Ijalt.i?  Natur-3's  i-aw  of  Colors; 
Packing  Plants;  Plants  by  Mail ;  The  Profits  of  Floricul- 
ture; How  to  Be-io'me  a  Florist;  Short  Descriptions  of 
Soft-Wx>dedor  Bedding  Plants  of  the  Lea  ling  Kinds:  What 
Flowers  will  Grow  in  the  Shade;  Green-house  and  Stove 
or  Hot-house  i.  lants.  Annuals,  Hardy  Herbaceous,  Peren- 
nial, anl  Biennial  Alan's:  Ornamental  Shrubs  and  Climb- 
ers; CuUu-a  of  Graoe  Vims  under  Glass;  Diary  of  Oper- 
ations for  Kacu  Day  in  the  Year. 


Aspect  and  Soil;  Laying  Out  the  Lawn  and  Flower  Garden; 
Designs  for  Ornamental  Grounds;  Planting  of  Flower 
Beds;  Soils  for  Pot  ting;  Temperature  an:l  Moisture;  Tho 
Potting  of  Plants;  Cold  Frames — Winter  Protection:  Con- 
struction of  Hot-beds;  Green-house  Structures;  Grean- 
honses  Attached  to  Dwellings;  Modes  of  Heating;  Base 
Burning  Water  Heater;  Propagation  of  Plants  by  Seeds; 
What  Varieties  come  True  from  Seed:  Propagation  of 
Plants  by  Cuttings;  How  Plants  and  Flowera  are  Grown; 
Propagation  of  Lilies;  Culture  of  the  Rose  ;  Culture  01 
the  Verbena;  Culture  of  the  Tuberose;  Orchid  Culture; 
Holland  Bulbs:  Cape  Bulbs,  Varieties  and  Culture;  Cul- 
ture of  Winter-Flowering  Plants;  Construction  of  Bou- 


Our first  two  books  fell  into  the  hands  of  many  who  had  no  desire  to  make  gardening  a  business, 
"but  who  yet  wished  for  information  on  the  subject  for  their  private  use.  To  such  it  was  found  that  a 
book  detailing  operations  on  a  smaller  scale,  yet  embracing,  as  far  as  possible,  all  the  information  on 
the  subject,  was  much  wanted.  To  supply  this  want  we,  in  1875,  wrote 

"QABDEXIN& 


the  Valley:  Green-houses  Attached  to  Dwellings;  A  De- 
tache  1  Grean-houa  3  or  Grapery;  Heating  by  Hot  Water; 
Gr33n-hous3  Pits  without  Artificial  Heat;  Combined  Cel- 
lar and  Green-house:  Hot-bals;  Shrubs;  Climbers  and 
Trees;  Hardy  Herbujeous  Perannials;  Annual  Flowering 
Plaats;  Timers  which  will  Grow  in  the  Shade;  Insects: 
Mildew;  Fro^eo.  Plants:  Mulching;  Are  Plants  in  Rooms 
Injurious  to  Health?  Shading: .The  Laws  of  Colors  in 
Fiowsrs:  Pruning;  Harly  Grapes;  Cold  Grapery;  The 
Ho'-houss  or  Fining  Grapery;  The  Strawberry;  Cottage 
G araenin.;— A  Digression:  The  Vegetable  Garden;  Garden 
Implements;  Monthly  Calender  of  Operations. 


flowers,  and  vegetables.     Its  contents  include : 

Soil  and  Location;  Drainage:  Preparation  of  the  Ground; 
Walks;  Manures;  How  to  Use  Concentrated  Fertilizers; 
Special  Fertilizers  for  Particular  Plants;  The  Lawn-  De- 
sign for  Garden ;  Planting  of  Lawns  and  Flower  Beds '  Fall 
or  Holland  Bulbs;  Propagation  of  Plants  by  Seeds;  Prop- 
agation of  Plants  by  Cuttings;  Propagating  by  Layering- 
About  Grafting  and  Budding;  How  Grafting  and  Balding 
are  Done;  Treatment  of  Tropical  Bulbs,  Seeds,  etc.;  The 
Potting  of  Plants;  Winter-Flowering  Plants;  Unhealthy 
Plants— the  Remedy;  Plants  Suited  for  Summer  Decora- 
tion: Hanging  Baskets;  Window  Gardening;  Parlor  Gar- 
dening, or  the  Cultivation  of  Plants  in  Rooms;  War.lian 
Cues;  Ferneries,  Jardinieres;  Winter-Forcing  the  Lily  01 

All  these  works  were  written  by  Peter  Henderson,  tlio  senior  member  of  our  firm,  and  are  simply  a 
relation  of  his  extensive  experience  of  over  a  quarter  of  n  century,  in  all  departments  of  Horticulture. 
They  are  written  in  the  plainest  language,  so  that  the  instructions  can  be  at  once  understood,  no  mat- 
ter how  ignorant  the  reader  mav  bo  of  the  subject.  The  price  of  "Gardening  for  Profit,"  "Practical 
Floriculture,"  and  "Gardening  for  Pleasure,"  is  $1.50  each,  (prepaid  by  mail;)  but  to  all  ordering  seeds, 
plants,  or  other  articles  to  the  value  of  $10.00,  (in  one  order,)  from  our  Catalogues,  either  one  of  them 
•will  be  added  gratis. 

PETER  HENDERSON  &  CO., 

Matrket  Gariteiieffs,  and!  Florists* 

35  CORTLANDT  ST.,  NEW  YORK. 


FOR   REFERENCE 


NOT  TO  BE  TAKEN  FROM  THE  ROOM 


